Before I start, I just want to note that there isn’t any kind of projected line-ups on ESPN or NBA.com yet. So, these are the line-ups I am projecting. Also, I accept the fact that various trades may occur between now and the beginning of the season. I’m projecting using today’s rosters (Note: Anywhere you see (?), I wasn’t sure who would play the position for the team. Usually this means the team is weak at that position).
Also, note that the teams are done in alphabetical order first. At the end of the article I will post my predictions for records, playoffs, and personal awards.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic
- Boston Celtics:
Projected Starting Five
C – Kendrick Perkins
PF – Kevin Garnett
SF – Paul Pierce
SG – Ray Allen
PG – Rajon Rondo
Notable Bench Players
-None of note
Mike’s Take:
The Boston Celtics make a lot of noise in the off-season. Garnering some hype as playoff contenders. I’m not as high on this team as others. While the three superstars will be a force, they can’t all be on the court at all times. There is no one significant to come off the bench. Not to mention the two non-stars in the starting line-up. It will be a bit of a frustrating year for Celtics fans. Look for them to make the playoffs and then get ousted in the first or second round.
- New Jersey Nets
Projected Starting Five
C – Nenad Krstic
PF – Sean Williams
SF – Richard Jefferson
SG – Vince Carter
PG – Jason Kidd
Notable Bench Players
G – Marcus Williams
C – Jamaal Magloire
Mike’s Take:
The Nets come into this season off a decent playoff run. They return the same team they’ve had since the dawn of man. The team has some strengths, but I think this year the will be on the playoffs bubble at best (actually, that’s the same as every year for the Nets).
- New York Knicks
Projected Starting Five
C – Eddy Curry
PF – Zach Randolph
SF – David Lee
SG – Jamal Crawford
PG – Nate Robinson/Stephon Marbury
Notable Bench Players
F – Renaldo Balkman
F (Rookie) – Wilson Chandler
F-G – Quentin Richardson
Mike’s Take:
The Knicks made some nice moves this off-season. They got Zach Randolph on the cheap. Now the Knicks have a formidable duo under the basket (Curry and Randolph). The increased rebounding should help the team because these guards like to throw up shots. I like the bench for this team. The high energy bench players (i.e. Balkman) will provide pep to the team when Curry and Randolph start dragging (it’s bound to happen).
- Philadelphia 76ers
Projected Starting Five
C – Samuel Dalembert (injured)
PF – Thaddeus Young
SF – Kyle Korver
SG – Andre Iguodala
PG – Andre Miller
Notable Bench Players
-None of note.
Mike’s Take:
The 76ers enter their first full season of rebuild mode. If the second half of last season is an indicator, this team may surprise some people. Andre Miller is one of the premier PGs in the league (and gets surprisingly little credit for it). The big issues that the 76ers will have to overcome are its youth and seemingly lack of bench.
- Toronto Raptors
Projected Starting Five
C – Rasho Nesterovic
PF – Chris Bosh
SF – Andrea Bargnani
SG – Anthony Parker
PG – T.J. Ford/Jose Calderon
Notable Bench Players
F – Jason Kapono
F – Jorge Garbajosa
Mike’s Take:
The Toronto Raptors are coming off a season that ended in the playoffs. They look to take their international style a step further. This team has most depth of any Atlantic division team. Look for them in the playoffs again this year (barring injury, of course).
Central
- Chicago Bulls
Projected Starting Five
C – Ben Wallace
PF – Joakim Noah/Tyrus Thomas
SF – Luol Deng
SG – Ben Gordon
PG – Kirk Heinrich
Notable Bench Players
F – Andres Nocioni
G – Chris Duhon
F – Joe Smith
Mike’s Take:
The Chicago Bulls have shown over the past couple of years that they can make some noise in the playoffs. This year’s team hasn’t changed much from last year’s. Once again, the bulls seem to be mostly defense oriented with some streaky shooters. They should make the playoffs, but I’m not sure how far they will go. Most likely outcome is another second or third round exit.
- Cleveland Cavaliers
Projected Starting Five
C – Zydrunas Ilgauskas
PF – Drew Gooden
SF – LeBron James
SG – Larry Hughes
PG – Eric Snow
Notable Bench Players
G – Daniel Gibson
Mike’s Take:
The Cavs are returning pretty much the same team as last year. Sure, they made the Finals last year, but it was still a flawed team. The current Rumor is that they are looking to sign Allan Houston. They should be able to make the playoffs again this year. I’m not sure how far they will go.
- Detroit Pistons
Projected Starting Five
C – Nazr Mohammed
PF – Rasheed Wallace
SF – Tayshaun Prince
SG – Richard Hamilton
PG – Chauncey Billups
Notable Bench Players
- A heavy reliance on rookies
Mike’s Take:
The Pistons seem to get worse each year. Yet, each year they are in the Conference Finals. This year, their bench appears to be manned by all rookies (a bit of an exaggeration but they are more rookies on the bench than on other teams). The Pistons still have the goods to make the playoffs, but I don’t see another Conference Finals in their future.
- Indiana Pacers
Projected Starting Five
C – Jermaine O’Neal
PF – Troy Murphy
SF – Danny Granger
SG – Marquis Daniels (?)
PG – Jamaal Tinsley
Notable Bench Players
F – Mike Dunleavy
Mike’s Take:
The Pacers are in full blown floundering mode. The team isn’t good (that can be said about any team with Murphy and Dunleavy). They don’t have cap room (thanks again Murphy and Dunleavy). They didn’t get any good draft picks this past summer (poor planning). Most of all, the Pacers don’t seem committed to rebuilding. They have locked themselves into a losing team. Bad days lie ahead for Bird’s team.
- Milwaukee Bucks
Projected Starting Five
C – Andrew Bogut
PF – Yi Jianlian
SF – Desmond Mason
SG – Michael Redd
PG – Lynn Greer (?)
Notable Bench Players
F – Charlie Villenueva
Mike’s Take:
The Milwaukee Bucks have the chance to be good this year. They have a big time shooter (Redd). They have quality big men (Bogut and Villenueva). They’ve got a proven small forward (Desmond Mason). They’ve got a high risk/high reward rookie in Jianlian. The big issue for the team is the point guard position. From what I saw of the roster, it didn’t seem like they had a solid PG. If they could trade Villenueva for a T.J. Ford type, we’d have a contender. As they stand now, they are a borderline playoff team.
Southeast
- Atlanta Hawks
Projected Starting Five
C – Zaza Pachulia
PF – Marvin Williams
SF – Josh Smith
SG – Joe Johnson
PG – Acie Law
Notable Bench Players
PF – Al Horford
F – Shelden Williams
Mike’s Take:
The Atlanta Hawks got lucky this past summer. They got two high draft picks (Acie Law and Al Horford). This made the Hawks an instant contender in some people’s eyes. I, personally, think they have a little way to go still. As they stand right now, they are a team filled with power forwards. Finding a normal rotation may become difficult. Give them a year or two to straighten out the rotation and they are right in there. They remind me of the Bulls from 3 or 4 years ago. You know they will be good, but they just need to put things together.
- Charlotte Bobcats
Projected Starting Five
C – Emeka Okafor
PF – Sean May
SF – Gerald Wallace
SG – Jason Richardson
PG – Raymond Felton
Notable Bench Players
F – Adam Morrison
G – Matt Carroll
F – Walter Herrmann
Mike’s Take:
The Bobcats did a lot to improve their team. Having been burned by a high draft pick (Morrison), they decided to flip Brandan Wright for Jason Richardson. They now have a plethora of solid scorers (Richardson, Wallace, and Felton). Their bench is pretty solid with the likes of Herrmann and Carroll. The only issue I see is with their front court. Mainly, they don’t appear to have a center on the team. This team is pretty good. They may make the playoffs this year, or they might fall apart.
- Miami Heat
Projected Starting Five
C – Shaq O’Neal
PF – Udonis Haslem
SF – Anfernee Hardaway (?)
SG – Dwayne Wade
PG – Smush Parker/Jason Williams
Notable Bench Players
-None of note
Mike’s Take:
The Heat have gone from Champs to playoff contenders to a mess. Sure, they still have Dwayne Wade. But, he is coming off a year in which he was injured for the majority of the time. Shaq is another year older (and now has family issues to deal with). Add to this the loss of all their solid role players (Kapono, Posey, and Gary Payton are all gone). Then replace those players with terrible options (Afernee Hardaway hasn’t be a viable player since Orlando, Smush Parker has never been a viable option). The Heat will miss the playoffs this year.
- Orlando Magic
Projected Starting Five
C – Dwight Howard
PF – Rashard Lewis
SF – Hedo Turkoglu
SG – J.J. Redick (?)
PG – Jameer Nelson
Notable Bench Players
G – Carlos Arroyo
F – Trevor Ariza
Mike’s Take:
The Magic have an interesting team. On the one hand they have some solid players (Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, and Rashard Lewis). On the other hand, as soon has they get cap room (Grant Hill’s albatross of a contract expired), they go out and make another albatross of a contract (Lewis’s contract). So, now they are stuck in a position as a younger, less talented version of the Boston Celtics. They have the ability to make the playoffs, but they won’t make much noise if they make it.
- Washington Wizards
Projected Starting Five
C – Brendon Haywood
PF – Antawn Jamison
SF – Caron Butler
SG – Nick Young
PG – Gilbert Arenas
Notable Bench Players
C – Etan Thomas
Mike’s Take:
The Wizards made the playoffs last year, but got kicked out when their entire team came up injured. This year, they come back healthy and add rookie Nick Young to the mix. They should be in the mix to make the playoffs. They may even win a playoff series if they make it (and are healthy). But I don’t see them making the finals.
Western Conference
Pacific
- Golden State Warriors
Projected Starting Five
C – Andris Bierdrins
PF – Al Harrington
SF – Matt Barnes
SG – Monta Ellis
PG – Baron Davis
Notable Bench Players
F – Brandan Wright
F – Austin Croshere
Mike’s Take:
The Warriors made a splash last year when they beat the Mavs in a first round playoff series. Their high tempo, high energy game was the perfect mismatch for the Mavs. This year, the Warriors bring back most of their team. The notable exception being J-Rich; who they traded to the Bobcats for rookie Brandan Wright. The Warriors still have a huge deficiency in the front court. Bierdrins is a good shot blocker, but he tends to get into foul trouble and a good C or PF can go to business down low (see: Carlos Boozer and the Jazz in the second round of last year’s playoffs). Add to this the back and forth of whether Don Nelson will be coach or not. I’m going to say that the Warriors miss the playoffs this year.
- Los Angeles Clippers
Projected Starting Five
C – Chris Kaman
PF – Elton Brand (injured for ½ season)
SF – Ruben Patterson
SG – Corey Maggette
PG – Sam Cassell
Notable Bench Players
F – Al Thornton
G – Cutino Mobley
Mike’s Take:
The Clippers are in a rough position. Similar to the Grizzlies last year, the Clippers star PF is out for the first half of the year. Look for them to be abysmal for that stretch. Then afterwards, they may be a decent team, but I think they may go into tank mode. I’m predicting that they will have one of the worst records this season.
- Los Angeles Lakers
Projected Starting Five
C – Andrew Bynum
PF – Lamar Odom
SF – Luke Walton
SG – Kobe Bryant
PG – Derek Fisher
Notable Bench Players
G – Javaris Crittendon
Mike’s Take:
The Lakers are in a difficult position. They have one great player (Kobe), and he isn’t happy. So, they either have to dump a bunch of players in a trade to get better, trade away the superstar for 75 cents on the dollar, or stick with the team as is and risk the player walking at the end of the contract. It seems like the Lakers are going with option 3. If Kobe plays his heart out (like he did at the FIBA Americas Tourney), the Lakers have a good shot at making the playoffs. If Kobe plays with a chip against the Laker organization, the team won’t make the playoffs.
- Phoenix Suns
Projected Starting Five
C – Amare Stoudamire
PF – Shawn Marion
SF – Grant Hill
SG – Boris Diaw
PG – Steve Nash
Notable Bench Players
PG – Leandro Barbosa
F – Alando Tucker
G – Raja Bell
Mike’s Take:
The Suns are in the ’07-’08 playoffs. They return their finals contending team from last year. And they added a solid role player in Grant Hill. Just give them the one, two, or three seed now and let it go.
- Sacramento Kings
Projected Starting Five
C – Mikki Moore
PF – Shareef Abdur-Rahim
SF – Ron Artest
SG – Kevin Martin
PG – Mike Bibby
Notable Bench Players
C – Brad Miller
C – Spencer Hawes
Mike’s Take:
The Kings made a small splash by signing a free agent (Mikki Moore). Their team actually isn’t that bad this year. Their only real concern is the PF position and the back court depth. Look for the Kings to surprise some teams and play the role of playoff spoiler. They should end up in the middle of a surprisingly weak Pacific Division.
Southwest
- Dallas Mavericks
Projected Starting Five
C – DeSagana Diop
PF – Dirk Nowitzki
SF – Josh Howard
SG – Devean George
PG – Jason Terry
Notable Bench Players
SG – Jerry Stackhouse
C – Erik Dampier
G – Devin Harris
Mike’s Take:
Along with the Suns and Spurs, the Mavs are a dead set lock to make the playoffs. From what I see, they are running out almost the exact same team as last year. They just have to hope they don’t get paired up with a team like the Warriors in the first round. The Mavs should compete for the Championship. All they have to do is play with some heart or energy.
- Houston Rockets
Projected Starting Five
C – Yao Ming
PF – Shane Battier
SF – Tracy McGrady
SG – Steve Francis
PG – Mike James
Notable Bench Players
G-F – Bonzi Wells
Mike’s Take:
The Rockets have had issues with health for the past couple of seasons. T-Mac and Yao are always in some state of injury. If they could get over the injuries, they can make noise in the playoffs. I’m going to say that the team will get hit with an injury or two. They should make the playoffs, but not make it out of the first round.
- Memphis Grizzlies
Projected Starting Five
C – Darko Milicic
PF – Pau Gasol
SF – Rudy Gay
SG – Mike Miller
PG – Mike Conley
Notable Bench Players
PG – Juan Carlos Navarro
F – Hakim Warrick
Mike’s Take:
The Grizzlies are my sleeper special. The team was a playoff force two years ago. Last year, Pau is injured for half the season and they tanked the rest. This year, they have Pau at full health and add some key players (Darko, Conley, and Navarro). Look for the Grizzlies to make the playoffs with potential to be one of the final four in the western conference.
- New Orleans Hornets
Projected Starting Five
C – Tyson Chandler
PF – David West
SF – Peja Stojakovic
SG – Jennaro Pargo
PG – Chris Paul
Notable Bench Players
F (Rookie) – Julian Wright
G – Morris Peterson
F – Rasual Butler
Mike’s Take:
The Hornets seem to be another team that has several good pieces, but still has holes. Chris Paul will lead the team. But, is Jennaro Pargo good enough to be holding the SG position? How about Mo Pete? The Hornets are another team that are on the playoff bubble.
- San Antonio Spurs
Projected Starting Five
C – Francisco Elson/Fabrico Oberto
PF – Tim Duncan
SF – Bruce Bowen
SG – Manu Ginobili
PG – Tony Parker
Notable Bench Players
F – Michael Finley
F-C – Robert Horry
Mike’s Take:
Just put them in for either the Conference Finals or the NBA Finals. That’s where their season lies. No major changes to the current NBA champs. Have to give them the respect.
Northwest
- Denver Nuggets
Projected Starting Five
C – Marcus Camby
PF – Kenyon Martin/Nene
SF – Carmelo Anthony
SG – Allen Iverson
PG – Chucky Atkins
Notable Bench Players
G – J.R. Smith
Mike’s Take:
The Nuggets made their big move last season (acquiring AI). Now they will have an entire season to figure out a way to work cohesively. The Nuggets should make the playoffs. Once again followed by an early to mid round exit.
- Minnesota Timberwolves
Projected Starting Five
C – Mark Blount
PF – Al Jefferson
SF – Ryan Gomes/Gerald Green
SG – Corey Brewer
PG – Randy Foye
Notable Bench Players
C-F – Mark Madsen
Expiring Contract – Theo Ratliff
Mike’s Take:
The Wolves have a bunch of young players. Al Jefferson is a decent replacement for KG (he puts up similar numbers and is young). Randy Foye and Corey Brewer will make an interesting back court (if they go that way). The Wolves have a few years before they will compete seriously.
- Portland Trailblazers
Projected Starting Five
C – Greg Oden
PF – LaMarcus Aldridge
SF – Darius Miles (?)
SG – Brandon Roy
PG – Jarrett Jack
Notable Bench Players
F – Channing Frye
G-F – Martell Webster
Mike’s Take:
As you know, the Blazers won the lottery and got Greg Oden. Put them in the playoffs, right? Not so fast. Greg Oden is appearing more and more injury prone (the wrist, the tonsils, and now the knee). He is starting to remind me of another Blazers center, Bill Walton. I hope, for the sake of the Blazer fans, that these injuries are just a one time thing and Oden can play solidly for a long time. The Blazers playoff hopes are on the bubble right now.
- Seattle Supersonics
Projected Starting Five
C – Chris Wilcox
PF – Nick Collison
SF – Jeff Green
SG – Kevin Durant
PG – Luke Ridnour
Notable Bench Players
PG – Earl Watson
G – Delonte West
F – Wally Szczerbiak (health depending)
Mike’s Take:
Kevin Durant is healthy. But, there isn’t much around him. Look for this team to be back in the lottery next year.
- Utah Jazz
Projected Starting Five
C – Mehmet Okur
PF – Carlos Boozer
SF – Andrei Kirilenko
SG – Matt Harpring
PG – Deron Williams
Notable Bench Players
C – Kyrylo Fesenko (check the quotes from this guy)
F – Paul Millsap
Mike’s Take:
The Jazz have a solid team (they made the Conference Finals last year). Kyrylo Fesenko has had some of the best quotes of the off season. Look for this team to make the playoffs again this year. How far they go depends on the match-ups they get (i.e. if they play the Warriors in any round, they are going to the next round).
The Playoff Picture
Eastern Conference
1) Chicago Bulls
2) Toronto Raptors
3) Boston Celtics
4) Washington Wizards
5) Cleveland Cavaliers
6) Orlando Magic
7) New York Knicks
8) Charlotte Bobcats
Western Conference
1) Dallas Mavericks
2) Phoenix Suns
3) San Antonio Spurs
4) Utah Jazz
5) Memphis Grizzlies
6) Denver Nuggets
7) Houston Rockets
8) Portland Trailblazers
First Round Match-Ups
Eastern
Bulls vs. Bobcats —– Bulls win
Raptors vs. Knicks — Raptors win
Celtics vs. Magic —– Celtics win (interesting match-up, very similar teams)
Wizards vs. Cavs —– Cavs win
Western
Mavs vs. Trailblazers —— Mavs win
Suns vs. Rockets —- Suns win
Spurs vs. Nuggets — Spurs win
Jazz vs. Grizzlies —- Grizzlies win (I’d love to see this series)
Second Round Match-Ups
Eastern
Bulls vs. Cavs ——- Bulls win
Raptors vs. Celtics – Raptors win (difficult series, could go either way)
Western
Mavs vs. Grizzlies — Mavs win (another good series to watch)
Suns vs. Spurs ——– Suns win (got to give it to them for the revenge factor)
Conference Finals
Eastern
Bulls vs. Raptors —– Raptors win
Western
Mavs vs. Suns ——– Mavs win
NBA Finals
Mavs vs. Raptors
Champs
Dallas Mavericks – I think Dirk is going to redeem himself in this year’s playoffs (ala Payton Manning).
Personal Awards
NBA MVP
Tim Duncan
Rookie of the Year
Kevin Durant – He is a great rookie and is going to be the go to scoring option for the Sonics. That will lead to some great statistics.
Defensive Player of the Year
Ron Artest – I’m thinking Ron Ron will be a key cog in a Kings team that will make a run at the playoffs.
NBA Finals MVP
Dirk Nowitzki – As I said above, I think he will come back this season and lead his team to the Championship
September 11, 2007 at 10:46 am |
Okay, the beast is up. I know that the format is a little sketchy, but that’s the way I’m going to leave it.
Also, I want to let you know that the team I root for is the Warriors. I’m pretty unbiased and you can see that I gave even my team a realistic prediction.
September 11, 2007 at 10:57 am |
Question: Mike, Why did you wimp out and not put up projected records like you do with your baseball prediction?
Answer: I was being lazy and didn’t put that much effort into this project (I only made it a mere 3,500 words and 16 pages long).
September 12, 2007 at 5:35 am |
Darius Miles is not going to be the starter SF for the blazers. Either Outlaw or Webster are going to start and possibly (about 1% chance) Miles will get into shape and play some part later in the season.
September 12, 2007 at 7:08 am |
That’s why I put a question mark next to his name. The Blazers don’t really have a SF that should be starting in the league. Outlaw and Webster are back-ups at best. Miles has the most talent, but is a mess. So, without a clear cut starter, I just picked the one with the most name recognition/best stats. In this case it was Miles, despite his low chances of actually starting.
September 12, 2007 at 8:08 am |
If you’re a Warriors fan, you might want to just focus on them and not pretend to know anything about other teams. So you say the Celtics have no one of note on the bench, even though they James Posey, a guy that started for the 2005 champions; and yet you go on to list a bunch of rookies as players of note. Please don’t delude yourself into thinking that you ever had a chance at Garnett, because you didn’t.
September 12, 2007 at 8:11 am |
Wow. And your playoff picture is so far off, it’s not even funny. I must have missed it when Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton and Taysuan Prince all went down with season-ending injuries.
September 12, 2007 at 8:32 am |
James Posey is overrated. But you are correct, I should have listed him as a notable bench player.
I never wanted the Warriors to get Garnett. It would have cost the future of the team. Not worth it in my opinion.
If you read the article, you would know that I think the Pistons are going downhill. Billups and Rip are still good (Tayshaun is still ok), but the surround team isn’t as good. With many Eastern teams improving, the Pistons did nothing to improve. Thus, I left them out of the playoffs.
Actually, in my write-up of the Pistons, I mentioned that they still could make the playoffs. If you want to put them in as a 6, 7, or 8 seed and bump off the Bobcats, Knicks, or Magic, that is fine.
September 12, 2007 at 8:50 am |
You left the Detroit Pistons out of the playoffs? That is insane.
You also left LA out which is plain wrong.
September 12, 2007 at 8:51 am |
Ahhhh you left out Miami …. stop taking whatever medications you’re on, it’s clouding your mind
September 12, 2007 at 8:51 am |
Being a Celtics fan, I don’t like the Pistons, and I would love for them to not make the playoffs, but they stil finished with the best record in the East last year, and I can’t imagine that big of a drop-off, barring major injuries.
Also, I like what the Bobcats are doing, but I still think they’re a year or two away from playoff contention. I also don’t see the Nets missing the playoffs without major injuries. I don’t know if you factored that into your rankings or not. I thought it was just based on current rosters. But if so, my mistake.
September 12, 2007 at 9:02 am |
Who – You honestly think Miami has a shot at making the playoffs? Or were you being sarcastic on that one?
No injuries were factored in. Just based it on what I saw in each team. You can make an arguement for any team to make the playoffs (except the T-Wolves). Nets and Pistons should be right there in the thick of the playoff hunt. I’d have no problem with them being thrown on the list instead of the Magic, the Knicks, or the Bobcats. But, I’ll still with what I said and we’ll see how dumb I look come April ‘08.
September 12, 2007 at 9:10 am |
The most glaring of your glaring mistakes is not listing Craig Smith as (at least) a notable bench player. He’ll likely platoon with Gomes or be the outright starter imho.
September 12, 2007 at 9:11 am |
(that’s Timberwolves, btw)
September 12, 2007 at 9:14 am |
“James Posey is overrated.”
Ha. Well, this blog sucks.
September 12, 2007 at 9:24 am |
This blog does suck. Because if I can’t see the greatness of a player who gives you 7 points and 5 boards a game, it must suck.
Sorry Boston fans. Posey is a capable player, and will play a solid role. But if you are predicting a 6th man of the year award, you are fooling yourself.
September 12, 2007 at 9:51 am |
Missing out on Posey was the least of your mistakes, and if you can’t see what he brings to a basketball team, I’m not surprised at the contents of this blog.
September 12, 2007 at 10:17 am |
Oh my God! RAPTORS in the ECF? What a crappy blog.
September 12, 2007 at 10:31 am |
Wow, I’m surprised so many people care about what team will lose to the Western conference in the Finals.
Honestly, it doesn’t matter if it’s the Celtics, the Bulls, the Raptors, or the Hawks. The Western conference is still the dominant conference.
September 12, 2007 at 10:39 am |
Yeah, just like it was in 2004 and 2005, right?
BTW, that idea about the Bucks trading Villanueva for a T.J. Ford-type was priceless. Unfortunately, I don’t think you were joking.
September 12, 2007 at 10:41 am |
edit: 2004 and 2006
September 12, 2007 at 10:46 am |
The Charlie V. for Ford deal was a joke (because Milwaukee made the trade in the opposite direction).
The refs gave Miami the title in 2006. If you disagree, you either A) didn’t watch the ‘06 Finals or B) are a fan of Miami.
September 12, 2007 at 10:47 am |
Was it also a joke to leave out Mo Williams as the Bucks starting point guard?
And did the refs give Detroit the title too?
September 12, 2007 at 10:55 am |
I got my roster information from NBA.com. They show Mo Williams as a FA. I didn’t stop to think if he signed or not, I just took their word for it. That is my mistake. If you factor in Mo Williams, the Bucks should be in the playoffs (I like them more than the Magic, Knicks, and Bobcats).
Detroit in ‘04 had a better team than they do now or any other Eastern team does now.
September 12, 2007 at 11:04 am |
The *Updated* Playoff Picture (Mo Williams included)
Eastern Conference
1) Chicago Bulls
2) Toronto Raptors
3) Boston Celtics
4) Washington Wizards
5) Cleveland Cavaliers
6) Milwaukee Bucks
7) Orlando Magic
8) New York Knicks
Western Conference
1) Dallas Mavericks
2) Phoenix Suns
3) San Antonio Spurs
4) Utah Jazz
5) Memphis Grizzlies
6) Denver Nuggets
7) Houston Rockets
8) Portland Trailblazers
First Round Match-Ups
Eastern
Bulls vs. Knicks —– Bulls win
Raptors vs. Magic — Raptors win
Celtics vs. Bucks —– Celtics win (This would be a good match-up. The Celts have more firepower in their stars. The Bucks have a more rounded team)
Wizards vs. Cavs —– Cavs win
The rest plays out the same.
September 12, 2007 at 11:31 am |
unbelievable!
how can you explain the dysfunctional Knicks to beat out (not one but TWO past championship teams in recent years) Pistons and Heat?
That’s just mind boggling!
September 12, 2007 at 12:49 pm |
Has anyone else noticed that all of the complaints here are based on Eastern Conference teams? These are teams, that when the end comes, will all be standing on the sidelines watching a Western Conference team hoist the trophy saying “Wha Happened?” It doesn’t matter who Mo Williams plays for, and if James Posey is so great why did the team need Garnet? Listen, The Celtics may not finish in last place this year, but they sure as hell aren’t taking the East. I will be surprised if they even make the playoffs.
September 12, 2007 at 1:02 pm |
Chris,
A Celtics blog posted a link to my preview. So, a lot of the people who have viewed and commented are Boston fans.
Had it been a Laker blog, I’m sure people would have been ripping me for not including the Lakers in the playoffs (even though they were one bad week from missing the playoffs last year and Kobe is now working against the team).
They did bring up a few valid points, and I admit that my Western conference knowledge is far superior to my Eastern conference knowledge.
I support the belief that the Western conference will win the chip again this year, but if someone roots for an Eastern team, I’m not going to be the one trying to talk them down from the ledge.
September 12, 2007 at 1:08 pm |
Congrats Chris. There’s someone even more clueless than the blogger.
September 12, 2007 at 1:19 pm |
Definitely a waste of space. This may be the worst projections I have ever seen. Please don’t ever blog about the NBA ever again… PLEASE!!!!!!!
September 12, 2007 at 1:42 pm |
You’re confusing your terms “Lets’Breal.”
In saying, “Please don’t ever blog about the NBA ever again.” You are telling my not to start an entire weblog dedicated to the NBA. I can assure that will not happen. I just throw everything into this one blog. No need for a second one.
What I believe you were trying to say would be, “Please don’t ever POST about the NBA ever again.” This version would tell me not to make a new post on this blog about the NBA.
Still that updated version doesn’t go into your redundant use of the word “ever.” I’m not an English major, so I could care less. But it does leave yourself looking a bit dumb.
A fact that is compounded when you don’t site any reasoning as to why I just post about the NBA again. I’d have to assume that your reasoning is because my predictions aren’t the same as your’s are. In that case, I’d understand the anger. But it is not a valid reason for me to stop talking about something I am enthusiastic about.
September 12, 2007 at 2:08 pm |
I find it pretty interesting that there is such a difference between baseball fans and basketball fans.
When I posted my baseball review, I had people disagreeing with my predictions; which is understandable. But instead of saying the my blog is a “waste of space,” they offered up their projections. Thus allowing us to have an intelligent debate.
With the basketball predictions, the commenters are spending most the time saying pointless arguments. For every, “you’re missing James Posey,” comes a “this blog sucks.” It doesn’t offer anything up for debate. So, please, use this space to make your own predictions.
Thanks!
September 12, 2007 at 2:19 pm |
ehoo15, are you James Posey? Because that would explain so much.
September 12, 2007 at 2:35 pm |
actually, nothing needs to be explained; you’re clueless about basketball; i know it; James Posey knows it, and anyone that read your post knows it
actually, now realizing that this isn’t strictly a basketball blog (it was linked from Celticsblog, so I just assumed), the original poster actually did a pretty good job overall; you, on the other hand, offer nothing of value
September 12, 2007 at 3:04 pm |
Mike’s projected picture is actually pretty close to my own, I have the Bulls going to the finals against the Mavs, but for the most part its pretty close. I definitely like the Raptors this year, and I think that Boston have been playing the Patriots role in the NBA (i.e. sticking as close to the old formula as possible, no big changes). This is a problem because, even though Boston has not made any major changes through the years other than the fact that they lost some key players, other teams have made big changes. When Boston was on top of their game, they couldn’t be beat. But they have gotten older, while their competition has gotten younger. I don’t think that Boston can beat the Bulls, and I just saw that they can’t beat the Cavs.
Mice blog, nice predictions. Still don’t know if I have Boston with a better record than the Knicks or the Raptors, but time will tell. I can’t see the Nets making any noise, because I still see that team in full on tank mode until they move out of Jersey and into the Bronx. But the Knicks continue to get better and better, the gamble with Curry and that heart problem really paid off, and the Raptors have been looking pretty good for the last couple of years. I like Boston, have since Bird played, but though they added KG and Posey, they are still a team with flaws. Three good players do not a championship make. Look at the National team, those are supposed to be some of the best players from every team, and they still get beat by foreign teams with one or two stars on the team. Even as good as Boston’s big three are, they have neither the depth or the starting five that is as good as the Knicks.
September 12, 2007 at 3:16 pm |
Thanks for proving my point in length.
September 12, 2007 at 3:40 pm |
Umm, what? How is that an argument? You ever notice how sometimes movies tend to be closer to real life than you ever could of imagined? I used to watch Celtic Pride, and laugh at the crazy incoherent love of a team that was on the outs. But now I will be able to watch and think how close to real life those film makers must have gotten things.
September 12, 2007 at 3:45 pm |
You’ve got it all wrong (as usual). There is no argument because there’s nothing to argue. You have no good points and no knowledge of basketball. That was my point. There was no need for a counterpoint, but you just decided to dig yourself deeper, and by all means keep it going. It’s pretty enjoyable.
September 12, 2007 at 4:04 pm |
Your big arguments were over the way the Celtics were projected (second round playoff birth is not so bad for a team that finished at the bottom of the NBA last year), and the Detroit problems. I said why I think Detroit has a small chance at making noise, and I said the problems that I think Boston is facing. If you think that a team that went 24-58 last year has a chance of turning everything around and making some kind of jump back to their classic status, you are sadly mistaken. You have three star players who have no experience working together, it is going to take at least half a season for them to get worked out and used to each other (that is if egos don’t get in the way). The Celtics have the building blocks but they are going to need a couple of years to gel. I expect big things in the future, but if you think they are going to be a serious contender this year you are wrong. Its like AI going to Denver with Carmelo, it took half the season for those two guys to start working together in any sort of cohesive fashion (‘Melo’s being gone because of a stupid fight didn’t help either). But now Denver will be one of the players in the West. The East may not be as strong as the West, but they have some serious teams, and to believe that a bottom of the heap team can add two big players and really compete isn’t given the rest of the division any credit. I could be wrong, and if I am I will eat my words, but look at it objectively. My favorite team is Dallas, and when they were matched up with Golden State in the first round last year I said there wasn’t a chance in hell they would progress. There’s a difference between being a fan and just being crazy.
September 12, 2007 at 4:14 pm |
I never once said anything about the Celtics getting bounced in the second round. My problem was with the overall list, much less to do with the Celtics. I think they have a chance to do some real damage in the playoffs, but just like you said with Dallas, anything can happen. But that’s in the playoffs, and while chemistry is very important, I can’t recall a previous team with 3 perennial all-stars, one of which is still a top 5 player in the league, not making the playoffs, which is what you were saying. Chemistry counts, but at the end of the day, it’s still just basketball. And if you have the talent, you can win. And the Celtics have it.
September 12, 2007 at 5:02 pm |
Last team with 3 perennial All-stars… your 2003-2004 Los Angeles Lakers (they actually had 4 perennial all-stars. Shaq, Kobe, Mailman, and GP). They made the Finals, but lost to the Pistons (you already know that).
Their overall record was good, but not great(56-26).
September 12, 2007 at 5:05 pm |
Ehoo15 is gay.
September 12, 2007 at 5:33 pm |
I note there was no response to my Craig Smith comment, which leads me to conclude that your knowledge of the Western Conference isn’t all that deep. It’s a great effort to try and handicap every team in the NBA, but if you don’t follow all these teams quite closely so that you can really discern who’s really marginal from who’s worthwhile (I mean, anyone can read a stat sheet) then it doesn’t have much relevance.
September 12, 2007 at 5:40 pm |
WHoop! I just realized your ‘7&5′ bit was a response re Craig Smith. You’re not looking at the stats closely enough (that was in limited action. see what it works out to per40 mins) and you haven’t been paying attention to what people have been saying about his rookie season. I didn’t say he was a “great” player (not yet), but if you can’t see how he even makes “notable bench” honors then, obviously, you haven’t been paying attention. I’m telling you, there’s an excellent chance he’ll be starting.
Anyway, best of luck with your predictions.
September 12, 2007 at 7:32 pm |
The 7 & 5 quote was actually for James Posey. You were correct in saying that I wasn’t aware of Craig Smith. I’m sure he’ll get some solid playing time with the Wolves, but unfortunately it would move the Wolves out of the lottery.
I don’t claim to have the most exhaustive list of players (In fact, I kind of said the opposite at the beginning of the article). So, if you want to add him to the notable bench/starting rotation of the Wolves, that’s fine by me.
September 13, 2007 at 8:05 am |
The Laker comparison is brought up a lot, and for one thing, what people fail to realize is that they still made it to the Finals and beat a lot of good Western Conference teams. But also, you had a 35 yr old Payton and 40 yr old Malone, neither of which were all-stars anymore. The Celtics have 3 all-stars still in their prime. Granted, it’s the tail-end of their prime, but still their prime.
September 13, 2007 at 12:34 pm |
That is true, but neither of those three all-stars are named Kobe Bryant or Shaquille O’Neal. They are great players, but they aren’t at that caliber.
September 13, 2007 at 12:56 pm |
I would agree with that, although KG is close. But the Celtics won’t have to beat any teams comprised of Kobe and Shaq in their primes to win it all this year. But we’ll have to wait and see how it all plays out. It’s a long season.
September 13, 2007 at 1:44 pm |
Greg Oden’s season is done.
I’ll leave the Blazers in there as the 8th seed in the Western Conference, but it is more iffy now than before. The slot could easily go to the Lakers, the Warriors, or even possibly the Kings (they have a flawed but decent team. Should hover around .500).
September 13, 2007 at 1:45 pm |
Oh, add the Hornets to the list of Western conference 8th seed contenders.
September 13, 2007 at 1:47 pm |
I’d say the Hornets would actually be my front runner now. Which, if the rest of my predictions come true and the Hornets make it, it would mean that every team in the Southwest division would make the playoffs. Is that even possible?
September 13, 2007 at 1:56 pm |
I think the Blazers were a stretch to make the playoffs before the Oden injury. They’re still very young. Now I don’t think they have a chance. But if the injury doesn’t effect him long-term, the Blazers still have a bright future. I like the Hornets as contenders for the 8th spot, and it’s definitely possible for every team in a division to make the playoffs, though not likely. I also don’t have as much faith in the Grizzlies, although I don’t know much about Navarro.
September 13, 2007 at 2:10 pm |
2 years ago the Grizzlies had the 4th best record in the Western conference (49-33). Last year they had a terrible year (partially because Pau’s injury, partially due to tanking).
This year Pau’s healthy again, he is happy to have a Spainish teammate on the team, and Mike Conley should be at least a compitent PG.
There are questions at Center (Darko always brings questions) and at small forward (Rudy Gay had a decent rookie season, we’ll see if he can take it a step up this year).
I think the pros out weigh the cons for the Gizz this year. Don’t be fooled by last year’s record.
September 13, 2007 at 2:18 pm |
Good points, and I think they’ll contend for a playoff spot. I just wouldn’t put them in front of Houston or Denver.
September 13, 2007 at 5:50 pm |
Me neither, Denver is going to be working the Melo/AI angle pretty hardcore. Barring an injury, or ridiculous fight, Denver is going to be mixing it up. I think that Houston is really starting to show some problems, and T-Mac is starting to get more and more upset with the team.
September 13, 2007 at 5:51 pm |
but you can’t forget the fact that they have been a playoff caliber team since Yao came into the league, so even though Houston has issues they still present a big hurdle.
September 14, 2007 at 12:36 pm |
knicks beat raptors 4-3
September 14, 2007 at 12:46 pm |
That could happen. When the Knicks pulled the trigger on the Randolph trade, there was talk about them winning the Eastern Conference.
That talk has substantially subsided now (mostly due to the Celts picking up KG) but the Knicks still have a decent team.
It should be interesting to see the season play out.
September 15, 2007 at 1:15 pm |
The season predictions look good for the most part but the La Lakers will make the playoffs with the 8 th seed when you have the best player on the planet you allways have a good chance,look for Bynumm to take on some of the load so Kobe wont be the only one, it wouldnt suprise me if the lakers beat out the mavericks in the first round, but my fist pick overall to win the Nba Finals is the Chicago Bulls! Chicago vs Cleveland,Spurs vs SUNS
September 15, 2007 at 1:18 pm |
NETS WILL MAKE THE PLAYOFFS DAMMIT!!!
NETS VS BULLS IN CONFRENCE FINALS GAURANTEED.
September 15, 2007 at 5:57 pm |
Rob – The Lakers should be in the playoff hunt. The only reason I left them out is because I felt that Kobe may give up on the team (i.e. the Lakers didn’t improve the team and didn’t ship Kobe off for 30 cents on the dollar). It all depends on whether Kobe gives it 100% or not. If not, I think the Lakers will have a difficult time making the playoffs.
Tom – The Nets have a really good chance at making the playoffs. They have been there a lot recently. Not to mention Kidd, Vince, and Richard Jefferson are on the team. I just think that too many other Eastern conference teams have improved to the point where the Nets are on the playoff bubble. I could be wrong on that (wouldn’t be the first time).
September 18, 2007 at 5:19 am |
Houston 7th seed?? You got to be kidding me?! Dude!! have you forgotten about last season?? where Yao Ming almost missed half of the season and T-Mac still having backspasm or are you just not a fan of the Rockets?? Houston’s 2 leading scorers was a wreck but then they still ended up the 5th seed and got home court advantage. Now with addition of Mike James, Steve Francis and Luis Scola(MVP FIBA America) their more of a solid team now than last year. Your probaly assuming all of Houston’s players will be out for the rest of the season… Just because their star players are injury prone that doesnt prove jack sh**.
PEACE!!!!
September 18, 2007 at 7:02 am |
Houston has about the same team as last year (yes, Mike James and Luis Scola may improve the team a bit. Steve Francis hasn’t been useful in 5 seasons). But some of the other teams in the Western Conference have improved more (i.e. Memphis). Throw in the fact that Yao and T-Mac are always getting injured (has either one played a full season?) and that’s why they moved down from 6th seed to 7th seed.
If they go with out injury to Yao or T-Mac, they could easily be as high as 5th seed (they aren’t going to win their division [Mavs] and they won’t have a better record than the lower of Spurs/Suns. So, 5th seed is as good as they can do). I just think the injury risk is too high.
September 18, 2007 at 9:09 pm |
I think the blazers don’t have a chance to make the playoffs, no oden no playoffs. Raptors are solid, but Finals??..maybe 2 rounds of playoffs.
September 19, 2007 at 7:15 am |
I wrote this before Oden got injured. I updated it in the comments section.
The big issue with the Raptors is Chris Bosh’s feet. If he struggles to recover from the injury, it could be a long season. If not, the Raptors have a deep team and play a solid style of basketball. I have them in the finals mainly due to the playoff matchups.
Round 1) The Knicks can’t beat the Raptors.
Round 2) The Raptors-Cetlics matchup could go either way (I said this in the predictions). I picked the Raptors because they have the deeper team and I think they will function as a team better.
Round 3) Bulls versus Raptors could go either way also. I picked the Raptors because they have a more structured offense. The Bulls offense is give it to whoever is streaky right now. Sometimes none of the Bulls shooters are streaky.
I think the Raptors have a legit shot at the finals (just like a lot of the Eastern Conference teams).
September 19, 2007 at 9:17 am |
u are crazy mikey if u think the raptors are going far…they had one lucky season where the atlantic was horrible….this year will be different and they’ll be back where they belong – at the bottom of the atlantic div – look for the atlantic to take over the eastern conference if not this year but next year and the years to come…look for the celtics,nets,and especially the knicks to dominate the eastern conference this year along with cleveland chicago and detroit. my seedings would be 1.chicago 2.cleveland 3.boston 4.detroit 5.new york 6. miami 7.new jersey 8.orlando….with chicago playing the knicks and boston playing the cavs in the 2nd round…and chicago playing cleveland in the conference finals and then finally having the nba championship coming back to the east with chicago winning its 1st title since the jordan era…this is how it will go down even though i love my knicks…so remember me when the knicks go deep in the postseason in years to come.
September 19, 2007 at 9:20 am |
WHY IS EVERYONE HOPPING ON THE RAPTORS OR SHOULD I SAY CHRIS BOSH BANDWAGON??? THERE CALLED THE TORONTO RAPTORS BUT THEY SHOULD CHANGE IT TO THE TORONTO BOSH’S CUZ THATS ALL THEY GOT.
September 19, 2007 at 9:56 am |
I don’t really care for Chris Bosh. He’s a good player and all, but I like the Raptors mostly because of Jose Caulderon, Jorge Garbajosa, and Andrea Bargnani (he put up similar stats last year to Dirk’s rookie year). Now they’ve got another year to gel together, they should be a solid team.
As far as your seedings, it seems you forgot that the division winners have to be ranked in the top 4 positions. So, your seedings would have to be more like 1.chicago 2.cleveland 3.boston 4.miami 5.detroit 6.new york 7.new jersey 8.orlando
This would lead to a second round of Chicago vs. Miami/Detroit (I’d take Chicago) and Cleveland vs. Boston/New York (close one to call, I’d go with Boston). Chicago vs. Boston finals. I’ll go with Chicago, but I hate putting a team with all defense and streaky shooters in the finals.
Also, I’m not sure why the Wizards didn’t make your list. They are the best team in the terrible Southeast division. Miami is one of the 10 worst teams in the NBA (All they have is a shadow of the man named Shaq and D-Wade coming off a tough injury to come back from).
September 19, 2007 at 1:00 pm |
as i said before atlantic will be sleepers in the east at least 3 will make it to the playoffs so there wont be room for the wizards even though the can compete
September 19, 2007 at 1:35 pm |
I did have 3 Atlantic teams in my playoff seeds (Boston, Toronto, and New York).
The Wizards will likely win their division (they are up against Miami, Orlando [a team with issues], Atlanta, and Charlotte). I say that two teams will make it from this division (according to your predictions, so do you [Miami and Orlando]). I just say that the teams are different (Washington and Orlando).
Out of Washington, Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, and Charlotte; I’d say Washington has the best team in the division (Gil and Caron are really good and still youthful). Miami is running on empty from their ‘06 title. Orlando has issues at SG and depth. Atlanta can never be considered playoff threats. Charlotte, while vastly improved, is still only the third best team in this division.
September 20, 2007 at 11:36 am |
The Raptors only have Bosh? Oh, and the best PG combo in the league. Not the best single PG, but the best combo. Anyone with a brain would want Calderon on their team, and Bargnani will only get better. Don’t forget the team also has Colangelo running the operation, so another Ford for Charlie V robbery might take place as well. The Bulls are still the class of the conference, and the Celtics will be tough if the big 3 stay injury-free, but to not have the Raps in the playoffs is hilarious.
September 20, 2007 at 4:24 pm |
louie is insulting when he says the raptors had a lucky year. They are the deepest team in a GOOD Atlantic division. I am from Toronto and i am a die hard raps fan. They will shred it up this season, but i dont think theyll reach the finals just yet. Look for Bargnani to emerge into stardom this year. P.S. Celtics fans need to shut the F**K up. We know they got KG you dont need to keep reminding us.
September 20, 2007 at 4:34 pm |
By the way Mikey I admire what you are doing with this blog, especially standing up to the joker haters that talk shit. Very well educated predictions, its a tough thing. The only beef i have is i think the pistons got one more trick up their sleeve if they want to play, they can REALLY play. Theyll have a good run. Other than that keep it up.
September 21, 2007 at 10:27 am |
what does louie have against the raptors? good young talent that is only getting better plus they’re one of the deepest teams in the league.
I put them at the top of the atlantic. 55 wins and probably 2 rounds in to the playoffs
September 21, 2007 at 10:46 am |
These posts are starting to scare me. People are actually agreeing with me. I’m not used to that (for this post at least).
I just found out that Jorge Garbajosa’s leg may be injured. If so, that would make it a closer race in the Atlantic division. As long as Boston and Toronto are in the top two for the division, the prediction is fine with me.
September 21, 2007 at 9:05 pm |
I looked over the blog, and I agree with you about Toronto Chicago and Boston being at the top of the division. Many people underestimate the raptors. The raptors have the best chemistry out of all the NBA teams in my opinion. Also Andrea Bargnani is still developing into a great player. I think that it will still take them a few years to make it to the NBA finals because they are still a young team. Also I think that Cavs should be higher on the ranking and same with the Nuggets
September 21, 2007 at 9:14 pm |
I agree with most of your rankings, but i dont agree with how you say the Mavs will make it to the finals, chances are they will find another way to blow it. I also agree with Steven, i think the Cavs will do better than Washington, not to hate on Gilbert Arenas watch out for him this season! Not only do the raptors have that great team chemistry, Andrea Bargnani and Garbo, but with the addition of Kapono, they will do really well. Its gonna be a good season thats for dam sure, and I’m looking forward to what rookies are gonna step up big and which ones are gonna flop.
September 21, 2007 at 9:18 pm |
also i see the sun’s going far this year
September 21, 2007 at 9:18 pm |
I agree that Cleveland will have a better record than Washington. The way the playoff seeds are set-up, each division winner is guaranteed to be in the top 4. So, while Wash. will have a worse record, they will win their division. Hence, the 4th seed.
I’m excited to see the new season dawn and how my predictions pan out.
September 25, 2007 at 5:15 pm |
haa…everyone jumping on the raptors bandwagon…i bet that you havent even watched more than 5 raptor games last year…and whoever wrote that the raptors had a fluke year and will go back down to the bottom of the atlantic division definatly doesnt know anything about the raptors…im pretty sure they have a totally different team than 2 yrs ago…besides from that, i like your prediction for the raptors…even though i cant see the raptors in the nba finals right now, anything can happen in the east…like you said, its about match-ups.
September 25, 2007 at 11:10 pm |
I agree with most of your predictions. However, I think Cleveland will rank higher than 5th in the East. Also, if Dallas and Phoenix have better records than San Antonio, I don’t think Tim Duncan has much of a chance of winning the MVP.
September 26, 2007 at 12:14 am |
First of all I would like to say that there are a few things that i do disagree with on this blog but then again these are his predictions and not anyone elses… he can be held accountable after the season is over!
continuing on I have got to agree that the raptors have incredible chemistry, extremely deep can go inside and out! mostly out, the only thing that worries me about the raps is that they might rely too much on shooting and size and atheleticism is lacking… the additions of Jamario Moon and Maceo Baston are two players raps are banking on for the athleticism but as for size its going to be tough in the post against the knicks and nets, but hopefully we can run and gun them out of msg and the air canada centre…
September 26, 2007 at 12:32 am |
And to those who dont know much about the raps i can give you a bit of a break down so you can appreciate them…
PG – Ford- is the quickest player in the league and has the ability to pass and occasionaly hit a open jumper, Calderon – is a high energy PG with incredible leadership skills and is starting to hit treys and drop dimes, Colangelo can be quoted of saying that more than 12 teams made offers for him, to make him a starter on another team but BC rejected because of his VALUE
DArrick MArtin – wont see much time, more of a PG coach
2nd best pg combo nex to nash barbosa
SG – Anthony PArker – solid defense, excellent shooter, can cut to the basket occasionally
Juan Dixon – streaky shooter, undersized, defensive liability
Jason Kapono – incredible shooter
SF – Carlos DElfino – coming from PISTONS, excellent shooter cuts to the basket well.
Joey Graham – good defender, athletic, but underchieving
Jamario Moon – can dunk over the cn tower
alot of competition, all incredible potential
PF – Chris Bosh – dont need to say anything, starting PF for EAstern conference, and TEAM USA
Jorge Garbajosa – crazy defender, good shooter, basketball sense is off the charts
Kris Humphries – high energy , tough, been shooting 600 shots a day in summer training
C – andrea bargnani – 3 point range, can pass, block shots, good ball control, but weak on the low post and rebounds… jus keep running bargs
- RAsho NEsterovic – probobly starter, big rebounder, shot blocker but slow
MAceo Baston – athletic, shot blocker, glimmer of hope
September 26, 2007 at 12:39 am |
most of the players that are listed as sf/sg and pf/c are interchangalbe they can play either of the positions and thats what BC was looking for when signing…
they have three point threats in bargs, parker, kapono, ford, calderon, dixon
rebounding with rasho bosh and garbo
assists with calderon and ford
cutters in delfino graham, moon, parker (most worrisome area)
Double team bosh, you leave a open three point threat, cover the three point threat bosh can beat any PF with his speed and shooting range. and with c/pf trying to guard on the three point line bargs can break them off the dribble…
September 26, 2007 at 12:52 am |
my eastern conference prediction would look more like this… feel free to agree/disagree
1. Detriot – fundementally sound, great coaching
2. Toronto – Deep
3. Chicago – growing, size, talent
4. Cleveland = LeBron
5. Boston – Big Three
6. New Jersey – Another Big Three
7. Milwakee/Miami – good fight
8. Magic/ Charlotte – good young teams..
September 26, 2007 at 7:23 am |
I think your predictions are pretty sound. In your order, either Miami or Charlotte would end up being the 4th seed (because the NBA has rule where a division winner has to get a 4th seed or better, and they are your top two Southeast division teams).
Besides that little rule, I couldn’t imagine too many people arguing with you (maybe Knicks fans).
Your list is pretty close to the playoffs seeds from last year. I threw in more questionable teams just to add some spice and maybe shed a light on teams that people could be over looking (Milwaukee or Memphis are good examples).
September 26, 2007 at 7:30 am |
I put Duncan as the MVP because it seems the NBA has been handing out the award to players a year after they should have won it. For example:
Last year, Dirk put together a really good year, but he had a better year the previous year. So, to make up for overlooking him 2 years ago, they handed him the award last year.
A similar thing happened with Steve Nash.
I’d argue that Duncan should have won the award last year (based on the regular season and the playoffs, but I know the playoffs don’t count towards the MVP). In that case, I’m saying they’ll give it to him this year (unless he gets injured or half-ass it through the regular season).
September 26, 2007 at 8:51 pm |
Well lets start off by saying that the blazers don’t even make the playoffs. The Pistons will be in the playoffs. The Raptors Beating the Bulls is ridiculous. My Nba finals match-up is Dallas Vs. Chicago.
September 27, 2007 at 6:20 am |
do u think the nuggets has the chance to go to the west finals????
September 27, 2007 at 7:04 am |
The Nuggets could make the West finals, but they’d have a difficult road to make it there.
If the match-ups for the playoffs came and it Was Nuggets vs. Mavs in the first round, I could see the Nuggets winning. It could be similar to how the Warriors beat the Mavs last year.
Then if the Nuggets got the Jazz or a team like that in the second round, they’d have a really good chance of making the finals.
The problem is that the Nuggets will probably end up facing the Spurs (we saw how that work out for them last year) or the Suns (who play the same style of ball, but a little bit more refined). If that happens, then the chances of the Nuggets making the Finals decreases.
Barring injury, you can put the Nuggets in the playoffs right now. From there it is just a question of what kind of match-ups they get in the playoffs.
September 27, 2007 at 8:57 am |
raptors can beat the bulls… i got money where my mouth is… better yet where my keyboard is!… Bulla chokeARTISTS… u can call it the curse of the jordans
September 27, 2007 at 9:04 am |
I think you could put in just about any team from the East in the finals. The division is full of teams that are good but all of them seem to have flaws.
I picked the Raptors because they seem to have the most cohesive team with the fewest flaws.
But if you look at last year, the Cavs were in the Finals. They had one superstar, a couple of okay role guys, and a bunch of nobodies. If they can make the finals, anyone could make it.
September 29, 2007 at 1:40 am |
Eastern Conference Playoff Race
Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons
Chicago Bulls
Washington Wizards
Boston Celics
New Jersey Nets
New York Knicks
Toronto Raptors
September 29, 2007 at 1:48 am |
First Round Eastern Conference Playoff Match-ups
Cavs vs Raptors Cavs
Pistons vs Knicks Knicks because pistons are old
Bulls vs Nets Bulls
Wizards vs Celtics Wizards
Cavs vs Knicks Knicks because james is a one man gang and the Knicks have extreme talent.
Bulls vs Wizards Bulls
Eastern Conference Finals
Bulls vs Knicks Bulls Win
September 30, 2007 at 11:20 am |
Muhammed, ur 1st 3 times are all in the same division, not possible. There is noone in the top 4 from the atlantic. Secondly ur predictions are wack, it would probably be more accurate if you flipped it upside down
Raptors baby
October 3, 2007 at 10:08 am |
beyond all this… the real debate is…
tj ford.. or jose calderon ?
October 3, 2007 at 10:22 am |
I prefer Jose Calderon. He seems less selfish as a player (i.e. pass first, shoot later if necessary).
October 4, 2007 at 9:50 am |
The latest and greatest Raptors noise has the inconsistent Joey Graham looking like a superstar. Apparently he put in the work in the offseason and in the scrimmages he’s looking really impressive. That’s the thing about the Raptors. Who do you zero in on defensively?
Sorry Knicks fans. I know you’re hoping your team wont be a disaster three years in a row. And Boston? Think about teams that have all had extraordinary talent but because of dramas and BS they imploded. The MJ Bulls worked because Phil and MJ had them in line doing everything to the best of their ability. And that still took a while to do. The chemistry was built up carefully over years.
I just get tired of the posts where people go “Players good. They win. Dunk dunk.”
The reason that everybody slept on the Raptors last year, (and except for this blog) appear to be doing it again, is because the lack of appreciation of chemistry.
Excited to see Boston play. There will be nights nobodycan beat them. NOBODY!!! And then there will be nights when you have the tower of Babel and everybody is speaking a different language and tripping over each other. It’s a learning curve that has nothing to do with their individual abilities.
Suns in the east for me…I think they will be out for blood because of the BS of last year against the Spurs. Also Grant Hill off the bench where he doesn’t have to be the man…his last chance for a ring…hit on the run with the pinpoint passes of Nash…I can’t wait to watch that combo put it on the floor.
October 4, 2007 at 9:57 am |
Suns in the west sorry…Raptors on the brain!!!
October 4, 2007 at 10:05 am |
I was just about to call you out on that, but I knew what you meant.
I think it is going to be an interesting season to watch play out.
One thing about the Celtics (besides a poor support crew around the big three) is Doc Rivers. No one has ever called him a great coach (or even good). So, while the players are good enough to make the playoffs with out a coach, Doc will cost them a game or two along the way.
It actually kind of reminds me of last’s Magic. They had a bunch of talented players, but their coach was horrible. I watched a game a month or two into the season and I knew that their playoff chances were slim and if they did make it they wouldn’t go anywhere. The players seemed to be moving up and down the floor with no real purpose. It was a mess, and their season reflected that.
Now, I’m not saying the Celtics will be on the same level as last year’s Magic, but they will have some struggles (i.e. don’t go crowning them until the playoffs are over).
October 4, 2007 at 10:19 am |
thank you for your honest opinion on NBA predictions, however, you’ve made some undeniable errors with your player positions.
-Andrea Bargnani doesn’t play the 3, never has – at 7′0″, 250 lbs. you can find him slotted at the 4 or 5.
-Rashard Lewis is a straight up 3, nothing more, nothing less.
-Boris Diaw hasn’t played the 2 since his Atlanta days, in PHX, they use him as a 4/5
-Also, how could you leave out Stephen Jackson who started 37/38 games for the warriors, as well as DeShawn Stevenson for the Wiz, who started in all 82
I also find it interesting that you would have Raja Bell relegated to the bench after he has started EVERY phx game he’s ever played in.
-6′1″ Pargo at starting 2 over MoPete?.
Rockets: moving Battier to the 4? and no mention of Scola?….also, having 2 ball heavy guards (Francis/James) in the starting line-up in a Rick Adeleman system?
Dallas: hard to imagine Devin Harris (started 61 games) being moved to the bench especially after signing a $42 million dollar contract extension.
Clippers: What makes you so sure that Cat will be benched after starting 70+ games, for Maggette who started 31?
…and finally, no coach in the NBA would debate over Marbury vs. Nate at the 1. EVER.
anyways, thank for your blog. Your opinion is your opinion, and that’s fine – just please try and correct all mispelled names.
cheers.
October 4, 2007 at 10:53 am |
As I said at the beginning of the post, I was making up these line-ups completely on my own because I couldn’t find a solid updated depth chart on ESPN or NBA.com. So, most of the mistakes are due to poor info on their sites (example: when I wrote this, NBA.com had Mo Williams listed as unsigned).
October 4, 2007 at 10:58 am |
You all are all sleep and must not have been paying attention to the news! This year its going to be the Houston Rockets who win it all. You think not. Alright, here’s some major surprises for you! Steve Francis is back, Tracy McGrady was acquired by trading Steve Francis and others, now he’s back with T-Mac still there! Not enough, alright, take a good look at Luis Scola! This is the 2nd Argentina superstar to come to the US now. The Spurs tried to get him first. This player has so many awards its crazy. When looking at his videos on youtube, he looks like he plays better than yao ming. I believe that the Rockets are done with injuries, becuase they’ve had enough to last a lifetime. Also you forgot about Luthor Head and Alston from the bench. McGrady with Francis with Luis with Yao Come on now… So the Celtics have done a 360 with their triple threat! San Antonio retains their triple threat! What are they going to do against the Houston Quadruple threat. Here are the links, indeed (copy, paste and delete the spaces) – http: //youtube. com/watch?v=CbeqQPfSayM
http: //youtube. com/watch?v=AIMNFb9qXgw
http: //youtube. com/watch?v=cT2bH–_iUc
http: //youtube. com/watch?v=iJ-tZz-LbR8
http: //youtube. com/watch?v=UZZqkv090sw
Oh my goodness, this year is definitely going 2 b very interesting to say the least…
October 4, 2007 at 11:07 am |
also,
from Chani, September 26th:
“Joey Graham – good defender, athletic, but underchieving”
…ummm, joey graham is the team’s worst defender, not only that, he’s almost always the dumbest player on the court. what everyone keeps talking about is his inconsistency – when really, the problem is his basketball IQ. If you really understand basketball – it becomes obvious.
October 4, 2007 at 12:10 pm |
Mikey, you don’t need a depth chart to understand Bargnani doesn’t play SF, or that Rashard Lewis does, you just need to be a fan of the game.
(i’m really not trying to be condescending or insulting here)
i also agree (somewhat) with “S” that everybody is overlooking the rockets…
…and its funny how many people use the term “360″ when trying to describe a turn-around.
October 4, 2007 at 12:30 pm |
Bargnani is SF on NBA 2k7… So, that’s good enough for me.
I know Lewis is a SF, but the Magic have only 1 PF/C (Dwight Howard… unless you want to count Foyle, but I don’t know about starting him). So, I bumped Lewis up and filled in accordingly.
October 4, 2007 at 1:28 pm |
You know? It is funny how everybody says 360 when they are talking about a turn around. That has always bugged me.
October 4, 2007 at 2:06 pm |
last year the magic had 4 regular big men:
tony battie, darko, the man-child, and bo outlaw (with a little bit of Garrity).
replace darko and outlaw with foyle, and orlando still has big men to play with (they also signed a couple of rooks).
so Rashard can stay at his natural position, and not have to guard tim duncan, chris bosh, and KG…
October 4, 2007 at 9:51 pm |
“brennan”
i understand the game and i know what ive seen. Joey Graham is not the worst defensive player on the team, sure he might take longer then the others to learn, but his aggressive style changed over the transition of college and pro. Graham’s main problem’s came within is inconsistently and his lack of confidence. Knowing his abilities gets down on himself when he cant hit his jumpers. I’ve seen Graham guard SG SF and PF cause of his strength.
October 4, 2007 at 9:53 pm |
and even at that, he is fighting for his job with raptors. Kapono, Garbajosa, Delfino can all be starters or even come off the bench before him.
October 4, 2007 at 10:06 pm |
WTF!!!!!!!!!!!! Miami heat out of the playoffs… U MUST BE ON SOME CHEAP DRUGS. I dont give a shit if he was hurdt when u got D WADE in ur team anything could happen.
October 5, 2007 at 8:08 am |
As long as the refs give Dwayne Wade the kind of calls they give him in the Finals 2 years ago, the Heat could make the playoffs.
Shaq is getting old, has had nagging injuries, and is going through personal issues
Wade has been injured and is still not 100%
Antoine Walker (who I somehow left off the Heat’s roster in my prediction) hasn’t been useful in years.
Their PGs are bad.
Udonis Haslem is an average PF (maybe a little above average, but not by much)
The only thing the Heat have going for them is the fact that they are in a weak division. And even in that weak division they are probably the 3rd best team (Wizards are by far the favorites in the division, and I’d rank the Magic higher than the Heat).
If you want to tell me I’m on drugs for leaving off the Pistons, that is perfectly acceptable (I should have had them in the playoffs, but I ruched the judgement and accidently left them off, oh well), but you can’t really say anything about the Heat because they have obvious holes in their team.
October 5, 2007 at 8:10 am |
Continuing the Turn Around vs. 360 debate:
I saw a clip online touting a 720 dunk. But when I watched it, it was obvious a 540. Still impressive, but not what it was billed as.
October 5, 2007 at 4:19 pm |
“chani”
yeah, joey has guarded those 3 positions – but it doesn’t mean he was effective. watch his footwork and positioning. how he defends the pick-and-roll incorrectly and forces his help defender to catch up. how he gets stuck on screens set by guards. watch his posture. he constantly gets beat.
on offence he’s just as bad. he tends to ruin passing lanes; draw his defender to the player initiating the offence; stop offensive momentum (he likes to catch the ball and hold it for a second – without dribbling). outside of his left power one dribble pull up jumper, and spot up baseline j, he has nothing.
i don’t know, i’m a raptor die-hard as i’m sure you are too. i got really excited when we drafted him out of oklahoma state, but joey’s inconsistency comes from his IQ, which just isn’t all there…
October 7, 2007 at 4:19 pm |
First off, im a “hardcore” Suns fan. I believe Steve Nash has a great chance of leading his team to the finals and on to a Championship. I also think he will have to go through the same team to get there (Spurs). With the offensive firepower the suns have, it will be no question they make it to the quarter finals.
October 8, 2007 at 8:56 am |
Wow. These predictions, and starting rosters are way off. I would have thought someone who would take enough time to type up a page like this would at least know what he was talking about.
October 8, 2007 at 9:05 am |
I would have thought some one who would have bothered to comment would have taken the time to read through the comment string first…
October 8, 2007 at 12:55 pm |
Mikey! Thank you for giving the Raps some love! I hate how the American media can’t see the greatness in this team. Typical of them to ignore us though. All us canucks know that they will be the best team in the East in 2 or 3 years. I didn’t have them going to the NBA finals quite yet, but as a fan, I’ll take it my man. I see them in the ECF this year, easily. LET’s GO RAPTORS! VC SUCKS!
October 8, 2007 at 12:59 pm |
To add to my point, I just saw the CBS sports prediction magazine and it has us third in the Atlantic, with a 37-45 record. Give me a F@#$ING break! That record prediction is a disgrace to this franchise. Can’t wait till we go 50-32 this year and have those dicks eating their words. But as usual, next year they’ll predict something lke 37-45 again. I wish they could see that this team is for real, the deepest team in the league and has one established superstar and one in the making.
October 10, 2007 at 9:12 am |
john hollinger for espn.com was worse!
his rankings are all over the place. he has houston being the no. 1 team in the nba, better than the 3 elites! he has orlando ahead of detroit (orlando got swept last year, is rashard lewis that much of a difference maker?). the raptors are set to finish WORSE and with a losing record??? washington doesn’t make the playoffs?
and the denver nuggets win 53 games????
October 10, 2007 at 9:36 am |
Yup, I made another blog post dedicated to the terrible Hollinger picks. You can check it out over here:
http://mikenaretta.wordpress.com/2007/10/08/expert-nba-predictions/
October 10, 2007 at 5:12 pm |
wow hollinger’s picks are WEAAAAAAAK. Houston number 1? Orlando ahead of Detroit?! Raps at 8th?! This guy needs to find a new job.
October 13, 2007 at 2:53 pm |
Come on man Detroit not making the playoffs…… the raptors are still goin to win the atlantic, even though I am a knicks fan.
October 15, 2007 at 11:58 am |
i think its hollinger hate mail time…
raps all the way baby…
and brennan… i understand your view and on many occasions i have seen him do as you describe but i wouldnt lay that out as a lack of talent i would say its more of lack of confidence and him getting scared. I think when he gets comfortable with the game he will be able to break out. But the question is.. when will he break out.
and if u play 360, try to start graham at SF, dude does really well.. lets jus hope the game translates into real life… (DREAMS)
October 17, 2007 at 1:13 pm |
does anyone find it weird that in 2k8, the raptor “retro” jersey is one that has never existed? or that the raptor mascot still wears a purple jersey?
..anyways, i edited toronto’s starting line-up so jose and garbo starts…
realistically, i would like to see kapono come off the bench (regardless of contract)…same goes for Ford…especially Ford.
October 17, 2007 at 1:23 pm |
I was playing some 2k7 (yes, I have yet to purchase a next generation system) and I had Kendrick Perkins and Delonte West on my team (I did a fantasy draft for the league). I was surprised that they were both pretty good (and after a season or two, Delonte West was getting the start of Andre Miller).
October 18, 2007 at 1:38 am |
dudeeee are u serious.. leavin miami outta the playoffs, their chance of winning da championship let alone makin da playoffs. Oh and his name is Dwyane not Dwayne
October 18, 2007 at 1:25 pm |
His name might as well be Dwinjured. The Heat are mediocre at best.
October 20, 2007 at 4:12 am |
haha, who’s ur team Mikey?
October 21, 2007 at 2:16 am |
You can’t just count the pacers out because they had a bad season in 06-07, all they needed was good shooters and better team chemistry, now that they have some 2 good shooters in Andre Owens and Kareem Rush, a much better coach with a better style of play & Mike Dunleavy & Troy Murphy have had a while to adapt, they should be on their way to becoming a good team. Not to mention Danny Granger & Shawne Williams, 2 future stars of the NBA.
October 21, 2007 at 2:26 am |
Knicks Starting Lineup
Stephon Marbury
Jamal Crawford
Zach Randolph
Eddy Curry
Quentin Richardson
Bench
David Lee
Nate Robinson
Wilson Chandler
Mardy Collins
Fred Jones
Renaldo Balkman
If the Knicks are healthy, play good defense, and work good chemistry together they will be a playoff team.They will probably become the 7th or 8th seed with a 45-37 record.
October 21, 2007 at 5:44 pm |
Hey mikey, my name is Sahaj, and i want to get your opinion:
Do you think Chris Bosh is an OVERATED player???
i don’t=\ but charlie rosen from Fox Sports seems to think so=\
What do you think?
October 21, 2007 at 5:47 pm |
Ohh also… im a die hard Raps fan… but do you think they can acctually make tha NBA finals? because i read charlie rosens blog and i do agree with him when he says that the Raps rely too much on their jump shot game, and are a weak rebounding team and a defensive team… how do you think Sam Mitchell will attack those flaws of the raps going into this season?
October 21, 2007 at 5:48 pm |
Weak defensive team***
October 21, 2007 at 7:54 pm |
Kobe should just leave the Lakers, he isn’t happy no more, he should go to Dallas.
October 23, 2007 at 10:45 am |
Sahaj,
Chris Bosh averaged over 20 points and 10 boards a game last season with Toronto. Only a handful of other players did the same. Bosh is a really good power forward.
The only way someone could think Bosh is overrated is because of his injury problems. He missed 13 regular season games last year and has had a bunch of trouble over the summer (and it sounds like he still has problems).
I think when Bosh is healthy, he is rated just about right or maybe a little underrated. If he still gets the same rating while injured, then he is overrated.
October 23, 2007 at 10:49 am |
Yahoo Sports NBA Fantasy League:
League Name = GHS Vikings
League Pass = nba2k8
Draft is Saturday October 27th at 3:30 PM (Eastern).
It is free to join. Come join and have a little fun.
October 23, 2007 at 4:57 pm |
hey, Mikey
Whats the league ID?:S
October 23, 2007 at 8:22 pm |
League ID should be GHS Vikings
League password is nba2k8
October 24, 2007 at 2:33 am |
Atlanta will finish with one of the top 3 records in the league.
October 24, 2007 at 7:19 am |
Top 3 in the Eastern conference… I’d say that is a bit of a stretch, but Atlanta does have some talent.
Top 3 in all of the league (both Eastern and Western Conferences)… not going to happen. They would have to win 60-65 games to be top 3 in the League.
The Hawks are relying on too many young players to make a run at 60-65 wins. I’d say best case scenario they are looking at 40-50 wins and a low playoff seed (7th or 8th).
October 24, 2007 at 3:09 pm |
Apparently, the Heat decided that they didn’t need their only real small forward today and traded away Antoine Walker.
In return the Heat received Ricky “Buckets” Davis and Mark Blount. While Antoine Walker isn’t the best player in the league, has bringing on Ricky Buckets ever been a move that improved a team?
Can we end all the “what, no Heat in the playoffs? you be on crakz.” nonsense now?
October 25, 2007 at 10:09 am |
yes
October 26, 2007 at 8:56 am |
looks like i owe you an apology.
rashard lewis is sharing power forward with hedo turkoglu…there are some ridiculous power forwards in this league, good luck to orlando with that….
atlanta in the top 3?
from real nba scouts (i.e. guys who watch more than just 5 games and read box scores):
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/specials/preview/2007/enemy.lines/hawks.html
October 26, 2007 at 8:57 am |
looks like i owe you an apology.
rashard lewis is sharing power forward with hedo turkoglu…there are some ridiculous power forwards in this league, good luck to orlando with that….
atlanta in the top 3?
from real nba scouts (i.e. guys who watch more than just 5 games and read box scores):
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/specials/preview/2007/enemy.lines/hawks.html
October 26, 2007 at 9:34 am |
Atlanta sounds kind of like Orlando last year. Some young talent and a terrible coach. Orlando last year had more experienced veterans (Grant Hill) that led them to a low playoff spot. The Hawks do not have such a veteran (unless you count Speedy Claxton).
October 26, 2007 at 11:18 pm |
Pacers doing well in preseason play, scoring alot of points. I really think Dunleavy is going to do well this year, along with Granger, Diogu, and Williams.
My Predictions for regular season record standings
Eastern Conference
1. Bulls
2. Celtics
3. Raptors
4. Pistons
5. Cavaliers
6. Knicks
7. Wizards
8. Pacers
9. Hawks
10. Bobcats
11. Magic
12. Heats
13. Nets
14. Bucks
15. 76ers
Western Conference
1. Suns
2. Spurs
3. Mavericks
4. Nuggets
5. Jazz
6. Warriors
7. Rockets
8. Grizzlies
9. Lakers
10. Blazers
11. Sonics
12. Hornets
13. Kings
14. Clippers
15. Wolves
October 27, 2007 at 4:10 pm |
aii… tyler perry…your eastern conference predictions won’t work because, the division winners are within the top 4 in the conference, you have in your top 4 in the East, the raps and celtics(who are from the atlantic)and the Bulls and Pistons (who are from the central)and the Magic have too good a team to finish 11th in the east, other than that i personally don not have a problem with your predictions
October 28, 2007 at 6:24 pm |
hey mikey,
im hearing of a potential trade happening between tha bulls and the lakers, kobe bryant to chicago and in return, the lakers are asking for luol deng, ben gordon, tyrus thomas, andres nocioni/jokim noah… this all started when the lakers asked kobe to sit out saturdays practise and on sunday vs the kings, kobe did not play…
if this trade goes through, how will this impact these two teams, their divisions and most importantly the East and West conferences???
October 29, 2007 at 7:37 am |
Last I heard, the Bulls weren’t willing to give up Luol Deng.
If the trade goes through as proposed, I think the Bulls would go from being a good team to being a few great players playing together. They’d still make the playoffs, but their run from that point would be questionable. From a business stand point, Kobe is a lot easier to market than the collection of players the Bulls would be giving up.
On the Lakers side, the big issue would be trimming the roster to 15 players. They would have to include more than just Kobe to make the rosters/salary cap issues work. If it did go through the way you have it, their line-up would look a bit like this:
C – Andrew Bynum
PF – Lamar Odom
SF – Luol Deng
SG – Ben Gordon
PG – Derek Fisher/Jordan Farmar/Jarvaris Crittendon
The Lakers’ obvious weakness is at the point. But their bench would look pretty deep:
Ty Thomas
Nocioni/Noah
Luke Walton
The problem with the bench, though, is that there are no guards (Maurice Evens and who ever isn’t playing point at the time).
I think if the Bulls changed out Deng for Kirk Heinrich, it might be better for both teams.
The Bulls would have a line-up like this:
C – Ben Wallace
PF – Noah/Nocioni or have Aaron Gray at C and Wallace at PF.
SF – Luol Deng
SG – Kobe Bryant
PG – Chris Duhon
The Laker’s Line-up could look like this:
C – Andrew Bynum
PF – Ty Thomas/Noah/Nocioni
SF – Lamar Odom
SG – Ben Gordon
PG – Kirk Heinrich
The plus side of this is that both teams would be putting playoff caliber teams on the floor. The Bulls would have the better team right now, but the Lakers have a younger team with more potential.
The reason why this won’t happen is becuase the Lakers want a star player to market. From the group they would be getting in my trade situation, they would get second/third tier stars, but no superstars. Also, the Los Angeleans would be crying about getting 70 cents on the dollar for Kobe.
I think Kobe will at least start the season with the Lakers and he will play at a lower level than he normally does in order to exact revenge on the Laker front office (kind of like Randy Moss with the Radiers). Eventually Kobe will play on another team and will probably lead them to a title.
October 29, 2007 at 7:53 am |
By the way, I got the new ESPN mag over the weekend and they had their conferences order without taking consideration for playoff seeding rules. That’s not a season prediction really; it’s more of a season beginning power ranking.
October 30, 2007 at 3:05 pm |
My predictions were for the regular season records, not the playoffs!
October 30, 2007 at 3:11 pm |
Not sold on the Bucks for upcoming season?
They do have difficulty on defense, but they should win their share of games. I’d say a .500 record is really resonable for them. They will definitely not be next to last in the East.
October 31, 2007 at 12:32 am |
I didn’t like their decision to acquire Yi Jianlian and I really don’t think that it’s going to work out well for Milwaukee, but when I take a look at their roster for the 07-08 season I do see some pretty talented guys (Redd ofcourse, Bogut, Williams, Villanueva, & Noel is a promising young player) I think their roster makes them look better than they really are, in 06-08 they didn’t have any chemistry, but maybe Mo’ Williams we’ll be able to bring them together this year. They definitely could be a top 10 team in the East, but I wouldn’t rank them any higher than that.
On another note:
The pacers re-added Courtney Sims to their roster Monday, as a precaution because O’Neal & Murphy our doubtful for their season opener tonight, they’re playing the Wizards.
October 31, 2007 at 9:09 pm |
How about those Pacers!?
Indiana 119, Washington 110 – Final – OT
D. Granger
5-9(3pt),13(Reb),20(Pts)
M. Dunleavy
3-5(3pt),12(Reb),25(Pts)
J. Tinsley
9(Reb),8(Ast),20(Pts)
Jamaal Tinsley is working a lot better with the up-tempo offense this season. Also, Mike Dunleavy is going to have a break out season in 07-08, he’s shooting with more confidence and being aggressive. Danny Granger is going to be a superstar in the NBA (period). Also look for Ike Diogu & David Harrison to contribute this season.
November 1, 2007 at 7:26 am |
We’ll have to keep an eye on them over the course of the season.
Dunleavy and Troy Murphy will throw in huge games and then lay complete eggs the next game.
It’s a good start for Pacer fans, but it is a long season.
November 1, 2007 at 8:24 am |
Mike Dunleavy is my sleeper pick of the year. I expected that kid to have a good career after he left college, and he sort of fizzled. I still expect him to break out, and I think this could be his year.
November 1, 2007 at 8:34 am |
Dunleavy was my sleeper pick last year. He was going to be starring as point forward in Don Nelson’s high speed offense (he started the season with the Warriors).
Then as the season progressed, he would give me nights where he’d drop 20+ and 5+ rebs and assts. Then the next night he would give me 8 points 2 rebs and assts with 2 for 8 shooting.
He lacks consistancy.
November 1, 2007 at 8:42 am |
correction–lacked consistency.
November 1, 2007 at 2:58 pm |
I think the only reason he lacked consistency throughout his career is because he wasn’t confident at all, including last season. The pacers have better coaching and better team chemistry this year which will do wonders for Dunleavy among other pacers players. Granger, I cant say enough about Granger, The kid has game – he’s a great defender, shoots the ball well, overall is consistent, and he makes good decisions on the court (most of the time, consistency will come more with experience)
November 3, 2007 at 2:13 am |
mannnnnnn hawks have got g00d.. i rkn they might make playoffs.. mannnnnnnn come on dwadeee we need u backkkkkkk :|
November 11, 2007 at 9:40 pm |
….wow Jamario Moon who woulda thunk it…
dude is really contributing… i guess the obvious pick chicago isnt so obvious anymore..
i think everyone needs to start the kobe countdown..
November 12, 2007 at 12:50 pm |
Chicago will probably still gear it up.
Last year the Mavs had the best record in the NBA, but they started off the season 0-4. So, you can’t really put too much on the early results.
November 12, 2007 at 1:05 pm |
Plus the Bulls themselves have had slow starts for the last three years and they still make the playoffs. They’ll get it into gear.
November 12, 2007 at 1:34 pm |
i know its still early, but is there any tweaking you’d like to do to your seedings?
i originally pictured boston winning 43-49 games and the raptors taking the division, but now, its seems like boston could do a lot more damage (pending injury, of course)
November 12, 2007 at 2:15 pm |
I have a tendancy to stick with my predictions for way too long (see: my sticking with the Indians to lose the World Series from February until they lost to the Red Sox in the ALCS). So, I’ll let it ride for a while.
November 13, 2007 at 9:33 pm |
The referees called a bunch of bullshit fouls,etc in tonights pacers game, if that wouldnt have happened they had a legitimate chance. I’m serious just watch the game, 75% of the calls were bullshit.
November 14, 2007 at 8:00 am |
At least it was only a regular season game. The Mavs got ripped like that in the Finals back in ‘06. By the time the calls got back to even for them, they were too demoralized.
November 17, 2007 at 9:40 pm |
It’s just because all the hype about the Celts’ this season, oh well.
Pacers got a 20 point win over the Jazz tonight after a 6 game skid.
November 27, 2007 at 10:11 pm |
The Pistons are going to make the platoffs the Knicks are not and the Pistons only have 2 rookies but they do have some players from the 2005 draft but the Pistons do not have a lot of rookies. And the Raptors Will not be second in the East. The Pistons will make the playoffs. You left out Miami in the East as well shame on you.
November 28, 2007 at 7:59 am |
You mean the 4-10 Miami? You really think they are going to make the playoffs? Really?
November 28, 2007 at 9:11 am |
c’mon, i mean…c’mon
December 5, 2007 at 3:13 pm |
With or without D Wade Miami is not making the playoffs. Shaq is a shadow of what he used to be. I dont think there is any chance of Miami finishing close to 500 this year, let alone making the playoffs.
December 5, 2007 at 3:27 pm |
Too many people bias their picks on stuff that happened two years ago (I can’t really complain because that’s why I thought the Memphis Grizzlies would make the playoffs this year). Miami is the worst team in the East. It’s not even particularly close. Unless they make some sort of miracle trade, they aren’t making .500 or the playoffs.
December 16, 2007 at 6:48 pm |
hey Mikey,
this is not NBA relevent question but,
Who’s winning the Johan Santana Sweepstakes this winter?
December 17, 2007 at 3:41 pm |
Sahaj,
Check out this post:
http://mikenaretta.wordpress.com/2007/12/17/thats-about-right/
February 16, 2008 at 8:47 pm |
hey mikey,
Why don’t you update these predictions, althought i’ve read before know you have a habit of sticking with your preseason prediction, but put in some thought into this…”2007 – 2008 NBA Season Predictions, updated at the Half”
February 29, 2008 at 10:30 pm |
yo dese predictions are whack homebway, weer da hell is mccants??? an who daa hell is lynn greer??? da bucks dun hava solid PG???? who da fuj is MO WILLIAMS??? an weer tha hell is stephen jackson?, mike dunleavy? and nick young over deshawn stevenson????? mah boi DESHAWN??? he way betta dan young, do wat Sahaj sayin” yoo update, these waaaaaacckkkkk ‘dictionss, revise it… make it greezy
March 2, 2008 at 9:51 am |
Um…what?
I took the line-ups from NBA.com (or maybe ESPN.com) and made this predictions in September. They are completely out of date. The things is, though, if I update them, they go from being predictions to being more of a review.
I have taken note of the criticisms and I will keep it in mind for next year’s predictions. Thanks!
March 2, 2008 at 2:10 pm |
yee dawg no pro’lem, ehyo i bein a lil’ harsh mah last comment, mah badd dawg, no disrecpetzzz… ‘cept for a few things, dese ‘diction are ill styll, like you say that bostons benchz “none to note of” ahhah dirtyyy, and miami… their dustt, yuhr ‘diction on them pretty accurate, gotta give u credit for that styll
March 6, 2008 at 2:18 am |
wow, memphis in the playoffs? and when has matt harprins EVER played shooting guard with utah?
April 8, 2008 at 6:16 pm |
Mikey all i have to say is that you’re in an idiot, simply because you picked pistons to miss the playoffs… are u serious?
April 16, 2008 at 3:00 pm |
Been going through old predictions of the 2007-2008 Season. How can people be so wrong? I know they are predictions, but most of these miss not just the barn, but the entire greater northwest.
April 17, 2008 at 8:17 am |
I agree that most of my predictions were pretty bad, but I nailed the Northwest Division.
Go down to where I have the playoff seeds. You will see Utah at the #4 seed, the Denver Nuggets at the #6, and the Portland Trailblazers at the #8 seed. That would mean that the Jazz won the division and were followed by the Nuggets than the Blazers and then T-Wolves and Sonics.
That is exactly how that division turned out.
April 17, 2008 at 12:02 pm |
your hella stu[id 5 of those teams you predicted arent even in the playoffs
April 18, 2008 at 7:28 pm |
no pistons
you have the knicks and bobcats over them
boston over LA in finals
bulls arent going to make the playoffs and the hornets are goin to be 2 in west
memphis is goin to be terrible and portland isnt either
GO HAWAII WARRIORS
May 22, 2008 at 2:36 am |
So, lemme get this straight..not only did you first say the pistons wouldn’t make the playoffs…then you put up a weak response later by saying they COULD be 7th or 8th? wow..just…wow…I guess they could have been 7th or 8th if they lost like 25 more games…it’s pretty clear you don’t know too much about basketball (or rosters) and you obviously bought into the “they’re too old” crap that everyone was selling the minute they lost to cleveland, instead of actually coming up with your own opinion about the quality of their team based on actual basketball terms.
seriously dude, don’t quit your day job
June 2, 2008 at 6:13 pm |
Finals: Lakers
Celtics
Gm1: Lakers
Gm2: Celtics
Gm3: Celtics
Gm4: Lakers
Gm5: Lakers
Gm6: Celtics
Gm7: Lakers
LAKERS WIN SERIES 4-3
FINALS MVP: Kobe Bryant
June 3, 2008 at 8:07 am |
I’m not sure that the finals will go 7 games.
Here’s my breakdown:
Superstar – Kobe Bryant > Kevin Garnett
Second Star – Pau Gasol is slightly Ray Allen (especially considering recent performances)
Remaining Starters: Lakers slightly > Celtics
Bench: Lakers > Celtics
Coach: Phil Jackson >>>>>> Doc Rivers
In an otherwise tight series, the difference in coaching ability will make this less competitive. I’d go with Lakers in 5 or 6.
June 3, 2008 at 10:04 am |
Lakers in four. I sense a sweep a coming.
June 8, 2008 at 11:58 pm |
Celtics took the first 2 games…Lakers will get back 2 but I think the greens are going to win the Championship in 6…and I’m a Lakers’ fan :(
Let’s hope I’m WRONG :)
June 9, 2008 at 9:34 am |
I’m not a fan of either team, but I am rooting against Boston (pretty much what I do with every sport).
June 12, 2008 at 3:17 pm |
his predictions: raptors vs mavs
actual: lakers vs. boston
u didnt even have the lakers in the playoffs
June 12, 2008 at 4:44 pm |
Yeah, I had a bunch of bad predictions in there. It was my first stab at predicting the NBA season. Hopefully I’ll get better for next year.
November 2, 2009 at 5:12 am |
LOL
At least you’ll never be able to do worse.