DaRizzle has Spoken!!!! Part II

[DaRizzle]

Alright so since there was a migration to S2 I want to bring this thread here so I can show you what a visionary I am....

Link to old thread

So here is my FINAL prediction...nay guarantee!!.... to how the season will end in the west...barring any major injury during training camp or pre-season.

This is how its going down...

1. Lakers- Way too many offensive options and will be in the top 10 in defense with the return of Bynum.

2. Jazz- Methodical as hell. They will address their woes of playing on the road and play very business like. Boring yet very good.

3. Hornets- Will have a hangover from last season. Peja will not play a full season. Eveything went way too perfect for them last year, but they are still a great team. Was 4 in my last prediction.

4. Spurs- Losing Ginobili hurts but I think they will do decent but not great without him. Spurs are still a top team in the NBA when it comes to the playoffs, but they are injured and dont place a huge emphasis on the regular season. Was 5 in my last prediction.

5. Rockets- Injuries, injuries, injuries...I know it sounds like an easy way out to discount them but its gonna be true. Tmac already said he needs surgery on his shoulder plus he has some other nagging injury (i forgot what). Yao is great, but he is a 7 footer with foot problems...no good. Artest could be feast or famine. If they can be lucky enough to get it together health wise for the playoffs then watch out. Was 3 in my last prediction.

6. Mavericks- On their way down regardless of a coaching change. Kidd is too old...just a dysfunctional team with talent. Wont go far.

7. Blazers- For sure coming up in the world but patience in necessary. Quality core of players that need time to play with each other. Oden and Fernandez while great prospects need at least a year to make a serious impact in the NBA.

8. Clippers- With all the craziness that surrounded the Clips this offseason they came out pretty good. Baron at the point, Camby at PF, Kamen at C, and Al Thorton with a year under his belt will be enough to slide them into the 8th spot.

 

[The Professional Fan]

Alright so since there was a migration to S2 I want to bring this thread here so I can show you what a visionary I am....

Link to old thread

So here is my FINAL prediction...nay guarantee!!.... to how the season will end in the west...barring any major injury during training camp or pre-season.

This is how its going down...

1. Lakers- Way too many offensive options and will be in the top 10 in defense with the return of Bynum.

2. Jazz- Methodical as hell. They will address their woes of playing on the road and play very business like. Boring yet very good.

3. Hornets- Will have a hangover from last season. Peja will not play a full season. Eveything went way too perfect for them last year, but they are still a great team. Was 4 in my last prediction.

4. Spurs- Losing Ginobili hurts but I think they will do decent but not great without him. Spurs are still a top team in the NBA when it comes to the playoffs, but they are injured and dont place a huge emphasis on the regular season. Was 5 in my last prediction.

5. Rockets- Injuries, injuries, injuries...I know it sounds like an easy way out to discount them but its gonna be true. Tmac already said he needs surgery on his shoulder plus he has some other nagging injury (i forgot what). Yao is great, but he is a 7 footer with foot problems...no good. Artest could be feast or famine. If they can be lucky enough to get it together health wise for the playoffs then watch out. Was 3 in my last prediction.

6. Mavericks- On their way down regardless of a coaching change. Kidd is too old...just a dysfunctional team with talent. Wont go far.

7. Blazers- For sure coming up in the world but patience in necessary. Quality core of players that need time to play with each other. Oden and Fernandez while great prospects need at least a year to make a serious impact in the NBA.

8. Clippers- With all the craziness that surrounded the Clips this offseason they came out pretty good. Baron at the point, Camby at PF, Kamen at C, and Al Thorton with a year under his belt will be enough to slide them into the 8th spot.

Define "serious impact." - from a Greg Oden perspective.

 

[DaRizzle]

Define "serious impact." - from a Greg Oden perspective.

Knowing how he fits in with his team and the NBA as a whole. Obviously he knows the roles of a C but this is a brand new team to him and in some cases others also (Bayless, Rudy).Sure he was able to watch how his new team plays and maybe even do some non contract drills while injured to see where he should be within the offense but nothing can compare to an actual NBA season. He has never really played with any of these guys minus a few games in last years preseason which is BS IMO. He is also gonna have to learn how to endure an 82 game season. His conditioning will be interesting to follow IMO. Even the easily corrected things can hinder you in your rookie year.

Wait after reading your question again I might have answed it wrong...oops.

IF Oden is gonna be all that you guys say he will it will take at least one full year before he starts putting up stats that would be the building blocks of a HOF career

 

[Fez Hammersticks]

Top-10?


..Is Pau Gasol able to guard a chair now?

 

[DaRizzle]

Top-10?


..Is Pau Gasol able to guard a chair now?

A slowly moving chair...

Bynum is gonna be the big time anchor. Never mind the blocks, he alters soooo many shots and enables everyone else to be more aggressive knowing that he is back there to correct their gambles


edit- Gasol will also SEEM better on D because he will be able to finish off a defensive play when others (Bynum, Kobe, Ariza) have already screwed up the offensive players plans

 

[The Professional Fan]

Knowing how he fits in with his team and the NBA as a whole. Obviously he knows the roles of a C but this is a brand new team to him and in some cases others also (Bayless, Rudy).Sure he was able to watch how his new team plays and maybe even do some non contract drills while injured to see where he should be within the offense but nothing can compare to an actual NBA season. He has never really played with any of these guys minus a few games in last years preseason which is BS IMO. He is also gonna have to learn how to endure an 82 game season. His conditioning will be interesting to follow IMO. Even the easily corrected things can hinder you in your rookie year.

Wait after reading your question again I might have answed it wrong...oops.

IF Oden is gonna be all that you guys say he will it will take at least one full year before he starts putting up stats that would be the building blocks of a HOF career

I didn't ask about his potential for having a HOF career, I asked what your definition of "serious impact" meant, and I think you answered it in your original paragraph.

All I have to say is this - the season is still one month away. I wouldn't sell short Greg's ability to learn and adapt before the season starts. He did have a season to observe, which I will admit can only go so far, but he's a dominating presence - I think that's safe to say. If he can APPLY his natural given gifts, I see no reason why he couldn't make an IMMEDIATE impact this season. You seem to forget he's an all-time prospect. I highly doubt you held this opinion last season before Oden has his surgery, so with that in mind, if Oden is not hindered by his surgery (minus the obvious lack of basketball conditioning), how "impactful" do you think he'd be?

Side bar: is there a more anticipated opening game this season than Blazers vs Lakers? Man......I haven't been this jacked about a season opener in......forever?

 

[THE HCP]

I think that is right on for us. Our guys are going to take a while to gel. And our rookies (no matter how good they WILL be) are going to need time to adjust their games.

 

[DaRizzle]

I didn't ask about his potential for having a HOF career, I asked what your definition of "serious impact" meant, and I think you answered it in your original paragraph.

All I have to say is this - the season is still one month away. I wouldn't sell short Greg's ability to learn and adapt before the season starts. He did have a season to observe, which I will admit can only go so far, but he's a dominating presence - I think that's safe to say. If he can APPLY his natural given gifts, I see no reason why he couldn't make an IMMEDIATE impact this season. You seem to forget he's an all-time prospect. I highly doubt you held this opinion last season before Oden has his surgery, so with that in mind, if Oden is not hindered by his surgery (minus the obvious lack of basketball conditioning), how "impactful" do you think he'd be?

Side bar: is there a more anticipated opening game this season than Blazers vs Lakers? Man......I haven't been this jacked about a season opener in......forever?

When Oden first came out I honestly thought he was overrated. Bear with me. Not in the sense that he was gonna suck or anything just that he wasnt worthy of the "Once every 20 years" tag. Good for sure, just not worthy of that tag.

So do you disagree on me placing the Blazers at the 7 seed and think Oden (and others) will push them higher than that or just wanted my thoughts on Oden?

 

[noknobs]

A slowly moving chair...

Slowly moving and flimsy, like one of those old metal folding chairs that we keep in the closet for a decade. But any chair with wheels would make for an interesting match-up.

Bynum is gonna be the big time anchor. Never mind the blocks, he alters soooo many shots and enables everyone else to be more aggressive knowing that he is back there to correct their gambles


edit- Gasol will also SEEM better on D because he will be able to finish off a defensive play when others (Bynum, Kobe, Ariza) have already screwed up the offensive players plans

Unfortunately I agree. Bynum is going to be a big force. I thought he was looking very good before the injury. Both Aldridge & Gasol will benefit a lot from Bynum/Oden returning.

I see the Blazers in eight/seventh and the Lakers right there on top at #1. Hopefully we'll get to play each other in the 1st round. Knocking the Lakers off would then propel us all the way to a title.

 

[The Professional Fan]

When Oden first came out I honestly thought he was overrated. Bear with me. Not in the sense that he was gonna suck or anything just that he wasnt worthy of the "Once every 20 years" tag. Good for sure, just not worthy of that tag.

So do you disagree on me placing the Blazers at the 7 seed and think Oden (and others) will push them higher than that or just wanted my thoughts on Oden?

No, I think #7 or #8 is what it's going to be. Either that, or in the top 3. I wouldn't be completely surprised if the Blazers won their division, so..........

If I had to bet cash on it, I'd go #7 or #8, but I'd kick myself if we won our division, because I think it's within the realm of possibility.

 

[CelticKing]

Any prediction for the Celtics?

 

[The Professional Fan]

Any prediction for the Celtics?

Stay healthy = very good

 

[CelticKing]

Stay healthy = very good

Any chance of repeating?

 

[THE HCP]

Any chance of repeating?

I think if you guys played in the west, you might be #4.

 

[ehizzy3]

lamarcus is gonna shit all over pau opening night

 

[CelticKing]

I think if you guys played in the west, you might be #4.

Anywhere in the top 4, might be a better comment. They're the Champs after all, and have proved it.

 

[THE HCP]

I just think the daily grind of playing against "quality" comp night in and night out would take a toll.

 

[CelticKing]

I just think the daily grind of playing against "quality" comp night in and night out would take a toll.

Yeah, they're kind of old as a team. (average age for example)

I think they'll be between 52 and 58 wins this time around. Anything more of course is better, but they'll reserve the power for the postseason IMO, now that they've learned the lesson in round 1 and 2.

 

[Jack RamsaysPants]

Rizzle I'm going to miss you.

 

[DaRizzle]

Huh? Where are you...or me going? Youre scaring me

 

[Jack RamsaysPants]

Huh? Where are you...or me going? Youre scaring me

You're just setting yourself up for a grand roasting.

 

[DaRizzle]

Oh...Yeah, I totally know Im setting myself up for that. Go big or go home!

...but I'm gonna be right

 

[oldguy]

Alright so since there was a migration to S2 I want to bring this thread here so I can show you what a visionary I am....

Link to old thread

So here is my FINAL prediction...nay guarantee!!.... to how the season will end in the west...barring any major injury during training camp or pre-season.

This is how its going down...

1. Lakers- Way too many offensive options and will be in the top 10 in defense with the return of Bynum.

2. Jazz- Methodical as hell. They will address their woes of playing on the road and play very business like. Boring yet very good.

3. Hornets- Will have a hangover from last season. Peja will not play a full season. Eveything went way too perfect for them last year, but they are still a great team. Was 4 in my last prediction.

4. Spurs- Losing Ginobili hurts but I think they will do decent but not great without him. Spurs are still a top team in the NBA when it comes to the playoffs, but they are injured and dont place a huge emphasis on the regular season. Was 5 in my last prediction.

5. Rockets- Injuries, injuries, injuries...I know it sounds like an easy way out to discount them but its gonna be true. Tmac already said he needs surgery on his shoulder plus he has some other nagging injury (i forgot what). Yao is great, but he is a 7 footer with foot problems...no good. Artest could be feast or famine. If they can be lucky enough to get it together health wise for the playoffs then watch out. Was 3 in my last prediction.

6. Mavericks- On their way down regardless of a coaching change. Kidd is too old...just a dysfunctional team with talent. Wont go far.

7. Blazers- For sure coming up in the world but patience in necessary. Quality core of players that need time to play with each other. Oden and Fernandez while great prospects need at least a year to make a serious impact in the NBA.

8. Clippers- With all the craziness that surrounded the Clips this offseason they came out pretty good. Baron at the point, Camby at PF, Kamen at C, and Al Thorton with a year under his belt will be enough to slide them into the 8th spot.

How are your feeling about your predictions, nay GUARANTEES, now?

Maybe it's just me, but you look more like a Nostradumbass than you do a visionary.

 

[Natebishop3]

Yeah..... Clippers in 8th? lol

 

[Nikolokolus]

How are your feeling about your predictions, nay GUARANTEES, now?

Maybe it's just me, but you look more like a Nostradumbass than you do a visionary.

Well, he did get the Rockets, Lakers, Spurs and Mavericks pretty close. As for the Clippers I was fairly certain too that if they stayed healthy they'd have a real shot at making the playoffs ... I'm guessing next year, (if they stay healthy) they could have a pretty dramatic swing in the win-loss column and at least threaten to get in.

 

[MAS RipCity]

I had us 4th pre free agency...Monta getting hurt, Amare getting hurt, and Denver getting Billups really messed my predictions up

 

[Natebishop3]

I had us 4th pre free agency...Monta getting hurt, Amare getting hurt, and Denver getting Billups really messed my predictions up

Billups ruined everything. We'd be winning the division, hands down.

 

[BLAZINGGIANTS]

Well, he did get the Rockets, Lakers, Spurs and Mavericks pretty close. As for the Clippers I was fairly certain too that if they stayed healthy they'd have a real shot at making the playoffs ... I'm guessing next year, (if they stay healthy) they could have a pretty dramatic swing in the win-loss column and at least threaten to get in.

Dude, he and everyone else had the Rockets, Lakers, Spurs, and Mavs finishing about where they are. If that makes his predictions pretty damn good, then every NBA fan I know is pretty damn good, as well. There were 9, maybe 10, teams from the start that had a chance. That makes it pretty good odds to get some close picks. Not knocking his picks, I wouldn't put him down for his picks, but I'm not overly impressed either.

 

[Minstrel]

Billups ruined everything. We'd be winning the division, hands down.

Yup. That's really been the critical trade of the season. Completely transformed Denver. With Ivy instead of Billups, I'm not sure Denver even makes the playoffs. They'd have been fighting Phoenix for the eight seed, at best.

 

[DaRizzle]

I was planning on bumping this...."Nostra-dumbass"...wow, nice...

Well Im ok with my predictions...both the Jazz and especially the Clippers had dramatic injury issues. I said it before and Ill say it again...I didnt expect anything amazing from the Clips cause they had no bench but their healthy starting lineup was pretty damn decent.

The rest of my predictions could have easily been in my favor just as much as they arent right now. Two to three games difference and all of it is real close to how I predicted. How the hell am I supposed to know Utah and the Clips would have massive injury problems and Denver would trade for an NBA Finals MVP?!?

The part Im actually proud about is my PHX not making the playoffs prediction...I like how you failed to mention that. How many people said PHX, a team with Shaq and Nash, would miss the playoffs??? Very very few...