So much has happened already this offseason. More things are soon to follow. I am going to post my 8 playoff teams from each conference. I hope everyone will post their Playoff teams as well. I might get some bombing from this but I can take it.
East -
1. Detroit Pistons - Some may give me some trash, but I mean they signed Chauncey Billups. He significantly improves their PG situation. They have the NBA defensive player of the year Ben Wallace, they have 6th man Corliss Williamson and the best coach in Rick Carlisle. They are a great team. They have combined youth + veteran talent.
2. I'll go with the Boston Celtics - The trade is the big question mark. They have Pierce and Walker as the boss' of the team but they also have some young talent in Kedrick Brown. Question marks include the PG position. Rogers will he be gone? I still think that if Pierce and Walker continue from where they left off last season, the Celtics will do a good job.
3. New Orleans Hornets - All depending now on Baron Davis. If he decides to stay they are up there at 3. If he goes then the Hornets drop to 7 or 8. They have the overall talent to be a great team in the NBA. A few young stars combined with a good coach and some great veterans this team can again do some trouble in the NBA. I think they will be more successful this year. Lets hope they can do something in the playoffs as well.
4. Milwaukee Bucks - Last year couldn't even make the playoffs but this year they will be back with a vengeance. They drafted great and their picks will help them this year. Hopefully Casell and Allen will be able to lead them to the NBA finals as well. This team will really be back up here no problem.
5. New Jersey Nets - Reigning NBA finalists the team will take a small fall in the standings. They are still a great team, but for some reason my gut tells me they won't be there at number 1 this year. Jason Kidd will have another MVP like season but the East will be a bit more competitive this year.
6. Orlando Magic - Ewing to retire? Sasser a question mark? Double O signing? What does this mean for the Orlando Magic ballclub? As I say it, the Magic's success is on Tracy McGrady's shoulders. It all depends on how far T-Mac can take them. Will Grant Hill be back? Let's hope he will come back and help this team.
7. Philadelphia 76ers - Allen Iverson. That is the only man that everyone in Philly is thinkin about. I mean has he done enough to get attention? The sixers are still a GOOD team overall. Was getting rid of Speedy really the answer? Or is getting rid of The Answer, the answer.
8. Toronto Raptors - A big race will be held for the final spot but I think in the end the Raptors will take the position. (partially because I am a Raps diehard) Anyways, lol, They let go Keon, they lose Kareem Rush just to sign Keon, but why do they make the playoffs? Two words. Vince Carter. He will take the team as far as he can. They may get knocked out first round again by the Pistons but I honestly think they will make the playoffs. They have a solid group. Lets hope GG makes a couple deals before the offseason ends. If they get Rashard Lewis or a Donyell Marshall we can see them up to possibly no.5.
The West
1. Sacramento Kings - They basically kept their group together. Bibby is going to stay so no matter what they will be a good team. They drafted Dan Dickau and traded him to the Hawks for a future draft pick. Smart move. You don't see the Hawks going anywhere this year or for the next couple years in fact. The team is a year older and I'm confident they'll have another great season and test the Lakers for all they are worth.
3. LA Lakers - NBA champions. What can I say? They only are getting better. Keeping George here for when Fox leaves is a good idea, getting Rush and giving up a late pick and an aging veteran. Only good moves made so far this offseason. Kobe and Shaq are gonna do great this year again.
2. Dallas Mavericks - They keep spending money. They have everything they need. They may have overpaid but they kept their core together. They have a great coach, a great Owner they have great players, great fans etc. This team is on the rise.
4. San Antonio Spurs - They are still up there. They still have a good team. Tim Duncan is a super star. May be boring but he can get the job done. David Robinson is in his final year, I think he will go out on a good note providing some good numbers. They have a good core, they have a good young PG and they are getting a European Superstar in Ginobilli. The team I think will end up only a game behind the Mavs.
5. Portland Trailblazers - They have to be up here with the money they are paying. lol. Their draft pick looks a bit shaky. I don't know how he will do, probably won't get any playing time. Why won't they just let Randolph play. He looks good and they need some help down low. I mean Kemp can't do that much anymore. Mo kept them together last year he should do the same this year.
6. Utah Jazz - Will Stockton to Malone ever end? I mean seriously the guys are aging fossils yet they still keep the team together. The management did a great job in getting Borchardt. Hopefully his injury won't keep him out too long. They also get Raul Lopez to get some experience before Stockton leaves so he can one day take over the team. Deshawn Stevenson looked pretty impressive in summer league so the team should do well.
7. LA Clippers - I may get some heat for this. I may not. The Clippers if they hold on to the Kandiman are going to be a great team this year. They have all sorts of talent all around and they got even better by getting Jaric from Europe. He will help the team out a lot. His size and skills are going to be very important for this team. Good draft picks, they may have created a log jam in the frontcourt but the players should all get their share of minutes.
8. Minnesota T-Wolves - The final team in the West. Knocked out of the first round again. No surprise. This team is falling. Only time will tell how long KG will last here. They lost their PG, Brandon is washed up and pretty much gone, I mean he can only lead the team for so long before he has some problems. Their solution at PG - El-Amin? I'm sorry but NO. Wally and KG are the only two keeping this team together. Lose three spots from last year but what can you do?
Feel free to post your opinions.
Thanks
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East -
1. Detroit Pistons - Some may give me some trash, but I mean they signed Chauncey Billups. He significantly improves their PG situation. They have the NBA defensive player of the year Ben Wallace, they have 6th man Corliss Williamson and the best coach in Rick Carlisle. They are a great team. They have combined youth + veteran talent.
2. I'll go with the Boston Celtics - The trade is the big question mark. They have Pierce and Walker as the boss' of the team but they also have some young talent in Kedrick Brown. Question marks include the PG position. Rogers will he be gone? I still think that if Pierce and Walker continue from where they left off last season, the Celtics will do a good job.
3. New Orleans Hornets - All depending now on Baron Davis. If he decides to stay they are up there at 3. If he goes then the Hornets drop to 7 or 8. They have the overall talent to be a great team in the NBA. A few young stars combined with a good coach and some great veterans this team can again do some trouble in the NBA. I think they will be more successful this year. Lets hope they can do something in the playoffs as well.
4. Milwaukee Bucks - Last year couldn't even make the playoffs but this year they will be back with a vengeance. They drafted great and their picks will help them this year. Hopefully Casell and Allen will be able to lead them to the NBA finals as well. This team will really be back up here no problem.
5. New Jersey Nets - Reigning NBA finalists the team will take a small fall in the standings. They are still a great team, but for some reason my gut tells me they won't be there at number 1 this year. Jason Kidd will have another MVP like season but the East will be a bit more competitive this year.
6. Orlando Magic - Ewing to retire? Sasser a question mark? Double O signing? What does this mean for the Orlando Magic ballclub? As I say it, the Magic's success is on Tracy McGrady's shoulders. It all depends on how far T-Mac can take them. Will Grant Hill be back? Let's hope he will come back and help this team.
7. Philadelphia 76ers - Allen Iverson. That is the only man that everyone in Philly is thinkin about. I mean has he done enough to get attention? The sixers are still a GOOD team overall. Was getting rid of Speedy really the answer? Or is getting rid of The Answer, the answer.
8. Toronto Raptors - A big race will be held for the final spot but I think in the end the Raptors will take the position. (partially because I am a Raps diehard) Anyways, lol, They let go Keon, they lose Kareem Rush just to sign Keon, but why do they make the playoffs? Two words. Vince Carter. He will take the team as far as he can. They may get knocked out first round again by the Pistons but I honestly think they will make the playoffs. They have a solid group. Lets hope GG makes a couple deals before the offseason ends. If they get Rashard Lewis or a Donyell Marshall we can see them up to possibly no.5.
The West
1. Sacramento Kings - They basically kept their group together. Bibby is going to stay so no matter what they will be a good team. They drafted Dan Dickau and traded him to the Hawks for a future draft pick. Smart move. You don't see the Hawks going anywhere this year or for the next couple years in fact. The team is a year older and I'm confident they'll have another great season and test the Lakers for all they are worth.
3. LA Lakers - NBA champions. What can I say? They only are getting better. Keeping George here for when Fox leaves is a good idea, getting Rush and giving up a late pick and an aging veteran. Only good moves made so far this offseason. Kobe and Shaq are gonna do great this year again.
2. Dallas Mavericks - They keep spending money. They have everything they need. They may have overpaid but they kept their core together. They have a great coach, a great Owner they have great players, great fans etc. This team is on the rise.
4. San Antonio Spurs - They are still up there. They still have a good team. Tim Duncan is a super star. May be boring but he can get the job done. David Robinson is in his final year, I think he will go out on a good note providing some good numbers. They have a good core, they have a good young PG and they are getting a European Superstar in Ginobilli. The team I think will end up only a game behind the Mavs.
5. Portland Trailblazers - They have to be up here with the money they are paying. lol. Their draft pick looks a bit shaky. I don't know how he will do, probably won't get any playing time. Why won't they just let Randolph play. He looks good and they need some help down low. I mean Kemp can't do that much anymore. Mo kept them together last year he should do the same this year.
6. Utah Jazz - Will Stockton to Malone ever end? I mean seriously the guys are aging fossils yet they still keep the team together. The management did a great job in getting Borchardt. Hopefully his injury won't keep him out too long. They also get Raul Lopez to get some experience before Stockton leaves so he can one day take over the team. Deshawn Stevenson looked pretty impressive in summer league so the team should do well.
7. LA Clippers - I may get some heat for this. I may not. The Clippers if they hold on to the Kandiman are going to be a great team this year. They have all sorts of talent all around and they got even better by getting Jaric from Europe. He will help the team out a lot. His size and skills are going to be very important for this team. Good draft picks, they may have created a log jam in the frontcourt but the players should all get their share of minutes.
8. Minnesota T-Wolves - The final team in the West. Knocked out of the first round again. No surprise. This team is falling. Only time will tell how long KG will last here. They lost their PG, Brandon is washed up and pretty much gone, I mean he can only lead the team for so long before he has some problems. Their solution at PG - El-Amin? I'm sorry but NO. Wally and KG are the only two keeping this team together. Lose three spots from last year but what can you do?
Feel free to post your opinions.
Thanks
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