[Coatesvillain]

Out of all the lottery teams this year, who do you guys think has the most potential to become a perennial playoff team? Why? And what will be the first year they make the playoffs?

Here's mine to show what I'm talking about:

Houston Rockets

Reason: Strong nucleus set in place with Cuttino Mobley, Steve Francis, and Eddie Griffin. If they can get Yao Ming in NBA form, they'll be a threat for years to come especially years after Shaq leaves.

First year in playoffs: 2003-2004

-Tim

 

[BBallFan]

They're a "lottery team," the same way the Spurs were a "lottery team" when they got Tim Duncan. (Robinson was injured the whole year)

When the Franchise was playing, the Rockets were a playoff team, or very close to it... so there's no reason to think they won't make the playoffs this year, with the addition of Mo Taylor (who was out all last year), Nacbar, Ming, and the improvement of Eddie Griffen.

 

[Hotlantadude198]

My 3 favorite teams are the Hawks/Rockets and now since
the Warriors might be headed in the right direction I am
more of a fan of them than before.

I'd say the Rockets.They have a very talented squad.Francis/
Mobley/Ming/Norris/Griffin/Nachbar/Kenny Thomas

 

[cmd34]

The Clippers in the west, the Bucks in the (l)east.

 

[Thrilla]

Some Teams

Bucks
Rockets
Heat
New York
Clippers(if they get a PG)

 

[HAWK23]

I don't see the Pacers making it this season, so that leaves the spot open for the Bucks... and I don't know about Philly, especially if they loose Harpring you may see the Heat take that spot, especially if Butler does well. NY doesn't have a chanceeeeeeeee because they have NO center and are depending on Frank Williams who broke his arm or something in summer league so I don't see them going anywhere even if they do have McDyess. Rockets have a legit shot at a spot in the West but will just get knocked out byt he Lakers or Mavs or someone like that.

 

[SikHandlez24]

Rockets...

They have a roster full of talented players. If they could just move Maurice Taylor for a Small Forward. Maybe something like Glen Rice + Maurice Taylor for Glenn Robinson and Jason Caffey. This would free up time for Eddie Griffin. Possible lineup:

C-Yao Ming/Kelvin Cato/Jason Collier
PF-Eddie Griffin/Kenny Thomas/Jason Caffey
SF-Glenn Robinson/Bostjan Nacjbar
SG-Cuttino Mobley/Oscar Torres
PG-Steve Francis/Moochie Norris

 

[Sir I Gotta Go]

The Clipperz are the deepest team in the league. They are young but they will make the playoffs and get experience. They have developing point guards. And they have Marco Jaric coming over from europe. they don't need to make any moves. plus, Lamar Odom can play point forward.

PGooling/Jaric
SG:Richardson/Maggette
SF:Odom/Miles
PF:Brand/Wilcox
C:Olowokandi/Ely



This team will meat the Pacers in the Finals for years to come.

 

[Hotlantadude198]

1)It looks like Miller is going to the CLipps.
2)Keyon Dooling=Antonio Daniels
3)I don't consider the Clipps a lotto team cause
I am waiting on them to crack the playoffs in
any year now.

 

[kansasalumn]

The clipps with trade either Ely or Wilcox or even both by the start of training camp

 

[SikHandlez24]

They have said they don't want to trade them(Wilcox or Ely).

 

[Coatesvillain]

Originally posted by IMX
They have said they don't want to trade them(Wilcox or Ely).

They also said they would max out Olowankandi. We know how good Donald Sterling is with keeping his word. But in all seriousness, something is cooking with those two:

They aren't under contract. They weren't invited to summer league. And they're both at a position where they already have an Allstar caliber player at.

One thing that some people haven't put together, I think that this could be signalling the end of Brand's days in LA, especially since he wants the Max.

-Tim