First S2 NBA GM Draft Peer Evaluation of Teams
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Can we post about our own team?
Dark Defender
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (cpawfan)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (MikeDC)</div><div class='quotemain'>Can I give an outside observer's criticisms?
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Sure</p>
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All teams sucks but mine, there.</p>
</p>
</p>
</p>
</p>
Sure</p>
</div></p>
All teams sucks but mine, there.</p>
</p>
</p>
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TucsonClip
Thursday Night in Tucson = Upset
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I will start with my team so far:</p>
PG - Mo Williams
SG - Ray Allen - Mickael Pietrus
SF - Tayshaun Prince
PF - Chris Webber
C - Shaq</p>
A championship will be won or lost with my frontcourt. There are a lot of questions marks around Webber and Shaq, but if they are healthy in the playoffs those two combined with my other three starters should be able to make a deep run. Obviously, injuries could play a huge role in the success of my team considering Shaq, Webber, and Allen arent exactly locks for 70 games played. Allen and Webber compliment Shaq well, however Mo Williams isnt exactly the type of PG Shaq would like to play with. My stance on that is, Mo Williams can step up and help carry the offense with Shaq out and with Shaq and Webber in the line up the offense will run through the frontcourt. Should Shaq go down with an injury, the offense sets up well with Webber in the high post, Allen making it rain from the perimeter and Mo and Tayshaun attacking the basket. As cpaw mentioned the frontcourt needs some solid reserves to play 25 minutes for each position.</p>
Any input?</p>
PG - Mo Williams
SG - Ray Allen - Mickael Pietrus
SF - Tayshaun Prince
PF - Chris Webber
C - Shaq</p>
A championship will be won or lost with my frontcourt. There are a lot of questions marks around Webber and Shaq, but if they are healthy in the playoffs those two combined with my other three starters should be able to make a deep run. Obviously, injuries could play a huge role in the success of my team considering Shaq, Webber, and Allen arent exactly locks for 70 games played. Allen and Webber compliment Shaq well, however Mo Williams isnt exactly the type of PG Shaq would like to play with. My stance on that is, Mo Williams can step up and help carry the offense with Shaq out and with Shaq and Webber in the line up the offense will run through the frontcourt. Should Shaq go down with an injury, the offense sets up well with Webber in the high post, Allen making it rain from the perimeter and Mo and Tayshaun attacking the basket. As cpaw mentioned the frontcourt needs some solid reserves to play 25 minutes for each position.</p>
Any input?</p>
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TucsonClip)</div><div class='quotemain'>
I will start with my team so far:</p>
PG - Mo Williams
SG - Ray Allen - Mickael Pietrus
SF - Tayshaun Prince
PF - Chris Webber
C - Shaq</p>
A championship will be won or lost with my frontcourt. There are a lot of questions marks around Webber and Shaq, but if they are healthy in the playoffs those two combined with my other three starters should be able to make a deep run. Obviously, injuries could play a huge role in the success of my team considering Shaq, Webber, and Allen arent exactly locks for 70 games played. Allen and Webber compliment Shaq well, however Mo Williams isnt exactly the type of PG Shaq would like to play with. My stance on that is, Mo Williams can step up and help carry the offense with Shaq out and with Shaq and Webber in the line up the offense will run through the frontcourt. Should Shaq go down with an injury, the offense sets up well with Webber in the high post, Allen making it rain from the perimeter and Mo and Tayshaun attacking the basket. As cpaw mentioned the frontcourt needs some solid reserves to play 25 minutes for each position.</p>
Any input? </p></div>
Shaq/Allen combo could be deadly. Mo Williams and Ray Allen could be the best backcourt Shaq has ever had. When you add a solid pro like Tay your going to be dangerous. That said, I don't think Shaq can stay healthy anymore. He is bound to miss a large chunck time every season. </p>
I will start with my team so far:</p>
PG - Mo Williams
SG - Ray Allen - Mickael Pietrus
SF - Tayshaun Prince
PF - Chris Webber
C - Shaq</p>
A championship will be won or lost with my frontcourt. There are a lot of questions marks around Webber and Shaq, but if they are healthy in the playoffs those two combined with my other three starters should be able to make a deep run. Obviously, injuries could play a huge role in the success of my team considering Shaq, Webber, and Allen arent exactly locks for 70 games played. Allen and Webber compliment Shaq well, however Mo Williams isnt exactly the type of PG Shaq would like to play with. My stance on that is, Mo Williams can step up and help carry the offense with Shaq out and with Shaq and Webber in the line up the offense will run through the frontcourt. Should Shaq go down with an injury, the offense sets up well with Webber in the high post, Allen making it rain from the perimeter and Mo and Tayshaun attacking the basket. As cpaw mentioned the frontcourt needs some solid reserves to play 25 minutes for each position.</p>
Any input? </p></div>
Shaq/Allen combo could be deadly. Mo Williams and Ray Allen could be the best backcourt Shaq has ever had. When you add a solid pro like Tay your going to be dangerous. That said, I don't think Shaq can stay healthy anymore. He is bound to miss a large chunck time every season. </p>
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Just going through the rosters/depth charts top-to-bottom-left-to-right, the teams that stand out to me are:</p>
GrandKenyon6 - VERY solid at 4 of the 5 positions, risky at the SG spot. It can probably be rectified with an upcoming pick.</p>
ZAE - extremely strong frontline; Wallace's defense and Lewis' offense compliment one another. The guards are not at the same level as the fowards/C positions.</p>
JCB - strong draft choices at every pick. A good team, lacks a guy you'd say is "THE MAN."</p>
BG7 Lavigne - interesting strategy of going for young and mostly unproven (other than Gordon) players with huge upside. Potential doesn't win ballgames tho. I can see this team getting few votes right after the draft, but potentially (the "p" word) getting quite a few after the season. I do think Durant was an awesome pick.</p>
Real - this team looks a lot better than the Spurs (on paper) to me. Solid vets and youth in a nice mix.</p>
Theo - this team looks a lot better than the Mavericks (on paper) to me. I like all 5 starters, but think that Stackhouse is a 6th man.</p>
TheBeef - the offensive line can block, the QB can throw, and the wide receivers are fleet afoot. Wade and Kevin Martin are a terrific backcourt duo, and the rest of the starters fill their roles nicely.</p>
Kid Chocolate - Yao, Melo, and Villanueva get the job done up front. HUGE drop off to the backcourt players.</p>
TusconClip - generally, it doesn't matter who the team is if you have Shaq, but this team has players to go with Shaq. Allen is an All-Star. Prince is a winner at SF and multi-talented. Mo Williams is a fine PG fo rthis team. Not sure I like the Webber pick. Pietrus is also a fine pick.</p>
Celtic King - It all starts with Jason Kidd. But I'm not seeing this team is looking as good as the Nets (on paper) even. I like all the players, just I'm not sure you can win playing 2 on 5 on offense
</p>
I deliberately don't cover my own team. Though I am quite happy with how it turned out and especially considering I started with the 27th pick in the 1st round.</p>
EDIT:</p>
Petey - WTF?</p>
</p>
</p>
GrandKenyon6 - VERY solid at 4 of the 5 positions, risky at the SG spot. It can probably be rectified with an upcoming pick.</p>
ZAE - extremely strong frontline; Wallace's defense and Lewis' offense compliment one another. The guards are not at the same level as the fowards/C positions.</p>
JCB - strong draft choices at every pick. A good team, lacks a guy you'd say is "THE MAN."</p>
BG7 Lavigne - interesting strategy of going for young and mostly unproven (other than Gordon) players with huge upside. Potential doesn't win ballgames tho. I can see this team getting few votes right after the draft, but potentially (the "p" word) getting quite a few after the season. I do think Durant was an awesome pick.</p>
Real - this team looks a lot better than the Spurs (on paper) to me. Solid vets and youth in a nice mix.</p>
Theo - this team looks a lot better than the Mavericks (on paper) to me. I like all 5 starters, but think that Stackhouse is a 6th man.</p>
TheBeef - the offensive line can block, the QB can throw, and the wide receivers are fleet afoot. Wade and Kevin Martin are a terrific backcourt duo, and the rest of the starters fill their roles nicely.</p>
Kid Chocolate - Yao, Melo, and Villanueva get the job done up front. HUGE drop off to the backcourt players.</p>
TusconClip - generally, it doesn't matter who the team is if you have Shaq, but this team has players to go with Shaq. Allen is an All-Star. Prince is a winner at SF and multi-talented. Mo Williams is a fine PG fo rthis team. Not sure I like the Webber pick. Pietrus is also a fine pick.</p>
Celtic King - It all starts with Jason Kidd. But I'm not seeing this team is looking as good as the Nets (on paper) even. I like all the players, just I'm not sure you can win playing 2 on 5 on offense
I deliberately don't cover my own team. Though I am quite happy with how it turned out and especially considering I started with the 27th pick in the 1st round.</p>
EDIT:</p>
Petey - WTF?</p>
</p>
</p>
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GM3)</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (TucsonClip)</div><div class='quotemain'>
I will start with my team so far:</p>
PG - Mo Williams
SG - Ray Allen - Mickael Pietrus
SF - Tayshaun Prince
PF - Chris Webber
C - Shaq</p>
A championship will be won or lost with my frontcourt. There are a lot of questions marks around Webber and Shaq, but if they are healthy in the playoffs those two combined with my other three starters should be able to make a deep run. Obviously, injuries could play a huge role in the success of my team considering Shaq, Webber, and Allen arent exactly locks for 70 games played. Allen and Webber compliment Shaq well, however Mo Williams isnt exactly the type of PG Shaq would like to play with. My stance on that is, Mo Williams can step up and help carry the offense with Shaq out and with Shaq and Webber in the line up the offense will run through the frontcourt. Should Shaq go down with an injury, the offense sets up well with Webber in the high post, Allen making it rain from the perimeter and Mo and Tayshaun attacking the basket. As cpaw mentioned the frontcourt needs some solid reserves to play 25 minutes for each position.</p>
Any input? </p></div>
Shaq/Allen combo could be deadly. Mo Williams and Ray Allen could be the best backcourt Shaq has ever had. When you add a solid pro like Tay your going to be dangerous. That said, I don't think Shaq can stay healthy anymore. He is bound to miss a large chunck time every season. </p> </div>
... Penny, Anderson? Kobe and anyone? It won't be the best backcourt he has played with. Though if he were younger, Allen would had made a great compliment as he certainly doesn't play with the ball in his hands as much as Kobe.</p>
-Petey</p>
I will start with my team so far:</p>
PG - Mo Williams
SG - Ray Allen - Mickael Pietrus
SF - Tayshaun Prince
PF - Chris Webber
C - Shaq</p>
A championship will be won or lost with my frontcourt. There are a lot of questions marks around Webber and Shaq, but if they are healthy in the playoffs those two combined with my other three starters should be able to make a deep run. Obviously, injuries could play a huge role in the success of my team considering Shaq, Webber, and Allen arent exactly locks for 70 games played. Allen and Webber compliment Shaq well, however Mo Williams isnt exactly the type of PG Shaq would like to play with. My stance on that is, Mo Williams can step up and help carry the offense with Shaq out and with Shaq and Webber in the line up the offense will run through the frontcourt. Should Shaq go down with an injury, the offense sets up well with Webber in the high post, Allen making it rain from the perimeter and Mo and Tayshaun attacking the basket. As cpaw mentioned the frontcourt needs some solid reserves to play 25 minutes for each position.</p>
Any input? </p></div>
Shaq/Allen combo could be deadly. Mo Williams and Ray Allen could be the best backcourt Shaq has ever had. When you add a solid pro like Tay your going to be dangerous. That said, I don't think Shaq can stay healthy anymore. He is bound to miss a large chunck time every season. </p> </div>
... Penny, Anderson? Kobe and anyone? It won't be the best backcourt he has played with. Though if he were younger, Allen would had made a great compliment as he certainly doesn't play with the ball in his hands as much as Kobe.</p>
-Petey</p>
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Denny Crane)</div><div class='quotemain'>Petey - WTF?</div></p>
What? I wanted slow low scoring, very defensive team that would kill attendance!</p>
-Petey</p>
</p>
What? I wanted slow low scoring, very defensive team that would kill attendance!</p>
-Petey</p>
</p>
Денг Гордон
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My main gripe with TucsonClip is Chris Webber. Horrible pick.</p>
I think you know that too.</p>
Luis Scola would have been a better pick and fit for your team.</p>
I think you know that too.</p>
Luis Scola would have been a better pick and fit for your team.</p>
TucsonClip
Thursday Night in Tucson = Upset
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BG7 Lavigne)</div><div class='quotemain'>
My main gripe with TucsonClip is Chris Webber. Horrible pick.</p>
I think you know that too.</p>
Luis Scola would have been a better pick and fit for your team. </p>
</div></p>
The problem with Scola is that he has no mid-range/high post game. Scola plays on the block and Shaq cant dominate the paint with two defenders within 5 feet. All I want Webber to do is knock down some jumpers and create a third dimension for my offense. Ray Allen and Mo Williams are the perimeter offense, Shaw is the low post offense, if Webber can pass the ball and hit some jumpers he is the perfect fit, because he can feed Shaq, I can run the offense through the high post, and he makes Ray Allen that much more intimidating, because you cant ever leave him on the perimeter for fear of Webber finding him for a quick three. </p>
</p>
My main gripe with TucsonClip is Chris Webber. Horrible pick.</p>
I think you know that too.</p>
Luis Scola would have been a better pick and fit for your team. </p>
</div></p>
The problem with Scola is that he has no mid-range/high post game. Scola plays on the block and Shaq cant dominate the paint with two defenders within 5 feet. All I want Webber to do is knock down some jumpers and create a third dimension for my offense. Ray Allen and Mo Williams are the perimeter offense, Shaw is the low post offense, if Webber can pass the ball and hit some jumpers he is the perfect fit, because he can feed Shaq, I can run the offense through the high post, and he makes Ray Allen that much more intimidating, because you cant ever leave him on the perimeter for fear of Webber finding him for a quick three. </p>
</p>
MikeDC
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The contenders:</p>
GrandKenyon6: A threat to win it all down the road. Okafor, Bosh, Howard and Hinrich. Wowl. BellyNelly seems like a risky choice at SG at the moment... the rest of that team is so good that if you just grab yourself a solid guy, you're really good to go.</p>
ZAE: Garnett, Wallace and Lewis, with MoPete and Felton in the backcourt looks solid. I'm iffy on Felton, but that's maybe the best three veteran guys up front around.</p>
Real: Team is precariously placed to contend with injury-prone and declining Grant Hill and Brad Miller. And the just plain injury-prone TJ Ford But it's still placed to contend. Tim Duncan and Manu are obviously rock solid.</p>
Theo: Solid all around unless Artest goes Ape Shit crazy. </p>
Tim: Green, Lebron and Roy... that's young and really good. Z and Ridnour are both good if not outstanding players. Solid at every position with a top 5 player a a guy who could be a legit #2. Wow </p>
Too young:</p>
Arrpy: Curry, Amare, Bibby, Rudy Gay</p>
BG7: Bynum, Tyrus, Durant, Gordon</p>
Rebelsun: All-rookie and second year guys except Josh Smith. </p>
Sorry, but what were you thinking Giantsfan1? Peja? Dude...</p>
</p>
</p>
</p>
GrandKenyon6: A threat to win it all down the road. Okafor, Bosh, Howard and Hinrich. Wowl. BellyNelly seems like a risky choice at SG at the moment... the rest of that team is so good that if you just grab yourself a solid guy, you're really good to go.</p>
ZAE: Garnett, Wallace and Lewis, with MoPete and Felton in the backcourt looks solid. I'm iffy on Felton, but that's maybe the best three veteran guys up front around.</p>
Real: Team is precariously placed to contend with injury-prone and declining Grant Hill and Brad Miller. And the just plain injury-prone TJ Ford But it's still placed to contend. Tim Duncan and Manu are obviously rock solid.</p>
Theo: Solid all around unless Artest goes Ape Shit crazy. </p>
Tim: Green, Lebron and Roy... that's young and really good. Z and Ridnour are both good if not outstanding players. Solid at every position with a top 5 player a a guy who could be a legit #2. Wow </p>
Too young:</p>
Arrpy: Curry, Amare, Bibby, Rudy Gay</p>
BG7: Bynum, Tyrus, Durant, Gordon</p>
Rebelsun: All-rookie and second year guys except Josh Smith. </p>
Sorry, but what were you thinking Giantsfan1? Peja? Dude...</p>
</p>
</p>
</p>
GrandKenyon6
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<p align="center">Atlantic Division </p>
Boston Celtics:</p>
Though Alonzo is still a very good player and arguably the best backup center in the league, a 37 year old center with kidney problems that shouldn't be playing more than 22 minutes per game is certainly not the ideal candidate to man the middle for a team so reliant on up tempo basketball. Much more help is needed at center and on the defensive end. Zo is still a tremendous shot blocker, but even so, the C's can be scored on quite easily and any team with size will be able to slow the C's down significantly and have its way in the paint.</p>
New Jersey Nets:</p>
Boris Diaw was taken a few rounds too early and relying on him as a full time power forward is silly. Deron Williams is the best young point guard in the game, but he cannot and should not shoulder as much of the scoring load as he will have to on this team and be responsible for running the offense. Tyson Chandler is a highly athletic center that rebounds and blocks shots and he will feed off Williams' play. Andres Nocioni is an aggressive defender and hustle player who holds his own on offense as well, but as it stands right now, this team is not strong enough on either end and doesn't have the size to compete with elite teams.</p>
New York Knicks:</p>
A very intriguing team. JO should be the 4 and Nene the 5, but other than that this team is pretty solid and will give many teams fits. L surrounded O'Neal with the right combination of scoring and mental toughness to help mask JO's flaws. James Posey was an iffy pick, as Corey Maggette is much more effective at small forward than shooting guard and James Posey is incapable of playing the 2 effectively, or at all for that matter. Perhaps it would be best to use either Maggette or Posey as the 6th man and draft a shooter with the next pick to man the 2. Billups is a great leader who is as mentally strong as they come and thrives in the clutch, which makes him the ideal player to complement O'Neal. A very nice pairing. Maggette is an aggressive, albeit selfish player with a large ego who can score in bunches and draw fouls with the best of 'em. He will break plays to look for his, but with O'Neal and Billups, a scorer like him is not a bad fit. Nene can defend, run the floor, score inside, and rebound. He fits in well. If healthy, and that is certainly a big if as JO, Nene, and Maggette have all had their share of injury woes, this team will be tough to beat and is strong on both ends of the floor.</p>
Philadelphia 76ers:</p>
Obviously the greatest team in history. This team is significantly better than the '96 Bulls, '71 Bucks, '72 Lakers, '67 Sixers, and great Celtics teams of the '60s combined.</p>
Toronto Raptors:</p>
Luol Deng is a terrific player who complements Baron Davis well. They will be a fine 1-2 punch and this team will thrive in transition, as everyone on the roster excels in the open court. I'm not so sure about Lee as a full time starting power forward though and Dalembert is an incredibly athletic rebounder and shot blocker, but is foul prone and dumb as a rock. Brandan Wright is a project but was certainly the right selection at that point in the draft. This team is good, but not quite championship caliber. A post presence would help this team considerably. </p>
Boston Celtics:</p>
Though Alonzo is still a very good player and arguably the best backup center in the league, a 37 year old center with kidney problems that shouldn't be playing more than 22 minutes per game is certainly not the ideal candidate to man the middle for a team so reliant on up tempo basketball. Much more help is needed at center and on the defensive end. Zo is still a tremendous shot blocker, but even so, the C's can be scored on quite easily and any team with size will be able to slow the C's down significantly and have its way in the paint.</p>
New Jersey Nets:</p>
Boris Diaw was taken a few rounds too early and relying on him as a full time power forward is silly. Deron Williams is the best young point guard in the game, but he cannot and should not shoulder as much of the scoring load as he will have to on this team and be responsible for running the offense. Tyson Chandler is a highly athletic center that rebounds and blocks shots and he will feed off Williams' play. Andres Nocioni is an aggressive defender and hustle player who holds his own on offense as well, but as it stands right now, this team is not strong enough on either end and doesn't have the size to compete with elite teams.</p>
New York Knicks:</p>
A very intriguing team. JO should be the 4 and Nene the 5, but other than that this team is pretty solid and will give many teams fits. L surrounded O'Neal with the right combination of scoring and mental toughness to help mask JO's flaws. James Posey was an iffy pick, as Corey Maggette is much more effective at small forward than shooting guard and James Posey is incapable of playing the 2 effectively, or at all for that matter. Perhaps it would be best to use either Maggette or Posey as the 6th man and draft a shooter with the next pick to man the 2. Billups is a great leader who is as mentally strong as they come and thrives in the clutch, which makes him the ideal player to complement O'Neal. A very nice pairing. Maggette is an aggressive, albeit selfish player with a large ego who can score in bunches and draw fouls with the best of 'em. He will break plays to look for his, but with O'Neal and Billups, a scorer like him is not a bad fit. Nene can defend, run the floor, score inside, and rebound. He fits in well. If healthy, and that is certainly a big if as JO, Nene, and Maggette have all had their share of injury woes, this team will be tough to beat and is strong on both ends of the floor.</p>
Philadelphia 76ers:</p>
Obviously the greatest team in history. This team is significantly better than the '96 Bulls, '71 Bucks, '72 Lakers, '67 Sixers, and great Celtics teams of the '60s combined.</p>
Toronto Raptors:</p>
Luol Deng is a terrific player who complements Baron Davis well. They will be a fine 1-2 punch and this team will thrive in transition, as everyone on the roster excels in the open court. I'm not so sure about Lee as a full time starting power forward though and Dalembert is an incredibly athletic rebounder and shot blocker, but is foul prone and dumb as a rock. Brandan Wright is a project but was certainly the right selection at that point in the draft. This team is good, but not quite championship caliber. A post presence would help this team considerably. </p>
zєяσ
Truth is beautiful
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (GrandKenyon6)</div><div class='quotemain'><p align="center">Atlantic Division </p>
Boston Celtics:</p>
Though Alonzo is still a very good player and arguably the best backup center in the league, a 37 year old center with kidney problems that shouldn't be playing more than 22 minutes per game is certainly not the ideal candidate to man the middle for a team so reliant on up tempo basketball. Much more help is needed at center and on the defensive end. Zo is still a tremendous shot blocker, but even so, the C's can be scored on quite easily and any team with size will be able to slow the C's down significantly and have its way in the paint.</p>
New Jersey Nets:</p>
Boris Diaw was taken a few rounds too early and relying on him as a full time power forward is silly. Deron Williams is the best young point guard in the game, but he cannot and should not shoulder as much of the scoring load as he will have to on this team and be responsible for running the offense. Tyson Chandler is a highly athletic center that rebounds and blocks shots and he will feed off Williams' play. Andres Nocioni is an aggressive defender and hustle player who holds his own on offense as well, but as it stands right now, this team is not strong enough on either end and doesn't have the size to compete with elite teams.</p>
New York Knicks:</p>
A very intriguing team. JO should be the 4 and Nene the 5, but other than that this team is pretty solid and will give many teams fits. L surrounded O'Neal with the right combination of scoring and mental toughness to help mask JO's flaws. James Posey was an iffy pick, as Corey Maggette is much more effective at small forward than shooting guard and James Posey is incapable of playing the 2 effectively, or at all for that matter. Perhaps it would be best to use either Maggette or Posey as the 6th man and draft a shooter with the next pick to man the 2. Billups is a great leader who is as mentally strong as they come and thrives in the clutch, which makes him the ideal player to complement O'Neal. A very nice pairing. Maggette is an aggressive, albeit selfish player with a large ego who can score in bunches and draw fouls with the best of 'em. He will break plays to look for his, but with O'Neal and Billups, a scorer like him is not a bad fit. Nene can defend, run the floor, score inside, and rebound. He fits in well. If healthy, and that is certainly a big if as JO, Nene, and Maggette have all had their share of injury woes, this team will be tough to beat and is strong on both ends of the floor.</p>
Philadelphia 76ers:</p>
Obviously the greatest team in history. This team is significantly better than the '96 Bulls, '71 Bucks, '72 Lakers, '67 Sixers, and great Celtics teams of the '60s combined.</p>
Toronto Raptors:</p>
Luol Deng is a terrific player who complements Baron Davis well. They will be a fine 1-2 punch and this team will thrive in transition, as everyone on the roster excels in the open court. I'm not so sure about Lee as a full time starting power forward though and Dalembert is an incredibly athletic rebounder and shot blocker, but is foul prone and dumb as a rock. Brandan Wright is a project but was certainly the right selection at that point in the draft. This team is good, but not quite championship caliber. A post presence would help this team considerably. </p>
</div></p>
I said the Knicks suck.</p>
</p>
dont you people listen. Im filling the team with egos so it will blow up like the real one.</p>
</p>
Boston Celtics:</p>
Though Alonzo is still a very good player and arguably the best backup center in the league, a 37 year old center with kidney problems that shouldn't be playing more than 22 minutes per game is certainly not the ideal candidate to man the middle for a team so reliant on up tempo basketball. Much more help is needed at center and on the defensive end. Zo is still a tremendous shot blocker, but even so, the C's can be scored on quite easily and any team with size will be able to slow the C's down significantly and have its way in the paint.</p>
New Jersey Nets:</p>
Boris Diaw was taken a few rounds too early and relying on him as a full time power forward is silly. Deron Williams is the best young point guard in the game, but he cannot and should not shoulder as much of the scoring load as he will have to on this team and be responsible for running the offense. Tyson Chandler is a highly athletic center that rebounds and blocks shots and he will feed off Williams' play. Andres Nocioni is an aggressive defender and hustle player who holds his own on offense as well, but as it stands right now, this team is not strong enough on either end and doesn't have the size to compete with elite teams.</p>
New York Knicks:</p>
A very intriguing team. JO should be the 4 and Nene the 5, but other than that this team is pretty solid and will give many teams fits. L surrounded O'Neal with the right combination of scoring and mental toughness to help mask JO's flaws. James Posey was an iffy pick, as Corey Maggette is much more effective at small forward than shooting guard and James Posey is incapable of playing the 2 effectively, or at all for that matter. Perhaps it would be best to use either Maggette or Posey as the 6th man and draft a shooter with the next pick to man the 2. Billups is a great leader who is as mentally strong as they come and thrives in the clutch, which makes him the ideal player to complement O'Neal. A very nice pairing. Maggette is an aggressive, albeit selfish player with a large ego who can score in bunches and draw fouls with the best of 'em. He will break plays to look for his, but with O'Neal and Billups, a scorer like him is not a bad fit. Nene can defend, run the floor, score inside, and rebound. He fits in well. If healthy, and that is certainly a big if as JO, Nene, and Maggette have all had their share of injury woes, this team will be tough to beat and is strong on both ends of the floor.</p>
Philadelphia 76ers:</p>
Obviously the greatest team in history. This team is significantly better than the '96 Bulls, '71 Bucks, '72 Lakers, '67 Sixers, and great Celtics teams of the '60s combined.</p>
Toronto Raptors:</p>
Luol Deng is a terrific player who complements Baron Davis well. They will be a fine 1-2 punch and this team will thrive in transition, as everyone on the roster excels in the open court. I'm not so sure about Lee as a full time starting power forward though and Dalembert is an incredibly athletic rebounder and shot blocker, but is foul prone and dumb as a rock. Brandan Wright is a project but was certainly the right selection at that point in the draft. This team is good, but not quite championship caliber. A post presence would help this team considerably. </p>
</div></p>
I said the Knicks suck.</p>
</p>
dont you people listen. Im filling the team with egos so it will blow up like the real one.</p>
</p>
lukewarmplay
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To me, the elite teams seem to be the Rockets, Pistons, Utah, Wizards (despite having Brad Miller), Golden State, in that general order. I don't consider injury-prone-ness, but do consider injuries. Real has some work to do to back up Miller and Hill. </p>
I don't have the same love everyone else does for Philly- I think they're great, but Belinelli was almost as bad a pick as Shelden, and I have concerns over Bosh's current injured status. Obviously it depends on how the bench fills out. Milwaukee's also up there, as are the Clippers and Bobcats (thanks to Scola being able to spell the 89 year old McDyess). I'd put these 4 in the next tier for now. </p>
Cleveland's got a weird mix, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the bench develops. </p>
</p>
I don't have the same love everyone else does for Philly- I think they're great, but Belinelli was almost as bad a pick as Shelden, and I have concerns over Bosh's current injured status. Obviously it depends on how the bench fills out. Milwaukee's also up there, as are the Clippers and Bobcats (thanks to Scola being able to spell the 89 year old McDyess). I'd put these 4 in the next tier for now. </p>
Cleveland's got a weird mix, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the bench develops. </p>
</p>
ly_yng
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<font size="3">The Pacific Division</font></p>
As we know, the NBA is a league of stars. So who are the biggest and brightest names in this division?</p>
Shaq and Ray Allen are a dangerous inside-out combo on the Clippers. J-Kidd is running the show in Sacramento for the Kings. A.I. is drawing in the fans in Phoenix with Carlos Boozer providing a post presence. TMac looks like he'll have to do it all alone for the Lakers, with Elton Brand out an extended period of time. And Golden State is very excited for the future with Greg Oden at center. </p>
Who are the up and coming stars talent within the division?</p>
Obviously, Greg Oden has pushed himself to the top of this list without ever playing a minute of NBA basketball. The Warriors (as GMed by your humble author) certainly have the most impressive collection of young talent, with Leandro Barbosa and Al Jefferson supporting Oden, although there are very serious questions about how they will play together. The rest of the division is relatively sparse for young talent - only Carlos Boozer in Phoenix and Mo Williams in L.A. (Clips) could be considered stars that are just entering their prime. </p>
Josh Childress, Jameer Nelson (LAL both) and Paul Milsap (Kings) have shown early in their careers that they are good role players, but are all questionably suited for a starting role. Players of a similar talent level, Luke Walton (Phoenix) and Mikael Pietrus (LAC) will likely be able to play more effectively in niche roles off the bench. All of these players are quite young, and may grow into and beyond the roles required of them.</p>
Stars can't win games alone. You don't need a shoe company to tell you that it takes 5. Who are the key role players on each team?</p>
The Kings seem to be made up of nothing but successful role players. Stephen Jackson, Raja Bell, and Marcus Camby have all shown they can be integral parts of teams making a run to the Finals. Considering Jason Kidd's reputation for taking good players and making them look great, this may turn out to be a winning combination. The most serious concern would seem to be that none of these players are good enough to create opportunities, so that scoring against a set half court offense may come very difficultly. Still, this would appear to be a very strong defensive team (especially with Desmond Mason coming off the bench), and considering the overall team speed here, that should lead to a very strong transition game. This team should play very similarly to Kidd's old Martin-Jefferson Nets team - strong, clutch defense, a relentless transition game and a maddening inability to score in the half-court.</p>
Phoenix has it's work cut out for them, trying to do the impossible: namely, find players who are a good match for Allen Iverson. Rip Hamilton has played at an All-Star level in Detroit, but will almost certainly not reach that level here as the third option on offense. Still, his catch and shoot skills are deadly in a structured offense that works to get him open shots. Similarly, Bruce Bowen and Eric Dampier are defensive specialists that can be offensive liabilities if they are forced to improvise on offense. If AI can get himself under control, and run a structured offense based around Boozer posting up and Iverson's elite drive and kick capabilities, this could be a scarily efficient offensive machine. Walton coming off the bench would seem to be better suited to Iverson's improvisation.</p>
The Lakers are going to have a lot of trouble, as Jameer Nelson, Mikki Moore and Josh Childress are, quite frankly, barely NBA caliber starters. Without Elton Brand, it's going to be Tracy McGrady vs. the world. Most nights, the world should win. The Clippers have one of the best role players in the league in Tayshaun Prince, who can do nearly anything you ask him to, from defending anyone from point guards to power forwards, scoring clutch baskets or pulling down rebounds. He is a winner, through and through, and the type of player that has consistently helped Shaq led teams make the jump from good to great. Chris Webber is quite the opposite, a guy who early in his career was a key player on many good-but-not-great teams, and lately is a dangerous offensive threat who, because of his knee problems, has literally no chance at guarding the explosive stars at power forward that seem to be the lynchpins of great teams. Mo Williams is a shoot first point guard who's ability to break down the defense will likely be key in initiating the offense. Pietrus off the bench will be relied on as a defensive stopper - outside Prince, the rest of the team is quite weak defensively. </p>
The Golden State Warriors have Bobby Simmons and Shane Battier, who are both talented defensive players who make a high percentage of their three point shots. With Barbosa, who is also an excellent shooter, they will do their best to make teams pay for doubling Al Jefferson in the post. </p>
What style of play should we expect to see out of these teams?</p>
Golden State is a contrast of styles. Barbosa would excell at pushing the break, but the rest of the team can't match his speed. It will be an interesting team from a "second break" perspective, with Battier and Simmons setting up for open threes as teams close in on Barbosa. Likely, they will be most effective in the half-court. Jefferson, Battier and Barbosa are all good at moving the ball, and should be able to exploit double teams. The team will only become more dangerous as Oden learns how to play both off the ball, and at posting up, where he eventually should also demand a double team. Defensively, Jefferson and Barbosa are the weak links, but should be dececnt enough that their mistakes can be covered by their teammates. Overall, a team that will have trouble carving out an identity early on. </p>
The Clippers are going to be a very efficient, if slow, half court team. Defensively, they are going to have a lot of trouble handling strong, athletic frontcourts (e.g. Utah, Philly, Washington and Dallas). Similarly, small, quick guards should be able to penetrate and pass out. There aren't many teams in the league that play slow efficient offense and bad defense, but the ones that do don't tend to make the playoffs.</p>
The Lakers should play like the Real Life Lakers, with Tracy McGrady doing an impression of a poor man's Kobe Bryant. 40 shots a game wouldn't surprise me. </p>
Phoenix may end up being a very rewarding or very frustrating team to watch. Iverson is the key. If he can buy into a system and play disciplined basketball, the offense will run efficiently and the defense will be very good, if not great. If instead, Iverson continues to play as he has his entire career, many a well designed offensive set may just turn into Iverson launching up wild shots. This is a team that, if Iverson had been replaced with Steven Nash, could have been a title contender. As is, the Suns still look like a very good team.</p>
The Kings are going to play fast, because they will have trouble scoring in the half court. Luckily, fast break opportunities should be plentiful with the suffocating defense this team tends to play, and the endless motor of Jason Kidd. If they find a player who can penetrate and draw help defenders, they could be a title contender. </p>
As we know, the NBA is a league of stars. So who are the biggest and brightest names in this division?</p>
Shaq and Ray Allen are a dangerous inside-out combo on the Clippers. J-Kidd is running the show in Sacramento for the Kings. A.I. is drawing in the fans in Phoenix with Carlos Boozer providing a post presence. TMac looks like he'll have to do it all alone for the Lakers, with Elton Brand out an extended period of time. And Golden State is very excited for the future with Greg Oden at center. </p>
Who are the up and coming stars talent within the division?</p>
Obviously, Greg Oden has pushed himself to the top of this list without ever playing a minute of NBA basketball. The Warriors (as GMed by your humble author) certainly have the most impressive collection of young talent, with Leandro Barbosa and Al Jefferson supporting Oden, although there are very serious questions about how they will play together. The rest of the division is relatively sparse for young talent - only Carlos Boozer in Phoenix and Mo Williams in L.A. (Clips) could be considered stars that are just entering their prime. </p>
Josh Childress, Jameer Nelson (LAL both) and Paul Milsap (Kings) have shown early in their careers that they are good role players, but are all questionably suited for a starting role. Players of a similar talent level, Luke Walton (Phoenix) and Mikael Pietrus (LAC) will likely be able to play more effectively in niche roles off the bench. All of these players are quite young, and may grow into and beyond the roles required of them.</p>
Stars can't win games alone. You don't need a shoe company to tell you that it takes 5. Who are the key role players on each team?</p>
The Kings seem to be made up of nothing but successful role players. Stephen Jackson, Raja Bell, and Marcus Camby have all shown they can be integral parts of teams making a run to the Finals. Considering Jason Kidd's reputation for taking good players and making them look great, this may turn out to be a winning combination. The most serious concern would seem to be that none of these players are good enough to create opportunities, so that scoring against a set half court offense may come very difficultly. Still, this would appear to be a very strong defensive team (especially with Desmond Mason coming off the bench), and considering the overall team speed here, that should lead to a very strong transition game. This team should play very similarly to Kidd's old Martin-Jefferson Nets team - strong, clutch defense, a relentless transition game and a maddening inability to score in the half-court.</p>
Phoenix has it's work cut out for them, trying to do the impossible: namely, find players who are a good match for Allen Iverson. Rip Hamilton has played at an All-Star level in Detroit, but will almost certainly not reach that level here as the third option on offense. Still, his catch and shoot skills are deadly in a structured offense that works to get him open shots. Similarly, Bruce Bowen and Eric Dampier are defensive specialists that can be offensive liabilities if they are forced to improvise on offense. If AI can get himself under control, and run a structured offense based around Boozer posting up and Iverson's elite drive and kick capabilities, this could be a scarily efficient offensive machine. Walton coming off the bench would seem to be better suited to Iverson's improvisation.</p>
The Lakers are going to have a lot of trouble, as Jameer Nelson, Mikki Moore and Josh Childress are, quite frankly, barely NBA caliber starters. Without Elton Brand, it's going to be Tracy McGrady vs. the world. Most nights, the world should win. The Clippers have one of the best role players in the league in Tayshaun Prince, who can do nearly anything you ask him to, from defending anyone from point guards to power forwards, scoring clutch baskets or pulling down rebounds. He is a winner, through and through, and the type of player that has consistently helped Shaq led teams make the jump from good to great. Chris Webber is quite the opposite, a guy who early in his career was a key player on many good-but-not-great teams, and lately is a dangerous offensive threat who, because of his knee problems, has literally no chance at guarding the explosive stars at power forward that seem to be the lynchpins of great teams. Mo Williams is a shoot first point guard who's ability to break down the defense will likely be key in initiating the offense. Pietrus off the bench will be relied on as a defensive stopper - outside Prince, the rest of the team is quite weak defensively. </p>
The Golden State Warriors have Bobby Simmons and Shane Battier, who are both talented defensive players who make a high percentage of their three point shots. With Barbosa, who is also an excellent shooter, they will do their best to make teams pay for doubling Al Jefferson in the post. </p>
What style of play should we expect to see out of these teams?</p>
Golden State is a contrast of styles. Barbosa would excell at pushing the break, but the rest of the team can't match his speed. It will be an interesting team from a "second break" perspective, with Battier and Simmons setting up for open threes as teams close in on Barbosa. Likely, they will be most effective in the half-court. Jefferson, Battier and Barbosa are all good at moving the ball, and should be able to exploit double teams. The team will only become more dangerous as Oden learns how to play both off the ball, and at posting up, where he eventually should also demand a double team. Defensively, Jefferson and Barbosa are the weak links, but should be dececnt enough that their mistakes can be covered by their teammates. Overall, a team that will have trouble carving out an identity early on. </p>
The Clippers are going to be a very efficient, if slow, half court team. Defensively, they are going to have a lot of trouble handling strong, athletic frontcourts (e.g. Utah, Philly, Washington and Dallas). Similarly, small, quick guards should be able to penetrate and pass out. There aren't many teams in the league that play slow efficient offense and bad defense, but the ones that do don't tend to make the playoffs.</p>
The Lakers should play like the Real Life Lakers, with Tracy McGrady doing an impression of a poor man's Kobe Bryant. 40 shots a game wouldn't surprise me. </p>
Phoenix may end up being a very rewarding or very frustrating team to watch. Iverson is the key. If he can buy into a system and play disciplined basketball, the offense will run efficiently and the defense will be very good, if not great. If instead, Iverson continues to play as he has his entire career, many a well designed offensive set may just turn into Iverson launching up wild shots. This is a team that, if Iverson had been replaced with Steven Nash, could have been a title contender. As is, the Suns still look like a very good team.</p>
The Kings are going to play fast, because they will have trouble scoring in the half court. Luckily, fast break opportunities should be plentiful with the suffocating defense this team tends to play, and the endless motor of Jason Kidd. If they find a player who can penetrate and draw help defenders, they could be a title contender. </p>
ly_yng
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lukewarmplay)</div><div class='quotemain'>
To me, the elite teams seem to be the Rockets, Pistons, Utah, Wizards (despite having Brad Miller), Golden State, in that general order. </p></div>
Hooray! Far as I can tell, this is the first time someone's put Golden State in their top tier. Thanks! </p>
To me, the elite teams seem to be the Rockets, Pistons, Utah, Wizards (despite having Brad Miller), Golden State, in that general order. </p></div>
Hooray! Far as I can tell, this is the first time someone's put Golden State in their top tier. Thanks! </p>
ghoti
A PhD in Horribleness
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I think it's still too early to evaluate teams properly, but here are some of the ones with the least and most work to do.</p>
Jazz - The most dominant player paired with an elite scorer. So far the team is well constructed, and there are plenty of players left to plug the remaining holes. A lock contender.</p>
Warriors - Very solid group who might be able to take Greg Oden to the playoffs in his rookie season. Injuries and experience are big concerns and it will be tough to get quality depth to compensate.</p>
Grizzlies - An odd team constructed outside the box. I don't think they will have as much trouble scoring as it looks on the surface. A nightmare to gameplan against. A playoff team that can survive an injury or two. Coaching will be very important, but the talent is there. Fun team drafted with conviction. </p>
Wizards - Durability and injury concerns derail a prominsing start. This team is more likely to miss the playoffs than win a title. Brad Miller looks shot. Ford is brittle. Grant Hill is a shell of himself. Impossible to get enough depth from this point forward. Will need a great team pastor and a lot of luck.</p>
Rockets - This team has five really good players and no chance to win because they have absolutely no inside presence. </p>
Bucks - Great team. Well constructed - the players fit together, lots of key depth. Plenty of diverse tools for the coach to use. This team can play multiple styles. The only flaw is a lack of great defenders, but there are good ones. Darko is still very unproven - he's a bit of a risk. Winners with terrific attitudes everywhere you look. Will be a pleasure to root for and coach.</p>
Pistons - Very dangerous team with some weaknesses in the backcourt. Still work to do in the draft, but the players needed should be there. This team will be a handful. A definite playoff team and possibly more.</p>
Spurs - Very strange, almost randomly constructed team. Wade and Bogut is a decent foundation. Lots of defensive liabilities. This team should make some trades. </p>
Heat - Fun team to watch in the upcoming years. Risky strategy that may never pay off. Probably wouldn't win more than 15 games this season. Josh Smith is a poor veteran leader.</p>
Clippers - Frontcourt durablility could make this team a terrible disappointment. Not sure Mo is the right guy to run this kind of show. Still players available who could help, but nothing will help if there's no Shaq. This team has little to no future. Very risky strategy.</p>
Magic - Nowhere near enough talent to overcome doughnut status. Paul Pierce is demanding a trade to the Pistons to play with KG.</p>
Pacers - This team will be excellent and very well constructed as soon as they trade Zach Randolph. He couldn't be a worse fit for this team. It's the biggest "sore thumb" I see in the entire league.</p>
My eyes are all buggy so I'll continue later. %) </p>
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</p>
Jazz - The most dominant player paired with an elite scorer. So far the team is well constructed, and there are plenty of players left to plug the remaining holes. A lock contender.</p>
Warriors - Very solid group who might be able to take Greg Oden to the playoffs in his rookie season. Injuries and experience are big concerns and it will be tough to get quality depth to compensate.</p>
Grizzlies - An odd team constructed outside the box. I don't think they will have as much trouble scoring as it looks on the surface. A nightmare to gameplan against. A playoff team that can survive an injury or two. Coaching will be very important, but the talent is there. Fun team drafted with conviction. </p>
Wizards - Durability and injury concerns derail a prominsing start. This team is more likely to miss the playoffs than win a title. Brad Miller looks shot. Ford is brittle. Grant Hill is a shell of himself. Impossible to get enough depth from this point forward. Will need a great team pastor and a lot of luck.</p>
Rockets - This team has five really good players and no chance to win because they have absolutely no inside presence. </p>
Bucks - Great team. Well constructed - the players fit together, lots of key depth. Plenty of diverse tools for the coach to use. This team can play multiple styles. The only flaw is a lack of great defenders, but there are good ones. Darko is still very unproven - he's a bit of a risk. Winners with terrific attitudes everywhere you look. Will be a pleasure to root for and coach.</p>
Pistons - Very dangerous team with some weaknesses in the backcourt. Still work to do in the draft, but the players needed should be there. This team will be a handful. A definite playoff team and possibly more.</p>
Spurs - Very strange, almost randomly constructed team. Wade and Bogut is a decent foundation. Lots of defensive liabilities. This team should make some trades. </p>
Heat - Fun team to watch in the upcoming years. Risky strategy that may never pay off. Probably wouldn't win more than 15 games this season. Josh Smith is a poor veteran leader.</p>
Clippers - Frontcourt durablility could make this team a terrible disappointment. Not sure Mo is the right guy to run this kind of show. Still players available who could help, but nothing will help if there's no Shaq. This team has little to no future. Very risky strategy.</p>
Magic - Nowhere near enough talent to overcome doughnut status. Paul Pierce is demanding a trade to the Pistons to play with KG.</p>
Pacers - This team will be excellent and very well constructed as soon as they trade Zach Randolph. He couldn't be a worse fit for this team. It's the biggest "sore thumb" I see in the entire league.</p>
My eyes are all buggy so I'll continue later. %) </p>
</p>
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</p>
</p>
</p>
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I nominate the Raptors for most overlooked team.</p>
I think the team I have put together is much better than the Warriors squad that just knocked off the Mavs. Good athletes at every position to keep up with B-Diddy, frontcourt that rebounds like crazy and gets garbage buckets, and Luol Deng is miles better than Ellis, Richardson or Jackson.</p>
But in this draft it arguably isn't even a top-12 or top-15 team. Too bad. </p>
I think the team I have put together is much better than the Warriors squad that just knocked off the Mavs. Good athletes at every position to keep up with B-Diddy, frontcourt that rebounds like crazy and gets garbage buckets, and Luol Deng is miles better than Ellis, Richardson or Jackson.</p>
But in this draft it arguably isn't even a top-12 or top-15 team. Too bad. </p>
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Petey's team. WTF?</p>
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</p>
ZAE
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ghoti)</div><div class='quotemain'>Magic - Nowhere near enough talent to overcome doughnut status. Paul Pierce is demanding a trade to the Pistons to play with KG.</div></p>
So who should play the 2, Lewis or Pierce?</p>
So who should play the 2, Lewis or Pierce?</p>
GrandKenyon6
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<div align="center">Central Division</div><div align="center"></div><div align="left">Chicago Bulls:</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I get a kick out of this team every time I look at the roster, but unfortunately for Giantsfan1, 2001 was six years ago. Steve Francis is a terrible NBA player incapable of helping any team win. To start a walking shot clock violation like him is never a good idea. Vince Carter is a frustrating player to watch. The Bulls lack size, toughness, defensive ability, and will be a nightmare offensively watching Steve Francis try and play point with scorers such as Vince. Peja, and Abdur-Rahim. This team has absolutely no leadership and is comprised of mentally weak has beens and players in decline. Yikes.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Cleveland Cavaliers:</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">It has been said that Kenyon Martin has the worst contract in the league, but if he makes a full recovery, he is a player of 2nd or early 3rd round value that was selected in the 6th round and is a tremendous asset to have off the bench. A 100% Kenyon Martin is an exceptional finisher around the rim and an incredible defender capable of guarding any position on the floor. I remember a game against Charlotte in his rookie year where not only did he guard Baron Davis for a significant portion of the game, he pretty much shut him down. His low rebounding totals in his first few years can be attributed to him being asked to guard wing and perimeter players. He is a player that can help any team when healthy and as a sixth man he could thrive. I can go on with the Kenyon nostalgia forever though, so enough with that..Even if Martin doesn't recover, it was a risk worth taking considering that Howard is extremely young and more than capable of logging big minutes. Howard's physical gifts are stunning and he is the best young big man in the NBA. He still has problems establishing position and isn't equipped to be a good #1 option quite yet, though he's getting there. Jason Richardson complements him well and can easily shoulder some of the scoring load. Brewer and Jack are young and good defenders and Pachulia is serviceable, but this team still needs a little bit more offense. A lot of Cleveland's success hinges on Martin's health, which isn't a good thing.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Detroit Pistons:</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The backcourt is weak, but the frontcourt is great. Ben Wallace is overpaid and in decline and Rashard Lewis's contract is terrible. KG's contract is enormous too and Dunleavy's is quite large for a player of his abilities. Problems will arise when Felton needs an extension. A lot of money is being spent for a short title window, but over the next 2-4 years, this will be one of the teams to beat, which is really all that matters. Lewis can shoot and score and will be a fine complement to Big Ben and KG. With KG and Wallace, this should be an excellent rebounding and defensive team. Peterson provides shooting as well as some perimeter defense. Felton is young and doesn't really fit with the veteran core, but he should adapt just fine. Dunleavy is fine in a bench role. The Pistons should have no problem winning the division and will contend for the title.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Indiana Pacers:</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Pairing Steve Nash with a plodder and selfish thug like Zach Randolph is easily the most ludicrous decision in the draft so far. Wilcox will feed off Nash and Odom will be a solid contributor, but this team is abysmal defensively. The Pacers team would be better if it traded (or even waived) Randolph. The talent is there, but the chemistry and different play styles will cause this team to fight for one of the last spots or miss the playoffs entirely.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Milwaukee Bucks:</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">An all around good team with two strong bench players so far. David West and Caron Butler will score and Monta Ellis has tremendous upside. Darko is still a question mark, as the last two seasons he's shown flashes but has never expanded upon them. Daniels is an excellent backup point and should split time with Calderon, and even play with him on some occasions. Foster is a superb rebounder and hustle player. Very good pick. The team is comprised of character guys and will be a solid playoff team, though as of now they are not strong enough to take the conference. If Ellis can take his game to the next level in a couple years and Darko improves, this team will be scary.</div>
ghoti
A PhD in Horribleness
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<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ZÆ
</div><div class='quotemain'>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ghoti)</div><div class='quotemain'>Magic - Nowhere near enough talent to overcome doughnut status. Paul Pierce is demanding a trade to the Pistons to play with KG.</div></p>
So who should play the 2, Lewis or Pierce? </p>
</div></p>
Well, Lewis can't do it, so that just leaves Pierce.</p>
</p>
</div><div class='quotemain'><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ghoti)</div><div class='quotemain'>Magic - Nowhere near enough talent to overcome doughnut status. Paul Pierce is demanding a trade to the Pistons to play with KG.</div></p>
So who should play the 2, Lewis or Pierce? </p>
</div></p>
Well, Lewis can't do it, so that just leaves Pierce.</p>
</p>
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