Post by JDawg on Jun 6, 2007 14:38:21 GMT -5
Ok I did a Western Conference slumps article, now its time to discuss the teams in the Eastern Conference.
We start with the bottom dwellers, the Philadelphia 76ers. Starting Brian Skinner at center, is enough to make GM Andy choke on his hot dog. Youngster Perkins is counted on to eat up huge minutes along with veteran Simpkins, combining for just above average numbers. Positives to take out of this team are the play of Corey Maggette, averaging just above 18 ppg. In addition, the extremely big contract of Kenny Anderson will be off the table next year. The team however continues to play no defense whatsoever and the scoring has been absolutely horrendous. Pray to get the #1 spot and draft the future stud known as Chris Paul AKA CP3.
Next we have the wheeling and dealing GM Skillz for the New Jersey Nets. This GM has made some questionable GM moves, especially moving the likes of RJ for basically a bag of balls. Youngster Anderson Varejao has put extremely decent numbers, but the team in general is raw and young and can not be expected to compete just yet. Big Z holds down the fort at the C spot, but I think its time for him to go and really start the youth movement.
Drafting Dwight Howard was a step in the right direction for the struggling Boston franchise. This move has not yet paid off but it will in upcoming seasons. As for the negatives of the team, Bryant Reeves at the Center?? If you were looking for the Julio Franco of the NBA there you go. Jamal Mashburn on a positive note, has continued to play beastly, but for how many more years can he do that? Josh Howard is also a nice young talent to have who will only continue to develop into a very solid player.
Next up, Aaron's Magic. Very nice scorers in Redd, Odom and Randolph on the team, however, Maurice Williams, is a bit inexperienced and not ready to run the fort just yet. Allowing and scoring about the same amount of points leads to the current record of 21-29, an up and down season. The future looks bright for the team, but not the present just yet.
Cleveland Cavaliers, your on the clock. Glenn Robinson has played great, but that contract is a killer to trade if he wanted to move him. Trading for the likes of Barbosa, may be a trade that saved his team. Barbosa is a youngster with a lot of potential and speed comparable to T.J. Ford. This is another team that you like that, which is very raw and young, and just ready to compete in the current season. I expect big seasons a few years down the line. Adding a stud big, would definitely help this team play better now.
And next we have the Atlanta Hawks, AKA "Steve Francis's team." The Franchise plays well, but the contract is a horrendous one when you look at it. Atlanta has a lot of a future, with a boatload of picks to come for the 2005 draft. Also, upcoming solid players in Krstic and Kaman, will help the team develop nicely.
You expected, with all the big names acquired, Miami would be a contender right, wrong. When you look on paper, these big names may bring fans into the seats, but they are not bringing the amount of wins GM Kevin expected. Just recently, he parted ways with the youngster Jamaal Tinsley, quoting "He's just not ready to contribute yet, I took a chance on him and it just didn't work out. Acquiring Jackson gives us a nice veteran PG who is experienced and ready to contribute."
And now the talk on playoff team starts.
First off, the New Orleans Hornets. With Spence, joining and now leaving the club, who knows what hell may break loose. JJ has been a great contributor and leader for the organization. With the new acquisition of NVE, they'll have another leader to add to the team and have decided to part ways with "Tmac 2." What would help this team is to acquire a stud 3, who can run the floor with NVE and penetrate inside.
Nexy Indy, AKA "KG/Tim D's playground." Duce has mixed and matched this season, in an attempt to prepare his club for the playoffs. The one thing I see missing is true stud scorer. Tampering with the DC's and making some minor changes may help this team dramactically.
Milwaukee, step up to the mic. Cjmjones has done a solid job with team, basically using draft to acquire stud upon stud to this team. Its scary to see how this team will do when the likes of Bosh and Nelson reach their true potential, in addition having the likes of Carmelo and Kmart run the fastbreak.
Washington, your up now. Olo has turned into a blocking machine, which was very unexpected. Walker is putting up all-star #'s still, even with many adjustments that have been made. Snow putting up 10 ppg and 9 assts, how'd that happen. All and all, a solid team all around and a definite contender come playoff time.
Cream of the Crop:
The Detroit Pistons start off the top 4. With their outstanding D and amazing scoring, year after year they continue to be a force to reckon with. Jason Kidd continue to put up nearly triple D numbers and Shaq is a great force on the inside. Zo has been a huge contributor and Darko has developed himself into a solid player already. Add in a scorer like Artest and a D stud like Prince and you have that championship team, a pick amongst many GM's.
At #3 its toronto. DJ has basically stuck thin through the bad years of the team and drafted great and now has a championship team to show for it. He acquired Nene through trade which was a nice deal for him. Gilbert Arenas has been putting up superstar numbers including 9+ assts. D Wade, is just a sick man, who can not be stopped by anyone. Add in Stepania/White for 5 bpg and you have an overall great team.
#2 is the New York Knicks, basically a team built from the ground up. Yao 3.4 bpg and 21 ppg and 10+ brds, just outstanding. Ben Wallace doing the little things as always and putting up all around sick numbers. Diop adds another inside blocking presence. And a combo of Hinrich/Cassell running the 1 and 2.
Finally #1, the Chicago Bulls. Basically this team has no flaws thusfar. GM Krup's new strategies have worked great. Brand continues to play like the beast he is. Manu has learned that passing the ball is a good thing. With the acquisition of Camby, Bulls add another great board man and inside defensive force. Dirk scoring the way he's scoring just doesn't say enough about this team. Sheed continues to have a solid midrange game and score over 13ppg.
This wraps up the preview of the Eastern Conference. I'll be checking in to write other articles hopefully soon.
We start with the bottom dwellers, the Philadelphia 76ers. Starting Brian Skinner at center, is enough to make GM Andy choke on his hot dog. Youngster Perkins is counted on to eat up huge minutes along with veteran Simpkins, combining for just above average numbers. Positives to take out of this team are the play of Corey Maggette, averaging just above 18 ppg. In addition, the extremely big contract of Kenny Anderson will be off the table next year. The team however continues to play no defense whatsoever and the scoring has been absolutely horrendous. Pray to get the #1 spot and draft the future stud known as Chris Paul AKA CP3.
Next we have the wheeling and dealing GM Skillz for the New Jersey Nets. This GM has made some questionable GM moves, especially moving the likes of RJ for basically a bag of balls. Youngster Anderson Varejao has put extremely decent numbers, but the team in general is raw and young and can not be expected to compete just yet. Big Z holds down the fort at the C spot, but I think its time for him to go and really start the youth movement.
Drafting Dwight Howard was a step in the right direction for the struggling Boston franchise. This move has not yet paid off but it will in upcoming seasons. As for the negatives of the team, Bryant Reeves at the Center?? If you were looking for the Julio Franco of the NBA there you go. Jamal Mashburn on a positive note, has continued to play beastly, but for how many more years can he do that? Josh Howard is also a nice young talent to have who will only continue to develop into a very solid player.
Next up, Aaron's Magic. Very nice scorers in Redd, Odom and Randolph on the team, however, Maurice Williams, is a bit inexperienced and not ready to run the fort just yet. Allowing and scoring about the same amount of points leads to the current record of 21-29, an up and down season. The future looks bright for the team, but not the present just yet.
Cleveland Cavaliers, your on the clock. Glenn Robinson has played great, but that contract is a killer to trade if he wanted to move him. Trading for the likes of Barbosa, may be a trade that saved his team. Barbosa is a youngster with a lot of potential and speed comparable to T.J. Ford. This is another team that you like that, which is very raw and young, and just ready to compete in the current season. I expect big seasons a few years down the line. Adding a stud big, would definitely help this team play better now.
And next we have the Atlanta Hawks, AKA "Steve Francis's team." The Franchise plays well, but the contract is a horrendous one when you look at it. Atlanta has a lot of a future, with a boatload of picks to come for the 2005 draft. Also, upcoming solid players in Krstic and Kaman, will help the team develop nicely.
You expected, with all the big names acquired, Miami would be a contender right, wrong. When you look on paper, these big names may bring fans into the seats, but they are not bringing the amount of wins GM Kevin expected. Just recently, he parted ways with the youngster Jamaal Tinsley, quoting "He's just not ready to contribute yet, I took a chance on him and it just didn't work out. Acquiring Jackson gives us a nice veteran PG who is experienced and ready to contribute."
And now the talk on playoff team starts.
First off, the New Orleans Hornets. With Spence, joining and now leaving the club, who knows what hell may break loose. JJ has been a great contributor and leader for the organization. With the new acquisition of NVE, they'll have another leader to add to the team and have decided to part ways with "Tmac 2." What would help this team is to acquire a stud 3, who can run the floor with NVE and penetrate inside.
Nexy Indy, AKA "KG/Tim D's playground." Duce has mixed and matched this season, in an attempt to prepare his club for the playoffs. The one thing I see missing is true stud scorer. Tampering with the DC's and making some minor changes may help this team dramactically.
Milwaukee, step up to the mic. Cjmjones has done a solid job with team, basically using draft to acquire stud upon stud to this team. Its scary to see how this team will do when the likes of Bosh and Nelson reach their true potential, in addition having the likes of Carmelo and Kmart run the fastbreak.
Washington, your up now. Olo has turned into a blocking machine, which was very unexpected. Walker is putting up all-star #'s still, even with many adjustments that have been made. Snow putting up 10 ppg and 9 assts, how'd that happen. All and all, a solid team all around and a definite contender come playoff time.
Cream of the Crop:
The Detroit Pistons start off the top 4. With their outstanding D and amazing scoring, year after year they continue to be a force to reckon with. Jason Kidd continue to put up nearly triple D numbers and Shaq is a great force on the inside. Zo has been a huge contributor and Darko has developed himself into a solid player already. Add in a scorer like Artest and a D stud like Prince and you have that championship team, a pick amongst many GM's.
At #3 its toronto. DJ has basically stuck thin through the bad years of the team and drafted great and now has a championship team to show for it. He acquired Nene through trade which was a nice deal for him. Gilbert Arenas has been putting up superstar numbers including 9+ assts. D Wade, is just a sick man, who can not be stopped by anyone. Add in Stepania/White for 5 bpg and you have an overall great team.
#2 is the New York Knicks, basically a team built from the ground up. Yao 3.4 bpg and 21 ppg and 10+ brds, just outstanding. Ben Wallace doing the little things as always and putting up all around sick numbers. Diop adds another inside blocking presence. And a combo of Hinrich/Cassell running the 1 and 2.
Finally #1, the Chicago Bulls. Basically this team has no flaws thusfar. GM Krup's new strategies have worked great. Brand continues to play like the beast he is. Manu has learned that passing the ball is a good thing. With the acquisition of Camby, Bulls add another great board man and inside defensive force. Dirk scoring the way he's scoring just doesn't say enough about this team. Sheed continues to have a solid midrange game and score over 13ppg.
This wraps up the preview of the Eastern Conference. I'll be checking in to write other articles hopefully soon.