Post by malice on May 30, 2014 1:33:36 GMT
Here we are, another season done. And it's been quite impressive the league bundybastard's run - it's proving to be quite popular. How'd the last season go? What does the future hold? Read on 'n find out: as we take on another Round Table!
1. Normally we begin by asking if the best team won the title, but I think that's really not in contention... so let's look to the future: can Toronto repeat?
Lakers: They kept their ridiculous core together, but are aging a bit. I certainly wouldn't be shocked to see them repeat with the Kobe-Melo tandem. On top of them they have one of the best defensive front courts in the league. They will be for sure in contention, possibly even the favorite.
Memphis: Toronto was clearly the best team last season after acquiring Melo to add to that crazy core. However it seems this season the age is catching up to them. The team had several key players decrease after training camp and to follow that they had the worst preseason in the east. However I am rooting for Toronto to have a good year. I like their GM he is a good guy.
Magic: They will have one of the best chances to repeat, but it'll take health and a bit of luck as well to do so. Their core players are more or less the same caliber players, but sometimes even the same DC will not produce the same results season from season. As things are tho, I don't see any other team with a better shot at a title than them, so I give them the highest odds. It's foolish to declare outright that they will tho so I won't go there.
Utah: I dont see why not. At this time I haven't seen anyone else make a move to overtake them. Of course, we haven't even started the season yet but as it stands now yea they can. They have a good frontcourt and 2 elite wings that is a nightmare to match up with.
Bobcats: Well looking at this Raptors team and you see that they brought back Melo. The core is back. The great duo of Melo and Kobe, Jay Williams(great PG), Greg Oden the enforcer inside as well as good role players is going to be tough to beat. The best chance for most teams is if Kobe or Melo gets injured. As of right now it is tough not seeing the Raptors winning it all again.
Raptors: After TC, I just don't see it happening. Pretty much everyone outside of Melo took drastic declines so we'll just have to figure out something else that works. Everyone is struggling outside of Melo at the moment. He'll have to be dominant this season if we even make the postseason.
(Consensus - People see Toronto as having a really good chance... except the Raptors themselves!)
2. The top FAs went chalk - but where there any near elite guys that surprised you with their movements?
Lakers: Michael Redd to Houston suprised me a bit, got him on a pretty good deal, will definitely perform above his pay grade. Also was suprised Francis stayed with Lakers, thought someone was gonna throw a BIG 1 year deal at him or maybe even 2, so was glad to snag him for 9M.
Memphis: Yao to the Hawks surprised me. It is obvious he was just chasing the money. He now has enough money to buy the clippers a few years down the road. I also was surprised with the movement of Amare. I thought he would be faithful and return to San Antonio in hopes for a season with better chemistry and a longevity of a solid core in chase of another ring.
Magic: I was surprised Amare changed teams since I assume the Spurs offered him top dollar. Aside from that, I wasn't shocked by any other movements. Yao Ming went to the Hawks, but we all know the Rockets weren't planning on retaining him either. I suppose the Spurs losing Hibbert due to not RFAing him in time was also surprising. This is probably the first time we see an RFA'd player unsuccessfully retained.
Utah: Amare I guess would be the biggest surprise. 'Twas a loaded class to be sure. Hard to beat those bird maxes though so it isn't really a shock there wasn't more movement.
Bobcats: I was surprised to see Amare leaving the Spurs and playing with the Suns instead. I though it would be a definite that Amare would stay. Yao Ming leaving to go play with the Hawks was an other surprise since Yao would move from an inside type of play to the chuck philosophy. I though another interesting move was see Darko get a longer contract to stay for 3 years with the Wizards which would help the Wizards front court big time.
Raptors: I was surprised of the pairing between Dirk and Duncan with Cavs to play along Kyrie. I don't think I have to sell how damn good Duncan and Dirk have been through their careers. I'm not sure why Duncan retired though, because he may have been the piece to push Timberwolves over.
(Yao & Amare surprised a few...)
3. Following up that, are their any FAs who moved, or rookies who you will be watching with interest?
Lakers: Obviously for me Damian Lillard. Going into his rookie season with a B+ outside shot rating has me very excited for both his rookie season and the future. That being said he still really needs improvement defensively, and handling the ball. Playing alongside Francis for a little bit hopefully some good Mojo will rub off. Also will be very interested to see if Eric Gordon will earn any of that big contract he got.
Memphis: I think the most interesting rookie this year will be Anthony Davis. Yes that is easy to say since he was the first pick but he ended up landing with the defending champs of the previous year. The Heat do not have to rely on Davis for so much production as other first overall picks had to be in the past. Deron Williams can just feed him the rock while Emeka shows him the ropes down low. I also am very interested seeing how Beal develops. In the hawks Chuck first offense he could possibly develop into an instant star. He is a favorite for ROY.
Magic: I'll watch Lillard with interest. Partly because he could have been mine, and partly because he's an interesting fella to keep an eye on. I'm not too interested in any other FAs tho. I'll keep a small eye on Terrence Williams tho since he was on my squad last season.
Utah: I will be interested to see how Amare does on the Suns. I think they will be much improved. Also curious to see what happens with Austin Rivers, I was real close to taking him with my 2nd first rd pick.
Bobcats: I would be watching Anthony Davis closely to see how good of a big man he will be and how he will define his game from the get go. Rookie guard Damian Lilliard and compare him to the Kyrie's Rookie campaign from last year. I will be looking at FA Batum as well and see if he can get back to becoming a 21 point scorer he was in his rookie season. Also will be looking at Eric Gordon who I waived and see if that was the best idea. I really would like to see Gordon play as a #2 option on a team and be given a chance.
Raptors: I'll be following Lillard for sure in LA. Lillard has only improved since joining the league, and has the chance to be a star if he continues to put in hard work. Him and Griffin along with future flexibility via FA could turn out really good for LA.
(Davis & Lillard - guys who people believe are going to be stars)
4. To the personal: what's the outlook for your team for the coming season?
Lakers: I think we have a very nice mix of vet and youth. Older guy like Francis, Davis, and Kaman are the elder statesmen in the starting lineup, alongside Lillard and Griffin. We also have tons of depth of all ages, which is very nice. Also have tons of expiring deals on the older guys, which will probably be the way i got with my team the next few seasons until I hit on a max type free agent. For this year though we are definitely set to compete a little, definitely playoff caliber IMO. Hopefully we can make somes moves that turn are overflowing depth into a few solid upgrades and we could easily be back in contention.
Memphis: This could be a big season for the Grizzlies. Chris Paul only improved his game in the offseason after nearly being MVP. He realizes this team needs to run through him to win games. Zach Randolph is an explosive scorer and can rebound with the best. This offseason we added two high potential rookies. Harrison Barnes will get his chance this year to be the next big thing, while Terrence will have to take some time to develop due to the depth in the front court. We have a core mixed with youth and vets that can make a big run if the team can gel together. We are hoping for a 45 plus win season and a playoff birth.
Magic: I can guarantee a playoff finish, but I'd be lying if I tell you what my season-ending lineup will be. The team could move depending on what the offers are out there. I've actually been uncharacteristically conservative with my players in this league. I'm usually more trigger happy and fielding a completely new roster every 2 or so seasons, but this season there will be big changes, fresh faces, but we will give our fan base something to cheer about.
Utah: As is, I think we will still be good. Nikola looks better as does Lance but we are going to still have our scoring issues I think at times. Just dont have an elite scorer other tham LMA. That lends to us having pitiful scoring nites when he's off. I'm looking for a stud scorer at SG and I think we might be pretty good.
Bobcats: I have big hopes for this team later in the future but for now and for the upcoming season a playoff birth would be very satisfactory. Macvan looks to become a 20/10 player and a defensive juggernaut. Isaiah Thomas looks like an even more dangerous shooter than before and a better assist man. These two should be the one two punch of this season. Fresh out of the D-League Bigman Bismack Biyombo is already a very good defender and rebound. Faried will be our spark pug of the bench and Monroe will do his stuff in limited minutes. We have one of the most talented and youngest big man rotation (in my opinion) in the league. Great wing back-ups too in Lamb and Green who can light it up off the bench.For me the out look for this team is getting to the playoffs and finally after multiple season of not getting the elusive 42 win season. It i now very achievable.
Raptors: Well at this point, we aren't competing so I think this core will have to fight all season to remain a playoff seed. The core is old, so remaining healthy will be extremely important for this squad. At best we are probably a 1 and done team this season.
(Lots of optimism... except from the Rap-pack!)
5. What's one change you'd like to see implemented into the League?
Lakers: I think we need a set format to the draft. I don't necessarily mind it taking a day or 2, the bigger problem is when there are inconsistencies as far as people getting auto'd. Sometimes people take 8 hours then make there pick then a few hours later teams will get auto'd after just an hour or even less. We should pick 1 of the 2 extremes, and hold to it for consistency, those being: 1. 1 Day Draft where every team is assigned, in order of lotto, a drafting window in which their team will be drafting, and begin the draft the night after playoffs begin. OR 2. Begin the draft before the playoffs, and set aside a 2 day window AFTER the last day of playoffs and BEFORE FA sim 1. That will give a total of 3-4 days for the draft to slowly move through as peoples sign on. Either way should give people ample awareness of what amount of time they have to pick.
Memphis: I would love to see changes that would bring upon a more efficient method for the draft. It seems that some people take 8 hours to pick while others take 5 minutes. This puts GMs in a sticky situation where they do not know when their pick will be. The counter to this is to submit a list but every GM knows it is better to get up and post your own pick. It just feels right.
Magic: There needs to be an amendment to the under 12 rule for remaining players. I don't know what a good solution is right now, but it's something to consider. I'd say maybe have a 1 player limit in the first 4 hours for 12 and above teams, and for under 12 player teams, there is no limit once the Remaining FAs thread opens up. The current system is a little flawed because the people who claim FAs first will most assuredly get their FAs snatched away by under 12 player teams.
Utah: Hmm, I think to PM DC's in the playoffs would be nice. Not fair to the guys that post first that their opponent can gameplan for their DC.
Bobcats: I would like to see a change is the Draft Process. I think the idea brought up by one of our GMs was a good idea of having deadlines for picks. A specific time in which each person selects would keep picks rolling. With this of course if you do not provide a list or select manually then you will be fined $200, and get auto picked. Two days to do the draft is fine but many do not have equal time to make picks some taking 16 hrs and others 20 minutes. 1-2 hrs to select should be fine and should take 2 days. I feel this should be strongly encouraged.
Raptors: Just going to echo what has said above me. Finding a more efficient draft process is really important. I know we all have life's here but sending a list shouldn't be too difficult. We have a time limit, but rarely do we strictly follow it.
(Primarily... the draft situation is something that worries people - GETCHOOR DAMN LISTS IN!)
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
Lakers: Lakers/Wolves, Toronto/Knicks
Lakers/Toronto
Toronto
Memphis: Out of the eastern conference I am going to say the Bucks. This is definitely not going to be the common pick but this team is set up for success. The athletic frontcourt of Ibaka and Hickson will allow them to run a fast paced offense. I feel that Westbrook will take a huge step forward this season and be in contention for the mvp. This team is so athletic with wings in Iggy and Vince Carter that they will be hard to stop.
As for the West there are not many teams that really pop out with a ridiculous amount of talent besides the Wolves. However the Wolves had not been able to get that ring over the past few years. Last year they even fell early to the Lakers who were trying to lose games and ended up getting better. I think my own Grizzlies will make it out of the West and make a run at the title. Obviously im a little bias but I have some moves in place that will hopefully put us over the edge. Chris Paul is one of the top players in the game and by adding a few more components around him and focusing on defense the team will take huge strides.
As for the winner I feel my team is not ready to win a title unless we play our hearts out. The bucks could possibly be the biggest surprise team this year. If this became the title match up it would probably go to 7 games. I think that the winner will be the Memphis Grizzlies.
Magic: ECF will be Magic vs Raptors cuz I'm a homer. Wolves vs the Grizzlies in the WCF. Magic will beat the Wolves in the Finals. #ComeAtMe. The Raptors probably have the best shot to repeat tho.
Utah: In WCF I think the Wolves and the Suns, in the East I think Toronto and Orlando. Finalists Wolves and Toronto with the Raptors repeating. Roy and Rose are great but they cant stop Kobe and Melo I dont think.
Bobcats: In the ECF I think it will be between the Toronto Raptors who have a great core of Kobe and Melo Vs not even sure their are so many team fairly close talent wise it might become very interesting come playoff time. Ultimately I think it will be Raptors Vs the Knicks big man duo of Eddie Curry, Kevin Love and Andris Biedrins. Ultimately while the the rest of the East is in a dog fight for that one spot in the ECF the Raptors will get their fairly easy and pass to the finals.
In the WCF I believe it will be the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have a great 1-2 punch with Brandon Roy and Elton Brand. The other will be the Grizzlies who demonstrate a very balanced team with Chris Paul a 20/9 player, Zach Randolph who is a 20/10 guy and big man Demarcus Cousins 13/8, and Jason Richardson a 12 point player. With a very competitive West it is going to be a lot of good series and both will come very exhausted. I feel that Roy will have a very heroic Playoff run and ultimately take down the Grizzlies in 7 games.
In the Finals it will be the Raptors Vs the Minnesota Timberwolves going for the championship. It will be a good series becoming a 6 game dog fight but the Melo, Kobe attack will be too much for Roy and the Timberwolves and will become the determining factor. The Raptors will once again bring a the trophy back to Toronto.
Raptors: ECF: Wolves Vs. Grizzlies
WCF: Celtics Vs. Bulls
Finals: Bulls Vs. Grizzlies
Champs: Grizzlies
(People like the Raptors, perennial achievers Orlando, Grizz, Wolves... and some love for the Bucks.)
7. If you could steal any player under the age of 26, who would it be - and why?
Lakers: Anthony Davis. He is gonna be a freak in this league you can just tell. 20 year old with A potential and B+ defense, B inside. He'll be leading the league in shot blocking sooner than later, and can score along with it. His rebounding needs to develop for sure, but that's minor and will be partially fixed by camps alone. Not to mention a C- inside rating, he'll be efficient as well.
Memphis: I feel the unanimous answer would have to be Kevin Durant. He plays over the top and is just getting better each day. People say this is a pointguard league and I have paul so adding Durant would make my team win several titles. Many people may pick last years Mvp Rose. Durant is a long PF playing the wing position. He can really do it all and score at will. He will have several titles under his belt by the time he hangs up the jersey.
Magic: Kyrie Irving cuz he's a stud. I love star/superstar-oriented teams and there ain't no better young PG prospect than Kyrie right now. There's actually a few players I'd love to steal, but you want only one and there ya have it.
Utah: I guess Rose. He's already a monster and only 24.
Bobcats: If I can steal any player under 26 years of age then it would be Kevin Durant. I would love to have a player capable to become the leading scorer for multiple years. In this league I have never had a player become a top 3 scorer. Looking at KD's A- and A- inside outside is very scary and ultimately I want that to be on my team. Having Isaiah Thomas scoring his and feeding KD would elevate Thomas to a 15/10 player, and Macvan becoming a #2 option might have him become a 15 point scorer but with a very high efficiency would be perfect. I would then slide Parsons to the SG spot and become a good spot-up shooter and crashing rebounder. This would help solidify my team to a top 5 team in the league.
Raptors: Derrick Rose. Rose is so dominant, can score at a high rate, doesn't turn over the ball often and is locked up. We also all know of FBB's love for PG's. There are other good options out there, but give me Mr. MVP.
(Lots of teams seeking a kiss from a Rose...)
8. Real world: the NBA owners vote on Donald Sterling's ownership will become public within the week. How do you see that playing out?
Lakers: I'm not going to pretend like i know a damn thing about the legal side of the situation, but I'm sure(and have heard from ESPN and such) that Sterling and his lawyer's plan to fight til the ugly end, so their might be many snags regardless of vote. I believe the vote will definitely be to have him removed though, its just a bad look for a huge business that doesnt want or need that kind of ugly smear on its face. Not to mention, a disgusting racist has no business making any profit off an organization who's highest paid, and marketable, and employees are mostly the "minorities" then Sterling disrespected so harshly.
Memphis: The NBA is a league which is majority African Americans. For the league to survive these owners must take a stand now and forever against racism. I feel the vote unless its anonymous will be unanimous vote of his expulsion. No one can publicly defend and support his comments that he had to his slam piece. And if they do support it they will probably be the next ones out.
Magic: I think SRG said it best in the "NBA" thread. If he drags this on, the Clippers will have a hard time retaining the fantastic bench they assembled. Jamal Crawford could also opt out and become a FA if he doesn't want to play for the Clippers. CP3 is the president of the player's Union, and I don't think he'll be happy. The clippers will also find it hard to convince players to come in to replace that bench, and I doubt anyone will take a pay cut to play for them. I think with America's "justice" system, this will probably drag out over the summer and into the season. In 6 months we will probably all be sick of hearing about it. That's my prediction. Since when does life ever give us a quick, easy way out?
Utah: I really have an issue with this. Sterling is an imbecile but it was a private conversation he was in that was being recorded by a trashy ass goldigger right? I have real problems as far as rights on this.
Apparently he was a slumlord and the NBA did nothing about his bad history in those matters but this prompts them to do something. Very slimey. I never heard about his bad history before this came up but the league knew about it and that's pretty absurd. Should he lose his team yea, not necessarily for this incident but for other things he did. But I do have concerns about the kind of precedent this is setting. It's not against the law to be an idiot.
Bobcats: I feel that this whole ordeal will become bigger and bigger especially after the vote. The owners will vote for him to sell the team but I am sure Sterling will sue the League. This will just explode with more and more coverage flowing in. The Clippers I feel might retain some players (Solidarity for the ordeal) but will not land many from other team to go to the Clipper franchise. I was watching the STARTERS on NBATV and one said it would be nice to see Magic become the Owner it might help. The other said Oprah (but that was a joke I hope)
. This will get ugly and ultimately I do not know if with Sterling suing will make help keep his team or if it won't help at all. What I do know is this can damage the Clippers badly if not dealt with promptly.
Raptors: Pretty sure Sterling already gave his wife his half of the team. I think it will play out smoothly however there is a chance he sues.
(Juuust like society, people are torn on this. Everyone reached this consensus tho': Sterling's a slimeball. Ed note: Oprah Winfrey is in a group with David Geffen and Larry Ellison who are looking at buying the Clippers. Together they have more money than God.)
And a question for the Finalists...
Which opponent from within your conference this season do you expect to trouble you the most?
Utah: The Wolves. Mainly because of the greatness of Rose. Roy is nice as is Gasol but Rose is the man.
Raptors: Honestly? Any team right now. Since my team forgot how to play anyone is a challenge for us at the moment. But Bobcats look pretty damn scary. Not just now, but as long as they can lock up their core, they should be contending for the next 10 years.
They are gonna be tough to beat yet again.
(The Wolves threaten in the West, and the Bobcats out East - according to last year's finalists)
All done for another season - interested participants for NEXT season - stay tuned to the articles forum for the thread asking for interested participants to put their names forward...
ON WITH THE QUESTIONS!
1. Normally we begin by asking if the best team won the title, but I think that's really not in contention... so let's look to the future: can Toronto repeat?
Lakers: They kept their ridiculous core together, but are aging a bit. I certainly wouldn't be shocked to see them repeat with the Kobe-Melo tandem. On top of them they have one of the best defensive front courts in the league. They will be for sure in contention, possibly even the favorite.
Memphis: Toronto was clearly the best team last season after acquiring Melo to add to that crazy core. However it seems this season the age is catching up to them. The team had several key players decrease after training camp and to follow that they had the worst preseason in the east. However I am rooting for Toronto to have a good year. I like their GM he is a good guy.
Magic: They will have one of the best chances to repeat, but it'll take health and a bit of luck as well to do so. Their core players are more or less the same caliber players, but sometimes even the same DC will not produce the same results season from season. As things are tho, I don't see any other team with a better shot at a title than them, so I give them the highest odds. It's foolish to declare outright that they will tho so I won't go there.
Utah: I dont see why not. At this time I haven't seen anyone else make a move to overtake them. Of course, we haven't even started the season yet but as it stands now yea they can. They have a good frontcourt and 2 elite wings that is a nightmare to match up with.
Bobcats: Well looking at this Raptors team and you see that they brought back Melo. The core is back. The great duo of Melo and Kobe, Jay Williams(great PG), Greg Oden the enforcer inside as well as good role players is going to be tough to beat. The best chance for most teams is if Kobe or Melo gets injured. As of right now it is tough not seeing the Raptors winning it all again.
Raptors: After TC, I just don't see it happening. Pretty much everyone outside of Melo took drastic declines so we'll just have to figure out something else that works. Everyone is struggling outside of Melo at the moment. He'll have to be dominant this season if we even make the postseason.
(Consensus - People see Toronto as having a really good chance... except the Raptors themselves!)
2. The top FAs went chalk - but where there any near elite guys that surprised you with their movements?
Lakers: Michael Redd to Houston suprised me a bit, got him on a pretty good deal, will definitely perform above his pay grade. Also was suprised Francis stayed with Lakers, thought someone was gonna throw a BIG 1 year deal at him or maybe even 2, so was glad to snag him for 9M.
Memphis: Yao to the Hawks surprised me. It is obvious he was just chasing the money. He now has enough money to buy the clippers a few years down the road. I also was surprised with the movement of Amare. I thought he would be faithful and return to San Antonio in hopes for a season with better chemistry and a longevity of a solid core in chase of another ring.
Magic: I was surprised Amare changed teams since I assume the Spurs offered him top dollar. Aside from that, I wasn't shocked by any other movements. Yao Ming went to the Hawks, but we all know the Rockets weren't planning on retaining him either. I suppose the Spurs losing Hibbert due to not RFAing him in time was also surprising. This is probably the first time we see an RFA'd player unsuccessfully retained.
Utah: Amare I guess would be the biggest surprise. 'Twas a loaded class to be sure. Hard to beat those bird maxes though so it isn't really a shock there wasn't more movement.
Bobcats: I was surprised to see Amare leaving the Spurs and playing with the Suns instead. I though it would be a definite that Amare would stay. Yao Ming leaving to go play with the Hawks was an other surprise since Yao would move from an inside type of play to the chuck philosophy. I though another interesting move was see Darko get a longer contract to stay for 3 years with the Wizards which would help the Wizards front court big time.
Raptors: I was surprised of the pairing between Dirk and Duncan with Cavs to play along Kyrie. I don't think I have to sell how damn good Duncan and Dirk have been through their careers. I'm not sure why Duncan retired though, because he may have been the piece to push Timberwolves over.
(Yao & Amare surprised a few...)
3. Following up that, are their any FAs who moved, or rookies who you will be watching with interest?
Lakers: Obviously for me Damian Lillard. Going into his rookie season with a B+ outside shot rating has me very excited for both his rookie season and the future. That being said he still really needs improvement defensively, and handling the ball. Playing alongside Francis for a little bit hopefully some good Mojo will rub off. Also will be very interested to see if Eric Gordon will earn any of that big contract he got.
Memphis: I think the most interesting rookie this year will be Anthony Davis. Yes that is easy to say since he was the first pick but he ended up landing with the defending champs of the previous year. The Heat do not have to rely on Davis for so much production as other first overall picks had to be in the past. Deron Williams can just feed him the rock while Emeka shows him the ropes down low. I also am very interested seeing how Beal develops. In the hawks Chuck first offense he could possibly develop into an instant star. He is a favorite for ROY.
Magic: I'll watch Lillard with interest. Partly because he could have been mine, and partly because he's an interesting fella to keep an eye on. I'm not too interested in any other FAs tho. I'll keep a small eye on Terrence Williams tho since he was on my squad last season.
Utah: I will be interested to see how Amare does on the Suns. I think they will be much improved. Also curious to see what happens with Austin Rivers, I was real close to taking him with my 2nd first rd pick.
Bobcats: I would be watching Anthony Davis closely to see how good of a big man he will be and how he will define his game from the get go. Rookie guard Damian Lilliard and compare him to the Kyrie's Rookie campaign from last year. I will be looking at FA Batum as well and see if he can get back to becoming a 21 point scorer he was in his rookie season. Also will be looking at Eric Gordon who I waived and see if that was the best idea. I really would like to see Gordon play as a #2 option on a team and be given a chance.
Raptors: I'll be following Lillard for sure in LA. Lillard has only improved since joining the league, and has the chance to be a star if he continues to put in hard work. Him and Griffin along with future flexibility via FA could turn out really good for LA.
(Davis & Lillard - guys who people believe are going to be stars)
4. To the personal: what's the outlook for your team for the coming season?
Lakers: I think we have a very nice mix of vet and youth. Older guy like Francis, Davis, and Kaman are the elder statesmen in the starting lineup, alongside Lillard and Griffin. We also have tons of depth of all ages, which is very nice. Also have tons of expiring deals on the older guys, which will probably be the way i got with my team the next few seasons until I hit on a max type free agent. For this year though we are definitely set to compete a little, definitely playoff caliber IMO. Hopefully we can make somes moves that turn are overflowing depth into a few solid upgrades and we could easily be back in contention.
Memphis: This could be a big season for the Grizzlies. Chris Paul only improved his game in the offseason after nearly being MVP. He realizes this team needs to run through him to win games. Zach Randolph is an explosive scorer and can rebound with the best. This offseason we added two high potential rookies. Harrison Barnes will get his chance this year to be the next big thing, while Terrence will have to take some time to develop due to the depth in the front court. We have a core mixed with youth and vets that can make a big run if the team can gel together. We are hoping for a 45 plus win season and a playoff birth.
Magic: I can guarantee a playoff finish, but I'd be lying if I tell you what my season-ending lineup will be. The team could move depending on what the offers are out there. I've actually been uncharacteristically conservative with my players in this league. I'm usually more trigger happy and fielding a completely new roster every 2 or so seasons, but this season there will be big changes, fresh faces, but we will give our fan base something to cheer about.
Utah: As is, I think we will still be good. Nikola looks better as does Lance but we are going to still have our scoring issues I think at times. Just dont have an elite scorer other tham LMA. That lends to us having pitiful scoring nites when he's off. I'm looking for a stud scorer at SG and I think we might be pretty good.
Bobcats: I have big hopes for this team later in the future but for now and for the upcoming season a playoff birth would be very satisfactory. Macvan looks to become a 20/10 player and a defensive juggernaut. Isaiah Thomas looks like an even more dangerous shooter than before and a better assist man. These two should be the one two punch of this season. Fresh out of the D-League Bigman Bismack Biyombo is already a very good defender and rebound. Faried will be our spark pug of the bench and Monroe will do his stuff in limited minutes. We have one of the most talented and youngest big man rotation (in my opinion) in the league. Great wing back-ups too in Lamb and Green who can light it up off the bench.For me the out look for this team is getting to the playoffs and finally after multiple season of not getting the elusive 42 win season. It i now very achievable.
Raptors: Well at this point, we aren't competing so I think this core will have to fight all season to remain a playoff seed. The core is old, so remaining healthy will be extremely important for this squad. At best we are probably a 1 and done team this season.
(Lots of optimism... except from the Rap-pack!)
5. What's one change you'd like to see implemented into the League?
Lakers: I think we need a set format to the draft. I don't necessarily mind it taking a day or 2, the bigger problem is when there are inconsistencies as far as people getting auto'd. Sometimes people take 8 hours then make there pick then a few hours later teams will get auto'd after just an hour or even less. We should pick 1 of the 2 extremes, and hold to it for consistency, those being: 1. 1 Day Draft where every team is assigned, in order of lotto, a drafting window in which their team will be drafting, and begin the draft the night after playoffs begin. OR 2. Begin the draft before the playoffs, and set aside a 2 day window AFTER the last day of playoffs and BEFORE FA sim 1. That will give a total of 3-4 days for the draft to slowly move through as peoples sign on. Either way should give people ample awareness of what amount of time they have to pick.
Memphis: I would love to see changes that would bring upon a more efficient method for the draft. It seems that some people take 8 hours to pick while others take 5 minutes. This puts GMs in a sticky situation where they do not know when their pick will be. The counter to this is to submit a list but every GM knows it is better to get up and post your own pick. It just feels right.
Magic: There needs to be an amendment to the under 12 rule for remaining players. I don't know what a good solution is right now, but it's something to consider. I'd say maybe have a 1 player limit in the first 4 hours for 12 and above teams, and for under 12 player teams, there is no limit once the Remaining FAs thread opens up. The current system is a little flawed because the people who claim FAs first will most assuredly get their FAs snatched away by under 12 player teams.
Utah: Hmm, I think to PM DC's in the playoffs would be nice. Not fair to the guys that post first that their opponent can gameplan for their DC.
Bobcats: I would like to see a change is the Draft Process. I think the idea brought up by one of our GMs was a good idea of having deadlines for picks. A specific time in which each person selects would keep picks rolling. With this of course if you do not provide a list or select manually then you will be fined $200, and get auto picked. Two days to do the draft is fine but many do not have equal time to make picks some taking 16 hrs and others 20 minutes. 1-2 hrs to select should be fine and should take 2 days. I feel this should be strongly encouraged.
Raptors: Just going to echo what has said above me. Finding a more efficient draft process is really important. I know we all have life's here but sending a list shouldn't be too difficult. We have a time limit, but rarely do we strictly follow it.
(Primarily... the draft situation is something that worries people - GETCHOOR DAMN LISTS IN!)
6. Pick the ECF/WCF participants for this coming season, then the Finalists... and the overall champion.
Lakers: Lakers/Wolves, Toronto/Knicks
Lakers/Toronto
Toronto
Memphis: Out of the eastern conference I am going to say the Bucks. This is definitely not going to be the common pick but this team is set up for success. The athletic frontcourt of Ibaka and Hickson will allow them to run a fast paced offense. I feel that Westbrook will take a huge step forward this season and be in contention for the mvp. This team is so athletic with wings in Iggy and Vince Carter that they will be hard to stop.
As for the West there are not many teams that really pop out with a ridiculous amount of talent besides the Wolves. However the Wolves had not been able to get that ring over the past few years. Last year they even fell early to the Lakers who were trying to lose games and ended up getting better. I think my own Grizzlies will make it out of the West and make a run at the title. Obviously im a little bias but I have some moves in place that will hopefully put us over the edge. Chris Paul is one of the top players in the game and by adding a few more components around him and focusing on defense the team will take huge strides.
As for the winner I feel my team is not ready to win a title unless we play our hearts out. The bucks could possibly be the biggest surprise team this year. If this became the title match up it would probably go to 7 games. I think that the winner will be the Memphis Grizzlies.
Magic: ECF will be Magic vs Raptors cuz I'm a homer. Wolves vs the Grizzlies in the WCF. Magic will beat the Wolves in the Finals. #ComeAtMe. The Raptors probably have the best shot to repeat tho.
Utah: In WCF I think the Wolves and the Suns, in the East I think Toronto and Orlando. Finalists Wolves and Toronto with the Raptors repeating. Roy and Rose are great but they cant stop Kobe and Melo I dont think.
Bobcats: In the ECF I think it will be between the Toronto Raptors who have a great core of Kobe and Melo Vs not even sure their are so many team fairly close talent wise it might become very interesting come playoff time. Ultimately I think it will be Raptors Vs the Knicks big man duo of Eddie Curry, Kevin Love and Andris Biedrins. Ultimately while the the rest of the East is in a dog fight for that one spot in the ECF the Raptors will get their fairly easy and pass to the finals.
In the WCF I believe it will be the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have a great 1-2 punch with Brandon Roy and Elton Brand. The other will be the Grizzlies who demonstrate a very balanced team with Chris Paul a 20/9 player, Zach Randolph who is a 20/10 guy and big man Demarcus Cousins 13/8, and Jason Richardson a 12 point player. With a very competitive West it is going to be a lot of good series and both will come very exhausted. I feel that Roy will have a very heroic Playoff run and ultimately take down the Grizzlies in 7 games.
In the Finals it will be the Raptors Vs the Minnesota Timberwolves going for the championship. It will be a good series becoming a 6 game dog fight but the Melo, Kobe attack will be too much for Roy and the Timberwolves and will become the determining factor. The Raptors will once again bring a the trophy back to Toronto.
Raptors: ECF: Wolves Vs. Grizzlies
WCF: Celtics Vs. Bulls
Finals: Bulls Vs. Grizzlies
Champs: Grizzlies
(People like the Raptors, perennial achievers Orlando, Grizz, Wolves... and some love for the Bucks.)
7. If you could steal any player under the age of 26, who would it be - and why?
Lakers: Anthony Davis. He is gonna be a freak in this league you can just tell. 20 year old with A potential and B+ defense, B inside. He'll be leading the league in shot blocking sooner than later, and can score along with it. His rebounding needs to develop for sure, but that's minor and will be partially fixed by camps alone. Not to mention a C- inside rating, he'll be efficient as well.
Memphis: I feel the unanimous answer would have to be Kevin Durant. He plays over the top and is just getting better each day. People say this is a pointguard league and I have paul so adding Durant would make my team win several titles. Many people may pick last years Mvp Rose. Durant is a long PF playing the wing position. He can really do it all and score at will. He will have several titles under his belt by the time he hangs up the jersey.
Magic: Kyrie Irving cuz he's a stud. I love star/superstar-oriented teams and there ain't no better young PG prospect than Kyrie right now. There's actually a few players I'd love to steal, but you want only one and there ya have it.
Utah: I guess Rose. He's already a monster and only 24.
Bobcats: If I can steal any player under 26 years of age then it would be Kevin Durant. I would love to have a player capable to become the leading scorer for multiple years. In this league I have never had a player become a top 3 scorer. Looking at KD's A- and A- inside outside is very scary and ultimately I want that to be on my team. Having Isaiah Thomas scoring his and feeding KD would elevate Thomas to a 15/10 player, and Macvan becoming a #2 option might have him become a 15 point scorer but with a very high efficiency would be perfect. I would then slide Parsons to the SG spot and become a good spot-up shooter and crashing rebounder. This would help solidify my team to a top 5 team in the league.
Raptors: Derrick Rose. Rose is so dominant, can score at a high rate, doesn't turn over the ball often and is locked up. We also all know of FBB's love for PG's. There are other good options out there, but give me Mr. MVP.
(Lots of teams seeking a kiss from a Rose...)
8. Real world: the NBA owners vote on Donald Sterling's ownership will become public within the week. How do you see that playing out?
Lakers: I'm not going to pretend like i know a damn thing about the legal side of the situation, but I'm sure(and have heard from ESPN and such) that Sterling and his lawyer's plan to fight til the ugly end, so their might be many snags regardless of vote. I believe the vote will definitely be to have him removed though, its just a bad look for a huge business that doesnt want or need that kind of ugly smear on its face. Not to mention, a disgusting racist has no business making any profit off an organization who's highest paid, and marketable, and employees are mostly the "minorities" then Sterling disrespected so harshly.
Memphis: The NBA is a league which is majority African Americans. For the league to survive these owners must take a stand now and forever against racism. I feel the vote unless its anonymous will be unanimous vote of his expulsion. No one can publicly defend and support his comments that he had to his slam piece. And if they do support it they will probably be the next ones out.
Magic: I think SRG said it best in the "NBA" thread. If he drags this on, the Clippers will have a hard time retaining the fantastic bench they assembled. Jamal Crawford could also opt out and become a FA if he doesn't want to play for the Clippers. CP3 is the president of the player's Union, and I don't think he'll be happy. The clippers will also find it hard to convince players to come in to replace that bench, and I doubt anyone will take a pay cut to play for them. I think with America's "justice" system, this will probably drag out over the summer and into the season. In 6 months we will probably all be sick of hearing about it. That's my prediction. Since when does life ever give us a quick, easy way out?
Utah: I really have an issue with this. Sterling is an imbecile but it was a private conversation he was in that was being recorded by a trashy ass goldigger right? I have real problems as far as rights on this.
Apparently he was a slumlord and the NBA did nothing about his bad history in those matters but this prompts them to do something. Very slimey. I never heard about his bad history before this came up but the league knew about it and that's pretty absurd. Should he lose his team yea, not necessarily for this incident but for other things he did. But I do have concerns about the kind of precedent this is setting. It's not against the law to be an idiot.
Bobcats: I feel that this whole ordeal will become bigger and bigger especially after the vote. The owners will vote for him to sell the team but I am sure Sterling will sue the League. This will just explode with more and more coverage flowing in. The Clippers I feel might retain some players (Solidarity for the ordeal) but will not land many from other team to go to the Clipper franchise. I was watching the STARTERS on NBATV and one said it would be nice to see Magic become the Owner it might help. The other said Oprah (but that was a joke I hope)
. This will get ugly and ultimately I do not know if with Sterling suing will make help keep his team or if it won't help at all. What I do know is this can damage the Clippers badly if not dealt with promptly.Raptors: Pretty sure Sterling already gave his wife his half of the team. I think it will play out smoothly however there is a chance he sues.
(Juuust like society, people are torn on this. Everyone reached this consensus tho': Sterling's a slimeball. Ed note: Oprah Winfrey is in a group with David Geffen and Larry Ellison who are looking at buying the Clippers. Together they have more money than God.)
And a question for the Finalists...
Which opponent from within your conference this season do you expect to trouble you the most?
Utah: The Wolves. Mainly because of the greatness of Rose. Roy is nice as is Gasol but Rose is the man.
Raptors: Honestly? Any team right now. Since my team forgot how to play anyone is a challenge for us at the moment. But Bobcats look pretty damn scary. Not just now, but as long as they can lock up their core, they should be contending for the next 10 years.
They are gonna be tough to beat yet again.
(The Wolves threaten in the West, and the Bobcats out East - according to last year's finalists)
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All done for another season - interested participants for NEXT season - stay tuned to the articles forum for the thread asking for interested participants to put their names forward...
