Post by rv12 on Oct 21, 2010 0:26:17 GMT -5
Hey guys, back again with another article. This time, I decided to look at the Central division and see how the teams are stacked up for the future. The Central holds several teams who have built for the future and a few who have decided it is win now or don't win at all. It'll be interesting to see these different philosophies play out against each other over the next few seasons. I've also included how much salary each team is accountable for with their current contracts. Enjoy, critique, and vote please.
Atlanta Hawks
Players under contract
2007- David Lee, Peja Stojakovic, Jay Williams, Manu Ginobili, Nate Robinson ($31,369,013)
2008-David Lee, Jay Williams, Nate Robinson ($20,994,114)
2009-Jay Williams ($17,187500)
2010-Jay Williams ($18,750,000)
2011-Jay Williams ($20,315,500)
2012-Jay Williams ($21,875,000)
Picks
2007- Bucks and Hawks 1st; Hawks 2nd
2008- Hawks 1st and 2nd
2009- Hawks 1st and 2nd
Analysis
The Hawks are a team that is set up decently well for the future. They’re obviously going to rely on Jay Williams to carry them throughout the years and it remains to be seen if the former Duke guard can carry the load. He may be the most questionable 7-year max player of last year’s free agency but he still has “B” potential to grow and develop. The 2007 offseason will be a key one for the Hawks as they’ll have nearly $20 million in cap room but several players to resign, including Bonzi Wells. After the 2007 season, the Hawks will have plenty of money to spend in free agency to build around Jay. They’ve also set themselves up well in the draft as they’ve maintained all of their picks while also grabbing the Bucks 1st round selection in this upcoming draft. I do see the Hawks having to make some moves if they’re going to continue their run as one of the most successful franchises in the Eastern conference.
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Charlotte Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets
Players under contract
2007-Kenyon Martin, Calvin Booth, Andrew Bynum, Al Jefferson, Danny Fortson, Chuck Hayes, Fred Jones, Jason Richardson, Gerald Wallace, Derek Fisher, Raymond Felton ($44,561687)
2008-Kenyon Martin, Andrew Bynum, Chuck Hayes, Fred Jones, Jason Richardson, Gerald Wallace, Raymond Felton ($34,543,602)
2009-Kenyon Martin, Fred Jones ($15,645,601)
2010-Fred Jones ($6,100,000)
2011-None
2012-None
Picks
2007- Kings, Lakers, Nuggets, and Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets 1st
2008- Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets 2nd
2009- Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets 1st and 2nd
Analysis
The Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets future will rely majorly on what happens in this draft. They hold four first round picks and should restock their cupboard extremely well if they make the right selections. They will have approximately 8 million in cap room to spend in free agency to upgrade their bench situation as they seem to be set in their starting five. A big part of their future will depend on Al Jefferson’s development as the 19 year old seems keen on becoming a force down low. The Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets are one of a few teams without any major contracts bogging down their team as only Fred Jones has a deal that is at least 5 years and his salary will stay at $6.1 million throughout. If the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets make the right selections in the 2007 draft, they could be a scary young team to deal with.
Chicago Bulls
Players under contract
2007- Andris Biedrins, Kevin Garnett, Shane Battier, Gerald Green, Shaun Livingston, Daniel Ewing, Marcus Williams ($47,708,021)
2008- Kevin Garnett, Shane Battier, Gerald Green ($443,695,148)
2009- Kevin Garnett ($26,250,000)
2010- Kevin Garnett ($28,437,500)
2011- Kevin Garnett ($30,625,000)
2012- None
Picks
2007- Heat 1st
2008- Bulls 2nd
2009- 76ers and Bulls 1st, Bulls 2nd
Analysis
The Bulls are in a shaky situation right now. Yes, they are winning but at what cost to their future? While KG is one of the top players in the league, his contract is also one of the scariest with the $30 million awaiting the team in 2011. That contract alone will take up approximately half of the salary cap depending on its movement throughout the next few years. The Bulls will have to make some moves with younger players and resigning their own because they’re not going to have the cap room to make huge splashes in free agency if they want to stay competitive. However, the management of the Bulls has shown to be intelligent with their decision making regarding their roster over the past few years. I see them using Battier as trade bait and opening up that salary room to give them a better shot at moving forward in the future.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Players under contract
2007- Elton Brand, Leon Powe, Gary Coleman, Rashad McCants, Stephon Marbury, Daniel Gibson ($45,096,994)
2008- Elton Brand, Leon Powe, Rashad McCants, Stephon Marbury ($36,926,321)
2009- Elton Brand, Leon Powe, Stephon Marbury ($36,440,118)
2010- Elton Brand, Stephon Marbury ($36,626,532)
2011- None
2012- None
Picks
2007- Cavs 1st and 2nd
2008- Cavs 1st and 2nd
2009- Cavs 1st and 2nd
Analysis
The Cavs are an interesting bunch to look to the future with. Next year will be interesting as they will have 6 guys taking up $45 million in payroll. However, that number decreases to just 4 guys and $36.9 million once Gary Coleman’s ridiculous contract comes off the books. The duo of Brand and Marbury are a great one to build a team around as Brand can control the blocks and open up the wing for Marbury to put a lot of points up around. A primary focus in the next few years for the Cavs should be to try and find a young point guard in an effort to move Starbury to the shooting guard spot. Still though, Cleveland can’t complain about the 22 points and 10 assists he’s getting a game. We’ll see how these two guys develop as both of them have seemingly maxed out their potentials as both are at the “C” grade. Rashad McCants could be a key player in Cleveland’s future should they choose to resign him.
Detroit Pistons
Players under contract
2007- Brendan Haywood, Ryan Hollins, Timmy Duncan, Andrea Bargnani, Luol Deng, Josh Smith, Kirk Snyder, Ricky Sanchez, Brandon Roy, Kelenna Azubuike, Ronald Curry, Troy Bell ($52,814,765)
2008- Brendan Haywood, Ryan Hollins, Timmy Duncan, Andrea Bargnani, Josh Smith, Brandon Roy, Kelenna Azubuike ($42,993,209)
2009- Timmy Duncan, Andrea Bargnani, Josh Smith, Brandon Roy($31,823,379)
2010- Timmy Duncan($24,375,000)
2011- Timmy Duncan ($26,250,000)
2012- None
Picks
2007- Pistons 1st and 2nd
2008- Pistons 1st and 2nd
2009- Pistons 1st and 2nd
Analysis
After failing to really win anything with a trio of Duncan, Alonzo Mourning, and AI, the Pistons decided it was time to build their team with a plethora of young players around Duncan. They seem to have done so successfully with the exception of finding a young center. After selecting him 11th overall in the 2004 draft, the Pistons decided to stash Josh Smith and got lucky with his roll upon his reentry to the U.S. Detroit will have to focus on resigning their young guys to affordable deals if they want to stay in a decent cap situation. Haywood’s contract is one that they are actively trying to move to no avail. The trio of Duncan, Smith, and Roy could be scary for opposing teams to deal with come 2009…or they could be just as unsuccessful as the previous Detroit trio, only time will tell.
Indiana Pacers
Players under contract
2007- Emeka Okafor, Paul Davis, Ike Diogu, Lamar Odom, Carmelo Anthony, Quentin Richardson, Guillermo Diaz ($37,243,675)
2008- Ike Diogu, Lamar Odom, Carmelo Anthony, Guillermo Diaz ($29,696,671)
2009- Carmelo Anthony, Guillermo Diaz ($20,120,219)
2010- Carmelo Anthony ($18,750,000)
2011- Carmelo Anthony ($20,312,500)
2012- Carmelo Anthony ($21,875,000)
Picks
2007- Pacers 1st and 2nd
2008- Pacers 1st and 2nd
2009- Pacers 1st and 2nd
Analysis
After taking quite a few years to develop, Carmelo Anthony has turned into a stud deserving of a 7-year max. The future is bright when fans look at Guillermo Diaz dishing the ball to Anthony. Diaz was easily the biggest surprise of the 2006 draft after many owners questioned the lottery selection of such an unknown player. He’s averaging 15.6 points and 9.3 assists a game as a rookie and only looks to improve. Resigning their young guys such as Okafor and Odom will be key for the Pacers to continue to develop into a top team in the East. Their pick should be a lottery selection this year and that should help Indiana to continue to bolster their roster with young talent.
Milwaukee Bucks
Players under contract
2007- Darko Milicic, Eddie Griffin, Paul Millsap, Danny Granger, Andre Iguodala, Thabo Sefolosha, Marcus Vinicius, Mickael Gelabale, Allen Iverson, Michael Finley, Earl Smith, A.J. Guyton ($57,452,655)
2008- Darko Milicic, Eddie Griffin, Paul Millsap, Danny Granger, Andre Iguodala, Thabo Sefolosha, Marcus Vinicius, Allen Iverson, A.J. Guyton ($47,752,423)
2009- Eddie Griffin, Paul Millsap, Thabo Sefolosha, Allen Iverson ($40,200,096)
2010- Eddie Griffin, Allen Iverson ($37,500,000)
2011- None
2012- None
Picks
2007- Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets 2nd
2008- Bucks 2nd
2009- Bucks 1st and 2nd
Analysis
The Bucks are in a very precarious spot with their future currently. They have a ton of money tied up in Griffin and Iverson with only Iverson really being even worth it. They do have Darko though, one of the most coveted young men in the league. He still has three years left on his rookie contract sand by the time it is up, nearly $20 million off the current salary will be off the books. After 2008 and 2009, the Bucks will have some tough choices when it comes to resigning their young guns. Do they resign Iggy or do they let him walk with Granger also at the small forward spot? Will they even have enough to resign Granger after spending a max that Darko will deservedly get? Even with all these questions, the Bucks have further hurt themselves by trading away both this year and next’s first round selections.
Toronto Raptors
Players under contract
2007- Martynas Andriuskevicius, Tyson Chandler, Brandon Bass, Ejike Ugboaja¸Antawn Jamison, Dorell Wright, Kobe Bryant, Beno Udrih ($47,060,836)
2008- Martynas Andriuskevicius, Tyson Chandler, Ejike Ugboaja, Antawn Jamison, Kobe Bryant ($44,840,446)
2009- Tyson Chandler, Kobe Bryant ($32,089,075)
2010- Tyson Chandler, Kobe Bryant ($34,063,379)
2011- None
2012- None
Picks
2007- None
2008- Raptors 2nd
2009- Raptors 1st and 2nd
Analysis
The former dynasty of the league, the Toronto Raptors look like they are ready to regain their spot among the elites. Any time you have a guy like Kobe signed for four additional years, you will have a fighter’s chance to beat anyone on any given night. They do have an unsightly contract in Tyson Chandler and his career averages of 8.6 points and 8.5 rebounds a game getting nearly $55 million spread over the next four years but that may be movable or even bought out. The only reason to keep Chandler is his outstanding defense and that may be reason enough to do so. The Raptors have to do a better job of keeping their draft picks and making smart decisions if they want to maintain a run at the top. They’ll have to wait a few years to do so as they don’t have another 1st round selection until 2009. Ouch.
I want to throw a shout-out to the Blazers and Mavs who both seem ready to finally make the move to the top over in the West. And Dump, the offer still stands...Timmy D+Josh Smith+Ronald Curry for nudes of Melanie and a conditional 2nd round pick.
I'd also like to thank user Ohhhaithur for his original article on looking to the future of the Midwest.
Atlanta Hawks
Players under contract
2007- David Lee, Peja Stojakovic, Jay Williams, Manu Ginobili, Nate Robinson ($31,369,013)
2008-David Lee, Jay Williams, Nate Robinson ($20,994,114)
2009-Jay Williams ($17,187500)
2010-Jay Williams ($18,750,000)
2011-Jay Williams ($20,315,500)
2012-Jay Williams ($21,875,000)
Picks
2007- Bucks and Hawks 1st; Hawks 2nd
2008- Hawks 1st and 2nd
2009- Hawks 1st and 2nd
Analysis
The Hawks are a team that is set up decently well for the future. They’re obviously going to rely on Jay Williams to carry them throughout the years and it remains to be seen if the former Duke guard can carry the load. He may be the most questionable 7-year max player of last year’s free agency but he still has “B” potential to grow and develop. The 2007 offseason will be a key one for the Hawks as they’ll have nearly $20 million in cap room but several players to resign, including Bonzi Wells. After the 2007 season, the Hawks will have plenty of money to spend in free agency to build around Jay. They’ve also set themselves up well in the draft as they’ve maintained all of their picks while also grabbing the Bucks 1st round selection in this upcoming draft. I do see the Hawks having to make some moves if they’re going to continue their run as one of the most successful franchises in the Eastern conference.
Charlotte Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets
Players under contract
2007-Kenyon Martin, Calvin Booth, Andrew Bynum, Al Jefferson, Danny Fortson, Chuck Hayes, Fred Jones, Jason Richardson, Gerald Wallace, Derek Fisher, Raymond Felton ($44,561687)
2008-Kenyon Martin, Andrew Bynum, Chuck Hayes, Fred Jones, Jason Richardson, Gerald Wallace, Raymond Felton ($34,543,602)
2009-Kenyon Martin, Fred Jones ($15,645,601)
2010-Fred Jones ($6,100,000)
2011-None
2012-None
Picks
2007- Kings, Lakers, Nuggets, and Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets 1st
2008- Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets 2nd
2009- Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets 1st and 2nd
Analysis
The Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets future will rely majorly on what happens in this draft. They hold four first round picks and should restock their cupboard extremely well if they make the right selections. They will have approximately 8 million in cap room to spend in free agency to upgrade their bench situation as they seem to be set in their starting five. A big part of their future will depend on Al Jefferson’s development as the 19 year old seems keen on becoming a force down low. The Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets are one of a few teams without any major contracts bogging down their team as only Fred Jones has a deal that is at least 5 years and his salary will stay at $6.1 million throughout. If the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets make the right selections in the 2007 draft, they could be a scary young team to deal with.
Chicago Bulls
Players under contract
2007- Andris Biedrins, Kevin Garnett, Shane Battier, Gerald Green, Shaun Livingston, Daniel Ewing, Marcus Williams ($47,708,021)
2008- Kevin Garnett, Shane Battier, Gerald Green ($443,695,148)
2009- Kevin Garnett ($26,250,000)
2010- Kevin Garnett ($28,437,500)
2011- Kevin Garnett ($30,625,000)
2012- None
Picks
2007- Heat 1st
2008- Bulls 2nd
2009- 76ers and Bulls 1st, Bulls 2nd
Analysis
The Bulls are in a shaky situation right now. Yes, they are winning but at what cost to their future? While KG is one of the top players in the league, his contract is also one of the scariest with the $30 million awaiting the team in 2011. That contract alone will take up approximately half of the salary cap depending on its movement throughout the next few years. The Bulls will have to make some moves with younger players and resigning their own because they’re not going to have the cap room to make huge splashes in free agency if they want to stay competitive. However, the management of the Bulls has shown to be intelligent with their decision making regarding their roster over the past few years. I see them using Battier as trade bait and opening up that salary room to give them a better shot at moving forward in the future.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Players under contract
2007- Elton Brand, Leon Powe, Gary Coleman, Rashad McCants, Stephon Marbury, Daniel Gibson ($45,096,994)
2008- Elton Brand, Leon Powe, Rashad McCants, Stephon Marbury ($36,926,321)
2009- Elton Brand, Leon Powe, Stephon Marbury ($36,440,118)
2010- Elton Brand, Stephon Marbury ($36,626,532)
2011- None
2012- None
Picks
2007- Cavs 1st and 2nd
2008- Cavs 1st and 2nd
2009- Cavs 1st and 2nd
Analysis
The Cavs are an interesting bunch to look to the future with. Next year will be interesting as they will have 6 guys taking up $45 million in payroll. However, that number decreases to just 4 guys and $36.9 million once Gary Coleman’s ridiculous contract comes off the books. The duo of Brand and Marbury are a great one to build a team around as Brand can control the blocks and open up the wing for Marbury to put a lot of points up around. A primary focus in the next few years for the Cavs should be to try and find a young point guard in an effort to move Starbury to the shooting guard spot. Still though, Cleveland can’t complain about the 22 points and 10 assists he’s getting a game. We’ll see how these two guys develop as both of them have seemingly maxed out their potentials as both are at the “C” grade. Rashad McCants could be a key player in Cleveland’s future should they choose to resign him.
Detroit Pistons
Players under contract
2007- Brendan Haywood, Ryan Hollins, Timmy Duncan, Andrea Bargnani, Luol Deng, Josh Smith, Kirk Snyder, Ricky Sanchez, Brandon Roy, Kelenna Azubuike, Ronald Curry, Troy Bell ($52,814,765)
2008- Brendan Haywood, Ryan Hollins, Timmy Duncan, Andrea Bargnani, Josh Smith, Brandon Roy, Kelenna Azubuike ($42,993,209)
2009- Timmy Duncan, Andrea Bargnani, Josh Smith, Brandon Roy($31,823,379)
2010- Timmy Duncan($24,375,000)
2011- Timmy Duncan ($26,250,000)
2012- None
Picks
2007- Pistons 1st and 2nd
2008- Pistons 1st and 2nd
2009- Pistons 1st and 2nd
Analysis
After failing to really win anything with a trio of Duncan, Alonzo Mourning, and AI, the Pistons decided it was time to build their team with a plethora of young players around Duncan. They seem to have done so successfully with the exception of finding a young center. After selecting him 11th overall in the 2004 draft, the Pistons decided to stash Josh Smith and got lucky with his roll upon his reentry to the U.S. Detroit will have to focus on resigning their young guys to affordable deals if they want to stay in a decent cap situation. Haywood’s contract is one that they are actively trying to move to no avail. The trio of Duncan, Smith, and Roy could be scary for opposing teams to deal with come 2009…or they could be just as unsuccessful as the previous Detroit trio, only time will tell.
Indiana Pacers
Players under contract
2007- Emeka Okafor, Paul Davis, Ike Diogu, Lamar Odom, Carmelo Anthony, Quentin Richardson, Guillermo Diaz ($37,243,675)
2008- Ike Diogu, Lamar Odom, Carmelo Anthony, Guillermo Diaz ($29,696,671)
2009- Carmelo Anthony, Guillermo Diaz ($20,120,219)
2010- Carmelo Anthony ($18,750,000)
2011- Carmelo Anthony ($20,312,500)
2012- Carmelo Anthony ($21,875,000)
Picks
2007- Pacers 1st and 2nd
2008- Pacers 1st and 2nd
2009- Pacers 1st and 2nd
Analysis
After taking quite a few years to develop, Carmelo Anthony has turned into a stud deserving of a 7-year max. The future is bright when fans look at Guillermo Diaz dishing the ball to Anthony. Diaz was easily the biggest surprise of the 2006 draft after many owners questioned the lottery selection of such an unknown player. He’s averaging 15.6 points and 9.3 assists a game as a rookie and only looks to improve. Resigning their young guys such as Okafor and Odom will be key for the Pacers to continue to develop into a top team in the East. Their pick should be a lottery selection this year and that should help Indiana to continue to bolster their roster with young talent.
Milwaukee Bucks
Players under contract
2007- Darko Milicic, Eddie Griffin, Paul Millsap, Danny Granger, Andre Iguodala, Thabo Sefolosha, Marcus Vinicius, Mickael Gelabale, Allen Iverson, Michael Finley, Earl Smith, A.J. Guyton ($57,452,655)
2008- Darko Milicic, Eddie Griffin, Paul Millsap, Danny Granger, Andre Iguodala, Thabo Sefolosha, Marcus Vinicius, Allen Iverson, A.J. Guyton ($47,752,423)
2009- Eddie Griffin, Paul Millsap, Thabo Sefolosha, Allen Iverson ($40,200,096)
2010- Eddie Griffin, Allen Iverson ($37,500,000)
2011- None
2012- None
Picks
2007- Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets 2nd
2008- Bucks 2nd
2009- Bucks 1st and 2nd
Analysis
The Bucks are in a very precarious spot with their future currently. They have a ton of money tied up in Griffin and Iverson with only Iverson really being even worth it. They do have Darko though, one of the most coveted young men in the league. He still has three years left on his rookie contract sand by the time it is up, nearly $20 million off the current salary will be off the books. After 2008 and 2009, the Bucks will have some tough choices when it comes to resigning their young guns. Do they resign Iggy or do they let him walk with Granger also at the small forward spot? Will they even have enough to resign Granger after spending a max that Darko will deservedly get? Even with all these questions, the Bucks have further hurt themselves by trading away both this year and next’s first round selections.
Toronto Raptors
Players under contract
2007- Martynas Andriuskevicius, Tyson Chandler, Brandon Bass, Ejike Ugboaja¸Antawn Jamison, Dorell Wright, Kobe Bryant, Beno Udrih ($47,060,836)
2008- Martynas Andriuskevicius, Tyson Chandler, Ejike Ugboaja, Antawn Jamison, Kobe Bryant ($44,840,446)
2009- Tyson Chandler, Kobe Bryant ($32,089,075)
2010- Tyson Chandler, Kobe Bryant ($34,063,379)
2011- None
2012- None
Picks
2007- None
2008- Raptors 2nd
2009- Raptors 1st and 2nd
Analysis
The former dynasty of the league, the Toronto Raptors look like they are ready to regain their spot among the elites. Any time you have a guy like Kobe signed for four additional years, you will have a fighter’s chance to beat anyone on any given night. They do have an unsightly contract in Tyson Chandler and his career averages of 8.6 points and 8.5 rebounds a game getting nearly $55 million spread over the next four years but that may be movable or even bought out. The only reason to keep Chandler is his outstanding defense and that may be reason enough to do so. The Raptors have to do a better job of keeping their draft picks and making smart decisions if they want to maintain a run at the top. They’ll have to wait a few years to do so as they don’t have another 1st round selection until 2009. Ouch.
I want to throw a shout-out to the Blazers and Mavs who both seem ready to finally make the move to the top over in the West. And Dump, the offer still stands...Timmy D+Josh Smith+Ronald Curry for nudes of Melanie and a conditional 2nd round pick.
I'd also like to thank user Ohhhaithur for his original article on looking to the future of the Midwest.
