Post by ianboyd on Aug 11, 2010 11:03:49 GMT -5
It is that time of the year again, as we approach the trade deadline and teams frantically make one last push to improve their depth chart for the upcoming playoff race. I will take a moment and touch up on some of these teams that are in the thick of the playoff race, starting in the West.
Playoff teams record: 287-211
Winning percentage: .576
Average Points/game: 97.61
Average Points allowed: 95.19
The Larger view: The West has been criticized as a watered down conference that cannot stand up to their east coast counterparts. While that claim is not unwarranted, taking a look behind the numbers indicate that despite the East's claim of superiority, it is the West that boasts the best defensive teams in the league (even if at the cost of offensive production).
Playoffs, we talking playoffs?: This is an entirely different playoff race from a year ago. Granted, there are plenty of familiar faces in the race of the West like the defending Western Conference champions the Utah Jazz and playoff contender the Houston Rockets, half of the teams in the West were gone fishing well before the postseason started. In only 1 season, a staggering 50% of the teams that contended for the West were replaced, this is partly due to ownership changes, partly due to teams tanking for the draft of '03, not to mention boneheaded trades, but most importantly it is due to:
Youth Development: Perhaps the biggest reason behind the perception of the Eastern superiority is also the reason for the influx of new faces in these Western conference playoffs. The West is a VERY young conference, particularly new playoff faces such as the winners of draft 2002 the Phoenix Suns and the defensive-minded Minnesota Fighting Kahns. At the core of almost every playoff bound team in the West, you'll find at least one if not several, 25 or under players brimming with potential. As these players develop, expect the West to become even more competitive in the years to come.
The Teams
1.
Key Players: Vince Carter (SG), Kurt Thomas (PF), John Stockton (PG)
Strength: Dominant on the glass, solid perimeter defenders to harass the passing lanes, good blend of veteran leadership with young talent
Weakness: Lack of a solid 2nd scoring option, interior defense less than stellar, especially compared to their perimeter defense.
Top Offensive Statistics: 104.7 points per game (5th), 40.2% 3-point percentage (4th)
Top Defensive Statistics: 53.9 rebounds per game (2nd), 9.1 steals per game (2nd), 22.5 assists allowed (3rd), 36.4 field goals allowed (4th), 3.8 3-pointers allowed (tied 2nd), 34.2% 3-pointers against (4th)
Team Overview: The Rockets were my pick the reach the Finals last year, after falling short of that goal, Clutch City acquired John Stockton to solidify their starting lineup. As a whole, this team is no different than last year's Rockets squad, they rebound the ball VERY well and defend the perimeter as well as any team in the league, they've still yet to solve their interior defensive problems which could once again haunt them in the post season, but with a year of experience under their belts, this team could once again be the favorites to win the West.
2.
Key Players: Baron Davis (PG), Marcus Camby (C), Clifford Robinson (SF)
Strength: Multiple shooters that can shoot from beyond the 3 point line, good interior defense and rebounding
Weakness: Lack of a true scoring threat outside of the ball handler
Top Offensive Statistics: 6.1 3-pointers per game (3rd)
Top Defensive Statistics: 14.7 turnovers from opponents (tied 3rd)
Team Overview: with the Lakers' fall from grace in the city of angels, the Clippers have taken full advantage and catapulted themselves all the way to the top of the Pacific Division, which would solidify a #2 seed at worst. As a team that made no major changes in during the year, this essentially is the exact same team that was knocked out in the first round last year. However, with a year of experience behind their star PG, Baron Davis, they have improved on several key areas, in particular creating turnovers. One thing remains the same, if the Clippers want to advance deeper in the playoffs, the rest of the squad needs to step up their offensive production to lessen the burden on their ball handler.
3.
Key Players: Jerry Stackhouse (SG), Raef LaFrentz (PF), Corey Maggette (SF)
Strength: rarely commits turnovers, good all around defense, shares the ball well
Weakness: Severe depressions within team due to over trading by owner
Top Offensive Statistics: 26.1 assists per game (4th), 12.7 turnovers per game (5th)
Top Defensive Statistics: 90.4 points allowed (3rd), 9.0 steals per game (tied 3rd), 22.4 assists allowed (2nd), 35.3 field goals allowed (2nd), 42.9% field goal percentage allowed (2nd), 23.1 free throws allowed (tied 4th), 3.7 3-pointers allowed (tied 1st), 32.9% 3-pointers allowed (tied 1st)
Team Overview: Last year around this time, the Jazz suffered a crippling blow to their starting PG Gary Payton, many thought the Jazz to be finished and all but wrote them off as a contender. However, thanks to some good coaching decisions, the Jazz rallied behind their stout defense to win the West and challenged the eventual champions the Raptors for the NBA title. This season their expectation is no different, their ultimate goal is to hold up the Larry O'Brien trophy and stake their claim as the best team in the league. In one of the busiest trading seasons known in professional sports, the Jazz made a staggering 5 trades thus far, with the marquee name being Jerry Stackhouse, who has helped lead the Jazz atop the competitive Midwest division with some much needed scoring ever since trading away Eddie Jones last year. Some would argue that the Jazz is the most dangerous challenger from the Western Conference to the East's hopes of repeating, backed up by solid defense everywhere from the court, I find that belief hard to argue against, look for the Jazz to make another deep run into the playoffs, perhaps even into the heights of champions.
4.
Key Players: Eddie Jones (SG), Brendan Haywood (C), Caron Butler (SF)
Strength: Rarely turns the ball over, great all around defense
Weakness: Lack of scoring outside of Jones, cannot rebound worth a damn
Top Offensive Statistics: 12.6 turnovers per game (4th)
Top Defensive Statistics: 9.5 steals per game (1st), 6.9 blocks per game (tied 3rd), 89.2 points allowed (1st), 22.2 assists allowed (1st), 34.9 field goals allowed (1st), 21.7 free throws allowed (2nd), 3.8 3-pointers allowed (tied 3rd)
Team Overview: A team that was left out of the playoffs a year ago due to a lack of scoring now find themselves playoff bound, with home court advantage in the first round nonetheless. This is a team built from day one with defense as their primary goal and they've excelled at it, topping the league statistics in almost every defensive category. The problem however, is the same as a year ago, even beyond the obvious lack of scoring: this is a team that cannot rebound the ball to save their life, the best rebounder being their 22 year old center who only averages a measly 8.0 rebounds per game despite boosting a 7'0'' frame. For this team to get anywhere in the playoffs, Eddie Jones must once again carry the rest of the young and inexperienced players on his back, their defense can take care of the rest.
5.
Key Players: Alonzo Mourning (C), Zach Randolph (PF), Larry Hughes (SG)
Strength: great interior defense, good front court production, gets to the foul line often, rarely fouls
Weakness: lack of a solid PG, assist/turnover ratio leaves much to be desired
Top Offensive Statistics: 26.7 free throws attempted per game (5th)
Top Defensive Statistics: 7.7 blocks per game (1st), 90.3 points allowed (2nd), 22.8 assists allowed (4th), 36.0 field goals allowed (3rd), 42.7% field goal allowed (1st), 21.3 free throws allowed (1st), 3.7 3-pointers allowed (tied 1st), 32.9% 3-pointers allowed (tied 1st)
Team Overview: Another team that embodies the top of the Western Conference, great defense at the cost of offensive production. In perhaps the biggest deal of the off season, the Nuggets acquired All everything veteran center Alonzo Mourning to give their interior defense a much needed boost, the result is almost instantaneous. In just his first season with the Nuggets, Zo's league high 4.2 blocks per game is the anchor of the best shot blocking team in the entire league which in turn allowed the rest of the Nuggets squad to chase off any and all outside shooters. By combining the best blocking center with the best 3 point line defense in the NBA, the Nuggets are a dangerous team to match up with, particularly on any given night that their offense flows better than normal.
6.
Key Players: Dirk Nowitziki (SF), Chauncey Billups (PG), Christian Laettner (PF)
Strength: Takes good care of the ball, converts their chances at the foul line
Weakness: Lack of defensive minded players from every position, unimaginative coaching that doesn't take advantage of mismatches
Top Offensive Statistics: 74.8% free throws (tied 1st), 12.0 turnovers per game (2nd)
Top Defensive Statistics: none
Team Overview: Perhaps the biggest telling sign of a team of superstars desperately waiting for their coach to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING to give them an advantage over their opponents: this team leads the league in FT% and is one of the best teams at holding on to the ball, taking a look at their roster and looking at those numbers, this doesn't happen by accident, the Sonics are a team loaded with great shooters and play-makers. However, behind their vanilla like offensive/defensive game plan, they are scoring well below what they are capable of and is the worst team in the entire league in creating turnovers. The Sonics have yet to reach their full potential as to what their depth chart can offer, if this trend continues, the Sonics' roster full of stars might find themselves taking an earlier vacation than expected.
7.
Key Players: Richard Hamilton (SG), Andre Miller (PG), Eddy Curry (C)
Strength: Outstanding turnover margin, good young core of budding stars
Weakness: Defensively challenged back court, lack of a rebounding presence
Top Offensive Statistics: 11.8 turnovers per game (1st)
Top Defensive Statistics: 14.7 turnovers from opponents (tied 3rd)
Team Overview: Another young team in the young Western Conference, the addition of Andre Miller should provide plenty of valuable veteran leadership at the PG position that will create more chances for the young guns. The primary goal of this team is to win the turnover battle and make the opponents beat themselves as opposed to taking their chances head on with such a raw offensive unit and they do a very good job at it. With their #1 scorer only 24 years old and their starting center still in the teen years, this could become a very dangerous team in the years to come if they can keep their core of young players together.
8.
Key Players: Amare Stoudemire (PF), Antoine Walker (SF), Joe Johnson (SG)
Strength: Loaded with young talent
Weakness: Turnover machines at multiple positions
Top Offensive Statistics: none
Top Defensive Statistics: none
Team Overview: Winners of off season 2002, the Suns certainly did not expect to compete for a title right away and are the shocker of the playoff race thus far. Outside of a few veterans and backups, the average age of the young Suns is only 22 years old. Composed of primarily high school grads and college early declarers, this young Suns team has all the signs of a talented but inexperienced squad, to get anywhere in the playoffs, they have GOT to cut down on the turnovers, especially when their defense is nothing to brag about. While they aren't expect to get even past the first round of this year's playoffs, they should become a VERY dangerous team in a few years as their young stars develop more and gain some valuable experience.
Playoff teams record: 287-211
Winning percentage: .576
Average Points/game: 97.61
Average Points allowed: 95.19
The Larger view: The West has been criticized as a watered down conference that cannot stand up to their east coast counterparts. While that claim is not unwarranted, taking a look behind the numbers indicate that despite the East's claim of superiority, it is the West that boasts the best defensive teams in the league (even if at the cost of offensive production).
Playoffs, we talking playoffs?: This is an entirely different playoff race from a year ago. Granted, there are plenty of familiar faces in the race of the West like the defending Western Conference champions the Utah Jazz and playoff contender the Houston Rockets, half of the teams in the West were gone fishing well before the postseason started. In only 1 season, a staggering 50% of the teams that contended for the West were replaced, this is partly due to ownership changes, partly due to teams tanking for the draft of '03, not to mention boneheaded trades, but most importantly it is due to:
Youth Development: Perhaps the biggest reason behind the perception of the Eastern superiority is also the reason for the influx of new faces in these Western conference playoffs. The West is a VERY young conference, particularly new playoff faces such as the winners of draft 2002 the Phoenix Suns and the defensive-minded Minnesota Fighting Kahns. At the core of almost every playoff bound team in the West, you'll find at least one if not several, 25 or under players brimming with potential. As these players develop, expect the West to become even more competitive in the years to come.
The Teams
1.
Key Players: Vince Carter (SG), Kurt Thomas (PF), John Stockton (PG)
Strength: Dominant on the glass, solid perimeter defenders to harass the passing lanes, good blend of veteran leadership with young talent
Weakness: Lack of a solid 2nd scoring option, interior defense less than stellar, especially compared to their perimeter defense.
Top Offensive Statistics: 104.7 points per game (5th), 40.2% 3-point percentage (4th)
Top Defensive Statistics: 53.9 rebounds per game (2nd), 9.1 steals per game (2nd), 22.5 assists allowed (3rd), 36.4 field goals allowed (4th), 3.8 3-pointers allowed (tied 2nd), 34.2% 3-pointers against (4th)
Team Overview: The Rockets were my pick the reach the Finals last year, after falling short of that goal, Clutch City acquired John Stockton to solidify their starting lineup. As a whole, this team is no different than last year's Rockets squad, they rebound the ball VERY well and defend the perimeter as well as any team in the league, they've still yet to solve their interior defensive problems which could once again haunt them in the post season, but with a year of experience under their belts, this team could once again be the favorites to win the West.
2.
Key Players: Baron Davis (PG), Marcus Camby (C), Clifford Robinson (SF)
Strength: Multiple shooters that can shoot from beyond the 3 point line, good interior defense and rebounding
Weakness: Lack of a true scoring threat outside of the ball handler
Top Offensive Statistics: 6.1 3-pointers per game (3rd)
Top Defensive Statistics: 14.7 turnovers from opponents (tied 3rd)
Team Overview: with the Lakers' fall from grace in the city of angels, the Clippers have taken full advantage and catapulted themselves all the way to the top of the Pacific Division, which would solidify a #2 seed at worst. As a team that made no major changes in during the year, this essentially is the exact same team that was knocked out in the first round last year. However, with a year of experience behind their star PG, Baron Davis, they have improved on several key areas, in particular creating turnovers. One thing remains the same, if the Clippers want to advance deeper in the playoffs, the rest of the squad needs to step up their offensive production to lessen the burden on their ball handler.
3.
Key Players: Jerry Stackhouse (SG), Raef LaFrentz (PF), Corey Maggette (SF)
Strength: rarely commits turnovers, good all around defense, shares the ball well
Weakness: Severe depressions within team due to over trading by owner
Top Offensive Statistics: 26.1 assists per game (4th), 12.7 turnovers per game (5th)
Top Defensive Statistics: 90.4 points allowed (3rd), 9.0 steals per game (tied 3rd), 22.4 assists allowed (2nd), 35.3 field goals allowed (2nd), 42.9% field goal percentage allowed (2nd), 23.1 free throws allowed (tied 4th), 3.7 3-pointers allowed (tied 1st), 32.9% 3-pointers allowed (tied 1st)
Team Overview: Last year around this time, the Jazz suffered a crippling blow to their starting PG Gary Payton, many thought the Jazz to be finished and all but wrote them off as a contender. However, thanks to some good coaching decisions, the Jazz rallied behind their stout defense to win the West and challenged the eventual champions the Raptors for the NBA title. This season their expectation is no different, their ultimate goal is to hold up the Larry O'Brien trophy and stake their claim as the best team in the league. In one of the busiest trading seasons known in professional sports, the Jazz made a staggering 5 trades thus far, with the marquee name being Jerry Stackhouse, who has helped lead the Jazz atop the competitive Midwest division with some much needed scoring ever since trading away Eddie Jones last year. Some would argue that the Jazz is the most dangerous challenger from the Western Conference to the East's hopes of repeating, backed up by solid defense everywhere from the court, I find that belief hard to argue against, look for the Jazz to make another deep run into the playoffs, perhaps even into the heights of champions.
4.
Key Players: Eddie Jones (SG), Brendan Haywood (C), Caron Butler (SF)
Strength: Rarely turns the ball over, great all around defense
Weakness: Lack of scoring outside of Jones, cannot rebound worth a damn
Top Offensive Statistics: 12.6 turnovers per game (4th)
Top Defensive Statistics: 9.5 steals per game (1st), 6.9 blocks per game (tied 3rd), 89.2 points allowed (1st), 22.2 assists allowed (1st), 34.9 field goals allowed (1st), 21.7 free throws allowed (2nd), 3.8 3-pointers allowed (tied 3rd)
Team Overview: A team that was left out of the playoffs a year ago due to a lack of scoring now find themselves playoff bound, with home court advantage in the first round nonetheless. This is a team built from day one with defense as their primary goal and they've excelled at it, topping the league statistics in almost every defensive category. The problem however, is the same as a year ago, even beyond the obvious lack of scoring: this is a team that cannot rebound the ball to save their life, the best rebounder being their 22 year old center who only averages a measly 8.0 rebounds per game despite boosting a 7'0'' frame. For this team to get anywhere in the playoffs, Eddie Jones must once again carry the rest of the young and inexperienced players on his back, their defense can take care of the rest.
5.
Key Players: Alonzo Mourning (C), Zach Randolph (PF), Larry Hughes (SG)
Strength: great interior defense, good front court production, gets to the foul line often, rarely fouls
Weakness: lack of a solid PG, assist/turnover ratio leaves much to be desired
Top Offensive Statistics: 26.7 free throws attempted per game (5th)
Top Defensive Statistics: 7.7 blocks per game (1st), 90.3 points allowed (2nd), 22.8 assists allowed (4th), 36.0 field goals allowed (3rd), 42.7% field goal allowed (1st), 21.3 free throws allowed (1st), 3.7 3-pointers allowed (tied 1st), 32.9% 3-pointers allowed (tied 1st)
Team Overview: Another team that embodies the top of the Western Conference, great defense at the cost of offensive production. In perhaps the biggest deal of the off season, the Nuggets acquired All everything veteran center Alonzo Mourning to give their interior defense a much needed boost, the result is almost instantaneous. In just his first season with the Nuggets, Zo's league high 4.2 blocks per game is the anchor of the best shot blocking team in the entire league which in turn allowed the rest of the Nuggets squad to chase off any and all outside shooters. By combining the best blocking center with the best 3 point line defense in the NBA, the Nuggets are a dangerous team to match up with, particularly on any given night that their offense flows better than normal.
6.
Key Players: Dirk Nowitziki (SF), Chauncey Billups (PG), Christian Laettner (PF)
Strength: Takes good care of the ball, converts their chances at the foul line
Weakness: Lack of defensive minded players from every position, unimaginative coaching that doesn't take advantage of mismatches
Top Offensive Statistics: 74.8% free throws (tied 1st), 12.0 turnovers per game (2nd)
Top Defensive Statistics: none
Team Overview: Perhaps the biggest telling sign of a team of superstars desperately waiting for their coach to do SOMETHING, ANYTHING to give them an advantage over their opponents: this team leads the league in FT% and is one of the best teams at holding on to the ball, taking a look at their roster and looking at those numbers, this doesn't happen by accident, the Sonics are a team loaded with great shooters and play-makers. However, behind their vanilla like offensive/defensive game plan, they are scoring well below what they are capable of and is the worst team in the entire league in creating turnovers. The Sonics have yet to reach their full potential as to what their depth chart can offer, if this trend continues, the Sonics' roster full of stars might find themselves taking an earlier vacation than expected.
7.
Key Players: Richard Hamilton (SG), Andre Miller (PG), Eddy Curry (C)
Strength: Outstanding turnover margin, good young core of budding stars
Weakness: Defensively challenged back court, lack of a rebounding presence
Top Offensive Statistics: 11.8 turnovers per game (1st)
Top Defensive Statistics: 14.7 turnovers from opponents (tied 3rd)
Team Overview: Another young team in the young Western Conference, the addition of Andre Miller should provide plenty of valuable veteran leadership at the PG position that will create more chances for the young guns. The primary goal of this team is to win the turnover battle and make the opponents beat themselves as opposed to taking their chances head on with such a raw offensive unit and they do a very good job at it. With their #1 scorer only 24 years old and their starting center still in the teen years, this could become a very dangerous team in the years to come if they can keep their core of young players together.
8.
Key Players: Amare Stoudemire (PF), Antoine Walker (SF), Joe Johnson (SG)
Strength: Loaded with young talent
Weakness: Turnover machines at multiple positions
Top Offensive Statistics: none
Top Defensive Statistics: none
Team Overview: Winners of off season 2002, the Suns certainly did not expect to compete for a title right away and are the shocker of the playoff race thus far. Outside of a few veterans and backups, the average age of the young Suns is only 22 years old. Composed of primarily high school grads and college early declarers, this young Suns team has all the signs of a talented but inexperienced squad, to get anywhere in the playoffs, they have GOT to cut down on the turnovers, especially when their defense is nothing to brag about. While they aren't expect to get even past the first round of this year's playoffs, they should become a VERY dangerous team in a few years as their young stars develop more and gain some valuable experience.
sorry if they aren't up to your standards for a 5 now