BaB official (and a couple days late) Eastern Conference predictions
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 29, 2009 1:00 AM CDT
51 comments
For entertainment purposes only, here's my informal analysis regarding how I see the Bulls' conference shaking out. Tried not to cheat looking at the results of the first couple games of the season:
- Orlando Magic - Instead of overpaying for someone, they let him go. Wait, they also traded for someone who's even more overpaid...and better. I love the Turkoglu-for-Carter upgrade, and the Magic have the characteristics of teams that rack up a ton of regular season wins: plenty of depth (Bass, Gortat, Anderson, Pietrus) and a coach that won't tolerate nights off on defense.
- Boston Celtics - The cult of the-greatest-first-round-exit-ever may differ, but having Kevin Garnett back is a pretty big deal. If he's healthy, the Celtics have the best defense in the league, and with Rasheed Wallace helping to keep that defense to a similar level when Garnett is on the bench. I also liked adding Daniels as someone to spell both Pierce and Allen.
- Cleveland Cavaliers - Obviously this is all one tier between teams 1-3, I just see the Cavs winning slightly fewer regular season games. But they'll be right there. The Shaq acquisition was for not only nothing, but better than nothing, as having Ben Wallace off your roster is the only way to guarantee he won't hurt you anymore. I could see them trying to work Shaq in too much at the expense of better options in Z and Varejao, but they really just added more talent in the offseason, even compensating for whatever keeps Delonte West off the court during the year.
- Atlanta Hawks - Jamal Crawford was another 'flawed player, but something for nothing' acquisition, and I think him knowing from the outset he's the 6th man will help him finally get to the playoffs. Joe Smith was another solid ex-Bull addition, and the rest of the 46-win team of last season is not only intact from last year, but with several main pieces still approaching their prime. On the other hand, there's also the possible coach-fatigue collapse looming.
- Washington Wizards - It's one thing to look forward to the return of Luol Deng, but the Wizards getting back not only Gilbert Arenas but Brendan Haywood (their most important defender) is a whole 'nother level. Though it needs to be given their record last year. It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Flip Saunders, and he has a full roster of veterans (even the young players have a lot of minutes due to the star injuries) to get the most out of, especially offensively.
- Philadelphia 76ers - While the Wizards get a coach-bump from Eddie Jordan to Flip Saunders, that doesn't mean Jordan won't also help the Sixers. They still won 41 games after a lot of turmoil last season, and just because they had a bad record with Elton Brand doesn't mean his return makes them worse.
- Chicago Bulls - A talented top-7, even if they lack star power outside of Rose. I think it especially hurts the Bulls not having upper-tier talented individual players, because I don't see that deficiency being compensated for by being well-coached. On the bright side, I know we've been fooled before, but I really think this is the year for Thomas and Noah to finally at least have the Bulls frontcourt match their opponents, with Brad Miller being their perfect complement. Rose will take a step up, but this feels like a team needing many things to work simultaneously to be successful, and that's hard to accomplish much more than half the time.
- Toronto Raptors - Considering what he had to work with (not that the situation wasn't his fault in the first place), I think Bryan Colangelo really did a great job this season re-tooling the roster. They'll be a nightmare to guard on nights when they're shooting well, but they're still going to have rebounding problems, and specialist Reggie Evans can only slightly help that. Maybe they are even lower than this and the Raps feel the need to trade Bosh before he leaves, and the Bulls should be right there, because he really is a great player. I don't think it was as much of him becoming an outside player last year as it was him knowing it wasn't worth going inside with that crew around him. He has more help this year, but they had a lot of ground to make up too.
After the jump, the lottery teams...
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Man, it's going to be tough for the Bulls to make the playoffs this year.
I really don’t see any of the teams below the top 3 being THAT much better than the other teams not in the top 3. I could see Atlanta in the lottery, if a few things break wrong for them. Same with the Wiz. Same with Philly. Same with the Bulls, etc.
It’s just such a big clusterfuck. The only teams I really can’t see making it are the Nets and the Knicks. However, I expect that even the worst team in the East will be looking at 30ish wins.
1. Cut a hole in a box
2. Put your Kirk in that box
3. Make some team open that box
by fundamentallysound on Oct 29, 2009 1:33 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
it will be tough
but that will make it fun. In a way. :)
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by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 29, 2009 1:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I was going to say
“Damn there’s a big difference between the Top 8 and everyone else.”
The Bobcats and Pacers needed everything to go right, and these early injuries aren’t. I doubt Wade’s as good + healthy as last year, and his supporting cast isn’t better.
But just looking at the Top 8, those are complete teams that go 6-7 deep. The Heat go 2 deep. The Pistons 3-4 deep. The Bucks 2 deep. I’m exaggerating a bit, but there’s a difference there. And Wade aside, their stars aren’t that good.
by YaoPau on Oct 29, 2009 2:04 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Bucks might only go 2 deep, but they'll have Skiles pushing, pushing and getting more
out of them than is reasonable. Kuester is a good offensive coach, if he can get that Pistons team to buy in on defense, with that offensive firepower, they could be good. Wade is THAT good, and I think Beasley improves this year, despite his overall craziness. Arroyo will help them. Sounds silly, but he’s a playmaker. Much moreso than Chalmers.
1. Cut a hole in a box
2. Put your Kirk in that box
3. Make some team open that box
by fundamentallysound on Oct 29, 2009 9:33 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Me and my friend discussed the nba today
One of the things we agreed on was basically what i call the big 4
Lakers
Spurs
Cavs
Celtics
I dont put the magic in there because despite how well the magic played last offseason, they were pretty much dismantled by the lakers winning one game…Dwight might be the next shaq, but he isnt there yet…and vince carter might be all around better than turkeyglue, i still believe hedo was a big reason for the deep playoff run they had last year. I think the Magic will be a dominate regular season team, but i still wonder if they will be able to take on the big 4
So the big 4 are my top tier of the nba (ironically two in the east and two in the west) and the magic are at the top of the second tier.
After those 5 teams i feel theres a huge drop off in talent. Teams like portland and Denver are probably gonna make noise and have great records, but despite that i think whenever htey match up with the big four they are bound to lose (the series) and that trend will definetly continue in the post season.
I agree that the cavs or the spurs or lakers wont hold teh best records for the regular season, but thats because i expect those teams to rest their best players plenty, any injury to any of the stars of these teams will dramatically change their outlet, so guys like garnett, duncan, ginobli will probably play less then they are acustomed too (shaq will also although i think the cavs will be fine in the regular season if he goes down, his real worth is in the post season)
On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!
by piccolomair on Oct 29, 2009 1:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
if you watched the cavs youd see they are DEFINITELY not in the elite
orlando is in the elite.
cavs are still playing the lebron will bail us out on every play offense.
i almost want to go as far as to say their coaching is worse than ours.
it really looks like they have no play but to give lebron the ball and let him do what he will with it
honestly i think even vinny could pull off a 66 win record or at least close to it if he were coaching the cavs
by sin on Oct 29, 2009 3:24 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
agreed
They will jell with Shaq eventually, but even when they do I don’t think they’re quite there. They’re definitely not there yet after going 0-2 to start the year! Of course they’re also good enough and talented enough to get hot in the playoffs and make a run. I wouldn’t count them out, but right now they’re below Orlando.
by 72-10 on Oct 29, 2009 7:46 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
eh
I think its still early, and i also figure that team lebron wont seem that dominant in the regular season, but im sticking to my guns on this one. Any team with lebron is already dominant, and i dislike lebron quite a bit so its taking quite a bit for me to admit that….i think they have a good roster, and two big men that can do damage, shaq didnt seem old when i saw him play the opener, i think it was more that the scheme was off since the team continued to be team lebron and basically put everything on lebron, i dont see that being a trend that continues in the later half of the season….
I never was a big fan of mike brown myself, his coaching style is “lets drag it out fellas” and it just continues to work due to lebron…but i think eventually either lebron or shaq is gonna find a way to work together on the floor, and additions of parker give them a much better 2 guard (taller?) while moon gives them more athleticism to make up for shaqs lack there of.
On Behalf of Sue, Wjb, majoyenrac, Bullshooter and all the other Hinrich fans...Ill keep the Hinrich Hope coming...There will be light!
by piccolomair on Oct 29, 2009 4:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The East is not weak. I hate when people say that.. Terry Boers.
Man this looks tough. I think 5 through 8 is going to be a battle. Cavs are 0-2 who would have thought? ( long season.. I know) Raptors look good.
I agree with your top 4 but not the order.
1. Boston
2. Orlando
3. Cleveland
4. Atlanta
5 through 8 is a dog fight.
5. Toronto
6. Philadelphia
7. Bulls ( Kinda worried about their guard depth almost left them out of the playoffs.)
8. Washington
Your guy BG7 looked dynaaaamiiiiiite.. even had a 4 point play. That 3 ball is spot on already.
Finally someone figured out Lebron James likes to block shots on breaks and pump faked his ass.. who? Jose Calderon.. and one! Take notes Rondo.
Who was I talking to about that on here?hmm
I've got this thing and it's fucking golden!
by SoulEater7 on Oct 29, 2009 1:38 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
My crystal ball is somewhat hazy but it's revealing to me that the Bulls will positively shine in 2009.
Great in-depth analysis but I’m focusing my (weather) forecast strictly on the Bulls. Some may argue I’m delusional with this prediction. But after donning my Rose colored glasses I see no reason they can’t be really Deng good this upcoming season. I say it’s time to whistle a happy tune and apply the Hinrich maneuver to those who say they’re going to choke on a Vinny Sandwich and wind up DOA as far as advancing in the playoffs are concerned.
The early schedule may portend a rough 40 days ahead but I suggest we all climb on board our energized prophet Noah’s Ark and follow his lead in guiding us to weather the early season storms while avoiding the flood of negativity and waves of discontent being stirred up by some negatards at Blogabull. I see no reason the aging Salmons won’t continue to swim upstream again and spawn some victories to make up the loss of our biggest fish, Gordon.
Although labeled a “bust” at the ripe old age of 22, partially as a result of being led by a somewhat mentally challenged novice (like himself), I predict the intended insult of drafting his potential replacements will serve as a wakeup call and light a fire under Tyrus this year to skyrocket him to new heights. Other key factors were triggered by his watching Sesame Street in the offseason during which he developed a new appreciation and awareness of the power of the letter “M”…….adding to his repertoire, Maturity, Moxie, Motivation, which leads to More Money while deciding he no longer wants to be a Mammothrept (spoiled child), or a Moping Malcontent.
Tyrus’s dazzling defense, bad ass blocks and highlight reel ally oops delivered from Shakespeare’s favorite red flower child along with an improved jump shot, will help part those impending dark clouds on the horizon and force the Bulls to rethink their 2010 priorities regarding the need to obtain a power forward so they can instead pursue Dwyane Wade and wind up with the most potent dynamic duo since Batman and Robin in 2010.
So the legions of doubting Thomases may as well just fold their umbrellas and start enjoying the warm rays of sunshine his quantum leaps will bring in spite of Vinny the rainmaker’s gloomy forecasts and burning desire to replace him with the likes of the more pliable and much cheaper super hustler, Taj who seems to be a rookie with some smarts (unlike his mentor) and who can block shots. I’m sure Vinny is also anxious to start playing and experimenting with his new Johnson whom he hopes he can get a rise out of by bringing some additional twists to his somewhat anemic but confusing playbook.
The diminutive ball of energy, gunny, runny, puny Pargo may not be a mighty Atlas but he can relieve some some of the heavy load by spreading the court with his long range deliveries in spite of many misfires. And although he may be somewhat slow and lacking in talent, lets not forget that Byars is 6’ 7" which is all good for a guard meaning less chance of DelNegro’s infamous midget lineups at crunch time.
Further, in a few short months we could have our two dinosaur Goliaths, Jerome and Aaron back from injuries. Think of the possibilities, between them and Miller and Noah, that’s 24 fouls to distribute against Shaq and Dwight and everyone else penetrating the paint, assuming anyone besides Joakim can can make it down court in time. So let’s lift our spirits and steins, sit back and enjoy Miller time, no longer having to worry right away about Gray skies raining on the parade just as our bandwagon is getting ready to roll.
When the depressing black clouds of winter inevitably arrive, darkening the skies once again causing Young Derrick the Franchise, to feel the pressure of having to carry too heavy a load, there is no need to despair. He can always turn to the bench and get a lift and a pat on the back from Dr. Feelgood, the always upbeat, always smiling senior sage, good old Lindsey Hunter, who still can’t believe his lucky stars that the Bulls are going to pay him megabucks again this season just for keeping the bench warm and the locker room loose.
I remain an eternal optimist, clinging desperately to my Tyrusmancrush until cold, grim reality proves me otherwise. I envision this season as one where us diminishing number of Thomas groupies will be feasting on pheasant under glass while all you naysayers will have to settle for the taste of crow. The only fly in the ointment that has clouded my rainbow colored fantasies and is a threat to derail my positive vibes has the initials VDN, but with one season under his belt he can do no worse than tread water and hopefully will finally learn to swim the shark infested waters of the NBA without getting himself and his whole crew devoured.
My crystal ball is telling me the Bulls will make the playoffs and advance easily to the 2nd round. From that point on, anything is possible and miracles do happen (USA beat Russia in Olympic hockey), including making it to the finals………
that is…assuming all the Celtics grow old simultaneously, Shaq crashes into LeBron blowing out his knee, while Dwight Howard becomes so inspired by his NBA Cares commercials, he decides to give up the NBA and become a missionary in Africa…….and finally, yes, Rose will be the MVP, Kurt will capture the 6th Man Award while Tyrus is voted Most Improved Player, thus burying forever the wasted draft pick rants.
If you can't answer a man's arguments, all is not lost. You can still call him vile names.
Elbert Hubbard
by Tyrusmancrush on Oct 29, 2009 2:06 AM CDT reply actions 4 recs
Needs more puns and cliches. ;)
"Then you need a center so if the ball gets stuck between the rim and backboard he can reach up and knock it loose instead of having to spend 15 minutes trying to hit it with a broom stick." – Sam Smith
by Granny Waiters on Oct 29, 2009 5:05 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
nice... shoulda been a fan post!
I’d be curious to see the responses…. I don’t agree with all of it but well done.
by 72-10 on Oct 29, 2009 7:52 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
* gulp *
Then the year ends and it is 2010.
12/31: Fire Vinny Del Negro.
by NBA Observer on Oct 29, 2009 2:00 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the East will be improved
and I agree, after the first 3, the talent is all muddled. That is why coaching is so important. And that is where I think the Wizards have an advantage.
I see the East shaking up like this -
Tier 1
1. Celtics – that D is great. They have excellent depth this year as well
2. Magic – deep, big and they play hard. Carter will be better than Turk.
3. Cavs – Look at their roster outside of Lebron. Would you want any of those players?
Tier 2
4. Wizards – Arenas is back. Flip Saunders has never had a team with this many offensive weapons.
5. Bulls – I’m counting on Rose, Tyrus and Noah to take jumps this year, and maybe more importantly, to play consistent this year. No more 6 to 8 game droughts. Hopefully.
6. Hawks – you can’t get way with playing undersized forever. Horford is going to breakdown. Bibby is old. And I don’t like their coach. They seem to go in a major funk at some point every season. The only reason they finished 4th last season was because everyone was so awful behind them.
Tier 3
7. Pistons – I think BG is a tremendous upgrade over AI. They are going to be tough to stop, which is good, because they won’t stop anyone. They will play a lot like the Bulls last season. They have 5 guys on the perimeter capable of going for 20 and 6 guys who can hit 3s.
8. Toronto – I think Bosh is going to have a big year before he bolts. Everyone made fun of me at the time for wanting to trade a major asset for him (I think it was Hinrich or Deng) but Bargani has got game. Still, this is a 3 man team.
Not making playoffs (but still in Tier 3)
9. Philly – You take a team that can’t shoot and remove the guy who got them fastbreak points and ran the offense – those guys are going to be fighting for shots all year)
10. Miami – it just looks like a year where the bottom falls out. They are a 3 player team, and one of those guys is Beasley and the other is Chalmers. Uggh.
11. Pacers – Granger is the real deal. They will beat the Bulls twice, frustrating fans.
Tier 4
12. Bucks – Skiles will get them to play hard, which on a lot of nights, may be enough. But they are too thin in the backcourt, and too weak up front outside of Bogut.
13. New York – Another chemistry disaster. Not one player on the roster who is elite or has the potential to be elite.
14. Charlotte – They didn’t get better at all. Augustin is nice but he can’t score enough to lead them by himself
15. New Jersey – I don’t know how they lost tonight. But they have no wing scoring and no bench.
by Basketball Smurf on Oct 29, 2009 2:28 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree with the tier structure
I know it’s only 2 games, but I was a little confused by the Shaq signing in Cleavland. they may be in a tier 1.5 just below the Celtics and Magic.
by 72-10 on Oct 29, 2009 7:36 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I hope the bulls go at least at the 6th or 5th spot.
This year the Bulls can either be really good or really bad. And I think they could be a nice surprise in the east.
by SharksFan91 on Oct 29, 2009 7:51 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Good Analysis
My only thoughts that differ…Boston is still old and subject to physical breakdown…I got them third…Philly lost their starting PG for nothing and did not replace him, I can’t see them making the playoffs…Miami is better this season than last, in that they are starting the season with a healthy O’Neal and Beasley starting in place of Marion, they will make the playoffs…The Pacers could surprise some people, as could the Bucks…I got the Bulls making the 6th seed…with about 45 wins.
Why isn't your friendly Bulls Blogger friendly?
by Dionysus2.0 on Oct 29, 2009 8:37 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Cleveland's Defensive woes
From what the NBA saw against Boston and Toronto Clevaland’s defense is in trouble. I didn’t beieve the hype last year that Mike Brown is a defensive genius ( although he’s from Pop’s tree) but their lack of athleticism from Shaq, Varejao, and Z will not allow them to compete with the Celts and Boston.
Whether its Bargaini, Sheed, or Rashard Lewis spreading the floor by standing outside the arc… Clevelands bigs cant get there in time or rotate fast enough on pick and rolls.
My idea- The only solution I see for the Cavs is playing Lebron at the PF to close games. There’s no reason he can’t bang with one of these hybrid 4s if they take him down in the post and the matchup problems he would create on the offensive end would also be a plus. What’s a worse matchup for the Cavs? – Shaq and Anderson V against Dwight – Rashard or KG-Sheed or if Lebron plays the 4 – lets say Mo Williams- Moon/Gibson – Anthony Parker against Rondo-Ray-Pierce or Nelson-their SG-VC. Lebron should be good enough on both ends of the floor to make this move, if he cant then how good of a player is he?
by Jscho316 on Oct 29, 2009 9:56 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It's their offense that's the problem so far. Not the D.
1. Cut a hole in a box
2. Put your Kirk in that box
3. Make some team open that box
by fundamentallysound on Oct 29, 2009 11:22 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
But Jalene rose said it WAS the defense.
So there.
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett
by tyger1147 on Oct 29, 2009 11:26 AM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well the Cavs have had trouble
defending in the half court so better offense isn’t going to bail them out of early woes playing defense against teams with multiple scoring threats.
I think Shaq will hurt the Cavs the same way he hurt the Heat and the Suns. He’s just not that good.
12/31: Fire Vinny Del Negro.
by NBA Observer on Oct 29, 2009 2:03 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The fact is they've scored 100.3 and 98.4 points per 100 possessions in their first two games
which is terrible. Their defense hasn’t been great shakes either, but the O is really what’s been killing them. Mike Brown just can’t coach offense. They should never have let Kuester go.
1. Cut a hole in a box
2. Put your Kirk in that box
3. Make some team open that box
by fundamentallysound on Oct 29, 2009 3:38 PM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Skiles...
needs to start Hakim Warrick over Kurt Thomas. Who cares if he’s a “veteran”? At least he’s starting Brandon Jennings over Luke Rin"dour". He sucks.
by chapuforyou on Oct 29, 2009 10:04 AM CDT reply actions 0 recs
Hakim only plays
well against the Bulls. He’s an All-Star when he plays us. The rest of the time…..career backup.
by Cannoli on Oct 29, 2009 12:54 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
True, he's a back-up
But a back-up to Kurt Thomas??? Kurt Thomas hasn’t averaged 10 points a game since 2005. That’s also the last time he averaged more than 26 minutes a game.
by chapuforyou on Oct 29, 2009 1:02 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Major loss
Skiles will be unable to recover from the loss of Malik Allen.
by El Toro de Goro on Oct 29, 2009 3:22 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ditto
Can’t wait for my hopes to be let down.
by chapuforyou on Oct 29, 2009 1:06 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
If we play hard the whole game at least that would be a good sign.
Everything I post is speculation. I have no insider information nor ideas deemed concrete enough by those who are self-elected to regulate post content.
by cranscape on Oct 29, 2009 1:23 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I just want everyone to have fun.
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 29, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
there's NOTHING
fun about spurs, man.
the name of the team is The DIAMONDBACKS
by marionette on Oct 29, 2009 1:56 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
sure there is. Manu is amazing to watch, ditto Parker. And if you enjoy watching
one of the greatest of all time still practicing his craft, then Duncan is pretty fun to watch, too.
1. Cut a hole in a box
2. Put your Kirk in that box
3. Make some team open that box
by fundamentallysound on Oct 29, 2009 3:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
well they do get away with a lot of sneaky shit
very admirable!
actually, i look forward to them beating the lakers this year, if they can. on the spurs now, i only hate: ginobli, duncan, parker, jefferson, finley, and mcdyess (slightly). that’s less than in years prior, and they have one guy i like: blair!
the name of the team is The DIAMONDBACKS
by marionette on Oct 29, 2009 4:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol
yeah my sister loves the spurs, always has for some reason, and i was like, well, i guess i don’t have to hate them that much anymore cause bowen is no longer on the team!
"They should. They better. I'm Vinny Del Negro!"
by Jaina on Oct 30, 2009 2:30 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
i do hate jefferson though
who replaced bowen so maybe i do have to hate them as much. :D
"They should. They better. I'm Vinny Del Negro!"
by Jaina on Oct 30, 2009 2:31 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I still have to wait on the Wizards
Though when they are healthy they are always good for 45 wins.
I think Phila is in for some trouble this season, even with Jordan. They have no point and their inside game might turn out to be terrible.
by Super-Structure on Oct 29, 2009 1:07 PM CDT via mobile reply actions 0 recs
D’Antoni’s Suns teams were bad defensively.. It may not have been because they were coached poorly defensively and it could just be the result of the “7 seconds or less” philosophy. However, these were bad defense teams because Amare could care less on that end of the floor (other than the occassional help defense blocked shot) and because Steve Nash is the worst defensive PG in the league. I’m not hating on Nash either because what he does on the other end of the floor easily compensates for his defense.
by juicewolta on Oct 29, 2009 1:07 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
You don't know what you're talking about.
They were middle of the road. Just because a team gives up a lot of points in total doesn’t mean they are bad defensively. “Aaaaacckkk!!” I know you just screamed.
Think of it this way, if the Suns were running so much that their opponents took 10 more shots than a normal team but only made 3 more shots, that’s a good defense.
People should remember that while they have the right to their opinion, they are not entitled to be taken seriously. --Bruce Bartlett
by tyger1147 on Oct 29, 2009 2:37 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
""Aaaaacckkk!!" I know you just screamed."
Cathy?
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 29, 2009 2:39 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
I noted that some of the inflated point totals were a result of the 7 seconds or less offensive philosophy. This does not change the fact that Nash cannot stay in front of his man and is constantly beaten off the dribble and that Amare is a careless defender and neither man can guard the pick and roll.
by juicewolta on Nov 3, 2009 9:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Miami picked up Richardson.
That’s not to say they look impressive, but what player as skilled as Richardson did they lose from last year’s team?
by RyPac13 on Oct 29, 2009 1:27 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
yup.
though they weren’t on the team at the same time.
USE THE SOFTWARE. Actions-> Rec/Flag. Reply to comments with the reply button. Rec good fanposts/fanshots so the crud gets pushed down.
by your friendly BullsBlogger on Oct 29, 2009 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
either is better than Q-Rich
man, the Heat could be really bad if Wade is at anything less than MVP level this year.
1. Cut a hole in a box
2. Put your Kirk in that box
3. Make some team open that box
by fundamentallysound on Oct 29, 2009 3:40 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
Was Moon that valuable? I liked what I saw of him, but did he make a huge impact?
I forgot about Marion, wasn’t he there for like half a season? 2/3 tops?
I don’t really think the Heat should be very good, but I also did not think they should’ve been last year either.
I’m thinking Beasley should improve a bit this year, I think his off the court stuff was a bit overblown and it looks like he took care of it more or less. They said he easily passed the workout tests, so he should be in good shape.
by RyPac13 on Oct 29, 2009 6:28 PM CDT up reply actions 0 recs
The Celtics and Magic are gonna rock the East.
In Cleveland it’s the same old story: different players, same team, i.,e. Lebron and the scrubs.
Metal sharpens metal.
And this guy right here understands and knows what leadership is all about: The coach, the hall of famer......... Dick Butka! George Ryan
by dakoose on Oct 29, 2009 2:05 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
It’s down to Celts vs Magic in the East. Cleveland is not going to overachieve like they did last year. Shaq only clogs the middle and Parker and Moon only slightly upgrades the perimeter defense. Plus they will miss the scrappiness and shooting of West.
If KG doesn’t go down, the Celtics may make it back to the Finals. They got two bench players that could start for many teams(Sheed and Marquis Daniels). This year they won’t be playing Marbury and Scalabrine any minutes. Scary team.
Orlando is crazy deep. Their bench could honestly be a 35-40 win team on their own. Carter is better than Turkoglu…not a better passer but better at everything else and he will shine because he doesn’t have the pressure of being the #1 guy.
4-8 is a total toss-up. I’d have to say ATL will get 4th cause they have the same squad and added some depth with Crawford and Smith
Philly will miss Miller, they don’t have a point guard now unless Holiday becomes Westbrook version 2 and even Westbrook, as good as he was, was a turnover machine. Lou Williams is not a PG, just a poor man’s BG with better handles but only average shooting ability.
Heat will fall off, Wade can’t carry this team of dead weight like last year. Even slight improvement from Beasley isn’t enough to help. And Q Richardson has been washed up for years. Chalmers is a decent PG, Wade is Wade, Beasley has promise and Daequan Cook can gun 3s. Everyone else on the roster besides Haslem and possibly J O’Neal is absolute garbage.
Bobcats won’t be able to score, Indiana won’t be able to defend and has too many injuries. Bucks just aren’t there.
Toronto will make the 8th spot. Bulls will be anywhere between 6-8. I think Washington and ATL get the 4th and 5th spot.
by C Smoove on Oct 29, 2009 2:13 PM CDT reply actions 0 recs
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