The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story


Clippers

Offseason Moves:

Draft C Qi Zhou
Re-sign Stephen Jackson to a 1yr/$549K deal
Re-sign Chris Kaman to a 1yr/$1.06M deal
Sign Pau Gasol to a 2yr/$5.89M deal
Sign Marc Gasol to a 2yr/$12.02M deal

Last Season’s Record: (38-44)

Clippers Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	C. Paul	A. Harrison
SG	N. Wolters	J. Crawford
SF	A. Poythress	A. Crabbe	S. Jackson
PF	B. Griffin	P. Gasol
C	M. Gasol	Q. Zhou (R)	C. Kaman	B. Meekins (R)

Preview: The Clippers came off another disappointing season and this time Chris Paul wasn’t quiet about his disappointment. In fact, he and Blake Griffin both are publicly disappointed in the franchise’s direction and in the way the front office has performed. Both are locked into long term contracts, however, reports indicate that Paul and Griffin have asked to be traded if, by the All-Star break, the Clippers are once again struggling.

There was a huge overhaul of the coaching staff this summer and the Clippers have a new voice. Not only that, but they also have two huge important pieces coming in: the Gasol brothers. Both Pau and Marc Gasol signed with the Clippers, uniting them with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin to form a team even the Lakers have to be a little jealous of. Marc Gasol will immediately take over for the departed DeAndre Jordan as the starting center while Pau will come off the bench as one of the league’s most valuable sixth men.

In the draft the Clippers secured their future at the five with the addition of Qi Zhou, the towering seven foot shot blocker from China. They brought back Kaman and Jackson and look to finally capitalize on all the talent this roster has.

X-Factor: Nate Wolters. Wolters has been promoted to the starting role while Jamal Crawford heads to the bench. Wolters is an interesting player as he can play either the one or the two in most lineups. He can score and he can pass, but he’s never been thrust into playing with as talented a backcourt partner as Chris Paul. Wolters needs to do what Crawford has failed to do in his time with the team: score well and efficiently. If he can do that, it will allow everyone else to focus on other things, like defense.

Burning Question: Will Paul and Griffin be traded? This is THE question heading into this season. Both Paul and Griffin are publicly dissatisfied with the team’s performance and there are a number of highly interested teams in acquiring the services of the two. Among those teams is the Clippers immediate neighbors, the Lakers. Paul and Bryant are both close and nearly ended up playing together before. But sources say that the Lakers are targeting Griffin more than anything and would be willing to part with a bounty for the services of the big man, whom they feel can be a part of a championship culture for at least a decade. Would the Clippers even consider that? Would they refuse a better package by the Lakers compared to other teams? What happens to the Clippers during the season will have dramatic repercussions on the NBA.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Grizzlies

Offseason Moves:

Draft PF Jahlill Okafor
Trade Tony Wroten, Otto Porter to HOU for Terrence Jones, Max Starks, and a 2016 1^st round pick (Top 3 protected)
Sign Marcus Thornton to a 3yr/$23.07M deal
Sign Will Bynum to a 1yr/$525K deal
Re-sign Darrel Arthur to a 4yr/$22.48M deal
Sign Anderson Varejao to a 1yr/$1.15M deal

Last Season’s Record: (21-61)

Grizzlies Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	M. Conely	R. Gary (R)	M. Starks	W. Bynum
SG	M. Thornton	A. Harrison
SF	E. Turner	T. Jones	A. Roberson
PF	J. Okafor (R)	D. Arthur	D. Bass
C	E. Davis	A. Varejao

Preview: The Grizzlies made a huge trade last season for Evan Turner, who turned in a career year, but fell apart as a team. There was a clear chemistry issue and coaching issue, both resolved in the offseason as Lionel Hollins was let go and franchise center Marc Gasol left. The team is now firmly in the hands of Evan Turner and his fellow Ohio State Buckeye, Mike Conley.

The Grizzlies, by fate or luck, managed to keep their draft pick and picked up big man Jahlil Okafor, who looks to be the next big man in the Grizzlies franchise and the first one not named Gasol in some time. Okafor immediately slides into the four spot while Ed Davis heads to the five, hoping to find more success than he did at the four last year where he only put up 9.8 PPG and 7.4 RPG in 36 minutes. If Davis continues to struggle, expect the Grizzlies to shift Okafor over while promoting Darrel Arthur to a starter at the four.

In free agency the Grizzlies brought in Marcus Thornton on a modest three year deal, allowing him to act in the role of go to scorer while Aaaron Harrison matures behind him. The Grizzlies must give this year’s draft pick to the 76ers no matter what, so it’s in their best interests to finish with as good a record as possible.

X-Factor: Evan Turner. Turner had a career year on the floor for the Grizzlies, but as a leader fell considerably short. The team last year was fractured and broken, which resulted in a large number of locker room issues as the losses piled up. If the Grizzlies expect to make it into the postseason, they’ll need Turner to step it up as leader and make it known to everyone that he expects to be in contention.

Burning Question: Will the Grizzlies regret trading Otto Porter? Porter, who was traded to the Rockets for a conditional first round pick, didn’t exactly have a lot of time to develop into the player the Grizzlies thought he was during the draft process. Porter now resides in Houston, where he’s the presumed future at the three spot, and could easily prove to be a trade the Grizzlies regret years down the road.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Offseason Moves:

Draft PF Cliff Alexander
Re-sign Chandler Parsons to a 4yr/$29.02M deal
Re-sign Marcus Morris to a 1yr/$4.32M deal
Sign Aziz N’Diaye to a 2yr/$2.56M deal
Sign Jordan Crawford to a 1yr/$7.83M deal

Last Season’s Record: (36-46)

Hawks Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	J. Teague	R. McCallum
SG	D. Waiters	J. Crawford	J. Franklin
SF	C. Parson	A. Gordon	D. Diez
PF	M. Beasley	M. Morris	C. Alexander (R)
C	A. Len	A. N'diaye

Preview: The Hawks made a deadline move last season to grab the future of their franchise in Dion Waiters, who is now the featured player on that team. Teague and Waiters now form a dynamic backcourt while the two welcome back shooter Chandler Parsons. Also, Michael Beasley arrives to play the four and the Hawks strategy is clear: spread the floor and shoot the ball.

Alex Len now takes over as starting center for the Hawks and though he was a decent rotation player last year, the Hawks expect more from him. Len is a true seven footer and will easily protect the rim, but they’ll need him to gobble up rebounds as the shots will be falling from this Hawks team, who have taken inspiration in many ways from the Miami Heat.

In free agency, the Hawks brought in dynamic bench play via Jordan Crawford, someone who will play extensive minutes in the second unit along with Marcus Morris. The Hawks are locked and loaded for a postseason run, but the question remains how all these parts will fit together.

X-Factor: Michael Beasley. Though Alex Len is going to see starter’s minutes for the first time ever, Beasley’s play at the four is important. He’ll be getting a lot of touches and will be expected to nail his open shots as the floor will be spread with a wealth of people who can knock down the triple. If Beasley performs consistently he can justify that big, fat contract he signed during the offseason. If not, he’ll be looked upon as the scapegoat early and often.

Burning Question: Are the Hawks ready? They’ve been a team that has, for much of its history, struggled to be more than just perennial first round fodder. It’s become an annual rite of passage to see the Hawks lose to a team that eventually threatens for the title. Will this season be different? Is this young team ready to take that next leap? The franchise continues to barely enthuse the home crowd as it is. Dion Waiters has signed on for the long term, hoping to help make the Hawks into something to be feared. We’ll see if it’s possible.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Heat

Offseason Moves:

Draft PG Tyus Jones
Re-sign Thab Sefolosha to a 1yr/$525K deal
Re-sign Shane Battier to a 1yr/$525K deal
Sign Manu Ginobili to a 1yr/$1.55M deal
Sign Tobias Harris to a 3yr/$5.80M deal
Sign Andrei Kirilenko to a 1yr/$1.28M deal

Last Season’s Record: (43-39)

Heat Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	M. Chalmers	T. Jones (R)	J. Staten
SG	D. Wade	M. Ginobili	T. Sefolosha
SF	L. James	T. Harris	S. Battier
PF	A. Oriakhi	A. Kirilenko
C	M. Gortat	J. Smith	Z. Marshall

Preview: Dwayne Wade and LeBron James are another year older, but don’t tell either of them that as they’re prepared to make some noise this year. The departure of Chris Bosh, the many injuries, and the loss to the Wizards (of all teams) in the playoffs last year has refocused the Heat on one goal and one alone: winning the title again. Each year since they beat the Thunder has been progressively worse for the Heat, who continue to try to find that right mix of talent and luck to get back to the Finals.

This offseason, Pat Riley made no show of being subtle. He brought in veteran talent and drafted the point man of the future in Tyrus Jones. With the additions of Jones, Ginobili, AK47, and project Tobias Harris, the Heat have reloaded and look to be set up well for the now and decently for the future.

The biggest return, however, might belong to center Marcin Gortat. Gortat, thought to be an important acquisition last year, was injured for nearly a third of the regular season and never quite found his groove with the rest of the Heat. He’s had an entire season and offseason with them now and says he’s in better shape than ever, ready to be a part of a championship team.

Likewise, 2014 first round pick Joshua Smith, injured all of last year with a torn ACL, is expected to return in December and the two true centers the Heat have will be important as the season goes on. As the Heat saw, without a center to offset the other teams in the East, playing defense is a very tough thing. The Heat expect to make a deep playoff run and the signings have proven they can, if they stay healthy.

X-Factor: Manu Ginobli. Manu left the Spurs, as the two parties mutually decided that their goals were different, and signed on with the Heat for one last run at the title. Manu won’t be a starter, instead coming off the bench as one of the best sixth men ever historically. If Manu is able to play up to his standards and give the Heat a legitimate sixth man, he’ll help keep Wade and James fresh come time for the playoffs. If not, the Heat could be looking at another early exit in the postseason.

Burning Question: What’s the future like for the Heat? James and Wade both are likely to be around for at least the next three seasons. But with the drafting of Tyrus Jones, the development of Joshua Smith, and the signing of Tobias Harris, the Heat seem to be preparing for the time when their current stars aren’t going to be able to carry the load. Will they be able to keep the team competitive without relying too much on their veteran players? Will the allure of South Beach be enough if LeBron and Wade don’t bring home another title in the next few seasons? Pat Riley has himself a very interesting and complicated situation on his hands.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Hornets

Offseason Moves:

Draft SF Sam Dekker
Re-sign Caron Butler to a 1yr/$1.09M deal
Sign Wesley Matthews to a 1yr/$8.29M deal
Sign Tyson Chandler to a 1yr/$1.72M deal
Sign Anthony Davis to a 5yr/$86.22M extension

Last Season’s Record: (42-40)

Hornets Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	G. Vasquez	A. Hollins	B. Johnson (R)
SG	E. Gordon	A. Rivers
SF	W. Matthews	C. Butler	C.J. Fair	S. Dekker (R)
PF	A. Davis	R. Anderson
C	C. Zeller	T. Chandler	D. Dedmon

Preview: The Hornets are gearing up for a deep playoff run and becoming a consistent playoff contender in an always rough and tough West. They took care of their future by signing Anthony Davis to a long term extension and then brought in veteran talent to shore up their weakest position, the small forward spot.

Not only that, they also brought back Tyson Chandler, a favorite player among Hornets fans in NOLA during his first stint there, and Chandler will be extremely valuable coming off the bench while providing veteran leadership to the younger big men around him. The Hornets aren’t playing around this offseason and look to make some noise.

X-Factor: Wesley Matthews. Matthews, signed to play the small forward spot, is slightly undersized for it but is a scorer through and through. He had one of his better years with the Trail Blazers last season but injuries remain a concern, as he’s missed chunks of games for the last four seasons. If Matthews can perform and stay injury free, the Hornets may have found someone they can use to bridge the gap until one of their young small forward prospects are ready to step up. If not, expect the three spot to rotate between Butler, the prospects, and Matthews all year long.

Burning Question: Who stays, Rivers or Gordon? Both Eric Gordon and Austin Rivers will be free agents at the end of the year and both have expressed their desire to stay. NOLA, however, only intends to keep one as keeping both is a luxury the team can’t really afford. Gordon has managed to stay relatively injury free the last two years and has averaged around 20 PPG and over 47 percent from the field. Rivers hasn’t shown much in his time in NOLA but is only 23. Will Gordon become the second star on that team? The situation is even more complicated because of Cody Zeller, who is due for a lucrative extension in two years time. Who stays and who goes is the all important question.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Jazz

Offseason Moves:

Draft SG Rasheed Suluaimon
Draft C Patson Siame
Trade the 2015 1^st round pick (6^th overall) to TOR for Terrence Ross and a 2015 1^st round pick (15^th overall)
Sign Kyle Fesenko to a 1yr/$525K deal

Last Season’s Record: (34-48)

Jazz Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	D. Collison	I. Miller	D. Burton
SG	T. Ross	R. Suluaimon (R)	J. Franklin
SF	G. Hayward	D. Thomas	R. Brewer
PF	D. Favors	J. Johnson
C	E. Kanter	P. Siame (R)	K. Fesenko

Preview: This is the year the Jazz are finally supposed to make the leap and the team couldn’t be in better position to do it. Darren Collison had a career year last season, averaging 23 points and seven assists a game. He was the backcourt scoring dynamo that multiple teams, from the Hornets to the Pacers, have seen flashes of over the years. Now, that flash has turned into a consistent threat.

Utah didn’t rest on its laurels during the offseason, though. They let Alec Burks go in free agency and traded for Terrence Ross, whom they feel is a better compliment to Collison’s style in the backcourt. Burks was said to want more dollars than the Jazz wanted to give and so they let him go.

The Jazz also went about and drafted two players they hope will develop into solid contributors in the future with Rasheed Suluaimon and Patson Siame. “They’re looking to use Suluaimon as a change of pace guard, someone who can come off the bench and provide scoring,” said one Western Conference scout. “Siame is a luxury, a project with a lot of potential who could be a good trade asset in the future or, at the very least, a big man off the bench for years to come.”

For the Jazz, the future is now. This year is heavily dependent on them making the playoffs. Less, and changes could be made.

X-Factor: Terrence Ross. The new arrival from Toronto will be seeing his first significant action as a starter in his career. The Raptors were not impressed with his play in his time with them, as he could never crack the starting rotation, and now he’s hear in Utah looking to make a name for himself. Ross needs to match the production of Burks last year, who averaged 14 points a game on very efficient shooting. Efficiency has never been a problem for Ross as he put in his most efficient year in the NBA last season shooting 45 percent from the field and from deep. He’ll have to have a season close to that to justify the Jazz giving up a top ten pick for him.

Burning Question: Will the Jazz make the playoffs? It’s been two years since the Jazz last saw the postseason, behind the play of Jefferson and Millsap. Things have changed a lot in the West in that time. Derrick Favors is now unquestionable the best player on this team and the Jazz have talent across the board. Can they put it together and get into the postseason again? If they can’t, does that invalid the last two years of losing?

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Kings

Offseason Moves:

Draft C Amir Williams
Sign Norris Cole to a 2yr/$5.69M deal
Sign Alec Burks to a 3yr/$20.50M deal
Sign Landry Fields to a 1yr/$7.12M deal
Sign Draymond Green to a 3yr/$5.49M deal

Last Season’s Record: (44-38)

Kings Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	I. Thomas	N. Cole	A. Everett (R)
SG	A. Burks	M. Smart	C. Swanson (R)
SF	J. McAdoo	L. Fields	D. Green
PF	T. Robinson	J. Thompson
C	D. Counsins	A. Williams (R)

Preview: The Kings had a banner year last year and look to build upon that with the moves they made in free agency and the draft this year. They returned to the playoffs and have the OKC Thunder everything they had in games that were far closer than most would have predicted. They could not, however, advance.

Don’t expect the same problem this year. The Kings upgraded their bench significantly with the additions of Norris Cole and Landry Fields, both who look to make big impacts with the second unit. Neither has the ability to be a consistent starter but both provide good play from the pine. The Kings lost Marcus Thornton in free agency, as he chased the money with the Grizzlies, but picked up young stud Alec Burks, who adds size to a backcourt that was lacking it. With Burks at the two and Marcus Smart backing him up, the Kings have a nice rotation at that position.

The expectation of the team is simple this year: return to the playoffs and win a few games. Advancing is likely going to be tough, as the Kings don’t quite have the talent yet to compete with the top four teams in the West, but they should be able to make some of the better teams sweat bullets come playoff time.

X-Factor: Landry Fields. Fields has become a punchline since he landed with the Raptors. He was overpaid and barely produced. Now that he’s back in the USA, expect Fields to play his heart out this year as he’s trying out for a longer contract next summer. If Fields plays up to his capabilities, his all-around game will give the Kings versatility in the wing. If not, expect Fields to get benched again and Draymond Green to take his place.

Burning Question: Will Thomas Robinson stay? Robinson is looking for big money next summer when he becomes a free agent and, though he’s said he likes the team, he wants to go somewhere where he can be featured and make some serious coin. Robinson’s numbers of 12 points a game and nine boards aren’t exactly eye popping. Despite him being a solid 6’ 10” in height he’s averaging only around 45 percent from the field, not a great stat for a big man. The Kings will have to decide if they’ll pony up the money for Robinson next summer or give the money to James McAdoo, who is a free agent the summer after next. Sources say the Kings are leaning towards trading Robinson to a team he will sign a long term extension with and betting on McAdoo. Finding a frontcourt mate to play with the mercurial DeMarcus Cousins will be difficult, however. Cousins isn’t known as the most rational person on the court and whoever becomes his running partner up front will have to be able to keep Cousins somewhat calm.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Knicks

Offseason Moves:

Draft PF Rasmus Larsen
Trade Raymond Felton, Kenavious Caldwell-Pope to CHI for Marquis Teague, Brandon Rush, DAL 2016 1^st round pick (Top 12 protected)
Sign Tony Parker to 1yr/$7.16M deal
Sign Omer Asik to a 2yr/$5.54M deal
Sign Jermaine O’Neal to a 1yr/$525K deal

Last Season’s Record: (34-48)

Knicks Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	T. Parker	M. Teague	A. Goudelock
SG	I. Shumpert	B. Rush
SF	G. Robinson	S. Novak
PF	C. Anthony	B. Ashley
C	R. Larsen (R)	O. Asik	J. O'Neal	D. Marsh (R)

Preview: The Knicks haven’t seen the playoffs in two years, but, finally, all those bad contracts are off their books. Well, all of them minus Carmelo’s, whom owner James Dolan still adores … for now. Dolan’s mood about Melo is almost as unpredictable as the Knicks. The team went full bore this offseason, firing Mike Woodson and hiring a young offensive minded coach from college in Mo Tinsley. Melo has sacrificed the last person associated with the Knicks that could take the fall for him if this season proves to be a failure.

For the Knicks, it had better not be. They went and drafted a big shooting man in Rasmus Larsen, starting him at the five with Melo at the four. Glenn Robinson III looks ready to make the leap into stardom as last year’s taste of him off the bench tantalized the Knicks. In free agency, they brought in veteran point man Tony Parker to run the show while trading away Raymond Felton for Marquis Teague, whom the Knicks are high on, and a protected first round pick from Dallas. Adding in the rough and tough play of Omer Asik from the bench and the shooting of Brandon Rush, and the Knicks look to be a team that has direction.

Whether this team, as constructed, makes the playoffs or not is only important to one player: Carmelo Anthony. Anthony, who signed that mega contract last offseason, has to show he can lead this team. He’s the unquestionable leader now with no Amar’e, no Mike Woodson, and no Tyson Chandler. If the Knicks look like they’re struggling, if they fall out of the playoff mix before the All-Star Break, Melo will take the fall.

The Knicks future, however, looks bright. The additions of Robinson, Larsen, and Teague will help the Knicks immensely in the years to come.

X-Factor: Rasmus Larsen. Larsen, from Denmark, is a rookie and steps onto the biggest stage of his life in New York. He’ll be starting at the five for the Knicks and is a constant shooting threat from anywhere on the floor. He’s been compared to Dirk. A less offensively polished, but more defensively instinctive, Dirk. If Larsen can do what the Knicks hope he can—spread the floor with his shooting—they’ll have a very good chance of getting back to the playoffs. If he struggles, as rookies sometimes do in big markets, the Knicks will have to adjust their strategy. They’re all in with spreading the floor. If Larsen can’t take the pressure, the Knicks will be looking at a big problem.

Burning Question: Is Melo worth it? Getting paid over 20 million a year and averaging over 25 points and seven rebounds a game, Melo’s game seems worth it. He’s certainly more efficient over the last three years, as his shooting percentages have ticked up just a tad over that time span. But Melo has yet to deliver even a conference finals appearance for the Knicks, who desperately crave a return to glory. Melo will have to prove this season, once and for all, that he can lead a team to big wins in big moments. Otherwise, he’ll be traded somewhere and his leverage with the Knicks is at an all-time low.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Lakers

Offseason Moves:

Draft PF Cliff Walker
Trade Trey Thompkins to PHI for a 2016 2^nd round pick
Sign Anthony Randolph to a 3yr/$34.05M deal
Sign Jose Calderon to a 1yr/$1.41M deal
Sign Doron Lamb to a 4yr/$21.56M deal
Re-sign David West to a 1yr/$3.00M deal
Re-sign Kobe Bryant to a 1yr/$10.89M deal

Last Season’s Record: (57-25)

Lakers Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	T. Burke	J. Calderon
SG	K. Bryant	D. Lamb	J.J. Redick
SF	J. Parker	G. Wallace	R. Bullock
PF	A. Randolph	D. West	C. Walker (R)	U. Haslem
C	A. Bogut	D. Hicks

Preview: The L.A. Lakers are back on top of the NBA but the feeling could be short lived. The West has turned into an arms race and, looking at the Lakers roster on paper, they’re not in the top four of the conference. Cases could be made the Clippers, Thunder, Warriors, and Rockets have all improved themselves enough to knock off the Lakers. They have the target on their back.

And it doesn’t seem L.A. minds at all. Their offseason was one of addition. They brought back David West and Kobe Bryant, two veteran cogs in this team. Kobe is locked in as a surefire starter while West will move to a sixth man role on the bench. The Lakers added in a former Golden State Warrior, Anthony Randolph, and he’s going to be the starter at four with Bogut at the five.

They also upgraded their bench with the additions of Jose Calderon at the point and Doran Lamb at the two spot. The Lakers are high on Lamb, offering him a four year deal paying out 5 million a year roughly for his services.

“Lamb has potential but has never been able to capitalize on it,” said one Easter Conference scout. “He was stuck on the Bucks bench, really had a tough time developing his game with as miserable a team as the Bucks are. In the bright and sunny land of the Lakers, just coming off a title, Lamb will be given some time in the rotation but there’s little pressure on him this season. If Lamb can develop this year, he’ll look to be a possible replacement for Kobe … if Bryant every retires.”

The Lakers still have Redick, Wallace, and Haslem on the bench as well, and they’ll likely be a smaller part of the rotation. But word from Lakerland is that neither of them cares as they have their rings. The big addition for the future of the Lakers would have to be big man Chris Walker.

Walker is an athletic, running big, much in the vein of Anthony Davis though far more raw than Davis was. The Lakers were watering at the mouth as he dropped down the draft board and once he arrived in L.A., Walker began making waves. The young rookie is likely to be featured in the rotation this season and has made it known that he expects L.A. to be a winner a long, long time.

The Lakers may not have a star studded starting five, but they’re depth and chemistry should allow them to make a good effort at defending their title.

X-Factor: Anthony Randolph. Randolph has been the go to sixth man for the Nuggets the last three seasons and now has his chance to be a starter again. Randolph’s NBA career has been one filled with flashes of greatness, but have been derailed by injuries. Randolph has remained largely injury free the last three years, and now he has his chance to help the Lakers defend their title. Randolph will need to provide a scoring presence in the post and can do that with his mid-range game, something the Lakers covet as it lets Bogut roll to the rim easier. If Randolph can successfully blend with the Lakers, this team will be even more lethal than last year. If not, the Lakers may have to promote West back to a starter to ensure a deep playoff run.

Burning Question: Will Burke ruin the team’s chemistry? Trey Burke has been vocal in voicing his feeling that he plans to test free agency in two seasons and his fuss may force the Lakers to look into trading the young point man. Though it’s understandable Burke wants to see some green after helping lead the Lakers to their first title in five years, he may not be quite the threat he makes himself out to be on the floor. The Lakers were impressed with his quiet leadership last season and missed him on the court when Chauncey Billups, now retired, had to take over for a few weeks. Is Burke so deadset on his money that he’ll put himself before the team? The Lakers, like most of the league, will have to wait and see.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Magic

Offseason Moves:

Draft PG Emmanuel Mudiay
Re-sign Jerryd Bayless to a 3yr/$27.88M deal
Re-sign Jameer Nelson to a 1yr/$1.00M deal
Sign Bill Walker to a 2yr/$3.35M deal
Re-sign Doug McDermott to a 3yr/$12.79M deal
Sign Andray Blatche to a 3yr/$16.32M deal

Last Season’s Record: (25-57)

Magic Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	J. Bayless	E. Mudiay (R)	J. Nelson	R. Malone (R)
SG	S. Muhammad	B. Walker
SF	M. Harkless	D. McDermott	J. Birsen
PF	N. Vonleh	A. Nicholson
C	N. Vucevic	A. Blatche	T. Mozgov

Preview: The Orlando Magic have had a rough time of it since D12 left town. The rebuilding process has been long, it’s been tiresome, and the frustrated fans of the Magic have patiently waited to return to levels of competitiveness. That wait looks to be over this season. The Magic have stocked up, rebuilt, and drafted incredibly well the last few years.

This year they finally made some moves in free agency to address their less than stellar bench play by signing Andray Blatche to be their big man off the bench, providing valuable scoring and touch from the post. Blatche will be a big piece for the Magic’s revamped second unit, led by rookie point man Emmanuel Mudiay. Mudiay, taken first overall in this year’s draft, will likely supplant incumbent point guard Jerryd Bayless by next season. This year, however, he gets to act as a go to man for the second unit.

Bayless was brought back after more than earning his money with a career year, scoring 15.4 PPG and dishing out 5.7 APG. Those stats and his ability to take pressure off Shabazz Muhammad led the Magic to bringing him back.

Muhammad, now in his third year, is expected to make a big leap this year showing only modest improvement from his rookie season. As the leader of the team, Muhammad is going to be looked to early and often to score. The Magic have a tough road ahead, especially playing in the division they’re in, but should have a decent shot at a low seed in the East.

X-Factor: Noah Vonleh. Vonleh had a decent rookie year last season, but this year he’s going to be expected to give more than 10 points and six rebounds a game. He’s going to have to show that his versatility is an advantage, not a weakness. Vonleh will be expected to handle the bulk of the scoring load in the paint as Nikola Vucevic gobbles up rebounds and gets easy buckets. Both big men have the ability to spread the floor and shoot, should they so chose, but neither has gotten comfortable enough at the NBA level to do so. It’ll be up to Vonleh to take that step this year as Vucevic has already established himself as one of the league’s best rebounders.

Burning Question: What to do about the small forward? The position for the Magic is a question mark for the future. Moe Harkless has made his intentions known that he’s going to go into free agency. Harkless, a defensive ace but an offensive caveman, doesn’t have much of a game with the ball in his hands. He’s a younger, harder working, Shawn Marion/Ron Artest type that hasn’t developed the offensive skill set to make a difference in games. Harkless is likely to be scooped up by someone other than the Magic, as the team wants a bit of an offensive threat there for the future, but the roster doesn’t have much in the way of future starters. Great role players, sure, but starters they are not. What Harkless develops into as the season progresses will determine his future and the Magic’s.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Mavericks

Offseason Moves:

Draft SG Jabari Bird
Trade O.J. Mayo, 2016 1^st round pick (top 12 protected) to CHI for Taj Gibson, Jimmy Butler
Re-sign Dirk Nowitzki to a 1yr/$3.20M deal
Re-sign Dahantay Jones to a 1yr/$525K deal

Last Season’s Record: (38-44)

Mavericks Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	K. Walker	A. Johnson
SG	J. Butler	R. Ledo	J. Bird (R)	Q. Baily (R)
SF	D. Granger	Da. Jones	J. Brown
PF	T. Gibson	D. Nowitzki	J. Tyler
C	D. Howard	A. Brown

Preview: The Dwightmare, part IV, looks to be rolling into a theater near you. Dwight Howard is, once again, considering bolting town for another team, searching for that ever elusive championship. D12 has made it known that this year is an important one for him. He has the option to opt out of his contract after this season and hit the free agent market, a scenario the Mavs never envisioned happening when they signed him in the summer of 2013. Pairing Dwight with Dirk was a match made in heaven.

That match, sadly, has only resulted in one playoff appearance, a second round exit to the Timberwolves in 2014. The Mavs tried last year to bring in more shooting to help D12, but that only resulted in a losing record in a stacked West. Now, the pressure is on for everyone in the organization. The Mavs made significant roster moves in the offseason, bringing in defensive minded players such as Jimmy Butler and Taj Gibson. Gibson will assume the starting role at the four while Dirk heads to the bench, showing how much of a team player he is by taking a paycut and becoming the go to sixth man for the Mavs.

With a lineup of Kemba, Butler, Granger, Gibson, and D12, the Mavs are one of the most defensively threatening teams in the league. With the drafting of Jabari Bird, a tweener between the two and three spot, and the pressure of getting deep into the playoffs, the Mavs are one of the most fascinating teams in the NBA this season.

X-Factor: Jimmy Butler. Butler, a heralded key player on the Bulls title team in 2014, was traded away by the Bulls. They got a nice draft pick and player for him (and Taj Gibson, one of the most underrated bigs in the league) and now Butler will see his first significant minutes as a starter. What Butler is capable of is a mystery, but the Mavs are betting that he’s going to bring be the piece they need to get them deep into the playoffs and in position to win a title.

Burning Question: Will Dwight stay or go? It seems we ask this every couple of years and one again Dwight Howard is making it known he wants to win. At any costs. Including leaving yet another team, his third in the last four years alone, if the Mavs don’t make a deep run into the playoffs. For Dallas, it’s paramount that Dwight stays as the team is constructed for him. It’s defensive, it has shooters, and it plays to his strengths. If Dwight demands to leave, the fallout could adversely affect the franchise for years to come.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Nets

Offseason Moves:

Re-sign Chris Duhon to a 1yr/$525K deal
Re-sign Marshon Brooks to a 1yr/$3.38M deal

Last Season’s Record: (41-41)

Nets Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	D. Williams	C. Duhon
SG	M. Brooks	D. Kirkland (R)
SF	J. Johnson	D. Saric
PF	W. Chandler	M. McGary	D. Powell	B. Cook
C	B. Lopez	K. Kadji

Preview: The Nets barely got into the playoffs last year and though they put up a decent fight, were first round fodder, taking a step back from the 2014 postseason. With Brooklyn growing even more impatient for a winner and a roster full of expiring contracts, the Nets could be big movers and shakers in the trade market. One name, in particular, has come up often this past summer with the Nets: Dwight Howard.

D12 has an affinity for Brooklyn and point man Deron Williams. The Nets have an affinity for Dwight. The two still have quite the warm relationship despite Dwight not being able to force his way to them during the first Dwightmare. The Nets didn’t make any significant additions in the offseason, hoping the maturation of their younger talent will help them get deeper into the postseason, but as they currently are constructed, the team is not a championship contender.

But that doesn’t mean they won’t be by the end of the season. The Nets have their ears to the ground and are willing to trade anyone on the roster, should the right deal come across their desk. It’s a startling thing to think of as a player, and the Nets are hoping the added pressure will help focus the players on the goal of winning a title. If not, expect the Nets to make some noise in the trade market or wait till free agency to snag whomever they want … possibly D12.

X-Factor: Wilson Chandler. Chandler did not have a very good year with the Nets last season, only managing 12 points and seven boards. Admittedly, he was playing out of position and looks to be playing the four again this year. Chandler has been a team player throughout it all, however, and the Nets are more than willing to trade him if they can get back a legitimate four. Deals have been floated with Marshon Brooks’ name attached as well. If Chandler can provide more than last year’s totals, the Nets will get some much needed help in the post. If not, expect the team to limp into the playoffs once again.

Burning Question: Who stays and who goes? Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Marshon Brooks, Brook Lopez, and Wilson Chandler are all free agents at the end of the year. The Nets will have a ton of cap space next summer and the question is if any of these players will be around. Williams has ingratiated himself with the Brooklyn crowd and looks to be retained, assuming his contract demands aren’t excessive. Brook Lopez is entering his prime and one of the better offensive centers in the game. Everyone else, however, is easily lost and replaced. Will the Nets swing a trade with one of these expiring contracts?

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Nuggets

Offseason Moves:

Draft PF Brice Johnson
Draft C Marshal Plumlee
Re-sign Jordan Hamilton to a 1yr/$3.28M deal

Last Season’s Record: (52-30)

Nuggets Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	T. Lawson	P. Pressey
SG	A. Iguodala	C.J. McCollum	M. Carter-Williams
SF	D. Gallinari	J. Hamilton	E. Clark
PF	K. Faried	B. Johnson (R)	T. Buruk (R)
C	J. McGee	M. Plumlee (R)

Preview: The Nuggets postseason was derailed by a devastating injury to Ty Lawson in the first round. That injury helped their rivals, the Timberwolves, beat them in six games. The Nuggets could not return to the title game and longtime coach George Karl retired in the offseason. The Nuggets lost Anthony Randolph to the Lakers and brought in a new coach.

But the philosophy in Denver remains the same: get up the floor. The Nuggets have one of the best homecourt advantages in the league and with the return of Ty Lawson, the maturation of their younger players, and the injection of fresh blood in the draft, the Nuggets look to make their way back into contention for the Finals.

X-Factor: Javale McGee. With George Karl now retired, McGee now will get his first taste of serious court time. McGee has been a starter the last two years with the Nuggets, but Karl always kept the leash short. With a new coaching staff and a team that is continuing to grow together, McGee will be expected to take charge in the post. If he can provide the defensive presence and occasional burst of dunks on a consistent basis, the Nuggets will be a legitimate threat to upset some of the better teams n the West.

Burning Question: What to do about Javale McGee? His contract is up at the end of the year and his numbers as a starter haven’t been great, but have been pretty solid. Putting up 13 points and nine boards a game is nothing to sneeze at but with McGee likely commanding big money, will the Nuggets invest in him? Especially with Faried locked up for the next five years. Can they afford to invest so heavily in the frontcourt?

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Pacers

Offseason Moves:


Draft SG Dante Exum
Sign Jimmer Fredette to a 3yr/$24.58M deal
Sign Tayshaun Prince to a 1yr/$580K deal

Last Season’s Record: (52-30)

Pacers Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	J. Fredette	D. Exum (R)	C.J. Watson
SG	G. Hill	T. Hardaway	M. Boyd (R)
SF	P. George	T. Prince	A. Abrines
PF	D. Blair	R. Christmas
C	R. Hibbert	I. Mahinmi

Preview: The Pacers were the third best team in the East last year and were the first of the Cavaliers victims in the playoffs, falling to them in seven games. The offseason has been a long one for the Pacers as questions have dogged them about whether they’re a team that can only get to the playoffs and not go any further.

The Pacers made some moves in the offseason to address potential weaknesses, mainly at the point. There they signed former King Jimmer Fredette, who has never been given a real chance to be a starter. Fredette will get his chance now. George Hill moves to the two spot while the rest of the Pacers lineup remains largely unchanged.

In the draft they brought in a potential young star in the making with Dante Exum. Exum looks to be the future at the point guard spot and has the ability to play the two spot as well. But the future is not what this team is built for. The Pacers have one big man whose contract is up at the end of the year, Roy Hibbert. Hibbert has taken heat for not being more assertive in the post and, after this year, could be on his way out. This season is an important one for him as this iteration of the Pacers may undergo big changes next offseason should they not advance further in the playoffs.

X-Factor: George Hill. Hill now goes back to the two spot, a position he hasn’t played extensive minutes at in some years. Hill’s game is one that should benefit with him being able to concentrate on scoring, something he can do quite efficiently but hasn’t had much opportunity to do so since he became the Pacers starting point guard. With Hill back at the two, the Pacers will look to him to provide some scoring punch in the backcourt.

Burning Question: Is this the end of these Pacers? They haven’t been able to get deep into the playoffs in a few seasons and Larry Bird is quickly becoming frustrated at the lack of progress. Rumors are swirling that the Pacers may look to traded away multiple players next offseason to clear cap and bring in a big man who can score in the post early and often. A McHale to compliment George’s Bird, so to speak. Whether this happens is entirely dependent on where the Pacers finish in the playoffs. If they can make it to the second round, drastic action doesn’t look likely. If they lose out in the first though, expect Indiana to look into some deals.

[trekfan]

Re: The Gold Standard: The Ronnie Gold Story

Pistons

Offseason Moves:

Draft SG Theo Pinson
Trade Andre Drummond, Ish Smith to GS for David Lee, Mason Plumlee, and a 2016 1^st round pick (Top 12 protected)
Sign Shelvin Mack to a 1yr/$1.89M deal
Re-sign Ben McLemore to a 1yr/$1.17M deal
Sign Emeka Okafor to a 1yr/$1.47M deal

Last Season’s Record: (38-44)

Pistons Depth Chart - 2015-16
	STARTER	2ND	3RD	4TH
PG	E. Bledsoe	S. Mack
SG	T. Pinson (R)	B. McLemore	C. King (R)
SF	L. Nash	J. Jerebko	R. Carney
PF	D. Lee	M. Plumlee	G. Jerrett
C	G. Monroe	E. Okafor	B. James

Preview: The Pistons just barely missed the last seed in the playoffs last year and, because of that, once more endured a losing season with no payoff. The offseason was one rife with worry as Andre Drummond swore he wouldn’t re-sign with the Pistons unless a sign and trade could be worked out. The Pistons, knowing they could force Drummond to stay with the team, did not want him ruining the chemistry. We’ve seen what happens to teams who aren’t all on the same page.

They proceeded to trade Drummond. There were a lot of offers, a lot of potential swaps, but the Pistons opted for something interesting; that’s a staple word of the Joe Dumars era. Dumars took on the hefty contract of David Lee, the nice (though old by third year player standards) player in Mason Plumlee, and grabbed a draft pick in 2016 (one that they’ll likely get this year or next). Drummond would have commanded a swap for another younger player, but the move for the veteran Lee is a sign that the Pistons are serious about making a playoff run.

Lee and Drummond couldn’t be more different. Drummond, known primarily for his rebounding and defense, isn’t the offensive threat Lee is on his best day. Lee may not play great defense anymore, only coming up with passable grades, but he doesn’t need to for this team. Greg Monroe is there at the five and he plays plenty defense for the both of them. With Lee helping spread the floor (and Plumlee, a virtual Lee clone), Monroe will have more room to operate in the paint.

Not only will he get some help but so will Eric Bledsoe, who waves goodbye to Brandon Knight and welcomes in rookie Theo Pinson from Slovenia. Pinson is known as a great perimeter shooter and with Lebryan Nash expected to enter the starting lineup (bringing in much needed defense to the three spot), the Pistons have a young collection of talent that wishes nothing more than to make the playoffs.

And they need to. Desperately. Greg Monroe and Eric Bledsoe are both 25 and entering into the beginning of their prime years. The Pistons can’t afford to waste their good will and the good will of the fans in another struggling season. Expect some other moves to be made if they struggle early. They have plenty of assets.

X-Factor: David Lee. Lee is coming off a bad year but one that was affected by injuries. Lee is reportedly healthy, enough that the Pistons are confident he’ll be able to make it through the season relatively unscathed. If not, Mason Plumlee is an apt replacement and someone who could easily do what Lee does. Possibly even better since he’s seven years younger. If Lee can stay healthy and put up his usual double-doubles, the Pistons are going to be legit threats for a playoff spot in the East. If not, expect Mason Plumlee to receive plenty of playing time and the team’s performance may suffer because of that.

Burning Question: Is this the year? Players are less and less willing to stick with losing franchises and teams. Bledsoe and Monroe both came from successful college programs and both are looking to win in this league. If Detroit were a different locale, one that was nicer and sunnier, the players would likely be more willing to take losses. But Detroit is not a nicer locale. The city itself is in major debt and the Pistons, one of the few decent things in the town, haven’t been any good in years. The morale of the city, the declining attendance, and the pressures to return to championship glory all make for a nasty combo. Expect things to get worse if the Pistons season begins with more losses.