Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Heat

Previous Record: 51-31

Key Losses: Hassan Whiteside (FA), Gerald Green (FA, Luol Deng (FA)

Key Additions: Dwayne Wade (1yr/$18M), Al Jefferson (2yr/$23M), OJ Mayo (2yr/13M), Ronnie Price (1yr/$2M)


When we last saw them ...

The Heat had given the Cavs a tough, seven game series but just fell short. After fighting through the first two rounds (going five and seven games respectively with their opponents), Miami came within mere points of knocking out the Cavs and returning to the Finals. Instead, they found themselves headed into the offseason with many questions.

One of those questions was Whiteside: such a key contributor over the last two seasons, a great complement to both Wade and Bosh, Whiteside wasn't content with Miami or the way he was merely a third wheel. He wanted to be a presence, he wanted to be known for something more, and so he left, leaving the Heat.

Pat Riley didn't panic, he pivoted: in a deft maneuver, Riley grabbed Big Al Jefferson from Charlotte and brought him into the fold, signing him to a two year deal and giving him exclusive rights to the left block. Bosh would now have the rest of the floor to work with (acting more in his role as a stretch-four) and the post presence would draw defenders in, allowing Wade and Dragic a bit more space to work.

Justise Winslow, who showed how valuable he was last season, steps in to become the defacto SF and the Heat grabbed shooter OJ Mayo to give him (and Wade) some backup minutes.

The Heat have more athleticism on the wing now with Winslow assuming the starting role and Mayo coming off the bench. The depth isn't as good as it was the year before and, with Wade and Bosh another year older, Miami will be relying on Winslow to continue to progress as their star of the future. But in a weakened East, with a weaker Cavs team at the top, Miami has a shot for the first seed.


Storyline to Follow:

Is Riley done?


Pat Riley has been a fixture of the Heat organization for over two decades and he's single-handedly built that organization into something to be feared and admired. But this offseason was not as he planned it, was not as he wanted it, and with Wade continuing to demand backpay from all the paycuts he took in previous years, Miami's cap situation isn't looking to friendly. Despite all that, Pat Riley managed to maneuver and land quality talent at good prices.

But is this all Pat Riley will do? Some in league circles don't believe so. Miami has discovered a star in Justice Winslow and looks to have secured the future of the franchise once Wade and Bosh go off into the sunset, but who will run with Justice is the question? The search for the Heat running mate is on and sources around the league firmly believe Riley will make a play for a younger player before the deadline. With the Heat's lack of draft picks, their bargaining chips are the expiring contracts of Josh McRoberts ...

And Dwayne Wade. Would Riley be so cold as to trade Wade in his twilight years, especially after all he's done for the organization? In a word: yes. Riley's not known for being sentimental and Wade's 18 million dollar contract is large enough where it could provide significant cap relief for a team with a younger player that Riley likes. No team has been attached to the rumors but suffice it to say, plenty of noise will be made about Wade's future -- will he end up traded or will Wade retire at the end of the year? Will Wade ask for a similar amount of money next season?

No one knows. But Pat Riley certainly knows what he'll do, even now.


Best Case Scenario: The Heat's moves and the Cavs trade of Love allow Miami to snatch the first seed from Cleveland, giving them a clear path to the Finals. The development of Justice Winslow continues and he becomes a big cog in the team's push back to the Finals, where they manage to use their vast experience to grab one more title for Wade before he finally hangs them up.

Worst Case Scenario: The Heat catch fire and burn to ashes early in the season: Winslow regresses and Wade's injuries begin piling up again as Bosh and Dragic attempt to play with Al Jefferson, but all the styles conflict rather than compliment and Miami finishes in the bottom five of the conference, forfeiting a high pick in the next draft and watching Wade leave the franchise for a better chance at a late-career ring.

Likely Scenario: The Heat play well enough to snag the three or four seed and make things interesting in the playoffs, but the team isn't able to get out of the second round and heads home earlier than last year thanks to missing the presence of Whiteside and bench leader Gerald Green.

[BlindSideNZ]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Stoked to have this back. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the teams previewed.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Stoked to have this back. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the teams previewed.

We got a lot of them coming tomorrow (I'm hoping to knock all of them out but that might be overly ambitious, lol) and then we begin Season 2. The new patch has definitely improved AI recognition of pick and roll basketball, so I expect this year to be much more difficult (especially as I learn my new players) but things should be fun.

I'll have a full four days off for Thanksgiving (Thurs. onward, yippee!) so by then I fully expect we'll be in the regular season.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Thunder

Previous Record: 53-29

Key Losses: Dion Waiters (FA), Andre Roberson (FA)

Key Additions: None

When we last saw them ...

The Thunder had just suffered a devastating defeat on their home floor against their new chief rivals, the Sonics, and watched the team that stole the second seed head to the conference finals as they headed home.

It's been a very long offseason in OKC, as the Thunder have been locked in salary cap hell thanks to the monster extension given to Enes Kanter last summer. The organization has bet on internal development to get them back into the thick of things out West, but their roster is shaky, particularly at the two spot.

Dion Waiters wasn't offered an extension and walked, Andre Roberson had his player option declined and the Thunder let him walk, so now the team is starting Anthony Morrow at the two, with Kyle Singler (or his ghost, depending on the night) backing him up.

The Thunder are anxiously looking forward to starting the season, so they can put the many questions from last year's playoff run -- mainly, about the nature of Westbrook/Durant's relationship -- behind them. With the improvements of young players like Cameron Payne, Mitch McGary, and Steven Adams, the Thunder's future isn't totally desolate, but in a conference that's constantly demanding improvement, the Thunder did little except subtract two problems in Waiters (and to a lesser extent, Roberson).


Storyline to Follow:

Is the Thunder, as we've know it, over?


Sam Presti has built the modern day example of how to construct a team through the draft the right way, but his moves in recent years -- starting with the James Harden trade (which looks worse every night) -- has left some questioning whether he can build a contender without high draft picks, a trick only the Spurs seem capable of pulling off.

A few of those questioning people are the agents for Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka, two franchise cornerstones that have seen their teammates slowly fall away. Westbrook, in particular, is a threat to leave as he and Durant seem to be drifting apart on the court.

This may be the last season we see the Thunder as they're currently constructed. Despite the rising salary cap, the Kanter contract has taken up a significant amount of the Thunder's cap space and someone -- either Westbrook or Ibaka or both -- will have to re-sign for less than the max to stay with the team next offseason.

Rumors swirl that Westbrook will not be the one to sacrifice and will want a contract on par with Durant, an amount that should make OKC wince as Steve Adams contract is also coming up and the big man will want John Henson money (at least 10M a year) -- seeing as Adams is the Thunder's best inside defender, OKC will have to pony up the money or find someone to take on Kanter's deal (and his inability to defend against a cold in the paint).

Sam Presti may be in a no-win scenario as he'll have to find a way to please Durant, keep Westbrook for less than his worth, convince Ibaka to take a cut, and sign Adams to something reasonable all while trying to solve the ongoing issue of the two guard.

It's likely one of those things doesn't happen and since Cameron Payne is sitting behind Westbrook ... well, let's just say things could get interesting.


Best Case Scenario: Champions. Years of toil, of struggle, of injuries and derailment finally come to a halt as the Thunder blitz through the regular season with Westbrook and Durant putting on a show for the ages. In the playoffs, the Thunder meet the Rockets and the Sonics, knocking them both out on their way to the long-awaited title. The good will of a championship enables Westbrook and Ibaka to take hometown discounts, the Thunder get some cap relief and reload for a repeat run next season.

Worst Case Scenario: Durant goes down for a long stretch of time, enabling Westbrook to lead the team in his absence yet again. This time the Thunder are able to make the playoffs as the seventh seed but lose in the first round, sending them to an offseason full of unknowns: both Westbrook and Ibaka leave OKC for greener pastures and we can only watch as Kevin Durant is left with spare parts as he tries to put the entire organization on his back.


Likely Scenario: The Thunder aren't as bad as we think they are, even in the brutal West, and their bet on internal development pays off. They meet a rival in the playoffs and knock them out, but fall in the second round once more, sending the organization into the offseason in dire need of good news.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Bulls

Previous Record: 51-31

Key Losses: Joakim Noah (FA), Mike Dunleavy (retirement)

Key Additions: Anderson Varejo (1yr/$543K), Pau Gasol (re-signed for 1yr/$12M)


When we last saw them ...

The Bulls had just lost a tough seven game series against the Heat in the second round and things were tight till the very end. The offseason was a time for change in Chicago and franchise center Joakim Noah was let go, the first casualty in a season of change for the Bulls.

With Noah gone, the Bulls went ahead and slotted Gasol as their starting center, promoted Gibson to the starting power forward, and signed Varejao to a dirt-cheap contract (he settled for way less for a chance to play Cleveland early and often) to back up Gasol and give the team an identity off the bench.

What is most interesting about the Bulls is that they made little effort to replace Mike Dunleavy, their starting SF, and are instead betting on Tony Snell and Doug McDermott to replace him. Snell probably can, but McDermott is playing for his NBA life after a poor showing last season, where he shot only 40 percent from the field and 31 percent from deep, numbers far below what the Bulls imagined for him when they drafted him 11th overall in 2014.

Another Bulls player who could be playing for their life is Derrick Rose. The often maligned leader of the Bulls has lost his greatest ally in Noah and now Rose only has Taj Gibson (his contract also ends this next offseason) as his last and longest tenured teammate.

Chicago is wary of another Rose injury, but hopeful in the weakened East that they can secure the first or second seed and get favorable matchups in the playoffs.


Storyline to Follow:

Is this it for Derrick Rose?

It's no secret that Bulls view the team as Jimmy Butler's, not Derrick Rose's, and that's got to bother the former franchise star. Once seen as the savior of Chicago basketball, Rose is now a living testimonial to what happens when injuries change a career. He will likely never be the same player he was when he won the MVP in 2011, but his game has changed to allow him to play less reckless and more under control.

But if he gets injured again, that is likely to be it for Rose in Chicago. The Bulls recognize the need to pair Butler with a fellow All Star who can be there consistently and Rose, despite last season's 82 games played (not counting the playoffs) and his minutes only at 30 a night (scoring 19 PPG and dishing out 6 APG on good shooting percentages) has only played more than 51 games in a season two of the last five years.

The law of averages dictates that Rose is due to miss significant time this year and, if he does, expect Chicago to let him walk in the offseason.


Best Case Scenario: The Bulls get superb play from all parties, from Butler on down, and make it to the conference finals before losing in a tightly contested seven game series -- the season is seen as success and the organization largely returns the same cast for another run next year.

Worst Case Scenario: Injuries not only strike Rose, they strike Butler and Gasol as well. The Bulls hobble towards the playoffs, barely finishing as the eighth seed and get Rose back just in time to avoid a first round sweep, but it's not enough. Rose is let go in the offseason and Chicago begins the process of building around Butler in full.

Likely Scenario: The Bulls make the playoffs and sneak into the second round, where they lose again to a better squad. Chicago takes the results in stride, but has to take a hard look at itself in the offseason.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Amazing series and a great read. Keep up the good work!

As soon as I get past this probationary period, I plan to start my own dynasty story like this, but more first person. In the shoes of Dan Stanley, a brand new GM! Do you have any tips for a young buck, such as myself?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Thanks for the compliments!

Well, a first-person story is definitely more immediate and accessible to the reader, but it presents it's own challenges. For me, I have a hard time avoiding getting "lost" in the character's head. I find it WAY to easy to go off on paragraph tangents on a single train of thought during a brief moment of pause for the character, like when they're talking to someone else, and I end up writing three or four paragraphs of thinking when, in reality, we as human beings don't think three or four paragraphs worth of stuff in the span of a few seconds.

But, the immediacy and the "you're there" feel of first-person really sucks in the reader, which is what you as the author would like to do.

As for tips, off the top of my head ...

1. Don't be afraid to experiment ... but don't experiment too soon.

It's easy to get locked into a format you like and stick with it. In fact, it's a go-to for many professional authors -- they write a certain way well and they do every story in that format, more or less, and that works for them.

But I've always liked to establish a baseline for the characters/story, and then tweak things as I go along. I think that, as an author, I should be striving to get better and be innovative -- I don't want things to get stale and I certainly don't want to be accused of plugging names into a formula and manufacturing a story that's been done before (by me!). Certain authors (James Patterson, I'm looking at you) tend to do this with their characters.

When you're writing your dynasty, don't be afraid to change things up and throw some curveballs after you establish your foundation. To take an example from this very dynasty here, I plan to change the dynamics a bit and throw some new wrinkles into the mix once we arrive at Season 2.

2. Stay true to the character.

Too often I find many authors using the characters as puppets for their own thoughts and feelings; if your character is a diehard Knicks fan, than he should be a diehard Knicks fan -- not a Lakers fan. It's tough sometimes, especially in the beginning, to separate the author from the character but if you're honestly doing the writing, than the character will make his/her voice heard and you'll have differences of opinion with that character.

3. Don't make it all about ONE character.

This is especially true for first-person stories. In third person you can jump around a room if you want to and it won't be too jarring, but in first-person you are THE guy/gal speaking and jumping around is tough to do.

When you're writing, don't forget to ask your character's friends/family/co-workers about their lives. If Susy is looking worn down and tired, ask yourself why that is and I bet you'll here why -- she and her husband are having difficulties adjusting to the new baby, their sleep schedules are way off, and she's a dynamite assistant for your character, so your character graciously gives her some time off but this negatively impacts his preparedness for the trade deadline and your team misses a crucial bit of information all because of some vacation time ...

You get the picture. You'll be surprised how those harmless little questions lead to some very interesting (and maybe damning) answers, so explore the other characters in your story and don't get tunnel-vision with just the main.

The world you construct has to have other things going on in it besides whatever your main character is doing, just as the world around us has things going on in it besides what we do.


And those are the three I got for now. If you have further questions, hit me here or drop me a message and, again, thanks for the compliments!

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

Wow! You have definitely given me alot to think about. I guess I have posted my required number of replies, because I am able to begin my writing.

Like I said, you have given me ALOT to think about, and I mean that in a good way.

One more question. I was planning to use the MyGM mode, rather than MyLeague. But after reading your comment I'm starting to second guess myself. I was planning to go off the MyGM "dialogues" to help create my story. For instance, the opening goals from the owner, using those as a template for my conversation. But now I'm thinking that using the MyLeague mode, I will be able to craft my own story and control every aspect of...everyone.

Have you done both? Which do you prefer and why?

Again, thanks for your time with responses and of course your story. Look for my Dynasty in the coming days and let me know where I can improve.





Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

I have done both and, for me, MyLeague is unquestionably the better mode. I can control every aspect of the league, I can control everyone, I can make whatever storylines I want for the league and not be constrained in my actions (or by my inability to affect the CPU).

MyGM is a great linear RPG/fantasy mode -- it has it's own story to tell, really, and your input in it is minimal in comparison to MyLeague. If you're looking for control, MyLeague is what you should go for.

If you don't mind boggling CPU trades, unrealistic owner goals, and players complaining about their playing time, MyGM is fine ... but, really, I can have all that in MyLeague (owner goals can't be set in game, but I can just as easily say "I'm aiming for 50 wins this year" and make that an owner goal at the beginning of the season and if I don't make it, have my character have to fire a longtime employee/friend to make the budget, ect ...).

In short: I vastly prefer MyLeague to MyGM. I would recommend that you do a test run in both modes (not a real commitment to either, but a run in each to familiarize yourself with it a bit before making any decisions).

I'm a bit of a control freak, though, so that's why MyLeague appeals to me so. You don't have to control everything in MyLeague (you can set everything to automatic, though I wouldn't just because the AI GMs are pretty poor at their job) but the ability to do so makes it, hands down, my mode of choice.

But those are just my thoughts.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Warriors

Previous Record: 52-30

Key Losses: Leandro Barbosa (FA)

Key Additions: None

When we last saw them ...

The Warriors had been beaten in six games by the Pelicans in the second round. After thoroughly destroying the Clippers in the first round, Golden State was looking good and feeling good. Then, Andre Iguodala went down after Game 1 with an injury and, with him out, the Warriors lost their ability to really flex their small-ball muscles.

Over the offseason the team picked up the options of multiple players and now have a bevy of expiring contracts in Speights, Iggy, Bogut, and Ezeli (who rejected the Warrior's contract extension and took his qualifying offer of $3.5M). The Warriors return almost exactly the same team as last year and are betting that injuries won't derail them like they did last season.

That bet might be a bad one. Iggy and Bogut both missed significant time last year and neither player is as young as they once were -- Bogut's ability to be as effective as he was when he arrived in Golden State is questionable and Ezeli is the more athletic of the two bigs.

The Warriors have to get lucky this year, but in a West that is in the midst of a generation transition, this might just be the year they can afford to make a risky bet.


Storyline to Follow:

Will this be the last iteration of this Warrior's squad?

The Warriors core of players -- Curry, Thompson, Green, and Barnes -- are all secure for the next two seasons at least. But the rest of the team is one giant expiring contract and the playing time, the money, and the chance to be a primary player in another market will be great lures for this next offseason.

Expect the Warriors to listen for offers on Bogut and and Iggy, though it's doubtful any team bites on either of the savvy veterans at this point. The Warriors will have to find a way to replace their depth this upcoming offseason and with so many guys in their contract years, don't be surprised if the locker room isn't as nice as it once was.

Best Case Scenario: The Warriors make it two championships in three years, their remarkable depth and team chemistry elevating them back to the mountaintop behind the excellent play of Steph Curry.

Worst Case Scenario: Injuries wreck the Warriors at the worst possible time and wreck not only their bench, but also Steph Curry, who sees his ankles fail him once again. The Warriors are bad enough to make the lottery, but not bad enough to get their pick back and the Utah Jazz reap the reward of having the Warriors use them as a dumping ground for bad contracts years ago.

Likely Scenario: The Warriors make a triumphant return to the conference finals, but lose to the eventual West champ in an exciting six game series.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Grizzlies

Previous Record: 45-37

Key Losses: Vince Carter (Retirement)

Key Additions: Jeff Green (re-signed, 3yr/$26M), Michael Carter-Williams (trade)

When we last saw them ...

The Grizzlies had lost in a tough series against the Cavs, but one that saw them prove to be as much trouble in the East as they were in the West. They were not an easy out, but their loss of Vince Carter to retirement and a regression by Courtney Lee during the regular season, made desperate for some youth.

Enter Michael Carter-Williams.



MCW found a new home during the offseason and was traded to the Grizz for only Courtney Lee and a top-10 protected 2019 1st rounder (and a 2018 2nd rounder). It wasn't a particularly glamorous trade for either team, but it does give the Grizzlies youth at the two, where they're going to play MCW and bet that having a second ball handler on the court will help the team.

It isn't an entirely crazy idea -- just look at the Suns -- but the Grizzlies have essentially declared they're giving up on trying from deep (where MCW certainly struggles) and are double-down on the grit-and-grind style. MCW's crisp passing and inside scoring will be a boon to the offense, if the player can manage to pick his spots and play within the team concept.

Of course, everywhere MCWs gone, team's have been eager to get rid of him ... but maybe that's a coincidence. Or maybe it's not.



Storyline to Follow:

What if the MCW trade backfires?

The Grizzlies are playing a dangerous game. They've given up a 1st rounder for a player the Bucks -- and the NBA -- know has limitations, and are doing it as the last few years of Zach Randolph's and Gasol's career are in play. If MCW doesn't adapt and brings down the team, will the Grizzlies let him go during the offseason? Will they try and trade him?

They are playing in the East, which does mitigate the risk significantly, but MCW at the two is an experiment that may end in disaster and bring down a Grizzlies team that is attempting to stay relevant in a league that is moving away from the isolation post-play. However, Memphis only needs to look at Seattle to see that there's still a place in the league for them if they can force other teams to play their way. Considering their track record, it seems a good bet the Grizzlies can.


Best Case Scenario: The Grizzlies get a few breaks, get some nice mathcups, and they get the the Finals and face a familiar West foe. Years of experience out in the tougher conference give the Grizzlies an edge and they pull off one of the uglier upsets in NBA history in a grit-and-grind seven game grueling series.

Worst Case Scenario: MCW's addition to the team doesn't help nearly as much and Zach Randolph begins to regress dramatically as the season progresses, dooming the Grizzlies to a losing season and making the franchise ask serious questions about its future.

Likely Scenario: The Grizzlies do make the playoffs and make teams play their way, but they lose in the second round again, unable to get the breaks they need to move forward.

[BlindSideNZ]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

An interesting trade for the Grizz. These 2 PG line ups are definitely becoming a thing. Can MCW find success in it personally I think not. I wouldn't be particularly surprised to see Memphis blow it up sometime soon.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

An interesting trade for the Grizz. These 2 PG line ups are definitely becoming a thing. Can MCW find success in it personally I think not. I wouldn't be particularly surprised to see Memphis blow it up sometime soon.

Definitely a risk. This season is a big one for them, as Zach Randolph's contract comes off the books and they'll have plenty of possible replacements for him already on the roster or out in FA -- the Grizzlies future is with Gasol and Conley at this point, but everyone else is up in the air.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Suns

Previous Record: 49-33

Key Losses: PJ Tucker (FA)

Key Additions: David West (1yr/$7M), Rajon Rondo (1yr/$7M), Shawn Marion (1yr/$1.59M)

When we last saw them ...

The Suns had just been swept by the Sonics and on their home floor, and in embarrassing fashion. The Suns couldn’t manage to even take on game in that first round series and watched as Seattle — a team no one believed would get past the first round — blitzed through the playoffs, all the way to the Finals, and took home the championship.

The offseason in Phoenix saw the Suns let PJ Tucker walk and bring in impact veterans in Rondo, West, and Marion (the last more as a homecoming than anything else). Rondo’s addition to the point-guard corps will give the Suns a veteran who knows how to distribute and run and offense with championship credentials. West, after his unsuccessful run with the Spurs, continues to seek a ring (but in an offense that is much less regulated than the Spurs), and Marion’s bench presence will serve as an example to a team with young players in the wings (from Devon Booker to Chuck Diallo, this Suns team has youth aplenty).

The Suns should be even more dangerous than they were last year and could crack 50 wins, possibly even win their division, if all the pieces work out well.


Storyline to Follow:

Will Rondo break things?

Rajon Rondo has left a trail of tears in the his most recent stops. From Dallas to Sacramento, teams Rondo has been on have disappointed in the last two seasons despite Rondo’s play being decent (he did win Sixth Man of the Year last season).

Rondo has never been known to be a laid back sort and the Suns have taken a risk signing the moody player, whom was once complimented by Kobe Bryant as being “An *sshole like me.”

If Rondo’s signing ends up hurting the team early, watch the Suns cut bait with him and not blink. His contract is only a year and if Rondo’s time in Phoenix ends with the team suffering because of him, don’t expect many teams to line up with offers to take him — locker room cancers are not popular these days, even with unique talent.


Best Case Scenario: The Suns get back to the playoffs, win their division, and make it to the conference Finals, matching the greatest success the franchise has seen this century.

Worst Case Scenario: The addition of Rondo breaks the locker-room. Like in past stops in Dallas and Sacramento, Rondo’s presence helps on the court and helps Rondo, but upsets the team’s chemistry and Phoenix collapses, missing the playoffs.

Likely Scenario: The Suns make it to the playoffs, but their fate is dependent on everyone else in the West not being at their best.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Raptors

Previous Record: 43-39

Key Losses: James Johnson (FA), Terrence Ross (FA)

Key Additions: Bismack Biyombo (re-signed, 2yr/$8.2M), Luis Scola (re-signed, 1yr/$2.25M)

When we last saw them ...

The Raptors were swept in the first round, losing winnable games against a Bulls team that was struggling to score consistently against them. The two teams engaged in one of the ugliest playoff series in years, but the Bulls came out of the knock-down, drag-out fight the victor.

Toronto, in response, made no significant additions to the team (besides some draft picks), and instead let go of both Johnson and Ross. Johnson, despite his defensive chops, offensively was a hole in the ground and Ross couldn’t stop a cold or live up to his high draft status.

With their subtractions and then the faith DeRozan showed the team (picking up his player option despite having a chance for more money), the Raptors feel the team is primed for a deep playoff run. Bench players like Delon Wright and Lucas Nogueira have shown progress in training camp and the stockpiled youth on the bench might be ready to show their stuff this season if called upon. Expect Wright, in particular, to see increased minutes.


Storyline to Follow:

Is this the end or the beginning of an era?

The Raptors players who are on expiring contracts this season are numerous, but the three most important would be Lowry (30), DeRozan (27), and Patrick Patterson (27). DeRozan and Lowry are both core players and the Raptors management has to be watching their performances careful this season, as the future of the organization could rest with them.

Toronto has seen an unprecedented level of success in recent years, but management is looking for more progress and this season will be key in determining if this core — Lowry in particular — can get past that first round and get to the next level. If not, expect Lowry and coach Dwayne Casey to find themselves somewhere else as the Raptors make a run at one of the free agent point guards in the 2017 FA class.


Best Case Scenario: The Raptors prove themselves to everyone and make it into the second round, giving the team a huge boost in reputation and securing Toronto has a destination for players who want to be a part of something special.

Worst Case Scenario: Lowry’s play drops off a cliff due to the ravages of age and his play style, injuries hit two of the starters and force young players not quite ready for primetime into the lineup, sending the Raptors down the standings and out of the playoffs.

Likely Scenario: The Raptors addition by subtraction actually pays dividends and they secure a top-four seed out East.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Clippers

Previous Record: 53-29

Key Losses: Doc Rivers (fired), Austin Rivers (FA), Andrea Bargnai (FA)

Key Additions: Luol Deng (2yr/$12M), Sasha Vujacic (1yr/$2.2M), Nene (re-signed, 1yr/$4.4M)

When we last saw them ...

The Clippers had just lost in the first round against a banged up a Warriors team and they lost in a devastating sweep. The team had been dealing with drama all season as Doc Rivers and ownership clashed over his GM moves, and finally the drama caught up to them at the worst possible time, against a team that consistently has their number.

The axe fell fast on Rivers, who agreed to a buyout of his contract and the Clippers moved fast in signing a new GM to shepherd the team in former Sonics assistant GM, Danny Ferry. Ferry quickly brought in respected defensive guru Ron Adams as a head coach and the Clippers are now going to attempt to move on.




Storyline to Follow:

What happens if the Clippers fail to get to the conference finals?

Chris Paul and Blake Griffin can be free agents after this season if they decline their player options. With the cap space some teams are expected to have, both could do it and the pressure is on in LA for the Clippers to get to the conference finals.

Why? Because the Lakers have amassed an impressive amount of young talent that could come together faster than anyone would think. If the Lakers manage to right the ship after nearly four years of disaster, the Clippers will lose the battle of LA and the massive value Steve Ballmer paid for them will seem like money ill-spent.

This is the most critical season in Clippers history and, should they fall short of the WCF or — God help them — not make the playoffs, expect this team to be blown up and built from the ground up by Danny Ferry and Steve Ballmer.



Best Case Scenario: The Clippers put to rest all the doubts, all the excuses, all the whining and win a title, capitalizing on the Lakers past follies and securing their place in NBA history as a legitimate, championship contending franchise.

Worst Case Scenario: The team’s problems go deeper than Doc Rivers and the core of Paul, Griffin, and Jordan aren’t good enough to do more than be a trendy championship pick. Injuries to Paul force the Clippers to play their depleted bench more minutes and the team misses the playoffs, ensuring their destruction.

Likely Scenario: The Clippers make it into at least the second round. After that, there’s no telling.

[trekfan]

Re: Second Coming: A SuperSonics Return

NBA 2016-17 Preview

October 21st, 2016

By Vonny Lee


The Knicks

Previous Record: 38-44

Key Losses: Kevin Seraphin (FA)

Key Additions: Jeremy Lamb (1yr/$6.5M), Evan Turner (1yr/4.3M), Thomas Robinson (2yr/$12.2M),

When we last saw them ...

The Knicks had backed into the playoffs and took the Cavs to five games … and they legitimately had a shot at pulling off one of the greatest upsets in NBA history in that last game. They fell short, but New York has hope for the first time in years.

Over the offseason, the Knicks continued their policy of loading up on failed draft picks with the addition of Turner and Lamb. The signing of Thomas Robinson was a surprise, but Robinson’s ability to back up either PF or C is a boon to a Knicks squad that like positional versatility.

Expect New York to see what it has with the likes of Langston Galloway and Jermi Grant at PG, as both players are solid but neither has established themselves as the de facto starter.


Storyline to Follow:

Was it a fluke?

The question on the mind of every Knicks fan after last year’s surprise playoff berth. For a fanbase as tortured and cynical as this one, every ray of sunshine has to be looked at with paranoia.

But, all appearances say that New York has found something in their recent picks and free agent signings. Porzingis was a revelation to the NBA last season and Carmelo is actually playing defense for the first time in his career.

Best Case Scenario: The Knicks make the playoffs as a bottom-four seed, but upset a favorite in the first round, putting New York back on the basketball map and just in time for the this upcoming summer, when long-time friend of Melo and Knicks target, Chris Paul, can opt out and become a free agent.

Worst Case Scenario: The Knicks lose and lose a lot. Their progress last season was a mirage and they tumble back down into the cellar.

Likely Scenario: The Knicks just barely miss the playoffs as they’re beat out by deeper and more experienced teams, but they finish above .500.