Post by 20/20/20/20 on Jul 8, 2010 18:28:47 GMT -5
With the draft and the preseason complete, the 2001-2002 regular season is upon us. While there may be a clear favorite, there are plenty of strong contenders, and every team's fans have hope.
Predicted Final Standings:
Playoff Teams
1. Toronto Raptors
Led by an amazingly strong veteran core, the Raptors are expected to dominant the East. This team's management had a clear win now mentality, and reaped the benefits of a draft clearly valued youth and potential in the early rounds. The Raptors team is stacked with stars such as Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Terrell Brandon, and #1 overall pick Kobe Bryant. The Raptors' role players even have the ability to shine with guys such as Brian Grant and Greg Ostertag looking to board and play D. This core led the Raptors to an amazing 24-4 preseason record. Is this a preview of things to come?
It is hard to find a real weakness in Toronto and this team should be the top dog in the East for the next few seasons. With such a strong veteran presence on the team, even a guy like Kobe Bryant will be able to take a backseat on the team. If one star player is having an off night, Toronto will simply look to another to step up. All other teams in the East could find themselves looking up at Toronto, not only geographically, but also in the standings.
2. New Jersey Nets
The Nets certainly do not lack star power and they will have to lean hard on those stars if they want to live up to contend in the East. Led by Allen Iverson, the Nets look to be one of the strongest teams in the East. Shawn Marion and Ben Wallace join Iverson to make a three headed monster that any team would be glad to have. With Marion and Wallace known more for their all around game than scoring ability, look for Iverson to be one of the top scorers in the league this season. 30 points per game is not out of the question.
The Nets major weakness is their depth. After dealing most of their picks in the mid-rounds in order to get their top 3 players, the Nets were left reeling trying to fill out the rest of their roster. They found some serviceable talent in players like Bryon Russell, Tyrone Hill, and 3 point specialist Eric Piatkowski, but they aren't anything to write home about. What separates a team like Toronto from New Jersey is the quality of talent behind their star players. One has to wonder how the Nets will perform when their second unit is on the floor, and whether or not they will drop a few games to due this weakness. If they Nets can make a few trades to sure up their depth, they have a chance to represent the East in the Finals.
3. Atlanta Hawks
Size: the Hawks have it. Atlanta measures in not only as one of the tallest team in the MBSL, but also one of the most talented. With a projected starting lineup featuring 7'3 Arvydas Sabonis, 6'11 Kevin Garnett, 6'9 Antawn Jamison, 6'8 Jamal Mashburn, and 6'1 Nick Van Exel, the Hawks will look to utilize their size to put away opponents. Garnett and Jamison should be one of the top tandems in the East, and I look for both to average 20+ points per game. The Hawks also feature one of the best mixes of youth and experience in the East, which should be valuable come playoff time.
Despite all their size, rebounding could be a question mark for the Hawks. Many of their players have a reputation for being weak rebounders for their size and that could be an issue for Atlanta. Players like Antawn Jamison (C+), Arvydas Sabonis (B-), and Jamal Mashburn (C+) have lower rebounding ratings than what you would expect, but they will have the opportunity to prove the critics wrong this year.
In the end, I expect the Hawks to be looking down on their competition not only on the court, but also in the standings.
4. Orlando Magic
With a dynamite front line, the Orlando Magic may be one of the few teams who can match up with the Hawks' size. Orlando is led by PF Rasheed Wallace who looks to be a 20/10 guy who will also give you 1+ steals and 1+ blocks each game. Wallace is paired with SF Shareef Abdur-Rahim and C Hakeem Olajuwon, both of whom have major talent. Rasheed Wallace is a more than capable outside shooter and could play a stretch 4 for this team allowing more space inside.
The backcourt could be perceived as Orlando's weakness, and while their guards do not look as strong as their forwards, they are still playoff worthy. Sam Cassell put up huge numbers in the preseason to the tune of 24 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds per game. If Cassell performs like that in the regular season, look out for the Magic this season.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers will live and die with the two headed monster of Antonio McDyess and Grant Hill. These two have the ability to dominate games and will have to do so if the Sixers want to be playing in the postseason. Combining to average over 55 points and 19 rebounds per game in the preseason, it doesn't look like that will be a problem.
Philly's weakness comes in their players outside the big two. Their talent level drops off in a hurry, and the team could struggle to score when Hill or McDyess are on the bench. Injuries are also a big risk for the 76ers as if either one of their two stars gets hurt for an extended period of time, this team can kiss the playoffs goodbye.
6. Charlotte Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets
Bombs away. The Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets will be able to fill it up from outside with Rashard Lewis, Darrell Armstrong, and Derek Anderson all checking in with an A- outside shooting rating. Lewis led the team in the preseason with 24 points per game, while Anderson displayed more of an all around game with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Armstrong was a bit of a surprise in the preseason as he put up 13 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds per game.
When the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets need points in the paint, they will turn to PF Danny Fortson who averaged 15 and 11 in the preseason. Selected for his rebounding ability, Fortson needs to lock down the glass if the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets want to call themselves a contender in the East. While inside scoring will definitely be the team's biggest weakness, they could have defensive issues as well. If their big men can step up, the fans will be buzzing in the Beehive this year.
7. Washington Wizards
It is pretty simple to identify Washington's plan of attack: feed Shaq. The Diesel will be a force to be reckoned with on the inside for the Wizards, and by the looks of it, he will not be stopped. In the preseason, Shaq averaged 29 and 14 per game, throwing in 2.4 blocks for good measure. With the big man down lown, Washington will have a chance to win in every game they play.
A lack of ball handlers could leave to plenty of turnovers for the Wizards. The lack of an elite level PG may come back to haunt this team come crunch time. It is great to have a dominant force like Shaq inside, but you also need someone to get him the ball. If the Wizards can acquire a PG, they have the potential to be on the East's top teams. As it stands, I look for them to go on the road in the 1st round of the playoffs hoping to pull off an upset.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
With such a young team, expectations for the Cavaliers are not too high heading into the start of the season. Their best players: PG Stephon Marbury and PF Elton Brand are only 24 and 22 respectively. I look for Marbury to become one of the league's premier PGs instantly and lead the young Cavs to a surprising season. Brand provides balance inside and will provide the inside punch in this thunder and lightning combination.
The Cavaliers biggest weakness is their lack of outside shooting. Backups Sam Mack and David Wesley look to be the team's best 3 point shooters, but giving them too many minutes could hurt the team in other areas. If the Cavs can't hit 3s, look for teams to double team Brand down low and dare them to make shots. While I don't expect the Cavs to make much noise in the postseason, I look for them to have a successful year. Making the playoffs as the 8 seed would signal that this team is ahead of schedule.
In Contention:
Boston Celtics - The Celtics have a star in Chris Webber and some young talented players that will keep them in contention throughout the season. Catch a few breaks and get good development out of their young players and this is a team that you could see in the playoffs.
New York Knicks - This team can put the ball in the basket. Scoring will not be an issue for the Knicks with players like Steve Francis, Antoine Walker, Mehmet Okur, and Aaron McKie, look for it to be raining 3s in Madison Square Garden. Defense could be an issue for the Knicks, and if they fail to make the playoffs, point to the D.
Good Luck Next Year:
Indiana Pacers - The Pacers went young in the draft and will take some time to develop. Talent like Tony Parker and Lamar Odom will make an impact right away, but consistency will be an issue. This team will win it's fair share of games, but won't be able to beat the conference's elite on the road. Eyes are on the future in Indiana.
Chicago Bulls - The youngest team in the league, the Bulls likely rotation features no player older than 24, and that is non-starter Brian Cardinal. Tracy McGrady will be one of the East's best players and lead this group of youngins, but he cannot do it all himself. Look for McGrady to win the scoring title, but the Bulls left hoping to win the lottery.
Miami Heat - The Heat are somewhat similar to the Bulls. Paul Pierce will be a stud and keep the Heat in most of their games, but the team is likely too young to make any noise just yet.
Detroit Pistons - Missing the playoffs will not be a surprise in Detroit. This owner has a plan, and a good one at that. While the Pistons may struggle in the win column in 2001-2002, the team is full of ripe young talent including Jason Richardson and Darius Miles. The focus of the Pistons this year will be to develop their future stars and look towards the future. The Pistons have stockpiled future 1st rounders so the future looks promising.
Milwaukee Bucks - The Bucks draft had people questioning whether Isiah Thomas was their GM. There is not much to say about this team, it is simply dreadful. Unlike their peers in this group, the Bucks lack young guys with potential. Fans in Milwaukee do not have much to look forward to next year. With a record as bad as the Bucks will have, you would think they could at least look forward to the lottery. But alas, they traded their firs round pick to the Celtics.
Playoff Predictions:
Round One
Raptors over Cavs
Nets over Wizards
Hawks over Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets
Magic over Sixers
Round Two
Raptors over Magic
Hawks over Nets
Conference Finals
Raptors over Hawks
Eastern Conference Champion:
Toronto Raptors
Predicted Final Standings:
Playoff Teams
1. Toronto Raptors
Led by an amazingly strong veteran core, the Raptors are expected to dominant the East. This team's management had a clear win now mentality, and reaped the benefits of a draft clearly valued youth and potential in the early rounds. The Raptors team is stacked with stars such as Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Terrell Brandon, and #1 overall pick Kobe Bryant. The Raptors' role players even have the ability to shine with guys such as Brian Grant and Greg Ostertag looking to board and play D. This core led the Raptors to an amazing 24-4 preseason record. Is this a preview of things to come?
It is hard to find a real weakness in Toronto and this team should be the top dog in the East for the next few seasons. With such a strong veteran presence on the team, even a guy like Kobe Bryant will be able to take a backseat on the team. If one star player is having an off night, Toronto will simply look to another to step up. All other teams in the East could find themselves looking up at Toronto, not only geographically, but also in the standings.
2. New Jersey Nets
The Nets certainly do not lack star power and they will have to lean hard on those stars if they want to live up to contend in the East. Led by Allen Iverson, the Nets look to be one of the strongest teams in the East. Shawn Marion and Ben Wallace join Iverson to make a three headed monster that any team would be glad to have. With Marion and Wallace known more for their all around game than scoring ability, look for Iverson to be one of the top scorers in the league this season. 30 points per game is not out of the question.
The Nets major weakness is their depth. After dealing most of their picks in the mid-rounds in order to get their top 3 players, the Nets were left reeling trying to fill out the rest of their roster. They found some serviceable talent in players like Bryon Russell, Tyrone Hill, and 3 point specialist Eric Piatkowski, but they aren't anything to write home about. What separates a team like Toronto from New Jersey is the quality of talent behind their star players. One has to wonder how the Nets will perform when their second unit is on the floor, and whether or not they will drop a few games to due this weakness. If they Nets can make a few trades to sure up their depth, they have a chance to represent the East in the Finals.
3. Atlanta Hawks
Size: the Hawks have it. Atlanta measures in not only as one of the tallest team in the MBSL, but also one of the most talented. With a projected starting lineup featuring 7'3 Arvydas Sabonis, 6'11 Kevin Garnett, 6'9 Antawn Jamison, 6'8 Jamal Mashburn, and 6'1 Nick Van Exel, the Hawks will look to utilize their size to put away opponents. Garnett and Jamison should be one of the top tandems in the East, and I look for both to average 20+ points per game. The Hawks also feature one of the best mixes of youth and experience in the East, which should be valuable come playoff time.
Despite all their size, rebounding could be a question mark for the Hawks. Many of their players have a reputation for being weak rebounders for their size and that could be an issue for Atlanta. Players like Antawn Jamison (C+), Arvydas Sabonis (B-), and Jamal Mashburn (C+) have lower rebounding ratings than what you would expect, but they will have the opportunity to prove the critics wrong this year.
In the end, I expect the Hawks to be looking down on their competition not only on the court, but also in the standings.
4. Orlando Magic
With a dynamite front line, the Orlando Magic may be one of the few teams who can match up with the Hawks' size. Orlando is led by PF Rasheed Wallace who looks to be a 20/10 guy who will also give you 1+ steals and 1+ blocks each game. Wallace is paired with SF Shareef Abdur-Rahim and C Hakeem Olajuwon, both of whom have major talent. Rasheed Wallace is a more than capable outside shooter and could play a stretch 4 for this team allowing more space inside.
The backcourt could be perceived as Orlando's weakness, and while their guards do not look as strong as their forwards, they are still playoff worthy. Sam Cassell put up huge numbers in the preseason to the tune of 24 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds per game. If Cassell performs like that in the regular season, look out for the Magic this season.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers will live and die with the two headed monster of Antonio McDyess and Grant Hill. These two have the ability to dominate games and will have to do so if the Sixers want to be playing in the postseason. Combining to average over 55 points and 19 rebounds per game in the preseason, it doesn't look like that will be a problem.
Philly's weakness comes in their players outside the big two. Their talent level drops off in a hurry, and the team could struggle to score when Hill or McDyess are on the bench. Injuries are also a big risk for the 76ers as if either one of their two stars gets hurt for an extended period of time, this team can kiss the playoffs goodbye.
6. Charlotte Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets
Bombs away. The Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets will be able to fill it up from outside with Rashard Lewis, Darrell Armstrong, and Derek Anderson all checking in with an A- outside shooting rating. Lewis led the team in the preseason with 24 points per game, while Anderson displayed more of an all around game with 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Armstrong was a bit of a surprise in the preseason as he put up 13 points, 9 assists and 5 rebounds per game.
When the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets need points in the paint, they will turn to PF Danny Fortson who averaged 15 and 11 in the preseason. Selected for his rebounding ability, Fortson needs to lock down the glass if the Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets want to call themselves a contender in the East. While inside scoring will definitely be the team's biggest weakness, they could have defensive issues as well. If their big men can step up, the fans will be buzzing in the Beehive this year.
7. Washington Wizards
It is pretty simple to identify Washington's plan of attack: feed Shaq. The Diesel will be a force to be reckoned with on the inside for the Wizards, and by the looks of it, he will not be stopped. In the preseason, Shaq averaged 29 and 14 per game, throwing in 2.4 blocks for good measure. With the big man down lown, Washington will have a chance to win in every game they play.
A lack of ball handlers could leave to plenty of turnovers for the Wizards. The lack of an elite level PG may come back to haunt this team come crunch time. It is great to have a dominant force like Shaq inside, but you also need someone to get him the ball. If the Wizards can acquire a PG, they have the potential to be on the East's top teams. As it stands, I look for them to go on the road in the 1st round of the playoffs hoping to pull off an upset.
8. Cleveland Cavaliers
With such a young team, expectations for the Cavaliers are not too high heading into the start of the season. Their best players: PG Stephon Marbury and PF Elton Brand are only 24 and 22 respectively. I look for Marbury to become one of the league's premier PGs instantly and lead the young Cavs to a surprising season. Brand provides balance inside and will provide the inside punch in this thunder and lightning combination.
The Cavaliers biggest weakness is their lack of outside shooting. Backups Sam Mack and David Wesley look to be the team's best 3 point shooters, but giving them too many minutes could hurt the team in other areas. If the Cavs can't hit 3s, look for teams to double team Brand down low and dare them to make shots. While I don't expect the Cavs to make much noise in the postseason, I look for them to have a successful year. Making the playoffs as the 8 seed would signal that this team is ahead of schedule.
In Contention:
Boston Celtics - The Celtics have a star in Chris Webber and some young talented players that will keep them in contention throughout the season. Catch a few breaks and get good development out of their young players and this is a team that you could see in the playoffs.
New York Knicks - This team can put the ball in the basket. Scoring will not be an issue for the Knicks with players like Steve Francis, Antoine Walker, Mehmet Okur, and Aaron McKie, look for it to be raining 3s in Madison Square Garden. Defense could be an issue for the Knicks, and if they fail to make the playoffs, point to the D.
Good Luck Next Year:
Indiana Pacers - The Pacers went young in the draft and will take some time to develop. Talent like Tony Parker and Lamar Odom will make an impact right away, but consistency will be an issue. This team will win it's fair share of games, but won't be able to beat the conference's elite on the road. Eyes are on the future in Indiana.
Chicago Bulls - The youngest team in the league, the Bulls likely rotation features no player older than 24, and that is non-starter Brian Cardinal. Tracy McGrady will be one of the East's best players and lead this group of youngins, but he cannot do it all himself. Look for McGrady to win the scoring title, but the Bulls left hoping to win the lottery.
Miami Heat - The Heat are somewhat similar to the Bulls. Paul Pierce will be a stud and keep the Heat in most of their games, but the team is likely too young to make any noise just yet.
Detroit Pistons - Missing the playoffs will not be a surprise in Detroit. This owner has a plan, and a good one at that. While the Pistons may struggle in the win column in 2001-2002, the team is full of ripe young talent including Jason Richardson and Darius Miles. The focus of the Pistons this year will be to develop their future stars and look towards the future. The Pistons have stockpiled future 1st rounders so the future looks promising.
Milwaukee Bucks - The Bucks draft had people questioning whether Isiah Thomas was their GM. There is not much to say about this team, it is simply dreadful. Unlike their peers in this group, the Bucks lack young guys with potential. Fans in Milwaukee do not have much to look forward to next year. With a record as bad as the Bucks will have, you would think they could at least look forward to the lottery. But alas, they traded their firs round pick to the Celtics.
Playoff Predictions:
Round One
Raptors over Cavs
Nets over Wizards
Hawks over Eastern Conference Powerhouse Hornets
Magic over Sixers
Round Two
Raptors over Magic
Hawks over Nets
Conference Finals
Raptors over Hawks
Eastern Conference Champion:
Toronto Raptors
