love the updates! I still have so much to learn.
2k13 Cleveland Cavaliers - Rise up and Rebuild
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Re: 2k13 Cleveland Cavaliers - Rise up and Rebuild
love the updates! I still have so much to learn.
After the Madness - Complete 30-Team Association
http://www.operationsports.com/forum...post2045234298
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Re: 2k13 Cleveland Cavaliers - Rise up and Rebuild
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Re: 2k13 Cleveland Cavaliers - Rise up and Rebuild
Season 4 - 2015/16 Preview
Team by Team, Division by Division breakdown
Atlantic Division
Last Season - (49-33) 1st place in Atlantic Division
--Lost to Cavaliers in Eastern Conference Finals--
Philidelphia 76ers Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Jrue Holiday (92) Anderson King (64) Gary Stone (54) SG Dorell Wright (72) Sean Kilpatrick (65) Jordan Aboudou (65) SF Evan Turner (91) Pandazis Patsatzoglou (R) (72) PF Thad Young (80) Arnett Moultrie (67) C Andrew Bynum (92) Fab Melo (61)
2015/16 Preview:
SpoilerAfter 3 straight trips to the Eastern Conference Finals and one trip to the NBA Finals in the last 3 years, many believe that this could finally be the year for Philly to get over the hump and win it all... They've been one of the most consistent teams in the league both offensively and defensively over the past 3 seasons and they have the same core group of guys together again this year...
Jrue Holiday is the straw that stirs the drink in Philly
With Jrue Holiday, who could register a triple double on any given night, along with Evan Turner who can do the same and play great Defense, sprinkle in some Andrew Bynum to protect the rim and grab 10+ boards per game and expect the Sixers to be knocking on the door to the NBA Finals yet again this year... Also, the addition of Rookie SF Pandazis Patsatzoglou will add some great versatility off the bench for an already loaded Sixer team.
Last Season: (38-44) 4th place in Atlantic Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Boston Celtics Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Rajon Rondo (93) Austin Carlson (67) SG Avery Bradley (83) Mike Forham (74) Courtney Lee (74) SF Jeff Green (86) (6th) Alex Poythress (84) PF Derrick Williams (87) Jared Sullimger (74) Franklin Horton (63) C Enes Kanter (77) Dewayne Dedmon (70)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerThe rebuild hasn't happened as quickly as Boston fans would have liked as the Celtics have struggled mightily since the retirement of Kevin Garnett and the trade of Paul Pierce... Despite their struggles, Boston enters the 2015/16 campaign as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference, thanks to some wise offseason additions over the past few years...
The Last of the "Big 3" it is now officially Rajon Rondo's team in Boston
The trade of Celtic legend Paul Pierce seems to have been a great move for the Celtics to this point as Derrick Williams is showing that all he needed was more playing time to reach his full potential... In his first year with the team, Williams led the Celtics in Points, rebounds and blocks per game. The addition of big man Enes Kanter should help Williams tremendously as he is now entrenched as the starting Power Forward... No more bouncing around from Forward to Center mid game... The addition of Kanter solidifies a solid front line that has Williams, Jared Sullinger at PF and Kanter and Fab Melo at Center... Rajon Rondo, fresh off his new contract will have plenty of weapons to distribute to this season, and with 1st round pick PG Austin Carlson on the roster, you know Rondo will want to live up to that big contract...
Developing Story?
SpoilerSF Alex Poythress, the 8th pick in the 2013 NBA Draft is pushing Jeff Green hard for more minutes... Poythress is a much better scorer than Green, but, Green's Defense is top notch... Jeff is entering a contract year and you know after the Season he's going to want to get paid like one of the Top 10 players in the game... If they he's not in the Celtic's future plans, Green could see his playing time drop and Poythress' playing time increase... There is also a slight chance that Boston could look to move Green for future picks if they get off to a rough start...
Last Season: (36-46) last place in Atlantic Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
New York Knicks Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Kemba Walker (88) Raymond Felton (74) Elijah Johnson (67) SG Dion Waiters (87) Manu Ginobili (76) SF Rudy Gay (89) Dante Cage (71) PF LaMarcus Aldridge (88) Zach Randolph (76) Marcel Valentine (67) C Steven Adams (80) Tyler Zeller (75)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerThe Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire experiment is officially over in New York... Melo left in free agency last Off-Season, landing in LA to play for the Clippers, and this off-season, Stoudemire headed back out West, signing with his former team the Phoenix Suns... With plenty of cap room and the big market of New York City as a major selling point, the Knicks quickly rebuilt a depleted roster with some great NBA talent...
New York native Kemba Walker is happy to be home
Enter, PG Kemba Walker, a New York native growing up in Brooklyn, it has always been a dream of Walker's to play for his home town Knickerbockers... Kemba is exactly the type of player the Knicks needed to get to help rebuild their image; tough, gritty, and a proven winner... He should be a fan favorite from day one in NYC... The Knicks weren't done in Free Agency however, after landing Kemba, they were able to bring in one of the Best Power Forwards in the NBA to replace Amare, enter, LaMarcus Aldridge... During his career in Portland, Aldridge was a walking double-double, scoring nearly 20 points and grabbing 10 boards on a regular basis... Kemba Walker, Rudy Gay and LeMarcus Aldridge should be great together as their games should compliment each other well... The Bench Bunch, led by Raymond Felton, Manu Ginobili and Zach Randolph could compete with most team's starting lineups... All that being said, I think this team will be very VERY tough in the Eastern Conference this year and could be the favorite in some people's eyes...
Last Season: (41-41) 2nd in Atlantic Division
--lost to Bulls in 1st round (7 games)--
Brooklyn Nets Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Deron Williams (92) Stacy Hughes (68) SG Marshon Brooks (78) Jamaal Franklin (67) Michael Hooper (62) SF Joe Johnson (83) (6th) Gerald Wallace (75) Dean Pollard (69) Keon Slaughter (67) PF Pau Gasol (83) Trevor Mbakwe (76) C Brook Lopez (88)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerOutside of a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2013/14 the Nets have been bounced from the playoffs in the 1st round 2 of the last 3 years... The Brooklyn Nets have one of the highest payrolls in the NBA and last years 41-41 record isn't going to cut it this year... This team has all-star caliber players at nearly every position and for some reason, they haven't been able to sustain success in the post-season...
Deron Williams in a contract year? I expect big things
This is clearly a make or break year for the players and coaching staff in Brooklyn... I expect them to be better than last year, but, I still think this team is missing something that would put them over the top and into NBA Title Contention... One glaring weakness in my opinion is the Backup Center position... As of the time of this article, the Nets don't have a true Center on the roster outside of starter Brook Lopez... They are going to have to bring in a big via the Waiver Wire or Trade because, you've got to have more big bodies than just one...
Developing Story?
SpoilerDeron Williams is entering his Contract year, and, for the most part he seems happy in Brooklyn... Its not secret that he's one of the best Point Guards in the league and he has all the tools to be able to lead a team to a championship, but, for whatever things haven't worked out that way with the Nets... If the teams gets off to another bad start and they get the feeling that Deron isn't going to re-sign, they could look to move him around the deadline for future picks and young players...
Last Season: 40-42
--lost to Sixers in 1st round--
Toranto Raptors Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Kyle Lowry (83) Archie Goodwin (76) SG Jerryd Bayless (79) (6th) Terrence Ross (78) SF DeMar Derozan (89) Jon Ireland (71) PF Andrea Bargnani (79) Luis Scola (71) Stan Duplin (65) C Jonas Valanciunas (73) Leonard Pulley (66) Samuel Dalembert (66)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerThe Raptors snuck into the 7th seed of the Playoffs last season, thanks to a great 9-1 streak down the stretch, however, they were quickly eliminated by the Sixers in the 1st round... The Raptors have a decent, young, athletic team with DeMar Derozan, Terrence Ross and Kyle Lowry, the addition of veteran PG/SG Jerryd Bayless will help some of the young guys learn the right way to play the game...
My breakout player of the year DeMar Derozan
In the end though, I'm not sure if they Raptors will have enough to make it back to the playoffs... DeMar Derozan is going to have a break out year this year and SG Terrence Ross should be a candidate for 6th man of the year when its all said and done... We're going to find out once and for all about Center Jonas Valanciunas and where the team is going to go with him moving forward... All in all, I think this is going to be a year of learning experience for the young Raptors...
Season 4 - 2015/16 Preview
Central Division
Last Season: (43-39) 3rd in Central Division
--lost to Cavaliers in 2nd round--
Milwaukee Bucks Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Brandon Jennings (92) Isaiah Cannan (71) Pierre Jackson (65) SG Myck Kabongo (83) Doron Lamb (76) SF Danny Granger (84) Tobias Harris (71) PF Ersan Ilyasova (80) (6th) Larry Sanders (78) John Henson (71) C Ramon Uwawah (74) Shaun Gilbert (64)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerThe Bucks took a big step in the right direction last season. After signing SF Danny Granger in the Off-Season, he seemed to be the missing link on the young, scrappy Bucks squad... It also didn't hurt that Point Guard Brandon Jennings stepped into the relm of elite NBA Players as he finished 3rd in MVP Voting, averaging 27 points, 9 assists and 2 steals per game... After a hard fought series vs the eventual NBA Champion Cavaliers in the 2nd round, the Bucks come into the 2015/16 with sky high expectations...
What will Jennings do for an anchor?
The Bucks have some great depth at the PF and Center position... Ersan Ilyasova is near a double-double every night... Sixth man PF Larry Sanders averages over 2 blocked shots and 15 rebounds per 36 minutes and 2014 #7 overall pick, Center Ramon Uwawah is an intimidating presence in the middle who averages close to 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game... The determining factor in whether or not they achieve those expectations relies heavily on the shoulders of Brandon Jennings... If Jennings can put together a year similar to last year, the Bucks will be right there in the Eastern Conference come playoff time...
Last Season: (46-367) 2nd in Central Division
--lost in 2nd round to Sixers--
Chicago Bulls Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Derrick Rose (93) (6th) Marcus Teague (74) SG Jordan Crawford (78) James Anderson (72) Kevin Martin (71) SF Luol Deng (82) Kurt Green (54) PF Taj GIbson (78) Rakeem Christmas (73) C Joakim Noah (77) Gene Watson (47)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerThe Chicago Bulls are always one of the best defensive teams in the NBA... Joakim Noah is the team's inspirational leader and Derrick Rose is obviously the teams best player... A midseason trade last year with the Wizards brought in Shooting Guard Jordan Crawford, who, will be the Bulls 2nd or 3rd option scoring this year and should take some of the offensive pressure off of Rose...
Rose needs to play like the 2011 MVP if the Bulls are going to come out of the East
The Bulls Achilles heal, on paper, appears to be their weak bench, as they really only have 3 players that are of NBA Caliber... The team is going to win regular season games, we know that, they've got a great defensive mindset and to pencil them in for 45 to 50 wins is usually a safe bet... The playoffs however, have been where the Bulls have faltered of late... After reaching the NBA Finals in 2012/13, the Bulls have lost in the 2nd round the past two years... They are going to need Derrick Rose to return to MVP form and they are going to need a dependable 2nd scoring option if they are going to go deeper in the playoffs... Also, they've got to add some depth to the roster somehow, whether that is via the waiver wire or a trade or two, that remains to be seen...
Last Season: (60-22) 1st place in Central Division
--Won NBA Championship--
Cleveland Cavaliers Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Kyrie Irving (95) Trey Burke (77) SG Shabazz Muhammad (93) Tony Allen (70) Ronnie Brewer (69) SF LeBron James (99) Travis Leslie (69) Jackie Rollins (62) PF Tristan Thompson (81) Auusto Lima (67) Jacob Sanders (53) C Rambo Hightower (73) (6th) Tyson Chandler (71)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerThe Cavaliers finally brought home the NBA Championship last Season, the City of Cleveland's first pro sports title since 1964 (Browns)... The goal coming into this Season, with the target squarely on their backs is to, do it again... On paper, the Cavs have the best 1,2,3 punch in the NBA with James, Irving and Muhammad... All three players can take over a game at any given time and they all play fantastically together... Last year, the three of them averaged over 70 points per game during the regular season...
LeBron may be the MVP, but, this is Kyrie Irving's Team... Right?
Behind the Big 3, you've got a great mixture of veteran leadership and youth... Center Tyson Chandler is still one of the most intimidating shot blockers in the league, and he has taken youngster Rambo Hightower under his wing as has taught him a few tricks of the trade... Power Forward Tristan Thompson has turned into a guy that could average a double-double for the season if he can stay focused... Off the bench they've got one of the best young scorers in the league, in 3rd year PG Trey Burke... They have one of the all time great defenders in the game, Tony Allen coming off the bench, along with his protege Travis Leslie who is a great lockdown defender in his own right... With Allen's tutelage, Leslie could become one of the best on ball defenders in the game... With all that being said, I don't think anyone is expecting anything less from this team than a return trip to the NBA Finals. They are one of, if not them most complete teams in the league... Everyone knows their role and they all play them great...
Developing Story?
SpoilerWho's team is it? Does it matter? Will Kyrie Irving and LeBron James be able to co-exist for the long term? There might not be a simple answer to that question as both players have pretty large ego's and have plenty of talent to be "The Guy" on any team in the NBA... Coming off of an NBA Championship, you'd think things would be peachy between the two of them, well, not exactly...
Not so friendly after all?
Nothing has come out in the public just yet, just a few rumors here and there but it seems evident that Kyrie and LeBron aren't the best of buds after all... Last year, Kyrie averaged twice as many shots in the 4th quarter as LeBron, and, late in their playoff run that seemed to bother LeBron a bit.... I don't foresee any public saga between these two, ie Kobe v Shaq, but I think it might be something that we need to keep an eye on going forward...
Last Season: (32-50) last place in Central Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Indiana Pacers Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Jacobi Cash (R) (72) George Hill (72) Ian Miller (68) SG Oralndo Johnson (73) Danny Green (72) SF Paul George (88) PF Ian Mahinmi (71) Tyler Hansbrough (70) Timothy Galloway (71) Julio Summer (68) C Roy Hibbert (80) Miles Plumlee (61)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerThe Indiana Pacers had a down year last year, which was a bit unexpected... On paper the team had everything they needed to make a legit run at a Central Division Crown, but, for whatever reason things just didn't work out for them... In the Off-Season, the Pacers front office was criticized for some of the choices they made during the draft when they drafted Point Guard Jacobi Cash from Florida with the 3rd overall pick...
Paul George is the real deal, without question
In the 2nd round they drafted Power Forward Timothy Galloway... NBA Analyst RaiNN was not impressed with the Pacers draft:I'm not sure what to think about the Pacer's front office. On the on hand Cash seems to be an obvious choice with an aging George Hill you have the next-gen point guard already in your line-up but it's questionable if Cash can life up to the hype. Besides they passed on a Magnus Kersey as inheritor of Hill. On the other hand I consider it a great move to draft Galloway. This guy could be a potential steal if he gets directed by Hibbert and fired up by the competition with Hansbrough.
Grade: C
Rumors
SpoilerCenter Ian Mahinmi could be on his way out as the Pacers have a logjam at the Power Forward position... Mahinmi has been starting at PF for the last 2 years, and he hasn't really improved like the Pacers thought he would... Having two, Seven footers in the paint, really clogs up the lane for your perimeter players... I look for the Pacers to move Mahinmi for a pick and a backup SF and start either Hansbrough or Galloway at the PF spot...
Last Season: (37-45) 4th in Central Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Detroit Pistons Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Brandon Knight (86) SG Nate Robinson (75) Hawkeem Freeman (71) Dante Johnston (55) SF James McAdoo (87) Taylor Gadson (70) PF Greg Monroe (89) Glen Davis (75) Jason Maxiell (64) Jonas Bergstedt (68) C Andre Drummond (70) Chris Kaman (69)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerLast Season was a disappointing year for the young Pistons team. They didn't win as many games as they were hoping to win, but, they learned some valuable lessons about themselves... Brandon Knight had a breakout year, averaging 21.4 points, 7.1 reb, 7.5 ast and 1.6 steals per game... With Knight becoming a star, and SF James McAdoo having a breakout year as well the Pistons have some great scoring threats on the offensive end of the floor... Backing up Knight at the Point will be a combination of Nate Robinson and this years #9 overall Pick Taylor Gadson from Uconn... Gadson wasn't expected to go in the Top 10, but, his upside and athleticism was something that the Pistons couldn't pass up... He is your "Point Forward" type of player and he should be a big contributor for the team in his 1st year... Last years #8 overall pick, SG Hawkeem Freeman will see more time on the floor this year as well... He is freakishly athletic but is still a very raw talent as an overall basketball player... Freeman and Gadson will provide some great scoring and energy off the bench none-the-less
Brandon Knight became a star in his 4th year, what will he do for an anchor?
In the paint, they have two of the brightest young stars in the game, in Greg Monroe and Andre Drummond... Monroe will be moving to Power Forward this year, as, it appears that Drummond is finally ready to crack the starting lineup... If these two can play well together, this young, freakishly athletic Pistons team could make some serious noise in the East...
Season 4 - 2015/16 Preview
Southeast Division
Last Season: (38-44) 3rd in Southeast Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Charolotte Bobcats Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Jimmer Fredette (77) Armon Jonson (72) Wade Vaughn (68) SG Shannon Brown (75) JR Smith (73) Gerald Henderson (73) SF Michael K.Gilchrist (84) PF Tiago Jacobsen (76) Mason Plumlee (73) Jesse Hester (67) C Rudy Gobert (84) Amir Johnson (70)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerCharlotte has been steadily improving over the past few years and last year, they put up their highest win total (36) since 2009... The Cats have become one of the best defensive teams in the league, led by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist... MKG average 17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assits, 1.5 steals and 1 block per game last year for the Cats... The 2013 #4 overall pick, Center Rudy Gobert from France has been steadily improving and has become a great defensive Center and rim protector... Averaging 9 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game last year, he should continue to improve going forward...
MKG is raedy to take the Cats to the next level
The 2014 #1 overall pick, Power Forward Tiago Jacobsen from Ohio State, was an interesting pick by the Cats... They passed up on some players that were much better offensively, however, Jacobsen's Defense has not dissapointed as he averaged 8 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.7 blocks per game as a rookie playing 30 minutes per game... He'll probably never average 10 points per game, but, with Jacobsen and Gobert in the paint, the Cats have an intimidating front line... Charlotte should be able to score the ball better this year, as they bring in sharp shooter Jimmer Fredette to run the offense... Fredette wasn't really given a chance to play much in Sacramento, as only averaged 16 minutes per game for his career there... In Charlotte he will be expected to be the team's primary scorer, something he did great in college... Firestarter JR Smith will provide plenty of spark off the bench when called upon as well, and the times Jimmer and JR are on the floor together, the Cats offense can be scarry... Overall, I don't know if they've got enough scoring to reach the playoffs, but, they wont go down without a fight and their defensive mindset will make their opponents earn every bucket...
Last Season: (33-49) 4th place in Southeast Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Atlanta Hawks Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Jeff Teague (79) Nate Wolters (70) Devin Harris (72) SG Ryan Harrow (78) Terrence Williams (79) Lamar Higgins (R) (72) Jon Jenkins (72) SF Josh Smith (90) Darius Miller (74) PF Al Horford (85) Michael Keefe (66) C Bryce Cole
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerThe Atlanta Hawks are one of the most difficult teams to gauge in the NBA... The talent is there, Josh Smith and Al Horford are perenial All Stars, however, for whatever reason the Hawks haven't had much success over the past few years... Smith averaged his typical, 19 points, 8.5 rebounds, 5 assists and 1.5 blocks per game, while Horford pitched in 16.6 points, 9 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.6 blocks... Both are playing there natural positions, Smith at Small Forward and Horford at the Power Forward, so, that can not longer be used as an excuse for their lack of success... So what is it?
How much longer will Smith and Horford be together in ATL?
Part of the problem could be the development, or, should I say lack of development shown from PG Jeff Teague.. Since averaging a career high 12.6 points per game in 2011/12, Teague's scoring average has dropped slightly every year since and his assist numbers haven't improved much either... In 2013 the team drafted Point Guard Ryan Harrow from Kentucky to push Teague for the starting job, but, recently they have decided that Harrow is better suited at the shooting guard position... Or is he? As with Horford and Smith, there seems to be an identity crisis in Atlanta as they don't seem to know who their best Point Guard is... Until the front office makes a decision one way or another, I expect the Hawks struggles to continue
Developing story
Al Horford is in his contract year and will be an unrestricted Free Agent this coming summer... If the Hawks struggle again like most people are expecting them to, will they move Horford for draft picks? The 29 year old Horford had a career year last year, scoring 16.6 points, and grabbing 9.4 rebounds per game, along with 2 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.5 blocks... He could be a very valuable trade piece if the Hawks decide to shop him around...
Last Season: (38-44) 2nd place in Southeat Division
--lost to Cavaliers in 1st round--
Miami Heat Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Magnus Kersey (67) Norris Cole (72) SG Dwyane Wade (92) SF Xavier Henry (81) Trevor Ariza (78) Chris D.Roberts (74) Clifford Bowman (67) PF Alex Oriakhi (75) Trey Thompkins (73) C Spencer Hawes (76) Cole Aldrich (71) Mindaugas Kupas (65)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerDWade is entering his 13th NBA Season, and he doesn't appear to be slowing down one bit. Last year, Wade averaged 25.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game, garnering him 3rd Team All NBA Honors... This year, he'll have a few new running mates on South Beach as SF Xavier Henry, and rookie PG Magnus Kersey join the team... Henry is a great scorer who never had a chance to be a starter for the Hornets or Grizzlies in his previous 5 NBA Seasons... In Miami, he'll be the 2nd option behind Wade and, the Heat front office is extremely high on him...
Does DWade have 1 more title run?
Rookie Point Guard Magnus Kersey from Holy Cross will be handed the reigns from Day 1... The 15th overall pick in the 1st round was a steal of a draft pick in many experts eyes, and, going forward he should flourish in the Miami system... With a guy like Wade on your team, it can only make you better... The 2015 Most Improved player PF Alex Oriakhi should continue to develop into one of the games better all around Power Forwards... After averaging 9 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.4 blocks per game last year, the team is expecting an even bigger year this year from Oriakhi... I think the Heat will be a competitive team this year, their only problem may be the fact that everyone else in their division seems to have improved their teams as well... Last year, the Wizards won the Division with a 39-43 records... I highly doubt a sub .500 record wins the division this year...
Last Season: (21-61) last place in Southeast Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Orlando Magic Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Kenny Caballero (79) Shelvin Mack (71) SG Wesley Matthews (84) (6th) Arron Afflalo (78) SF Otto Porter (78) Zachary Forte (72) Maurice Harkless (71) PF Chris Bosh (85) Bismack Biyombo (73) Andrew Nicholson (71) C Cody Zeller (83) Nikola Vucevic (67)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerCall me crazy, but, I think the Orlando Magic could be one of the biggest surprise teams in 2015/16... With 2014/15 Rookie of the Year, Point Guard Kenny Caballero from Duke running the show and with the Free Agent additions that were added this past summer, I think the Magic have a very good, well rounded team... Caballero averaged 12.3 points, 2.2 reb, 6.7 assists and 1.2 steals in his rookie campaign, you've got to think he'll average better than that in his 2nd year and going forward...
Wesley Matthews gives Orlando a legit #1 scoring option
The addition of Free Agent SG Wesley Matthews gives the Magic something that they haven't had over the last few years, and that is a legit #1 scoring option on the offensive end... Matthews is also a great perimeter defender, as he's averaged over 1.5 steals per game for his career thus far... Another big addition to the team is Power Forward Chris Bosh... His ability to hit the outside shot should really open up driving lanes for Caballero and Matthews and his championship experience is something that is very valuable to young teams... Cody Zeller should continue to improve on the inside, as he's quickly becoming one of the better scoring Centers in the league... He followed up his 17.8 points and 9.1 rebounds per game Rookie Season with a 20.5 point, 9.5 rebound per game Sophomore Season... This years #2 overall Pick from Vanderbilt, SF Zachary Forte will see a good amount of action, backing up starting SF Otto Porter... He wont be asked to do much scoring in his first year, just play good defense and rebound the ball when he's on the floor... As I said in the beginning, I think the Magic have a very well rounded team, much better than last years team that lost 61 games... Will they make the Playoffs? I'm saying yes...
Last Season: (39-43) 1st place in Southeast Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Washington Wizards Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG John Wall (96) Wendall Oakley (68) SG Bradley Beal (91) Kurt Lawson (64) SF Dario Saric (78) (6th) Jan Vesely (75) Jimmy Butler (71) PF Nene (73) Kevin Seraphin (77) Trevor Booker (73) Bruno Mercer (64) C Emeka Okafor (70)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerThere was good news, and bad news when you look back and review the Wizards Season last year... The Good news was, they won the Southeast Division and made it to the 2nd round of the NBA Playoffs... The bad news, they won the division with a sub .500 record (39-43) and they lost a hard faught 7 game series in the 1st round to the Milwaukee Bucks... Overall, it was a slight step backwards, as, the Previous year they had made it to the 2nd round of the playoffs... Coming into this year, John Wall looks like he's ready to become a Super-Star in the league and Bradley Beal looks like the perfect complimentary player to Wall...
Wall and Beal form the Best Backcourt in the NBA
With John Wall and Bradley Beal forming the best backcourt in the NBA, the rest of the team just needs to do better at their own individual roles... the Power Forward, Nene and Center, Emeka Okafor are great rip protectors and rebounders who will make teams think twice about driving into the paint... 2013 #15 overall pick, 3rd year pro, Dario Saric from Croatia will get a chance to start this year, and he'll need to improve his overall game if he's going to remain the starter... Players like Jan Vesely and Jimmy Butler on the bench itching for a starting role... Overall, I think the Wizards are one of the best defensive teams in the league... I think if John Wall and Bradley Beal can bring their games up to the next level, the Wizards could be a scary matchup for almost any team in the league.
Season 4 - 2015/16 Preview
Southwest Division
Last Season - (42-40) 4th place in Southwest Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Memphis Grizzlies Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Mike Conley (86) Tony Wrotten (74) SG CJ Wilcox (73) Vin Sampson Jr (72) Michael Snear (66) SF Alonzo Gee (76) (6th) David Teague (R) (74) Steve Novak PF Brandon Wright (78) Darrell Arthur (76) C Marc Gasol (85) Nando Saramago (66)
2015/16 Preview:
SpoilerThe Memphis Grizzlies failed to make the Playoffs by a few games last Season, however, they beat all the odds in the NBA Draft lottery, with only a 6.3% of getting the #1 pick, the ping pong balls bounced their way and they landed the #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft... They surprised some people, by selecting SF David Teague from Syracuse University... Teague is known for his defensive prowess and should fit right into the Grizzlies, grind it out defensive style...
SF David Teague should be a Day 1 starter for the Grizzlies in 2015/16
The Grizzlies should be a better team this year, with the addition of #1 pick David Teague and #14 pick, Center Nando Saramago (Congo), they've got two players who are known for their defensive intensity... Combine those two rookies with the defensive minded players already on the roster, Mike Conley and Marc Gasol and the Grizzlies should have one of the better defensive teams in the league... Willl that lead to a playoff appearance this year? We'll have to wait and see, but, one thing is for sure, you're going to have to "bring your lunchpale" when you play the Grizz...
Last Season - (50-32) 1st place in Southwest Division
--Lost to Nuggets in 2nd rounds--
New Orleans Hornets Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Austin Rivers (79) Grevis Vasquez (72) Cedric Copeland (63) SG Eric Gordon (93) Robin Lopez (74) Nick Young (69) SF Al-Farouq Aminu (81) Yunlong Su (74) Doug McDermott (71) PF Nerlens Noel (87) Ryan Anderson (67) C Anthony Davis (95) Robin Lopez (74)
2015/16 Preview:
SpoilerThe Hornets have become one of the best teams in the league over the past few seasons... The selection of Kentucky big man, Nerlens Noel in 2013 has given them two monster rip protectors in the pait with Noel and Anthony Davis... Austin Rivers has progressed into a solid point guard who can create his own shot when need be...
Eric Gordon needs to take that next step this year
The Hornets really need SG Eric Gordon to take that next step and become a legit NBA star this year... The only thing this team is missing is "that guy" that can take over and close out a game in the 4th quarter and in crunch time... Gordon has been a steady player over the past couple years, averaging close to 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game... As good as those numbers are, he needs to get better if the Hornets are going to be a serious contender for a title
Last Season - (36-46) last place in Southwest Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Dallas Mavericks Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Darren Collison (84) Rodrigue Beaubois (77) SG OJ Mayo (81) Jared Cunningham (69) Will Barton (69) SF Andre Iguodala (89) Mason Sweetney (76) PF Leif Wolfe (73) Marreese Speights (76) Jonas Jerebko (73) C Gorgui Dieng (67) Bryant Fowler
2015/16 Preview:
SpoilerThe retirement of long time Maverick Dirk Nowitzki left a huge void on the Dallas Mavericks, and, they wasted little time filling that void... With the 6th pick in the draft, they hope they have found Dirk's replacement, in Leif Wolfe, another Sharp Shooting Power Forward from Germany... Wolfe will be an instant starter for the Mavericks, and, he looks like he's built from the same mold as Dirk was...
PF Lief Wolfe has some big shoes to fill in Dallas.
Wolfe is going to have tremendous shoes to fill however, following a Hall of Famer is never easy, and being such a similar player will make things even tougher for him as comparisons of he and Dirk will surely follow him for his entire career in Dallas.. The Mavericks have a solid team around Wolfe, with Andrew Iguodala, OJ Mayo and Darren Collison, this team has everything it needs to make a quick turnaround and make a push for the playoffs... Whether they make the turnaround or not will depend on how quickly they can come together as a unit, instead of playing like a group of individuals...
Last Season - (44-38) 2nd place in Southwest Division
--Lost to Hornets in 1st round--
Houston Rockets Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Jeremy Lin (84) Dexter Strickland (70) SG James Harden (88) Conrad Harper (67) SF Tony Mitchell (82) Terrence Jones (69) Johnny Hutchinson (57) PF Patrick Patterson (85) Royce White (76) Markus Morris (74) C DeAndre Jordan (82) Alec Brown (70) Dontatas Motiejunas (66)
2015/16 Preview:
SpoilerJames Harden and Jeremy Lin form one of the most exciting backcourts in the NBA... They run an uptempo fast paced offense that looks to catch the defense sleeping on every possession... That style worked great from them all season long, until they reached the playoffs vs the Defensive minded New Orleans Hornets... The Hornets quickly ended the Rockets season in 5 games in the first round because they simply wouldn't allow them to get out and run... They forced them to play their style, and Houston simply couldn't match up with Noel and Davis down low...
Houston native DeAndre Jordan is excited about playing at home
The Off-Season addition of DeAndre Jordan will hopefully give the Rockets front line that extra punch they were missing last year... Jordan, who signed a 4 year $40m contract in the off-season is ecstatic about being home in Houston and I expect big things from him this year... He's coming from a system in LA that loved to push the pace and play uptempo, so he should fit right into the offensive gameplan of the Houston Rockets... I expect Houston to be one of the best teams in the Western Conference this year, and with Harden, Lin and Jordan I expect them to at least reach the Western Conference Finals...
Last Season - (42-40) 3rd place in Southwest Division
--Lost to Thunder in 1st round (7 games)--
San Antonio Spurs Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG DJ Augistin (77) Patty Mills (71) Nemanja Nedovic (65) SG Iman Shumpert (87) Elliot Williams (75) Danny Green (73) Tyson Slay (66) SF Kawhi Leonard (83) PF DeJuan Blair (78) Patric Young (74) C BJ Mullens (71) Dennis Lambert (69)
2015/16 Preview:
SpoilerThe veteran savy San Antonio Spurs gave it everything they had last year in the last few weeks of the season... They overcame a 2 game deficit in the final few weeks to sneak into the 8th seed in the Western Conference playoffs... They were clearly the underdog vs their 1st round matchup, the OKC Thunder but that didn't phase them... They battled the younger, faster, more athletic Thunder for 7 tough games, at one point, taking a 3-2 lead in the series... However, in the end they didn't have enough to close out OKC and they lost game 6 at home, and then game 7 back in OKC... The loss was devistating for the Spurs, as they all knew that this would be the last time that the "Big 3" of Parker, Ginobili and Duncan would be together... Tim Duncan ended his hall of fame career that night and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili was let go later in the off-season and long time head coach Greg Popovich announced his retirement a few days later...
Shumpert joins the Spurs and brings some much needed youth and athleticism
In free agency the Spurs brought in one of the brightest young stars in the game, SG Iman Shumpert... He is expected to be the teams defensive stopper on the perimeter and the teams 2nd scoring option behind SF Kawhi Leaonard... Point Guard DJ Augistin will be handed the reigns at as the lead guard and Power Forwards Dejaun Blair and 2013 1st round pick Patric Young will do their best to fill the void of the departed hall of famer Tim Duncan... The 2015/16 San Antonio Spurs are much younger than they have been in recent years, however, with that youth comes excitement and athleticism that this team hasn't had in, well, forever... We'll see if this group can live up to the previous group's success and become a perennial NBA Title contender...
Season 4 - 2015/16 Preview
Northwest Division
Last Season - (48-34) 3rd place in Northwest Division
--Lost to Lakers in 1st round--
Utah Jazz Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Eric Bledsoe (81) Mo Williams (71) SG Gordon Hayward (85) Alec Burks (76) Aaron Tyson (63) SF Deshawn Thomas (79) Sheldon Mullin (71) Tim Stallworth (54) PF Derrick Favors (92) Ekpe Udoh (74) C Al Jefferson (86) Omer Asik (69)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerThe Jazz made a big move this past off-season, not matching the Celtics big free agent offer to young Center Enes Kanter. With two all star caliber big men already, the Jazz didn't feel the need to match... I'm not sure why they didn't work out some sort of sign and trade, instead of just letting Kanter walk away and receive nothing in return, but, thats exactly what they did... This current Jazz team has everything you'd expect from an NBA Title Contender, they've got a great set of 5 starters that all play well together and they've also got some solid dependable players coming off the bench who can provide a spart at a moments notice...
Derrick Favors and Al Jefferson strike fear into their opponents
The loss of Kanter will be devastating if either Favors or Jefferson suffer a lengthy injury during the year, but, both of them have shown that injuries aren't really a big concern as they've both play 80+ games each of the last 3 seasons... Point Guard Eric Bledsoe is going to be the key to the Season for the Jazz as he has all the tools you look for in a franchise point guard, the only thing he lacks is experience. If he can put up numbers we all know he's capable of, the Jazz should be knocking on the door to another near 50 win season and a Division Title in 2015/16
Last Season - (51-31) 2nd place in Northwest Division
--Lost to Lakers in Western Conference Finals--
Denver Nuggets Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Ty Lawson (88) Isaac Newman (69) Anthony Soto (55) SG Corey Brewer (70) Evan Fournier (69) Courtney Kim (63) Durand Scott (65) SF Danilo Gallinari (88) Jordan Hamilton (74) PF Anthony Randolph (86) (6th) Kenneth Faried (84) C Javale McGee (82)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerDenver was one of the best teams in the NBA last year. They were one of the most fun teams to watch with their up and down style of play and their defense was outstanding as well... Ty Lawson, Kenneth Faried and the gang really seem to enjoy playing with each other and it shows on the court... They took the Lakers to the brink of elimination last year in the Western Conference Finals, taking a 3-1 series lead heading home for Game 5... That Game 5 was a night that Nugget fans wont soon forget, they lost a heartbreaker, 94-93 on a buzzer beater by Kobe Bryant... That shot seemed to energize the entire Laker team and Kobe Bryant specifically (post258)they would go on to win Game 6 and Game 7 to advance past Denver to the NBA Finals...
Ty Lawson and Kenneth Faried are ready to take that next step
In the Off-Season the Nuggets made an interesting move, resigning PF Anthony Randolph to a monster, 4 year $40m contract extension. On the surface, you would think that's too much to pay your 6th man, but, the relationship between Randolph, Faried and McGee helped when this deal was made... Randolph is good enough to be a starting PF on pretty much any team in the league, and he chose to take less than Market value to stay in Denver in hopes of winning a Championship. "I love Denver, I love our team, I love our coach, I couldn't be happier about my situation. I don't need the label of being 'the guy' or the label of 'starter' to prove my worth, my team knows what I bring to the table night in and night out" - PF Anthony Randolph... All that being said, it will be interesting to see what Denver does this next Off-Season, when 7 foot shot blocking monster JaVale McGee will be looking to get paid...
Last Season - (51-31) 1st place in Northwest Division
--Lost to Lakers in 2nd round--
Oklahoma City Thunder Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Russell Westbrook (97) Reggie Jackson (77) CJ McCollum (74) Eric Maynor (69) SG Jeremy Lamb (78) Josh Swift (64) SF Kevin Durant (98) PF Serge Ibaka (90) Perry Jones (71) C Kendrick Perkins (73) Anderson Varejao (69) Aziz N'Diaye (64)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerThe Thunder entered the 2014/15 Season with a huge target on their back, which, isn't unusual for Defending NBA Champions... With their NBA Finals win over the 76ers a faint memory, OKC fought and battled their way to the #1 Seed in the Western Conference again... Everything was going great until Russell Westbrook aggravated a knee injury that had been bothering him throughout the season. Westbrook didn't miss any games because of the knee injury, but his consistency dropped off dramatically and he just wasn't the same player in the 2nd round series vs the Lakers...
Durant and Westbrook are the most prolific scoring combo in the league
I have zero doubt that if Westbrook had been healthy vs the Lakers they would have advanced to the Western Conference finals vs the Denver Nuggets... With Westbrook and Durant both entering this season 100% healthy and the emergence of SG Jeremy Lamb into the "James Harden Role" on the OKC roster, I expect big things from OKC this year... They also added former Cavaliers big man Anderson Varejao to provide some great energy and rebounding off the bench... Look for OKC to playing basketball late into June...
Last Season - (41-41) 4th place in Northwest Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Minnesota Timberwolves Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Ricky Rubio (93) Jermichael Kane (65) SG Marcus Thornton (81) Brandon Roy (81) Igor Kasparov (70) Malcom Lee (68) SF Chandler Parsons (82) Chase Budinger (75) Oleksander Lypovyy (66) PF Kevin Love (92) David West (71) C Nikola Pekovic (78) Alex Len (76)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerMinnesota had high hopes coming into last season, but for some reason they couldn't get everyone on the same page, outside of a 10 game win streak shortly before the all-star break, the T'Wolves struggled most of the year, winning a few in a row, then losing a few in a row and never really establishing a rhythm on offense or defense... The bright spots for the T'Wolves were PG Ricky Rubio, and PF Kevin Love though as both players had all star caliber seasons...
Rubio and Love are two of the brightest young stars in the game today
In the off-season the T'Wolves added some much needed scoring as they signed SG Marcus Thornton formerly of the Sacramento Kings. Thornton has averaged 18 points per game in his NBA Career and should really take some of the pressure off Love and Rubio... With the three of them, I think Minnesota is ready to take on the Western Conference in 2015/16 and I wouldn't be surprised if they made a deep run in the Western Conference playoffs..
Last Season - (37-45) last place in Northwest Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Portland Trail Blazers Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Damian Lillard (92) Nolan Smith (77) SG Ken. Caldwell-Pope (75) Ben Uzoh (74) SF Nicholas Batum (86) Rodney Williams (71) PF JJ Hickson (81) Luc R.Mbah A Moute (74) C Meyers Leonard (70) Simon Warrick (72) Wallace Hart (65) Ross Palmer (64)
2015/16 Preview
SpoilerPortland was absolutely desimated in Free Agency last summer as LaMarcus Aldridge (knicks), Wesley Matthews (magic) and Elliot Williams (spurs) all bolted in free agency... The Blazers reposnded by not signing a single notable player in free agency to replace any of the 3.... You heard me right, they didn't sign anyone... Entering this season the Blazers have around $25m in cap space, and, they look like they are happy with the young roster they've got and nothing newworthy is swirling about possible moves they might make...
Damian Lillard and Nicholas Batum will have to be the playmakers for this depleted Blazers squad.
Even with an All Star talent like Nicholas Batum, it looks like the Blazers are going to be in the Jabari Parker / Andrew Wiggins sweepstakes this summer... Even Lillard and Batum I'm not sure how this Blazers team can win 30 games this year...
Season 4 - 2015/16 Preview
Pacific Division
Last Season - (42-40) 3rd place in Pacific Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Los Angeles Clippers Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Chris Paul (97) Erick Green (65) SG Ben McLemore (79) (6th) Jamaal Crawford (71) AC Walsh (53) SF Carmelo Anthony (94) Robert Covington (67) Mack Sharpe (72) PF Blake Griffin (93) (6th) Paul Milsap (83) C Andrew Bogut (77) Norman Payne (69)
2015/16 Season Preview
Spoiler"Lob City" was in full effect last Season, with Chris Paul, Blake Griffin and Carmelo Anthony the Clippers put up points in bunches and ranked among the Top 5 scoring teams in the league, however, their Defense left much to be desired as they ranked in the bottom 5 teams in league for points allowed per game... This Off-Season, the Clippers set out to improve their Defense, and, they feel they did that with the addition of Adnrew Bogut, who signed a 3 year $12m contract... The addition of Bogut ment the departure of nightly highlight real player DeAndre Jordan, but it was an addition by subtraction type move for the Clipps...
Is this the year the Clipper finally reach the NBA Finals?
On paper, there is absolutely no excuse for the Clippers to miss the playoffs this year, in fact, on paper they should be one of the best teams in the NBA... With an all star roster of Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Blake Griffin, you'd be hard pressed to find another team in the league that could match up with LA from a talent perspective... Then you throw in 2013, 1st round pick Ben McLemore and new Center Andrew Bogut with Paul Milsap off the bench and I can't see how this team could possibly win less than 50 games this year...
Last Season - (36-46) 4th place in Pacific Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Sacramento Kings Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Isaiah Thomas (82) Alexy Shved (72) SG Tyreke Evans (93) Michael Davenport (R)(71) SF CJ Leslie (77) Caron Butler (73) Robin Bowen (64) PF Thomas Robinson (84) Jason Thompson (76) Jordan Williams C DeMarcus Cousins (95) Mark Hatcher (66)
2015/16 Season Preview
SpoilerSacramento has been knocking on the Door to greatness for the last few years but they haven't been able to get over the hump... After missing the playoffs in 2012/13, they won 46 games and locked up the 3rd seed in the West in 2013/14 and pushed OKC (the eventual NBA Champ) to a 7th game in the Conf. Semi Finals... In 2014/15 they fell off a bit and missed the playoffs, only winning 36 games... DeMarcus Cousins had another great year, but the team, overall just wasn't as good as the team that made the deep playoff run the year before...
The patience of the Kings' front office is wearing thin with these two
The loss of Marcus Thornton (T'wolves) will hurt the Offense, but the team hopes 2013, 1st round draft pick CJ Leslie can pick up the slack... Regardless of what the rest of the team does, this Franchise will only go as far as Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins can carry them... If those two don't become legit Superstars like they were expected to become when they entered the NBA, then the team isn't going to be any better than average any given year... Both players are very good, don't get me wrong, but they need to take that next step and become elite players if they want to do anything special in Sac town...
Developing Story
SpoilerIf they Kings get off to a rocky start, would they consider trading DeMarcus Cousins or Tyreke Evans? Both players are locked up long term, but, neither player has really achieved the potential they were once thought to have when they entered the NBA...
Cousins running out of time in Sacramento?
There have been no signs of either player leaving Sac town any time soon, but you've got to wonder how long the Kings will stick with this underachieving combo should things go bad early in the season...
Last Season - (47-35) 1st place in Pacific Division
--Lost to Cavaliers in NBA Finals--
Los Angeles Lakers Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Tyshawn Taylor (76) Ray McCallum (73) Jose Calderon (67) SG Roger Fox (87) Lorenzo Brown (75) SF Wilson Chandler (84) Chris Singleton (73) PF Andray Blatche (75) Kris Humphries (71) Randy Coleman (53) C Dwight Howard (96) Jordan Hill (73)
2015/16 Season Preview
SpoilerThe post Kobe era has officially begun in LA LA land as Kobe Bryant announced his retirement shortly after the NBA Finals loss to LeBron James and the Cavaliers... So, who's the new face of the Franchise? Dwight Howard of course... Dwight, who helped lead the Lakers to the Title in 2013, his 1st and Kobe's 6th overall, is now the headliner of a Lakers team that is only slightly less star studded than years past...
Dwight Howard is the new face of the storied Lakers Franchise
Along with Dwight Howard, the Lakers will call on 2013, #3 overall pick, SG Roger Fox (miami) to be the teams #2 scoring option and best perimeter defender... Fox flashes skills similar to those of LeBron James, great court vision, great finisher at the rim, great defender, but, he enters his 3rd he's still raw from the perspective of leadership and drive... He's been accused of slacking from time to time, which is something that he can't do as one of the focal points of the offense... The Lakers also return 4th year PG Tyshawn Taylor, who helped lead them to the NBA Finals and Versatile swing man Wilson Chandler who can play the SG, SF and PF positions... The Lakers added big man Andray Blatche in free agency, and he's expected to start alongside Howard in the front court... I'm not sure if the Lakers can have the type of success they had last season, but I think they will be a solid team none-the-less...
Last Season - (25-57) last place in Pacific Division
--did not qualify for playoffs--
Phoenix Suns Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Goran Dragic (80) Kendall Marshall (73) Cam Curtis (66) SG Monte Ellis (87) Wesley Johnson (74) SF Michael Beasley (87) Adonis Thomas (80) PF Amare Stoudemire (83) Randy Winter (R)(73) Markieff Morris (71) C Marcin Gortat (73) Jeff Withey (69)
2015/16 Season Preview
SpoilerThe Suns were one of the worst teams in the league last year, but, they were one of the most exciting teams to watch... They only won 25 games, but they ranked in the Top 5 in points scored, however, they ranked in the bottom five in field goal percentage... The goal this off-season was obvious, they need to be more efficient on Offense... That might be easier said than done, considering their two best scorers, Monte Ellis and Michael Beasley aren't really known for their efficiency. None-the-less they are going to have figure out a way to score more efficiently if they are going to make any noise in the Western Conference...
Can Beasley live up to the monster off-season contract?
Beasley signed a 5 year $82m contract extension with the Suns this past Off-Season. The deal ensures that Beasley and Ellis will be together for at least the next 3 seasons... The task at had is, like i said before, to get these guys to score their points more efficiently and within the flow of the offense rather than using primarily isolation... Goran Dragic and Backup point guard Kendall Marshall are very good point guards, who excel at hitting players in good scoring position coming off screens so they will only help the offensive development of Ellis and Beasley... The addition of former Sun, Amare Stoudemire should help take some of the offensive burden off Ellis and Beasley and the #4 overall pick PF Randy Winter (purdue) should provide great bench depth and toughness... Winter could push Amare' for the starting job sometime during the season should Amare get injured or the team clearly isn't going anywhere... Winter was the Top Prospect in this years draft, and the Suns are hoping they lucked out as he fell down to the 4th position behind, SG/SF David Teague (MEM), SF Zachary Forte (ORL) and PG Jacobi Cash (IND)...
Last Season - (43-39) 2nd place in Pacific Division
--Lost to Nuggets in 1st round--
Golden State Warriors Depth Chart - 2015/16 STARTER 2ND 3RD 4TH PG Stephen Curry (87) Andrew Goudelock (68) Kirk Hinrich (65) SG Klay Thompson (83) TJ Starks (66) SF Harrison Barnes (85) Jamal De La Cruz (66) PF David Lee (75) Carl Landry (67) Juwan Fox (53) C Isaiah Austin (79) Ed Davis (80)
2015/16 Season Preview
SpoilerGolden State finished 43-39 and snuck into the Playoffs with the 7th seed last year... They were quickly eliminated in 5 games by the Denver Nuggets but, they had a pretty good season regardless... Their future is bright with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes, and I think this could be the year they break out and make a run at a Western Conference Title...
Stephen Curry needs to play like an MVP this year is GSW is going to make a deep run in the post-season
The Warriors added former Rockets bigman Ed Davis in free agency this summer in hopes of replacing former defensive stopper Andrew Bogut who landed with the Clippers... Davis is more versatile than Bogut and can cover much better on the perimeter... He'll be a big player off the bench for them... The defying factor for the Warriors this year will be PG Stephen Curry, as good as Klay Thompson and Harrison Barnes are, they can't take over and control an entire game the way Curry can... There have been several moments in Curry's career where he simply took a game over, scoring 20 points in a quarter, putting the team on his back and leading them to victory... He's going to have to do that, and then some if the Warriors are going to make a serious run at a Western Conference title...
Last edited by cgalligan; 05-28-2013, 01:28 PM.Comment
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Re: 2k13 Cleveland Cavaliers - Rise up and Rebuild
76ers--slow, post up
celtics---fast, drive----PS, green IRL is cletics long term future, move him or poy to PF, bring williams off the bench (his potential is broken in 2k, he should never touch an 87) move sully to backup C
knicks--slow, post
nets--slow post
raptors--fast outsideComment
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Re: 2k13 Cleveland Cavaliers - Rise up and Rebuild
76ers--slow, post up
celtics---fast, drive----PS, green IRL is cletics long term future, move him or poy to PF, bring williams off the bench (his potential is broken in 2k, he should never touch an 87) move sully to backup C
knicks--slow, post
nets--slow post
raptors--fast outside
Also, I'm still not sold that D.Will is a bust, I think with playing time he could progress into a good player...
Overall, I agree with you though, for some reason the 2k rosters (i used beds btw) seem to boost guys very quickly into the high 80's and low 90'sComment
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Re: 2k13 Cleveland Cavaliers - Rise up and Rebuild
Granted I don't get a lot of Minnesota's games where I live but everytime I watch Derrick Williams, he is either lights out insanity or just showed up b/c it was required of him. He has an inconsistent attitude when it comes to work ethic, imo.Comment
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Re: 2k13 Cleveland Cavaliers - Rise up and Rebuild
ill give ya the scoop since i get the season pass and watch ALOT...probably to much basketball.
Williams is MUCH better suited at the SF positon...and he almost exclusively relies on a point guard to get him good shots.
--cg the problem with green is he never really got a boost from 2k. he is highly under-rated in this game...he has superstar potential, can do everything except he struggles a bit passing, and was rated one of the best all around defenders statistically.
--in 2k williams gets up to 90+ at times.. i really don't think he would ever get over the 80-85 hump IRL
as for that fast bump to the 90s its because they give WAY to many guys hidden potential off season camp, they end up with 95+ potential and most are to high anywaysComment
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Re: 2k13 Cleveland Cavaliers - Rise up and Rebuild
The 2015/16 Season is Finally here, its October 31st and everyone is ready to get this Season started. Below you will see few of the High profile games that we'll be keeping an eye on early in the Season...
October 31st, 2015
Houston Rockets @ Cleveland Cavaliers
- Cleveland raises a championship banner for the 1st time the 1964 Cleveland Browns in the Pre Super Bowl era of the NFL.
October 31st, 2015
Santonio Spurs @ LA Lakers
- 1st game in the post Kobe Bryant era for the Lakers... Can Dwight Howard and Roge Fox live up to the storied Laker Legacy?
November 1st, 2015
Toronto Raptors @ New York Knicks
- Talk about reloading, the Knicks add Kemba Walker, LaMarcus Aldridge to team up with Dion Waiters and Rudy Gay... Is New York really "back" this time?
November 3rd, 2015
Washington Wizards @ Memphis Grizzlies
- #1 overall Pick, SF David Teague from Syracuse makes his NBA Debut... Will he be the star Memphis hopes he's going to be or will he be a bust of epic proportions?
November 3rd, 2015
LA Clippers @ LA Lakers
- The Clippers deserve some respect, with Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Blake Griffin they've got more star power than anyone in the league... Will the big brother of LA (Lakers) step aside quietly? I doubt it...
November 6th, 2015
Boston Celtics @ Oklahoma City Thunder
- Should be a great matchup between a young and hungry Celtic team and a perennial Western Conference Power in OKC
November 8th, 2015
LA Lakers @ Denver Nuggets
- You know the wound is still fresh for Nugget fans after last years epic collapse in the Western Conference Finals that saw their beloved Nuggets choke away a 3-1 series lead.
November 9th, 2015
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Oklahoma City Thunder
- A possible NBA Finals Preview? We're still a long way from that being a possibility, but, on paper these two teams look to be the early favorites.
There are plenty of great games on the schedule early, i'll do my best to keep you all updated on the results and happenings from around the league as I progress further...
As always, thanks for the read, comments, idea, suggestions, criticism all welcomed with open arms
Comment
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Re: 2k13 Cleveland Cavaliers - Rise up and Rebuild
ill give ya the scoop since i get the season pass and watch ALOT...probably to much basketball.
Williams is MUCH better suited at the SF positon...and he almost exclusively relies on a point guard to get him good shots.
--cg the problem with green is he never really got a boost from 2k. he is highly under-rated in this game...he has superstar potential, can do everything except he struggles a bit passing, and was rated one of the best all around defenders statistically.
--in 2k williams gets up to 90+ at times.. i really don't think he would ever get over the 80-85 hump IRL
as for that fast bump to the 90s its because they give WAY to many guys hidden potential off season camp, they end up with 95+ potential and most are to high anywaysComment
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Comment
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Re: 2k13 Cleveland Cavaliers - Rise up and Rebuild
Prime Time Performance
Novermber 2nd, 2015
@
Pay The Man!
Spoiler
Kevin Love picked has picked up this Season, right where
he left off last Season as he explodes vs the Warriors.
Stats: 52 points - 10 rebounds - 6 assists - 3 blocks
T'Wolves win 150-126
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Re: 2k13 Cleveland Cavaliers - Rise up and Rebuild
Yikes, i've never scored that many points as a team. Both teams need to play some defense, eh?Comment
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