Post by bankz on Aug 27, 2010 21:21:05 GMT -5
Bulls Confidential will take a look at the state of all 29 NBA teams. Teams will be ranked in order, youngest to oldest. We will be grading teams based on their ability to win now (present) and their future outlook, good or bad.
League Average Age: 25.92
Teams Over League Average: 13
Team Under League Average: 16
Youngest Team In The NBA: Memphis Grizzlies
Oldest Team In The NBA: Atlanta Hawks
Youngest Team In The Eastern Conference: Chicago Bulls
Oldest Team In The Western Conference: Utah Jazz
Youngest Division In The NBA: Pacific
Oldest Division In The NBA: Central
Youngest Player In The NBA: 17: Ndubi Ebi, Kendrick Perkins, Travis Outlaw
Oldest Player In The NBA: 41: John Stockton
Average Age:22.20
Key Players: Dajuan Wagner, Kenyon Martin, TJ Ford
Oldest Player: Radoslav Nesterovic
Youngest Player: Ndubi Ebi
The Present: The Grizzlies are in full rebuild mode. They will continue to take there lumps for the next few years. The youngest team in the NBA is not ready to compete in the present.
GRADE: D
The Future: Memphis is built around DaJuan Wagner. He is a very bright star. Memphis drafted TJ Ford to complete there back court. GM Scatmanduse is going to need to find more pieces before this team can be considered a title contender.
GRADE: B
Average Age: 22.30
Key Players: Samuel Dalembert, Ronald Murray, Drew Gooden
Oldest Player: Michael Ruffin
Youngest Player: Mariej Lampe
The Present: GM Dumptime destroyed what was going to be one of the best teams in the Western Conference so he could clear cap space. Well so far he has lost more players in the free agent market then he has gained. Times are tough in Dallas and wont be getting better anytime soon.
GRADE: D
The Future: Welp Mav’s fans I don’t see much of a future for this team. Its best player is………? Well that is the problem with this team. They have no star to build on for the future. Murry, Gooden and Sammy are all solid role players. Stars they are not
GRADE: C-
Average Age: 22.75
Key Players: Jay Williams, Caron Butler, Nene
Oldest Player: Brent Barry
Youngest Player: Nene
The Present: Bulls wont be winning this year or next. They are the youngest team in the Eastern Conference and by a wide margin. This team does not lack talent but it does lack experience. So Bulls fans be patient because you wont be winning now.
GRADE: C
The Future: Mav’s fans are asking why couldn’t our GM set us up with three young studs like Caron Butler, Jay Williams and Nene. The future is very bright for the baby Bulls. Caron has shown he can be a proven scorer and Nene is a rebounding machine. Jay Williams is one of the best young point guards in the league.
GRADE: A-
Average Age: 23.25
Key Players: Mike Bibby, Chris Bosh, Jermaine O'Neal
Oldest Player: Vitaly Potapenko
Youngest Player: Chris Bosh
The Present: The Kings are in a great position. They are a top contender, have a MVP candidate, Jermaine O’Neal and great young prospect in Chris Bosh. This team belongs to JO and he is just reaching is true potential. The Kings are going to be title contenders for the next few years.
GRADE: A
The Future: Chris Bosh is the future. He does not have the pressure to carry this Kings team thanks to JO. But these two could form the best front court in the NBA for the next 10 years. Get your season tickets Kings fans because you have a great team to watch every night.
GRADE: A
Average Age: 23.85
Key Players: Tyson Chandler, Wally Szczerbiak, Erick Barkley
Oldest Player:Walt Williams
Youngest Player: Xue Yuyang
The Present: I think everyone member of the TMBSL feels so bad for new Owner/GM Trofie. The mess he had to walk into is more then most men can handle. Tyson Chandler is the best young player on this team. But is not developed enough to help this team win.
GRADE: F
The Future: When your best player is Wally World you know your in trouble. GM Trofie has so much work to do. And I am confident he can. But it will take a lot of work. Tyson Chandler is really the only player to build around but has yet to prove to be a star.
GRADE: D
Average Age: 24.30
Key Players: Pau Gasol, Bryan Bracey, Damon Stoudamire
Oldest Player: Damon Stoudamire
Youngest Player: Smush Parker
The Present: The Warriors don’t know what they want to be. Young and building or old and contending. Well GM Melo has decided to try to blend the two with mixed results. Gasol is a great young big man but Damon Stoudamire is showing signs of slowing down. This team will not make the playoffs this year but might not be far off.
GRADE: C
The Future: Melo is praying that Gasol can become the a franchise leader. And not just a good player on a bad team. The Warriors need Kareem Rush to develop along side Gasol. But at the end of the day this team has a lot of holes to fill and I am not sure Melo is the man to do it.
GRADE: C
Average Age: 24.33
Key Players: Gilbert Arenas, Richard Hamilton, Ron Mercer
Oldest Player: Voshon Lenard
Youngest Player: Boris Diaw
The Present: Richard Hamilton can’t do it all. And with Ron Mercer turning into the worst free agent signing in TMBSL history the Blazers a basement boys once again. Some nice young pieces on the roster but they wont translate into wins anytime soon.
GRADE: C
The Future: Agent Zero needs to become a leader and a true point guard. As he fights management about his role on the team this team suffers. But he is a bright young star surrounded by a bunch of average prospects. Borris Diaw is the key to this team moving forward. He is only 20 but thus far the number 8 pick of the draft has proven to be a disappointment
GRADE: C+
Average Age: 24.40
Key Players: Quentin Richardson, Lamar Odom,Michael Bradley
Oldest Player: P.J Brown
Youngest Player: Carmelo Anthony
The Present: The Pacers are a underachieving group. Richardson, Odom, Bradley should result in a winning percentage better then .270 A change in coaching may be in order. Because this team is not this bad.
GRADE: C+
The Future: Is Melo a bust? If he is then Indiana is in big trouble. The youngest player on this team has not given Pacers fans any hope thus far. Darius Miles has split minutes with Melo and that is a bad sign. If Melo grows up the Pacers have a nice roster for him to compete with. But if he is a bust be prepared Pacers fans because you will dream of ping pong balls every night.
GRADE: C
Average Age: 24.46
Key Players: Eddie Griffin, Paul Pierce, Mark Blount
Oldest Player: Bryant Stith
Youngest Player: DeSagana Diop
The Present: Miami is not a playoff contender. There roster is piss poor and really only have two legit NBA starts on the entire roster. The Heat are clearly looking to the future with no chance to win right now.
GRADE: D
The Future: GM Jayrish has two very nice pieces to build with moving forward, Eddie Griffin and Paul Pierce. But the rest of the roster leaves a lot to be desired. He will need to make some smart FA moves and also get a luckier when it comes to the lotto.
GRADE: C+
Average Age: 24.75
Key Players: Amar'e Stoudemire, Antoine Walker, Andre Miller
Oldest Player: Charlie Ward
Youngest Player: Amar'e Stoudemire
The Present: The Suns have shifted there the direction of the franchise with some of there recent deals. A push to win now is in full motion. Vets like Andre Miller, Twan Walker and Micheal Finley have lead a very talented Suns team. They sit just out side the playoffs. But could be a nightmare match up come playoff time.
GRADE: B
The Future: The team is built around Amar’e Stoudemire and at 19 he has shown the skill to be a dominate big man. GM Matt has also now teamed Amar’e with Eddy Curry another extremely talented big. But the youth does not end in the front court Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford are a excellent backcourt tandem. Its not if the Suns will be dominate. The Question is when.
GRADE: A
Average Age: 25.00
Key Players: Antonio McDyess, Grant Hill, Courtney Alexander
Oldest Player: Grant Hill
Youngest Player: Maurice Williams
The Present: Already a contender in the Eastern Conference this Sixers team has againg vets backed up by a nice blend of promising youth. Grant Hill is one the best players in the league. He and Antonio McDyess have proved to be a good duo. But the Sixers still are missing a piece or two if they want to win a title.
GRADE: B+
The Future: Grant Hill and Antonio McDyess are in the final stretch of there careers and honestly the Sixers don’t have a young player who could carry the franchise once Hill and Antonio call it a career. Moe Williams, Qyntell Woods are nice role players but not true superstars.
GRADE: C
Average Age: 25.08
Key Players: Chris Webber, Shawn Marion, Michael Redd
Oldest Player: Rodney Rogers
Youngest Player: Kendrick Perkins
The Present: The Celtics have become the best team in TMBSL. They have a scary combination of superstar vets, and promising, contributing youth. The Celtics look the be the new dynasty in the league. GM Poetic continues to make the right moves.
GRADE: A+
The Future: No Webber, No Redd, No Marion, No problem. Trade away Paul Gasol…. Sure why not. Celtics fans can sleep well at night because even if the Celitcs were to lose all those players studs like D-Wade and Kendrick Perkins are waiting in the wings to help keep the Celtics one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference for years to come
GRADE: A
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Average Age: 25.50
Key Players: Rashard Lewis, Danny Fortson, Derek Anderson
Oldest Player: Darrell Armstrong
Youngest Player: Mladen Sekularac
The Present: The Hornests are a top team in the east. Not a one man team but clearly the put a lot on the shoulders of Rashard Lewis. To this poin the has not been able to win a title for the Hornerts and I doubt he can. This team is a piece or two away from being a legit title contender. For now they are solid playoff team that will be a tough out.
GRADE: B+
The Future: The team is built around Lewis. He is young and will be the face of the franchise for years to come. But that is all the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets have. Mladen Sekularac is the youngest player on the team and will be lucky to have more then a role player. GM 20x4 will have his hands full keeping this team combative in the future.
GRADE: B-
Average Age: 25.69
Key Players: Jalen Rose, Corliss Williamson, Manu Ginobili
Oldest Player: Fred Hoiberg
Youngest Player: Kwame Brown
The Present: A old underperforming lotto team is what the Spurs are. They are not good enough to make the playoffs in a weak west. Rose, and Williamson look to be more about getting stat’s for them selves and not wins for the team.
GRADE: D
The Future: Both Rose and Williamson are on the down side of there career’s and Kwame Brown was going to be the man this franchise was built around but to this point has proved to be a disappointment. Spurs don’t have anyone else they can hang there hat on. The basement is a location this team will not be leaving any time soon.
GRADE: D
Average Age: 25.84
Key Players: Jason Kidd, Jamal Mashburn, Ryan Humphrey
Oldest Player: Jason Kidd
Youngest Player: Nedzad Sinanovic
The Present: At one point this team looked to be spinning its wheels. But with Jamal Mashburn picking up his production and becoming a MVP candidate the Lakers have become one of the best in teams out west. Jason Kidd is the best all around PG in the league and Ryan Humphrey has been a great surprise.
GRADE: B+
The Future: Jason Kidd and Mashburn are both in there 30’s and maybe this is the reason Lakers GM lulu was looking to dismantle this team last year. This team is not very young and Sinanovic is nothing more then a roster filler. Ryan Humphrey is not a franchise player.
GRADE: D
Average Age: 25.85
Key Players: Zachary Randolph, Shawn Kemp, Jason Richardson
Oldest Player: Shawn Kemp
Youngest Player: Zachary Randolph
The Present: The Nuggets are not a title contender, they are not a lotto team. Welcome to hell on NBA earth. A roster filled with big men GM Skrouse has decided its best to play players out of position then make trades for youth at the wings.
GRADE: C+
The Future: Denver does not have 1 player under the age of 22. Zach Randolph has not improved and become just an average power forward in the league. They do have Kaman but for some reason he is a back up to Zach. A new coach would be my recommendation for Denver.
GRADE: C+
Average Age: 26.07
Key Players: Shaquille O'Neal, Bonzi Wells, Predrag Stojakovic
Oldest Player: Shaquille O'Neal
Youngest Player: Travis Outlaw
The Present: Shaq will always keep this Wizards team at the top of the standings. I think they are missing a good power forward to help Shaq down low and its preventing them from winning a title. Wells, and Peja have provided good scoring punch from the wings.
GRADE: B+
The Future: The Wizards will move forward with Travis Outlaw and Nenad Kristic. But both are so young who knows how well they will develop. Shaq is no spring chicken and is this franchise. I expect the Wizards to fall into the lotto once Shaq is done playing.
GRADE: C
Average Age: 26.28
Key Players: Stephon Marbury, Elton Brand, Glenn Robinson
Oldest Player: Antonio Davis
Youngest Player: James Lang
The Present: Cav’s fans wont have to worry about there 1 superstar walking out the door. They have 3. And all three are playing well for the Cavs. With the East so stacked some teams like the Cav’s get little to no spotlight. This is a very good team. Brand, Marbury and Robinson are a very good trio. But to get out the East they still need a shooting guard who can fill it up.
GRADE: B+
The Future: This team is in win now mode. Robinson, Marbury and Brand are in there primes. But other then that the Cav’s don’t have a future star to build with. But they really don’t need one.
GRADE: C+
Average Age: 26.73
Key Players: LeBron James, Steve Francis, Kenny Thomas
Oldest Player: Chris Gatling
Youngest Player: LeBron James
The Present: The Knicks struck it rich in the lotto last year and picked up Lebron. He has not disappointed but it seems like the combo of Franchise and The King is not working for the Knicks. A team with a few holes. Makes you wonder why GM Zpz wont move Richard Jefferson to help fill the voids. The Knicks will not be winning a title this year. But down the road this team could be dangerous.
GRADE: C+
The Future: The Knicks belonged to Steve Francis but now they are with out question LeBron’s team. He is going to be one of the best players to ever step on the court. But he has very little supporting cast. GM zpz will have to make the King happy or he may bolt in a few years.
GRADE: B+
Average Age: 26.75
Key Players: Eddie Jones, Tracy McGrady, Marc Jackson
Oldest Player: Christian Laettner
Youngest Player: Zoran Planinic
The Present: The time is now for the T’Wolves. With the recent addition of the Bi-Polar T-Mac the Wolves are one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Maybe the first west team in TMBSL history to actually have a chance to win the title.
GRADE: A-
The Future: The Wolves are all about winning now. Brendan Haywood is becoming a very good center and at 23 is a key piece for the Wolves moving forward.
GRADE: B-
Average Age: 26.84
Key Players: Baron Davis, Jason Terry, Marcus Camby
Oldest Player: Clifford Robinson
Youngest Player: Reggie Evans
The Present: The Clippers are a Western Conference contender. But they are not a title contender. Still some work to do. Some how GM Ocho needs to find a hard defensive minded small forward. A veteran power forward would also help take some pressure off of Udonis.
GRADE: B
The Future: Clippers have a bright future with B-Diddy leading the way. GM Ocho will continue to build around one of the top point guards in the league. Udonis is a solid prospect but needs more time to develop.
GRADE: B
Average Age: 26.93
Key Players: Yao Ming, Allan Houston, Steve Nash
Oldest Player: LaPhonso Ellis
Youngest Player: Carl English
The Present: The Nets have the best starting 5 in the NBA. But they have yet to mesh. Nash and Houston can fill it from beyond the line and Yao Ming is a monster down low. The Nets will put it together and when they do the East is going to have trouble beating them.
GRADE: A-
The Future: The Nets are getting older and down the road GM Irush will continue to build around Yao Ming. Yao is already challenging Shaq as best center in the league at age 23.
GRADE: B+
Average Age: 27.35
Key Players: Dirk Nowitzki, Chauncey Billups, Jordan Roberson
Oldest Player: Elden Campbell
Youngest Player: Jordan Roberson
The Present: Another Western Conference team who will compete for the playoffs but have no chance to win a title. Playing Dirk out of position is not the best thing in the world but the Sonics organization is hell bent on keeping things as is.
GRADE: B-
The Future: Dirk is a great player and is just entering his prime. Jordan Roberson is a nice young center. So there are some pieces to work with moving forward. But will the Sonics do what is needed to turn this franchise around.
GRADE: B-
Average Age: 27.40
Key Players: Vince Carter, John Stockton, Kurt Thomas
Oldest Player: John Stockton
Youngest Player: Slavko Vranes
The Present: Houston is the best team in the Western Conference when healthy. But an injury to a very old John Stockton have hurt the chances of winning a title this year. If Stockton can return for the playoff push Houston could make a trip to the NBA finals.
GRADE: A
The Future: Like other older contending teams the future in not exactly bright. Vince Carter is in his prime but other young prospects are not on this roster. With John Stockton half way out the door, the Rockets chances of winning are in the past.
GRADE: C+
Average Age: 28.38
Key Players: Kobe Bryant, Terrell Brandon, Vin Baker
Oldest Player: Terrell Brandon
Youngest Player: Peter Fehse
The Present: The Raptors have one TMBSL title and they are on the march for a second. Vin Baker was a great off-season signing, averaging 20 points and 9 rebounds a game. It also doesn’t hurt to have the best player in the world on your roster.
GRADE: A-
The Future: Kobe is the best in the world. But Brandon is showing his age and Vin Baker is also a old man. The roster does not have much youth. But Kobe is still one bad man and he will keep the Raptors competitive. The Raptors have major work to do once Brandon and Baker are gone.
GRADE: B
Average Age: 28.71
Key Players: Gary Payton, Jerry Stackhouse, Raef LaFrentz
Oldest Player: Scottie Pippen
Youngest Player: Thomas Lister
The Present: The Jazz have been the best team out west the last two years. But father time is catching up to this roster. The leader of the Jazz is Gary Payton and he is 35. He is showing some sign’s of slowing down but is still playing at a high level. For two years this team has come up short in the playoffs and if GM Ohh can not make a move to get this team better I think the window is closing on this team
GRADE: B
The Future: The Jazz really don’t have any top young prospect to build around. Corey Maggette is the best young player on the roster and I don’t think he is the trype of player you build around. The Jazz window is closing quick. I would not be shocked to see this team in the lotto for a few years.
GRADE: C+
Average Age: 29.84
Key Players: Sam Cassell, Rasheed Wallace, Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Oldest Player: Hakeem Olajuwon
Youngest Player: Keith McLeod
The Present: The Magic are the defending TMBSL Champion. But age may have got the best of them this year. Having a very disappointing the Magic may be entering the rebuild stage. But for now they have a veteran team coming off a championship. They are still in the playoffs and should be a dangerous team.
GRADE: B+
The Future: When your youngest contributor is 29 years old you have major issues moving forward. Maybe this is why GM MJ is thinking about blowing this team up. Get what he can for players like Sheed Wallace and SAR. This team could be the next Milwaukee Bucks
GRADE: C-
Average Age: 29.91
Key Players: Alonzo Mourning, Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson
Oldest Player: Alonzo Mourning
Youngest Player: Gary Coleman
The Present: What the hell is going on in Detriot? This team is the biggest group of underachieving players maybe in the history of TMBSL. A coaching change could be the only suggestion I have. Also getting a pass first point guard would also help.
GRADE: A
The future: You don’t need a young prospect when your two of your big three are in the prime of there careers. Alonzo Morning is getting older but a good Gary Coleman was a great FA signing to eventually replace Zo in the middle. Only problem with that is Gary is not getting any PT and is on a one year deal. Will he want to come back to a team who have not given him any playing time?
GRADE: B
Average Age: 31.13
Key Players: Kevin Garnett, Antawn Jamison, Ray Allen
Oldest Player:Arvydas Sabonis
Youngest Player: Federico Kammerichs
The Present: The Hawks are going to contend for titles for the next few years. This is the oldest team in TMBSL but star Kevin Garnett is only 27. If injurys don’t attack this roster the Hawks should have a two to three year window to win a title.
GRADE: A-
The Future: This is a old team. The only team that averages over 30 years per player. The Hawks don’t have a young player in there rotation. It will be interesting what option GM w2d uses to rebuild this franchise.
GRADE: C
League Average Age: 25.92
Teams Over League Average: 13
Team Under League Average: 16
Youngest Team In The NBA: Memphis Grizzlies
Oldest Team In The NBA: Atlanta Hawks
Youngest Team In The Eastern Conference: Chicago Bulls
Oldest Team In The Western Conference: Utah Jazz
Youngest Division In The NBA: Pacific
Oldest Division In The NBA: Central
Youngest Player In The NBA: 17: Ndubi Ebi, Kendrick Perkins, Travis Outlaw
Oldest Player In The NBA: 41: John Stockton
Average Age:22.20
Key Players: Dajuan Wagner, Kenyon Martin, TJ Ford
Oldest Player: Radoslav Nesterovic
Youngest Player: Ndubi Ebi
The Present: The Grizzlies are in full rebuild mode. They will continue to take there lumps for the next few years. The youngest team in the NBA is not ready to compete in the present.
GRADE: D
The Future: Memphis is built around DaJuan Wagner. He is a very bright star. Memphis drafted TJ Ford to complete there back court. GM Scatmanduse is going to need to find more pieces before this team can be considered a title contender.
GRADE: B
Average Age: 22.30
Key Players: Samuel Dalembert, Ronald Murray, Drew Gooden
Oldest Player: Michael Ruffin
Youngest Player: Mariej Lampe
The Present: GM Dumptime destroyed what was going to be one of the best teams in the Western Conference so he could clear cap space. Well so far he has lost more players in the free agent market then he has gained. Times are tough in Dallas and wont be getting better anytime soon.
GRADE: D
The Future: Welp Mav’s fans I don’t see much of a future for this team. Its best player is………? Well that is the problem with this team. They have no star to build on for the future. Murry, Gooden and Sammy are all solid role players. Stars they are not
GRADE: C-
Average Age: 22.75
Key Players: Jay Williams, Caron Butler, Nene
Oldest Player: Brent Barry
Youngest Player: Nene
The Present: Bulls wont be winning this year or next. They are the youngest team in the Eastern Conference and by a wide margin. This team does not lack talent but it does lack experience. So Bulls fans be patient because you wont be winning now.
GRADE: C
The Future: Mav’s fans are asking why couldn’t our GM set us up with three young studs like Caron Butler, Jay Williams and Nene. The future is very bright for the baby Bulls. Caron has shown he can be a proven scorer and Nene is a rebounding machine. Jay Williams is one of the best young point guards in the league.
GRADE: A-
Average Age: 23.25
Key Players: Mike Bibby, Chris Bosh, Jermaine O'Neal
Oldest Player: Vitaly Potapenko
Youngest Player: Chris Bosh
The Present: The Kings are in a great position. They are a top contender, have a MVP candidate, Jermaine O’Neal and great young prospect in Chris Bosh. This team belongs to JO and he is just reaching is true potential. The Kings are going to be title contenders for the next few years.
GRADE: A
The Future: Chris Bosh is the future. He does not have the pressure to carry this Kings team thanks to JO. But these two could form the best front court in the NBA for the next 10 years. Get your season tickets Kings fans because you have a great team to watch every night.
GRADE: A
Average Age: 23.85
Key Players: Tyson Chandler, Wally Szczerbiak, Erick Barkley
Oldest Player:Walt Williams
Youngest Player: Xue Yuyang
The Present: I think everyone member of the TMBSL feels so bad for new Owner/GM Trofie. The mess he had to walk into is more then most men can handle. Tyson Chandler is the best young player on this team. But is not developed enough to help this team win.
GRADE: F
The Future: When your best player is Wally World you know your in trouble. GM Trofie has so much work to do. And I am confident he can. But it will take a lot of work. Tyson Chandler is really the only player to build around but has yet to prove to be a star.
GRADE: D
Average Age: 24.30
Key Players: Pau Gasol, Bryan Bracey, Damon Stoudamire
Oldest Player: Damon Stoudamire
Youngest Player: Smush Parker
The Present: The Warriors don’t know what they want to be. Young and building or old and contending. Well GM Melo has decided to try to blend the two with mixed results. Gasol is a great young big man but Damon Stoudamire is showing signs of slowing down. This team will not make the playoffs this year but might not be far off.
GRADE: C
The Future: Melo is praying that Gasol can become the a franchise leader. And not just a good player on a bad team. The Warriors need Kareem Rush to develop along side Gasol. But at the end of the day this team has a lot of holes to fill and I am not sure Melo is the man to do it.
GRADE: C
Average Age: 24.33
Key Players: Gilbert Arenas, Richard Hamilton, Ron Mercer
Oldest Player: Voshon Lenard
Youngest Player: Boris Diaw
The Present: Richard Hamilton can’t do it all. And with Ron Mercer turning into the worst free agent signing in TMBSL history the Blazers a basement boys once again. Some nice young pieces on the roster but they wont translate into wins anytime soon.
GRADE: C
The Future: Agent Zero needs to become a leader and a true point guard. As he fights management about his role on the team this team suffers. But he is a bright young star surrounded by a bunch of average prospects. Borris Diaw is the key to this team moving forward. He is only 20 but thus far the number 8 pick of the draft has proven to be a disappointment
GRADE: C+
Average Age: 24.40
Key Players: Quentin Richardson, Lamar Odom,Michael Bradley
Oldest Player: P.J Brown
Youngest Player: Carmelo Anthony
The Present: The Pacers are a underachieving group. Richardson, Odom, Bradley should result in a winning percentage better then .270 A change in coaching may be in order. Because this team is not this bad.
GRADE: C+
The Future: Is Melo a bust? If he is then Indiana is in big trouble. The youngest player on this team has not given Pacers fans any hope thus far. Darius Miles has split minutes with Melo and that is a bad sign. If Melo grows up the Pacers have a nice roster for him to compete with. But if he is a bust be prepared Pacers fans because you will dream of ping pong balls every night.
GRADE: C
Average Age: 24.46
Key Players: Eddie Griffin, Paul Pierce, Mark Blount
Oldest Player: Bryant Stith
Youngest Player: DeSagana Diop
The Present: Miami is not a playoff contender. There roster is piss poor and really only have two legit NBA starts on the entire roster. The Heat are clearly looking to the future with no chance to win right now.
GRADE: D
The Future: GM Jayrish has two very nice pieces to build with moving forward, Eddie Griffin and Paul Pierce. But the rest of the roster leaves a lot to be desired. He will need to make some smart FA moves and also get a luckier when it comes to the lotto.
GRADE: C+
Average Age: 24.75
Key Players: Amar'e Stoudemire, Antoine Walker, Andre Miller
Oldest Player: Charlie Ward
Youngest Player: Amar'e Stoudemire
The Present: The Suns have shifted there the direction of the franchise with some of there recent deals. A push to win now is in full motion. Vets like Andre Miller, Twan Walker and Micheal Finley have lead a very talented Suns team. They sit just out side the playoffs. But could be a nightmare match up come playoff time.
GRADE: B
The Future: The team is built around Amar’e Stoudemire and at 19 he has shown the skill to be a dominate big man. GM Matt has also now teamed Amar’e with Eddy Curry another extremely talented big. But the youth does not end in the front court Joe Johnson and Jamal Crawford are a excellent backcourt tandem. Its not if the Suns will be dominate. The Question is when.
GRADE: A
Average Age: 25.00
Key Players: Antonio McDyess, Grant Hill, Courtney Alexander
Oldest Player: Grant Hill
Youngest Player: Maurice Williams
The Present: Already a contender in the Eastern Conference this Sixers team has againg vets backed up by a nice blend of promising youth. Grant Hill is one the best players in the league. He and Antonio McDyess have proved to be a good duo. But the Sixers still are missing a piece or two if they want to win a title.
GRADE: B+
The Future: Grant Hill and Antonio McDyess are in the final stretch of there careers and honestly the Sixers don’t have a young player who could carry the franchise once Hill and Antonio call it a career. Moe Williams, Qyntell Woods are nice role players but not true superstars.
GRADE: C
Average Age: 25.08
Key Players: Chris Webber, Shawn Marion, Michael Redd
Oldest Player: Rodney Rogers
Youngest Player: Kendrick Perkins
The Present: The Celtics have become the best team in TMBSL. They have a scary combination of superstar vets, and promising, contributing youth. The Celtics look the be the new dynasty in the league. GM Poetic continues to make the right moves.
GRADE: A+
The Future: No Webber, No Redd, No Marion, No problem. Trade away Paul Gasol…. Sure why not. Celtics fans can sleep well at night because even if the Celitcs were to lose all those players studs like D-Wade and Kendrick Perkins are waiting in the wings to help keep the Celtics one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference for years to come
GRADE: A
Average Age: 25.50
Key Players: Rashard Lewis, Danny Fortson, Derek Anderson
Oldest Player: Darrell Armstrong
Youngest Player: Mladen Sekularac
The Present: The Hornests are a top team in the east. Not a one man team but clearly the put a lot on the shoulders of Rashard Lewis. To this poin the has not been able to win a title for the Hornerts and I doubt he can. This team is a piece or two away from being a legit title contender. For now they are solid playoff team that will be a tough out.
GRADE: B+
The Future: The team is built around Lewis. He is young and will be the face of the franchise for years to come. But that is all the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets have. Mladen Sekularac is the youngest player on the team and will be lucky to have more then a role player. GM 20x4 will have his hands full keeping this team combative in the future.
GRADE: B-
Average Age: 25.69
Key Players: Jalen Rose, Corliss Williamson, Manu Ginobili
Oldest Player: Fred Hoiberg
Youngest Player: Kwame Brown
The Present: A old underperforming lotto team is what the Spurs are. They are not good enough to make the playoffs in a weak west. Rose, and Williamson look to be more about getting stat’s for them selves and not wins for the team.
GRADE: D
The Future: Both Rose and Williamson are on the down side of there career’s and Kwame Brown was going to be the man this franchise was built around but to this point has proved to be a disappointment. Spurs don’t have anyone else they can hang there hat on. The basement is a location this team will not be leaving any time soon.
GRADE: D
Average Age: 25.84
Key Players: Jason Kidd, Jamal Mashburn, Ryan Humphrey
Oldest Player: Jason Kidd
Youngest Player: Nedzad Sinanovic
The Present: At one point this team looked to be spinning its wheels. But with Jamal Mashburn picking up his production and becoming a MVP candidate the Lakers have become one of the best in teams out west. Jason Kidd is the best all around PG in the league and Ryan Humphrey has been a great surprise.
GRADE: B+
The Future: Jason Kidd and Mashburn are both in there 30’s and maybe this is the reason Lakers GM lulu was looking to dismantle this team last year. This team is not very young and Sinanovic is nothing more then a roster filler. Ryan Humphrey is not a franchise player.
GRADE: D
Average Age: 25.85
Key Players: Zachary Randolph, Shawn Kemp, Jason Richardson
Oldest Player: Shawn Kemp
Youngest Player: Zachary Randolph
The Present: The Nuggets are not a title contender, they are not a lotto team. Welcome to hell on NBA earth. A roster filled with big men GM Skrouse has decided its best to play players out of position then make trades for youth at the wings.
GRADE: C+
The Future: Denver does not have 1 player under the age of 22. Zach Randolph has not improved and become just an average power forward in the league. They do have Kaman but for some reason he is a back up to Zach. A new coach would be my recommendation for Denver.
GRADE: C+
Average Age: 26.07
Key Players: Shaquille O'Neal, Bonzi Wells, Predrag Stojakovic
Oldest Player: Shaquille O'Neal
Youngest Player: Travis Outlaw
The Present: Shaq will always keep this Wizards team at the top of the standings. I think they are missing a good power forward to help Shaq down low and its preventing them from winning a title. Wells, and Peja have provided good scoring punch from the wings.
GRADE: B+
The Future: The Wizards will move forward with Travis Outlaw and Nenad Kristic. But both are so young who knows how well they will develop. Shaq is no spring chicken and is this franchise. I expect the Wizards to fall into the lotto once Shaq is done playing.
GRADE: C
Average Age: 26.28
Key Players: Stephon Marbury, Elton Brand, Glenn Robinson
Oldest Player: Antonio Davis
Youngest Player: James Lang
The Present: Cav’s fans wont have to worry about there 1 superstar walking out the door. They have 3. And all three are playing well for the Cavs. With the East so stacked some teams like the Cav’s get little to no spotlight. This is a very good team. Brand, Marbury and Robinson are a very good trio. But to get out the East they still need a shooting guard who can fill it up.
GRADE: B+
The Future: This team is in win now mode. Robinson, Marbury and Brand are in there primes. But other then that the Cav’s don’t have a future star to build with. But they really don’t need one.
GRADE: C+
Average Age: 26.73
Key Players: LeBron James, Steve Francis, Kenny Thomas
Oldest Player: Chris Gatling
Youngest Player: LeBron James
The Present: The Knicks struck it rich in the lotto last year and picked up Lebron. He has not disappointed but it seems like the combo of Franchise and The King is not working for the Knicks. A team with a few holes. Makes you wonder why GM Zpz wont move Richard Jefferson to help fill the voids. The Knicks will not be winning a title this year. But down the road this team could be dangerous.
GRADE: C+
The Future: The Knicks belonged to Steve Francis but now they are with out question LeBron’s team. He is going to be one of the best players to ever step on the court. But he has very little supporting cast. GM zpz will have to make the King happy or he may bolt in a few years.
GRADE: B+
Average Age: 26.75
Key Players: Eddie Jones, Tracy McGrady, Marc Jackson
Oldest Player: Christian Laettner
Youngest Player: Zoran Planinic
The Present: The time is now for the T’Wolves. With the recent addition of the Bi-Polar T-Mac the Wolves are one of the best teams in the Western Conference. Maybe the first west team in TMBSL history to actually have a chance to win the title.
GRADE: A-
The Future: The Wolves are all about winning now. Brendan Haywood is becoming a very good center and at 23 is a key piece for the Wolves moving forward.
GRADE: B-
Average Age: 26.84
Key Players: Baron Davis, Jason Terry, Marcus Camby
Oldest Player: Clifford Robinson
Youngest Player: Reggie Evans
The Present: The Clippers are a Western Conference contender. But they are not a title contender. Still some work to do. Some how GM Ocho needs to find a hard defensive minded small forward. A veteran power forward would also help take some pressure off of Udonis.
GRADE: B
The Future: Clippers have a bright future with B-Diddy leading the way. GM Ocho will continue to build around one of the top point guards in the league. Udonis is a solid prospect but needs more time to develop.
GRADE: B
Average Age: 26.93
Key Players: Yao Ming, Allan Houston, Steve Nash
Oldest Player: LaPhonso Ellis
Youngest Player: Carl English
The Present: The Nets have the best starting 5 in the NBA. But they have yet to mesh. Nash and Houston can fill it from beyond the line and Yao Ming is a monster down low. The Nets will put it together and when they do the East is going to have trouble beating them.
GRADE: A-
The Future: The Nets are getting older and down the road GM Irush will continue to build around Yao Ming. Yao is already challenging Shaq as best center in the league at age 23.
GRADE: B+
Average Age: 27.35
Key Players: Dirk Nowitzki, Chauncey Billups, Jordan Roberson
Oldest Player: Elden Campbell
Youngest Player: Jordan Roberson
The Present: Another Western Conference team who will compete for the playoffs but have no chance to win a title. Playing Dirk out of position is not the best thing in the world but the Sonics organization is hell bent on keeping things as is.
GRADE: B-
The Future: Dirk is a great player and is just entering his prime. Jordan Roberson is a nice young center. So there are some pieces to work with moving forward. But will the Sonics do what is needed to turn this franchise around.
GRADE: B-
Average Age: 27.40
Key Players: Vince Carter, John Stockton, Kurt Thomas
Oldest Player: John Stockton
Youngest Player: Slavko Vranes
The Present: Houston is the best team in the Western Conference when healthy. But an injury to a very old John Stockton have hurt the chances of winning a title this year. If Stockton can return for the playoff push Houston could make a trip to the NBA finals.
GRADE: A
The Future: Like other older contending teams the future in not exactly bright. Vince Carter is in his prime but other young prospects are not on this roster. With John Stockton half way out the door, the Rockets chances of winning are in the past.
GRADE: C+
Average Age: 28.38
Key Players: Kobe Bryant, Terrell Brandon, Vin Baker
Oldest Player: Terrell Brandon
Youngest Player: Peter Fehse
The Present: The Raptors have one TMBSL title and they are on the march for a second. Vin Baker was a great off-season signing, averaging 20 points and 9 rebounds a game. It also doesn’t hurt to have the best player in the world on your roster.
GRADE: A-
The Future: Kobe is the best in the world. But Brandon is showing his age and Vin Baker is also a old man. The roster does not have much youth. But Kobe is still one bad man and he will keep the Raptors competitive. The Raptors have major work to do once Brandon and Baker are gone.
GRADE: B
Average Age: 28.71
Key Players: Gary Payton, Jerry Stackhouse, Raef LaFrentz
Oldest Player: Scottie Pippen
Youngest Player: Thomas Lister
The Present: The Jazz have been the best team out west the last two years. But father time is catching up to this roster. The leader of the Jazz is Gary Payton and he is 35. He is showing some sign’s of slowing down but is still playing at a high level. For two years this team has come up short in the playoffs and if GM Ohh can not make a move to get this team better I think the window is closing on this team
GRADE: B
The Future: The Jazz really don’t have any top young prospect to build around. Corey Maggette is the best young player on the roster and I don’t think he is the trype of player you build around. The Jazz window is closing quick. I would not be shocked to see this team in the lotto for a few years.
GRADE: C+
Average Age: 29.84
Key Players: Sam Cassell, Rasheed Wallace, Shareef Abdur-Rahim
Oldest Player: Hakeem Olajuwon
Youngest Player: Keith McLeod
The Present: The Magic are the defending TMBSL Champion. But age may have got the best of them this year. Having a very disappointing the Magic may be entering the rebuild stage. But for now they have a veteran team coming off a championship. They are still in the playoffs and should be a dangerous team.
GRADE: B+
The Future: When your youngest contributor is 29 years old you have major issues moving forward. Maybe this is why GM MJ is thinking about blowing this team up. Get what he can for players like Sheed Wallace and SAR. This team could be the next Milwaukee Bucks
GRADE: C-
Average Age: 29.91
Key Players: Alonzo Mourning, Tim Duncan, Allen Iverson
Oldest Player: Alonzo Mourning
Youngest Player: Gary Coleman
The Present: What the hell is going on in Detriot? This team is the biggest group of underachieving players maybe in the history of TMBSL. A coaching change could be the only suggestion I have. Also getting a pass first point guard would also help.
GRADE: A
The future: You don’t need a young prospect when your two of your big three are in the prime of there careers. Alonzo Morning is getting older but a good Gary Coleman was a great FA signing to eventually replace Zo in the middle. Only problem with that is Gary is not getting any PT and is on a one year deal. Will he want to come back to a team who have not given him any playing time?
GRADE: B
Average Age: 31.13
Key Players: Kevin Garnett, Antawn Jamison, Ray Allen
Oldest Player:Arvydas Sabonis
Youngest Player: Federico Kammerichs
The Present: The Hawks are going to contend for titles for the next few years. This is the oldest team in TMBSL but star Kevin Garnett is only 27. If injurys don’t attack this roster the Hawks should have a two to three year window to win a title.
GRADE: A-
The Future: This is a old team. The only team that averages over 30 years per player. The Hawks don’t have a young player in there rotation. It will be interesting what option GM w2d uses to rebuild this franchise.
GRADE: C
