Here is my list going into my fantasy draft tonight.
1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Shawn Marion
4. Dirk Nowitzki
5. Kevin Garnett
6. Steve Nash
7. Yao Ming
8. Chris Paul
9. Gilbert Arenas
10. Jason Kidd
11. Amare Stoudemire
12. Pau Gasol
13. Tim Duncan
14. Dwyane Wade
15. Deron Williams
16. Josh Smith
17. Marcus Camby
18. Chris Bosh
19. Rashard Lewis
20. Al Jefferson
21. Paul Pierce
22. Allen Iverson
23. Ray Allen
24. Chauncey Billups
25. Vince Carter
26. Carlos Boozer
27. Michael Redd
28. Joe Johnson
29. Carmelo Anthony
30. Dwight Howard
31. Tracy McGrady
32. Josh Howard
33. Andre Iguodala
34. Gerald Wallace
35. Caron Butler
36. Jermaine O'Neal
37. Emeka Okafor
38. Tyson Chandler
39. Rasheed Wallace
40. Luol Deng
41. LaMarcus Aldridge
42. Lamar Odom
43. Jason Terry
44. Brandon Roy
45. Baron Davis
46. Jason Richardson
47. Ron Artest
48. Antawn Jamison
49. Kevin Martin
50. Kevin Durant
51. Kirk Hinrich
52. Andrei Kirilenko
53. Tony Parker
54. Mike Miller
55. Corey Maggette
56. Mehmet Okur
57. Raymond Felton
58. T.J. Ford
59. Samuel Dalembert
60. Leandro Barbosa
61. Ben Gordon
62. David West
63. Manu Ginobili
64. Richard Hamilton
65. Andris Biedrins
66. Nene Hilario
67. Danny Granger
68. Mo Williams
69. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
70. Ricky Davis
71. Ben Wallace
72. Andre Miller
73. Zach Randolph
74. Andrea Bargnani
75. Andrew Bogut
76. Richard Jefferson
77. Shane Battier
78. Monta Ellis
79. Josh Childress
80. Randy Foye
81. Morris Peterson
82. Tayshaun Prince
83. Rudy Gay
84. Al Harrington
85. David Lee
86. Andrew Bynum
87. Jamal Crawford
88. Anthony Parker
89. Cuttino Mobley
90. Channing Frye
91. Charlie Villanueva
92. Mike Bibby
93. Peja Stojakovic
94. Stephen Jackson
95. Chris Kaman
96. Raja Bell
97. Jameer Nelson
98. Brad Miller
99. Stephon Marbury
100. Luke Walton
101. Rajon Rondo
102. Walter Herrmann
103. Darko Milicic
104. Boris Diaw
105. Nenad Krstic
106. Jarrett Jack
107. Matt Barnes
108. Hedo Turkoglu
109. Udonis Haslem
110. Delonte West
111. Troy Murphy
112. Andres Nocioni
113. Jason Kapono
114. Kendrick Perkins
115. Mike Dunleavy
116. Luther Head
117. Nick Collison
118. Drew Gooden
119. Devin Harris
120. Paul Millsap
121. Marvin Williams
122. Jason Maxiell
123. Mike Conley Jr.
124. Robert Swift
125. Jorge Garbajosa
126. Luke Ridnour
127. Matt Carroll
128. Zaza Pachulia
129. Ime Udoka
130. John Salmons
131. Jose Calderon
132. Eduardo Najera
133. Francisco Garcia
134. Larry Hughes
135. Chris Mihm
136. Luis Scola
137. Kyle Korver
138. James Posey
139. Jamaal Tinsley
140. Al Horford
141. Brent Barry
142. Chris Duhon
143. DeShawn Stevenson
144. Tim Thomas
145. Chris Wilcox
146. Quentin Richardson
147. Antonio McDyess
148. Charlie Bell
149. Earl Watson
150. Al Thornton
Just off the list:
Michael Finley, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, J.R. Smith, Erick Dampier, Ryan Gomes, Rasual Butler, Mikki Moore, Chuck Hayes, Bobby Simmons, Mickael Pietrus, Hakim Warrick, Chucky Atkins, Juan Dixon, Sam Cassell, Matt Harpring, Steve Blake, Brevin Knight, Kenyon Martin
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Sunday, October 21, 2007
NBA PREVIEW (10/21/07)
NBA PREVIEW
MY PRESEASON NBA RANKINGS:
1.) Denver Nuggets
2.) San Antonio Spurs
3.) Phoenix Suns
4.) Houston Rockets
5.) Dallas Mavericks
6.) Boston Celtics
7.) Chicago Bulls
8.) Utah Jazz
9.) Cleveland Cavaliers
10.) Detroit Pistons
11.) Los Angeles Lakers
12.) Orlando Magic
13.) Toronto Raptors
14.) Washington Wizards
15.) Miami Heat
16.) Golden State Warriors
17.) New Jersey Nets
18.) New Orleans Hornets
19.) New York Knicks
20.) Charlotte Bobcats
21.) Milwaukee Bucks
22.) Sacramento Kings
23.) Seattle Supersonics
24.) Portland Trailblazers
25.) Philadelphia 76ers
26.) Atlanta Hawks
27.) Memphis Grizzles
28.) Minnesota Timberwolves
29.) Los Angeles Clippers
30.) Indiana Pacers
Western Conference Playoff Pictures:
1 - San Antonio Spurs
2 - Denver Nuggets
3 - Phoenix Suns
4 - Houston Rockets
5 - Dallas Mavericks
6 - Utah Jazz
7 - Los Angeles Lakers
8 - Golden State Warriors
Eastern Conference Playoff Picture:
1 - Boston Celtics
2 - Chicago Bulls
3 - Orlando Magic
4 - Cleveland Cavaliers
5 - Detroit Pistons
6 - Toronto Raptors
7 - Washington Wizards
8 - Miami Heat
Western Conference Round One:
Spurs over Warriors, Nuggets over Lakers, Jazz over Suns, Rockets over Mavericks
Eastern Conference Round One:
Celtics over Heat, Bulls over Wizards, Raptors over Magic, Pistons over Cavaliers
Western Conference Semi-Finals:
Spurs over Jazz, Nuggets over Suns
Eastern Conference Semi-Finals:
Celtics over Raptors, Bulls over Pistons
Western Conference Finals:
Nuggets over Spurs
Eastern Conference Finals:
Bulls over Celtics
NBA FINALS:
Nuggets over Bulls
NBA Finals Champions: Denver Nuggets
My pick to win the NBA championship is the Denver Nuggets. With Carmelo, AI and a slew of ballers coming off the bench -- there's no stopping George Karl this year.
MVP: 1st: Tim Duncan 2nd: Carmelo Anthony 3rd: LeBron James
Defensive: 1st: Marcus Camby 2nd: Josh Smith 3rd: Kevin Garnett
MIP: 1st: Paul Milsap 2nd: Luis Scola 3rd: Dorell Wright
ROY: 1st: Kevin Durant 2nd: Al Horford 3rd: Mike Conley Jr.
6th: 1st: Walter Hermann 2nd: Grant Hill 3rd: David Lee
MY PRESEASON NBA RANKINGS:
1.) Denver Nuggets
2.) San Antonio Spurs
3.) Phoenix Suns
4.) Houston Rockets
5.) Dallas Mavericks
6.) Boston Celtics
7.) Chicago Bulls
8.) Utah Jazz
9.) Cleveland Cavaliers
10.) Detroit Pistons
11.) Los Angeles Lakers
12.) Orlando Magic
13.) Toronto Raptors
14.) Washington Wizards
15.) Miami Heat
16.) Golden State Warriors
17.) New Jersey Nets
18.) New Orleans Hornets
19.) New York Knicks
20.) Charlotte Bobcats
21.) Milwaukee Bucks
22.) Sacramento Kings
23.) Seattle Supersonics
24.) Portland Trailblazers
25.) Philadelphia 76ers
26.) Atlanta Hawks
27.) Memphis Grizzles
28.) Minnesota Timberwolves
29.) Los Angeles Clippers
30.) Indiana Pacers
Western Conference Playoff Pictures:
1 - San Antonio Spurs
2 - Denver Nuggets
3 - Phoenix Suns
4 - Houston Rockets
5 - Dallas Mavericks
6 - Utah Jazz
7 - Los Angeles Lakers
8 - Golden State Warriors
Eastern Conference Playoff Picture:
1 - Boston Celtics
2 - Chicago Bulls
3 - Orlando Magic
4 - Cleveland Cavaliers
5 - Detroit Pistons
6 - Toronto Raptors
7 - Washington Wizards
8 - Miami Heat
Western Conference Round One:
Spurs over Warriors, Nuggets over Lakers, Jazz over Suns, Rockets over Mavericks
Eastern Conference Round One:
Celtics over Heat, Bulls over Wizards, Raptors over Magic, Pistons over Cavaliers
Western Conference Semi-Finals:
Spurs over Jazz, Nuggets over Suns
Eastern Conference Semi-Finals:
Celtics over Raptors, Bulls over Pistons
Western Conference Finals:
Nuggets over Spurs
Eastern Conference Finals:
Bulls over Celtics
NBA FINALS:
Nuggets over Bulls
NBA Finals Champions: Denver Nuggets
My pick to win the NBA championship is the Denver Nuggets. With Carmelo, AI and a slew of ballers coming off the bench -- there's no stopping George Karl this year.
MVP: 1st: Tim Duncan 2nd: Carmelo Anthony 3rd: LeBron James
Defensive: 1st: Marcus Camby 2nd: Josh Smith 3rd: Kevin Garnett
MIP: 1st: Paul Milsap 2nd: Luis Scola 3rd: Dorell Wright
ROY: 1st: Kevin Durant 2nd: Al Horford 3rd: Mike Conley Jr.
6th: 1st: Walter Hermann 2nd: Grant Hill 3rd: David Lee
Week Seven Could Be's (10/21/07)
Week Seven Could Be's
Could Be Great:
QB: Jon Kitna vs Buccaneers
-- Kitna should be able to continue running up his passing yards in a back and forth high scoring game against Tampa.
RB: Larry Johnson vs Raiders
-- Talk of Priest Holmes making a comeback should put fire under Larry Johnson's tires. Tires that have tred for 12 yards and 119 over the last two games. I see Johnson running more towards the 119 this weekend.
WR: Randy Moss vs Dolphins
-- Moss could be great by exploiting a defense that will have to be on the field more than they'd like. With a Dolphin offense that will likely go three and out the New England passing game could have a chance to get going.
Could Be Good:
QB: Jeff Garcia vs Lions
-- Jeff Garcia has yet to throw an interception this season -- he has 144 passes. Garcia might not amaze with 300 yards very often, but against Detroit he should have a good chance in what could be a high scoring game... that sounds like the Could Be Great quarterback.
RB: Clinton Portis vs Cardinals
-- Every person who said Ladell Betts would have a better year than Portis is feeling pretty dumb now. What about all those people that ignored Portis until late in the third round their fantasy drafts? Portis has three touchdowns on the year and is averaging 72.6 yards per game on the ground. I expect him to improve both numbers against Arizona.
WR: Torry Holt vs Seahawks
-- Holt should get his usual dozen balls thrown towards him and if his health is good, he could put up good numbers.
Could Be Bad:
QB: Jay Culter vs Steelers
-- With a stellar Steeler defense stopping a potent Denver run, the passing game might seem like it could be ready to put up numbers. But with no run and no Javon Walker, the passing game might sputter -- unless Brandon Marshall turns out to be the next TO.
RB: Marion Barber vs Vikings
-- The Vikings run defense should shut down the Dallas runners, but as I write I have flashbacks of Emmitt Smith running all over the Vikings -- something he did as the Dallas back for years. Then again, the Vikings defense has never been this good.
WR: Larry Fitzgerald vs Redskins
-- Quarterback question marks and the Redskins serious secondary will cause problems for Fitzgerald.
Could Be Great:
QB: Jon Kitna vs Buccaneers
-- Kitna should be able to continue running up his passing yards in a back and forth high scoring game against Tampa.
RB: Larry Johnson vs Raiders
-- Talk of Priest Holmes making a comeback should put fire under Larry Johnson's tires. Tires that have tred for 12 yards and 119 over the last two games. I see Johnson running more towards the 119 this weekend.
WR: Randy Moss vs Dolphins
-- Moss could be great by exploiting a defense that will have to be on the field more than they'd like. With a Dolphin offense that will likely go three and out the New England passing game could have a chance to get going.
Could Be Good:
QB: Jeff Garcia vs Lions
-- Jeff Garcia has yet to throw an interception this season -- he has 144 passes. Garcia might not amaze with 300 yards very often, but against Detroit he should have a good chance in what could be a high scoring game... that sounds like the Could Be Great quarterback.
RB: Clinton Portis vs Cardinals
-- Every person who said Ladell Betts would have a better year than Portis is feeling pretty dumb now. What about all those people that ignored Portis until late in the third round their fantasy drafts? Portis has three touchdowns on the year and is averaging 72.6 yards per game on the ground. I expect him to improve both numbers against Arizona.
WR: Torry Holt vs Seahawks
-- Holt should get his usual dozen balls thrown towards him and if his health is good, he could put up good numbers.
Could Be Bad:
QB: Jay Culter vs Steelers
-- With a stellar Steeler defense stopping a potent Denver run, the passing game might seem like it could be ready to put up numbers. But with no run and no Javon Walker, the passing game might sputter -- unless Brandon Marshall turns out to be the next TO.
RB: Marion Barber vs Vikings
-- The Vikings run defense should shut down the Dallas runners, but as I write I have flashbacks of Emmitt Smith running all over the Vikings -- something he did as the Dallas back for years. Then again, the Vikings defense has never been this good.
WR: Larry Fitzgerald vs Redskins
-- Quarterback question marks and the Redskins serious secondary will cause problems for Fitzgerald.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
WESTERN CONFERENCE - PACIFIC DIVISION (10/20/07)
WESTERN CONFERENCE - PACIFIC DIVISION
1.) Phoenix Suns 2.) Los Angeles Lakers 3.) Golden State Warriors 4.) Sacramento Kings 5.) Los Angeles Clippers
All-Pacific Division
PG - Steve Nash / Baron Davis
SG - Kobe Bryant / Kevin Martin
SF - Shawn Marion / Corey Maggette
PF - Amare Stoudemire / Lamar Odom
C - Andrew Bynum / Andris Biedrins
1. PHOENIX SUNS
-- Steve Nash and many Phoenix followers felt that they were "stripped of a fair opportunity in many regards." But they've moved on from the Spurs series. Following the 61 win season of a year ago many feel it is the Suns who have the best odds of winning the NBA finals this upcoming season. Nash is a master with the ball and is seemingly unstoppable at times. Amare Stoudemire can be his own master, but complemented ever so nicely with the all around play from Shawn Marion. The big three of Nash, Stoudemire and Marion would make any bench seem good, but Phoenix already has great players to fill in. Barbosa, Bell and Diaw along with newly acquired Grant Hill. D.J. Strawberry and Alondo Tucker make for an interesting and talented bench. The regular season might be hard to get motivated for, but a 60 win season should be upcoming in Phoenix.
New Additions: Grant Hill, Alando Tucker, D.J. Strawberry
Losses: Kurt Thomas, James Jones
Players Under the Radar: Marcus Bell / Raja Bell
Big Games: Nov. 4 vs CLE, Dec. 17 @ SA, Dec. 19 @ DAL, Dec. @ LAL, Jan. 31 vs SA, Feb.14 vs DAL, Feb. 20 vs LAL, Feb. 22 vs BOS, Mar. 9 vs SA, April 9 @ SA
2. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
-- Kobe Bryant needs to realize he can't do it alone. Or maybe he knows that which might explain why he's looking for a way out of LA. After putting up 50 points ten times last year you'd think Kobe would be asking for more help from Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, Kwame Brown or Andrew Bynum. Injuries hampered most of the Lakers season a year ago, but that is no excuse. Los Angeles should have no problem taking care of business in a weak Pacific division. If Kobe and company can't get past the opening round this upcoming season, they'll embark on something no team in Laker history has done -- They've never been sent home in the first round of the consecutive playoffs. If the Lakers want to avoid making negative history they better hope to get a better round one match-up than Phoenix, Dallas or Houston.
New Additions: Derek Fisher, Javaris Crittenton, Sun Yue, Andre Patterson, Elton Brown, Larry Turner
Losses: Jason Hart
Players Under the Radar: Maurice Evans / Chris Mihm
Big Games: Nov. 2 @ PHX, Nov. 13 @ SA, Dec. 25 vs PHX, Jan. 17 vs PHX, Feb. 20 @ PHX, April 13 vs SA
3. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
-- It's time now for Golden State to start praying that their first round Daviding of Goliath Dallas was no fluke. The Warriors dealt swingman, sharp shooter, former slam dunk champion Jason Richardson and by doing so may have left this team searching for another bone for their back that relies heavily on oft-injured point guard Baron Davis. The Warriors will get a chance to see 82 full games with Steven Jackson and Al Harrington who were acquired from Indiana mid-season last year. They will also hope to get the same or more improved productivity from Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins who became household names after breaking out last season. It wouldn't surprise anyone if Golden State played giant killer again all season long -- they have the latent to go along with the attitude to make it possible.
New Additions: Austin Croshere, Brandan Wright, Marco Belnelli, Stephane Lasme, Kosta Perovic
Losses: Sarunas Jasikevicius, Adonal Foyles
Players Under the Radar: Kelenna Azubuike / Patrick O'Bryant
Big Games: Oct. 30 vs UTA, Nov. 8 vs DAL, Nov. 26 vs PHX, Dec. 9 @ LAL, Jan. 2 @ DAL, March 30 vs DAL, April 2 @ DAL, April 14 @ PHX
4. SACRAMENTO KINGS
-- With 33 win last season, the Kings have slowly declined since the 2002-03 season. It can and should only incline for seasons to come. It's a mystery how the Kings will do this season because the roster is full of hard to figure out players. Ron Artest could be as good as any small forward in the game, Mike Bibby flirts with being an all-star caliber player, Kevin Martin is an overlook stud, John Salmons has show flashes of brilliance and young players like Francisco Garcia, Spencer Hawes and Mustafa Shakur show promise of a bright future.
New Additions: Mikki Moore, Spencer Hawes, Darryl Watkins
Losses: Ronnie Price, Corliss Williamson
Players Under the Radar: John Salmons / Kenny Thomas
Big Games: Nov. 21 @ PHX, Dec. 12 @ BOS, Jan. 23 @ LAC, March 15 @ PHX, March 18 @ GS
5. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
-- Tough to say anything positive about Los Angeles after Elton Brand ruptured his Achilles' tendon and is out until at least February, maybe longer. Other players will have to step up and replace the team leader, namely Corey Maggette and veterans Brevin Knight and Sam Cassell. Maggette will be more productive because he's in a contract year -- but it might actually hurt the squad. Maggette's selfishness will hinder the ability of the role players to get the touches needed to make a difference. It will be a long season for the Clippers, they might just hit 20 wins.
New Additions: Brevin Knight, Josh Powell, Al Thornton, Jared Jordan
Losses: Jason Hart
Players Under the Radar: Chris Kaman / Cuttino Mobley
Big Games: Nov. 24 @ PHX, Dec.16 @ LAL, Jan 15 vs PHX, Feb 7 @ LAL, March 7 @ LAL, April 10 vs LAL, April 16 @ HOU
1.) Phoenix Suns 2.) Los Angeles Lakers 3.) Golden State Warriors 4.) Sacramento Kings 5.) Los Angeles Clippers
All-Pacific Division
PG - Steve Nash / Baron Davis
SG - Kobe Bryant / Kevin Martin
SF - Shawn Marion / Corey Maggette
PF - Amare Stoudemire / Lamar Odom
C - Andrew Bynum / Andris Biedrins
1. PHOENIX SUNS
-- Steve Nash and many Phoenix followers felt that they were "stripped of a fair opportunity in many regards." But they've moved on from the Spurs series. Following the 61 win season of a year ago many feel it is the Suns who have the best odds of winning the NBA finals this upcoming season. Nash is a master with the ball and is seemingly unstoppable at times. Amare Stoudemire can be his own master, but complemented ever so nicely with the all around play from Shawn Marion. The big three of Nash, Stoudemire and Marion would make any bench seem good, but Phoenix already has great players to fill in. Barbosa, Bell and Diaw along with newly acquired Grant Hill. D.J. Strawberry and Alondo Tucker make for an interesting and talented bench. The regular season might be hard to get motivated for, but a 60 win season should be upcoming in Phoenix.
New Additions: Grant Hill, Alando Tucker, D.J. Strawberry
Losses: Kurt Thomas, James Jones
Players Under the Radar: Marcus Bell / Raja Bell
Big Games: Nov. 4 vs CLE, Dec. 17 @ SA, Dec. 19 @ DAL, Dec. @ LAL, Jan. 31 vs SA, Feb.14 vs DAL, Feb. 20 vs LAL, Feb. 22 vs BOS, Mar. 9 vs SA, April 9 @ SA
2. LOS ANGELES LAKERS
-- Kobe Bryant needs to realize he can't do it alone. Or maybe he knows that which might explain why he's looking for a way out of LA. After putting up 50 points ten times last year you'd think Kobe would be asking for more help from Lamar Odom, Luke Walton, Kwame Brown or Andrew Bynum. Injuries hampered most of the Lakers season a year ago, but that is no excuse. Los Angeles should have no problem taking care of business in a weak Pacific division. If Kobe and company can't get past the opening round this upcoming season, they'll embark on something no team in Laker history has done -- They've never been sent home in the first round of the consecutive playoffs. If the Lakers want to avoid making negative history they better hope to get a better round one match-up than Phoenix, Dallas or Houston.
New Additions: Derek Fisher, Javaris Crittenton, Sun Yue, Andre Patterson, Elton Brown, Larry Turner
Losses: Jason Hart
Players Under the Radar: Maurice Evans / Chris Mihm
Big Games: Nov. 2 @ PHX, Nov. 13 @ SA, Dec. 25 vs PHX, Jan. 17 vs PHX, Feb. 20 @ PHX, April 13 vs SA
3. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS
-- It's time now for Golden State to start praying that their first round Daviding of Goliath Dallas was no fluke. The Warriors dealt swingman, sharp shooter, former slam dunk champion Jason Richardson and by doing so may have left this team searching for another bone for their back that relies heavily on oft-injured point guard Baron Davis. The Warriors will get a chance to see 82 full games with Steven Jackson and Al Harrington who were acquired from Indiana mid-season last year. They will also hope to get the same or more improved productivity from Monta Ellis and Andris Biedrins who became household names after breaking out last season. It wouldn't surprise anyone if Golden State played giant killer again all season long -- they have the latent to go along with the attitude to make it possible.
New Additions: Austin Croshere, Brandan Wright, Marco Belnelli, Stephane Lasme, Kosta Perovic
Losses: Sarunas Jasikevicius, Adonal Foyles
Players Under the Radar: Kelenna Azubuike / Patrick O'Bryant
Big Games: Oct. 30 vs UTA, Nov. 8 vs DAL, Nov. 26 vs PHX, Dec. 9 @ LAL, Jan. 2 @ DAL, March 30 vs DAL, April 2 @ DAL, April 14 @ PHX
4. SACRAMENTO KINGS
-- With 33 win last season, the Kings have slowly declined since the 2002-03 season. It can and should only incline for seasons to come. It's a mystery how the Kings will do this season because the roster is full of hard to figure out players. Ron Artest could be as good as any small forward in the game, Mike Bibby flirts with being an all-star caliber player, Kevin Martin is an overlook stud, John Salmons has show flashes of brilliance and young players like Francisco Garcia, Spencer Hawes and Mustafa Shakur show promise of a bright future.
New Additions: Mikki Moore, Spencer Hawes, Darryl Watkins
Losses: Ronnie Price, Corliss Williamson
Players Under the Radar: John Salmons / Kenny Thomas
Big Games: Nov. 21 @ PHX, Dec. 12 @ BOS, Jan. 23 @ LAC, March 15 @ PHX, March 18 @ GS
5. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS
-- Tough to say anything positive about Los Angeles after Elton Brand ruptured his Achilles' tendon and is out until at least February, maybe longer. Other players will have to step up and replace the team leader, namely Corey Maggette and veterans Brevin Knight and Sam Cassell. Maggette will be more productive because he's in a contract year -- but it might actually hurt the squad. Maggette's selfishness will hinder the ability of the role players to get the touches needed to make a difference. It will be a long season for the Clippers, they might just hit 20 wins.
New Additions: Brevin Knight, Josh Powell, Al Thornton, Jared Jordan
Losses: Jason Hart
Players Under the Radar: Chris Kaman / Cuttino Mobley
Big Games: Nov. 24 @ PHX, Dec.16 @ LAL, Jan 15 vs PHX, Feb 7 @ LAL, March 7 @ LAL, April 10 vs LAL, April 16 @ HOU
Friday, October 19, 2007
WESTERN CONFERENCE - NORTHWEST DIVISION (10/19/07)
WESTERN CONFERENCE - NORTHWEST DIVISION
1.) Denver Nuggets 2.) Utah Jazz 3.) Seattle Supersonics 4.) Portland Trail Blazers 5.) Minnesota Timberwolves
All-Northwest Division
PG - Allen Iverson / Deron Williams
SG - Kevin Durant / Ricky Davis
SF - Carmelo Anthony / Andrei Kirilenko
PF - Carlos Boozer / Nene / Al Jefferson
C - Marcus Camby / Mehmet Okur
1. DENVER NUGGETS
-- The Denver Nuggets roster is overflowing with talent and the possibility of a title is within reason. If they are able to mesh and blend together as one, they'll run away with the Northwest division. Allen Iverson is a veteran leader who is a mature and experienced captain that will keep the Nuggets focused. Carmelo Anthony, not AI, provides the scoring relief Denver. Marcus Camby is slowly putting himself on the shelf of legendary centers. J.R. Smith, Nene, Chucky Atkins, Eduardo Najera, Linas Kleiza and Kenyon Martin make the Nuggets one of the deeper teams in the NBA. If you own AI or JR Smith in fantasy, get ready to pick-up Von Wafer (2nd to LeBron in the High School dunk contest -- YouTube his dunks) -- he'll be ready to serve a proper back-up. The Nuggets should set their sights on 60 wins and with better luck they wont match-up with San Antonio in round one of the playoffs.
Key Addition: Chucky Atkins, Bobby Jones, Steven Hunter, Stacey Augmon, Alvin Jones, Brad Stricker, Jelani McCoy, Anthony Roberson
Losses: Steve Blake, Reggie Evans, Ricky Sanchez
Players Under the Radar: Linas Kleiza / Von Wafer
Big Games: Nov. 7 @ BOS, Nov. 24 @ HOU, Dec. 6 @ DAL, Dec. 15 @ SA, Jan. 27, March 5 vs PHX, March 7 vs SA, March 8 @ UTA, March 9 @ SA, April 12 @ UTA
2. UTAH JAZZ
-- Jazz fans are thanking the 2004-05 team after fans once agonized over them when they won just 26 games. Without that season Utah wouldn't be nearly as good as they are today. The 26 wins resulted in the number three overall pick and Deron Williams. Utah will begin the long journey back to the Western conference finals where last year they were sent home by the eventual champs. With Williams and Carlos Boozer its hard not to make a Stockton to Malone comparison. And with a one two punch of Andrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur, not to mention solid and underappreciated bench players to go along with an already underappreciated team reputation. What is working in the Jazz favor is that they know they can get it done, they've experienced what it feels like to get there. Anything less than a repeat of last seasons 51 wins would be a disappointment for one of the Western conferences more elite teams.
Key Additions: Morris Almond, Jason Hart, Ronnie Price, Donnell Harvey, Kyrylo Fesenko
Losses: Derek Fisher, Herbert Hill
Players Under the Radar: Gordon Giricek / Paul Milsap
Big Games: Dec. 7 @ SA, Dec. 8 @ DAL, Dec. 12 @ PHX, Jan. 17 @ DEN, Feb. 6 @ DEN, March 8 vs DEN, April 12 vs DEN
3. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
-- Seattle has a lot to look forward to despite shipping off both of its real star players Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis during the off-season. With Kevin Durant on the floor this year, Seattle will have a fighting chance. Add Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and Kurt Thomas -- it's almost worth Allen and Lewis. In a division with Portland and Minnesota, Seattle looks a lot better than a 31 win team. The front office is in good shape and P.J. Carlesimo will use his priceless acquired knowledge from spending time on Greg Popovich's bench to mold the NBA's future. This season might be more of a warming up than a real run at it, but Seattle is no bottom feeder, especially in the Northwest division.
New Additions: Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, Kurt Thomas, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green
Losses: Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Andre Brown
Players Under the Radar: Johan Petro / Robert Swift
Big Games: Dec. 15 @ UTA, Dec. 25 vs POR, Dec. 27 vs MIN, Feb. 21 @ POR, Feb. 22 vs POR
4. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
-- Before losing Greg Oden for the season, Portland looked to be the rising team in the Western Conference. Even after suffering the Oden setback, they might still be rising. With a lot of new additions, Portland is looking to turn the franchise back into the 50 win team they were just five seasons ago. The Blazers will put seven new players on a floor that has six players with two years experience or less. I would consider the Blazers 2007-08 season as kindling for next season, when Oden returns and the spark becomes a full blaze.
New Additions: Channing Frye, Steve Blake, James Jones, Greg Oden (IR), Rudy Fernandez, Petteri Koponen, Josh McRoberts, Taurean Green
Losses: Zach Randolph, Fred Jones, Dan Dickau, Jamaal Magloire, Ime Udoka
Players Under the Radar: Channing Frye / Jarrett Jack
Big Games: Nov. 3 @ HOU, Nov. 10 vs DAL, Dec. 2 @ SA, Dec. 25 vs SEA, Feb. 1 vs NY
5. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
-- The Timberwolves start their season without Kevin Garnett for the first time since he was drafted by the Wolves 12 seasons ago. It's a new howl in Target Center and the first few seasons without a proven veteran getting 20, 10 and 5 every night might make the winter nights in Minnesota even that much colder. If things go as planned, a nucleus of Randy Foye, Rashad McCants, Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Craig Smith and Al Jefferson could be pretty good if they can land a big man (Georgetown's Roy Hibbert) or predicted future NBA superstar (O.J. Mayo, Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose) in next year's draft. Regardless of experience, the Timber puppies will be fun to watch and difficult to match-up against for every NBA team. A good team should expect to get the win against Minnesota, it just wont come as easy as some teams will expect.
New Additions: Al Jefferson, Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, Juwan Howard, Chris Richard
Losses: Kevin Garnett, Mikes James, Justin Reed
Players Under the Radar: Gerald Green / Ryan Gomes
Big Games: Nov. 23 @ DEN, Nov. 30 vs SA, Jan. 19 @ DEN, Jan. 25 @ BOS, Feb. 8 vs BOS, Mar. 5 @ UTA, April 2 @ UTA
1.) Denver Nuggets 2.) Utah Jazz 3.) Seattle Supersonics 4.) Portland Trail Blazers 5.) Minnesota Timberwolves
All-Northwest Division
PG - Allen Iverson / Deron Williams
SG - Kevin Durant / Ricky Davis
SF - Carmelo Anthony / Andrei Kirilenko
PF - Carlos Boozer / Nene / Al Jefferson
C - Marcus Camby / Mehmet Okur
1. DENVER NUGGETS
-- The Denver Nuggets roster is overflowing with talent and the possibility of a title is within reason. If they are able to mesh and blend together as one, they'll run away with the Northwest division. Allen Iverson is a veteran leader who is a mature and experienced captain that will keep the Nuggets focused. Carmelo Anthony, not AI, provides the scoring relief Denver. Marcus Camby is slowly putting himself on the shelf of legendary centers. J.R. Smith, Nene, Chucky Atkins, Eduardo Najera, Linas Kleiza and Kenyon Martin make the Nuggets one of the deeper teams in the NBA. If you own AI or JR Smith in fantasy, get ready to pick-up Von Wafer (2nd to LeBron in the High School dunk contest -- YouTube his dunks) -- he'll be ready to serve a proper back-up. The Nuggets should set their sights on 60 wins and with better luck they wont match-up with San Antonio in round one of the playoffs.
Key Addition: Chucky Atkins, Bobby Jones, Steven Hunter, Stacey Augmon, Alvin Jones, Brad Stricker, Jelani McCoy, Anthony Roberson
Losses: Steve Blake, Reggie Evans, Ricky Sanchez
Players Under the Radar: Linas Kleiza / Von Wafer
Big Games: Nov. 7 @ BOS, Nov. 24 @ HOU, Dec. 6 @ DAL, Dec. 15 @ SA, Jan. 27, March 5 vs PHX, March 7 vs SA, March 8 @ UTA, March 9 @ SA, April 12 @ UTA
2. UTAH JAZZ
-- Jazz fans are thanking the 2004-05 team after fans once agonized over them when they won just 26 games. Without that season Utah wouldn't be nearly as good as they are today. The 26 wins resulted in the number three overall pick and Deron Williams. Utah will begin the long journey back to the Western conference finals where last year they were sent home by the eventual champs. With Williams and Carlos Boozer its hard not to make a Stockton to Malone comparison. And with a one two punch of Andrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur, not to mention solid and underappreciated bench players to go along with an already underappreciated team reputation. What is working in the Jazz favor is that they know they can get it done, they've experienced what it feels like to get there. Anything less than a repeat of last seasons 51 wins would be a disappointment for one of the Western conferences more elite teams.
Key Additions: Morris Almond, Jason Hart, Ronnie Price, Donnell Harvey, Kyrylo Fesenko
Losses: Derek Fisher, Herbert Hill
Players Under the Radar: Gordon Giricek / Paul Milsap
Big Games: Dec. 7 @ SA, Dec. 8 @ DAL, Dec. 12 @ PHX, Jan. 17 @ DEN, Feb. 6 @ DEN, March 8 vs DEN, April 12 vs DEN
3. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
-- Seattle has a lot to look forward to despite shipping off both of its real star players Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis during the off-season. With Kevin Durant on the floor this year, Seattle will have a fighting chance. Add Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and Kurt Thomas -- it's almost worth Allen and Lewis. In a division with Portland and Minnesota, Seattle looks a lot better than a 31 win team. The front office is in good shape and P.J. Carlesimo will use his priceless acquired knowledge from spending time on Greg Popovich's bench to mold the NBA's future. This season might be more of a warming up than a real run at it, but Seattle is no bottom feeder, especially in the Northwest division.
New Additions: Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, Kurt Thomas, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green
Losses: Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Andre Brown
Players Under the Radar: Johan Petro / Robert Swift
Big Games: Dec. 15 @ UTA, Dec. 25 vs POR, Dec. 27 vs MIN, Feb. 21 @ POR, Feb. 22 vs POR
4. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
-- Before losing Greg Oden for the season, Portland looked to be the rising team in the Western Conference. Even after suffering the Oden setback, they might still be rising. With a lot of new additions, Portland is looking to turn the franchise back into the 50 win team they were just five seasons ago. The Blazers will put seven new players on a floor that has six players with two years experience or less. I would consider the Blazers 2007-08 season as kindling for next season, when Oden returns and the spark becomes a full blaze.
New Additions: Channing Frye, Steve Blake, James Jones, Greg Oden (IR), Rudy Fernandez, Petteri Koponen, Josh McRoberts, Taurean Green
Losses: Zach Randolph, Fred Jones, Dan Dickau, Jamaal Magloire, Ime Udoka
Players Under the Radar: Channing Frye / Jarrett Jack
Big Games: Nov. 3 @ HOU, Nov. 10 vs DAL, Dec. 2 @ SA, Dec. 25 vs SEA, Feb. 1 vs NY
5. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
-- The Timberwolves start their season without Kevin Garnett for the first time since he was drafted by the Wolves 12 seasons ago. It's a new howl in Target Center and the first few seasons without a proven veteran getting 20, 10 and 5 every night might make the winter nights in Minnesota even that much colder. If things go as planned, a nucleus of Randy Foye, Rashad McCants, Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Craig Smith and Al Jefferson could be pretty good if they can land a big man (Georgetown's Roy Hibbert) or predicted future NBA superstar (O.J. Mayo, Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose) in next year's draft. Regardless of experience, the Timber puppies will be fun to watch and difficult to match-up against for every NBA team. A good team should expect to get the win against Minnesota, it just wont come as easy as some teams will expect.
New Additions: Al Jefferson, Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, Juwan Howard, Chris Richard
Losses: Kevin Garnett, Mikes James, Justin Reed
Players Under the Radar: Gerald Green / Ryan Gomes
Big Games: Nov. 23 @ DEN, Nov. 30 vs SA, Jan. 19 @ DEN, Jan. 25 @ BOS, Feb. 8 vs BOS, Mar. 5 @ UTA, April 2 @ UTA
WESTERN CONFERENCE - NORTHWEST DIVISION (10/19/07)
WESTERN CONFERENCE - NORTHWEST DIVISION
1.) Denver Nuggets 2.) Utah Jazz 3.) Seattle Supersonics 4.) Portland Trail Blazers 5.) Minnesota Timberwolves
All-Northwest Division
PG - Allen Iverson / Deron Williams
SG - Kevin Durant / Ricky Davis
SF - Carmelo Anthony / Andrei Kirilenko
PF - Carlos Boozer / Nene / Al Jefferson
C - Marcus Camby / Mehmet Okur
1. DENVER NUGGETS
-- The Denver Nuggets roster is overflowing with talent and the possibility of a title is within reason. If they are able to mesh and blend together as one, they'll run away with the Northwest division. Allen Iverson is a veteran leader who is a mature and experienced captain that will keep the Nuggets focused. Carmelo Anthony, not AI, provides the scoring relief Denver. Marcus Camby is slowly putting himself on the shelf of legendary centers. J.R. Smith, Nene, Chucky Atkins, Eduardo Najera, Linas Kleiza and Kenyon Martin make the Nuggets one of the deeper teams in the NBA. If you own AI or JR Smith in fantasy, get ready to pick-up Von Wafer (2nd to LeBron in the High School dunk contest -- YouTube his dunks) -- he'll be ready to serve a proper back-up. The Nuggets should set their sights on 60 wins and with better luck they wont match-up with San Antonio in round one of the playoffs.
Key Addition: Chucky Atkins, Bobby Jones, Steven Hunter, Stacey Augmon, Alvin Jones, Brad Stricker, Jelani McCoy, Anthony Roberson
Losses: Steve Blake, Reggie Evans, Ricky Sanchez
Players Under the Radar: Linas Kleiza / Von Wafer
Big Games: Nov. 7 @ BOS, Nov. 24 @ HOU, Dec. 6 @ DAL, Dec. 15 @ SA, Jan. 27, March 5 vs PHX, March 7 vs SA, March 8 @ UTA, March 9 @ SA, April 12 @ UTA
2. UTAH JAZZ
-- Jazz fans are thanking the 2004-05 team after fans once agonized over them when they won just 26 games. Without that season Utah wouldn't be nearly as good as they are today. The 26 wins resulted in the number three overall pick and Deron Williams. Utah will begin the long journey back to the Western conference finals where last year they were sent home by the eventual champs. With Williams and Carlos Boozer its hard not to make a Stockton to Malone comparison. And with a one two punch of Andrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur, not to mention solid and underappreciated bench players to go along with an already underappreciated team reputation. What is working in the Jazz favor is that they know they can get it done, they've experienced what it feels like to get there. Anything less than a repeat of last seasons 51 wins would be a disappointment for one of the Western conferences more elite teams.
Key Additions: Morris Almond, Jason Hart, Ronnie Price, Donnell Harvey, Kyrylo Fesenko
Losses: Derek Fisher, Herbert Hill
Players Under the Radar: Gordon Giricek / Paul Milsap
Big Games: Dec. 7 @ SA, Dec. 8 @ DAL, Dec. 12 @ PHX, Jan. 17 @ DEN, Feb. 6 @ DEN, March 8 vs DEN, April 12 vs DEN
3. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
-- Seattle has a lot to look forward to despite shipping off both of its real star players Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis during the off-season. With Kevin Durant on the floor this year, Seattle will have a fighting chance. Add Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and Kurt Thomas -- it's almost worth Allen and Lewis. In a division with Portland and Minnesota, Seattle looks a lot better than a 31 win team. The front office is in good shape and P.J. Carlesimo will use his priceless acquired knowledge from spending time on Greg Popovich's bench to mold the NBA's future. This season might be more of a warming up than a real run at it, but Seattle is no bottom feeder, especially in the Northwest division.
New Additions: Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, Kurt Thomas, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green
Losses: Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Andre Brown
Players Under the Radar: Johan Petro / Robert Swift
Big Games: Dec. 15 @ UTA, Dec. 25 vs POR, Dec. 27 vs MIN, Feb. 21 @ POR, Feb. 22 vs POR
4. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
-- Before losing Greg Oden for the season, Portland looked to be the rising team in the Western Conference. Even after suffering the Oden setback, they might still be rising. With a lot of new additions, Portland is looking to turn the franchise back into the 50 win team they were just five seasons ago. The Blazers will put seven new players on a floor that has six players with two years experience or less. I would consider the Blazers 2007-08 season as kindling for next season, when Oden returns and the spark becomes a full blaze.
New Additions: Channing Frye, Steve Blake, James Jones, Greg Oden (IR), Rudy Fernandez, Petteri Koponen, Josh McRoberts, Taurean Green
Losses: Zach Randolph, Fred Jones, Dan Dickau, Jamaal Magloire, Ime Udoka
Players Under the Radar: Channing Frye / Jarrett Jack
Big Games: Nov. 3 @ HOU, Nov. 10 vs DAL, Dec. 2 @ SA, Dec. 25 vs SEA, Feb. 1 vs NY
5. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
-- The Timberwolves start their season without Kevin Garnett for the first time since he was drafted by the Wolves 12 seasons ago. It's a new howl in Target Center and the first few seasons without a proven veteran getting 20, 10 and 5 every night might make the winter nights in Minnesota even that much colder. If things go as planned, a nucleus of Randy Foye, Rashad McCants, Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Craig Smith and Al Jefferson could be pretty good if they can land a big man (Georgetown's Roy Hibbert) or predicted future NBA superstar (O.J. Mayo, Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose) in next year's draft. Regardless of experience, the Timber puppies will be fun to watch and difficult to match-up against for every NBA team. A good team should expect to get the win against Minnesota, it just wont come as easy as some teams will expect.
New Additions: Al Jefferson, Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, Juwan Howard, Chris Richard
Losses: Kevin Garnett, Mikes James, Justin Reed
Players Under the Radar: Gerald Green / Ryan Gomes
Big Games: Nov. 23 @ DEN, Nov. 30 vs SA, Jan. 19 @ DEN, Jan. 25 @ BOS, Feb. 8 vs BOS, Mar. 5 @ UTA, April 2 @ UTA
1.) Denver Nuggets 2.) Utah Jazz 3.) Seattle Supersonics 4.) Portland Trail Blazers 5.) Minnesota Timberwolves
All-Northwest Division
PG - Allen Iverson / Deron Williams
SG - Kevin Durant / Ricky Davis
SF - Carmelo Anthony / Andrei Kirilenko
PF - Carlos Boozer / Nene / Al Jefferson
C - Marcus Camby / Mehmet Okur
1. DENVER NUGGETS
-- The Denver Nuggets roster is overflowing with talent and the possibility of a title is within reason. If they are able to mesh and blend together as one, they'll run away with the Northwest division. Allen Iverson is a veteran leader who is a mature and experienced captain that will keep the Nuggets focused. Carmelo Anthony, not AI, provides the scoring relief Denver. Marcus Camby is slowly putting himself on the shelf of legendary centers. J.R. Smith, Nene, Chucky Atkins, Eduardo Najera, Linas Kleiza and Kenyon Martin make the Nuggets one of the deeper teams in the NBA. If you own AI or JR Smith in fantasy, get ready to pick-up Von Wafer (2nd to LeBron in the High School dunk contest -- YouTube his dunks) -- he'll be ready to serve a proper back-up. The Nuggets should set their sights on 60 wins and with better luck they wont match-up with San Antonio in round one of the playoffs.
Key Addition: Chucky Atkins, Bobby Jones, Steven Hunter, Stacey Augmon, Alvin Jones, Brad Stricker, Jelani McCoy, Anthony Roberson
Losses: Steve Blake, Reggie Evans, Ricky Sanchez
Players Under the Radar: Linas Kleiza / Von Wafer
Big Games: Nov. 7 @ BOS, Nov. 24 @ HOU, Dec. 6 @ DAL, Dec. 15 @ SA, Jan. 27, March 5 vs PHX, March 7 vs SA, March 8 @ UTA, March 9 @ SA, April 12 @ UTA
2. UTAH JAZZ
-- Jazz fans are thanking the 2004-05 team after fans once agonized over them when they won just 26 games. Without that season Utah wouldn't be nearly as good as they are today. The 26 wins resulted in the number three overall pick and Deron Williams. Utah will begin the long journey back to the Western conference finals where last year they were sent home by the eventual champs. With Williams and Carlos Boozer its hard not to make a Stockton to Malone comparison. And with a one two punch of Andrei Kirilenko and Mehmet Okur, not to mention solid and underappreciated bench players to go along with an already underappreciated team reputation. What is working in the Jazz favor is that they know they can get it done, they've experienced what it feels like to get there. Anything less than a repeat of last seasons 51 wins would be a disappointment for one of the Western conferences more elite teams.
Key Additions: Morris Almond, Jason Hart, Ronnie Price, Donnell Harvey, Kyrylo Fesenko
Losses: Derek Fisher, Herbert Hill
Players Under the Radar: Gordon Giricek / Paul Milsap
Big Games: Dec. 7 @ SA, Dec. 8 @ DAL, Dec. 12 @ PHX, Jan. 17 @ DEN, Feb. 6 @ DEN, March 8 vs DEN, April 12 vs DEN
3. SEATTLE SUPERSONICS
-- Seattle has a lot to look forward to despite shipping off both of its real star players Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis during the off-season. With Kevin Durant on the floor this year, Seattle will have a fighting chance. Add Jeff Green, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West and Kurt Thomas -- it's almost worth Allen and Lewis. In a division with Portland and Minnesota, Seattle looks a lot better than a 31 win team. The front office is in good shape and P.J. Carlesimo will use his priceless acquired knowledge from spending time on Greg Popovich's bench to mold the NBA's future. This season might be more of a warming up than a real run at it, but Seattle is no bottom feeder, especially in the Northwest division.
New Additions: Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West, Kurt Thomas, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green
Losses: Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Andre Brown
Players Under the Radar: Johan Petro / Robert Swift
Big Games: Dec. 15 @ UTA, Dec. 25 vs POR, Dec. 27 vs MIN, Feb. 21 @ POR, Feb. 22 vs POR
4. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
-- Before losing Greg Oden for the season, Portland looked to be the rising team in the Western Conference. Even after suffering the Oden setback, they might still be rising. With a lot of new additions, Portland is looking to turn the franchise back into the 50 win team they were just five seasons ago. The Blazers will put seven new players on a floor that has six players with two years experience or less. I would consider the Blazers 2007-08 season as kindling for next season, when Oden returns and the spark becomes a full blaze.
New Additions: Channing Frye, Steve Blake, James Jones, Greg Oden (IR), Rudy Fernandez, Petteri Koponen, Josh McRoberts, Taurean Green
Losses: Zach Randolph, Fred Jones, Dan Dickau, Jamaal Magloire, Ime Udoka
Players Under the Radar: Channing Frye / Jarrett Jack
Big Games: Nov. 3 @ HOU, Nov. 10 vs DAL, Dec. 2 @ SA, Dec. 25 vs SEA, Feb. 1 vs NY
5. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
-- The Timberwolves start their season without Kevin Garnett for the first time since he was drafted by the Wolves 12 seasons ago. It's a new howl in Target Center and the first few seasons without a proven veteran getting 20, 10 and 5 every night might make the winter nights in Minnesota even that much colder. If things go as planned, a nucleus of Randy Foye, Rashad McCants, Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Craig Smith and Al Jefferson could be pretty good if they can land a big man (Georgetown's Roy Hibbert) or predicted future NBA superstar (O.J. Mayo, Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose) in next year's draft. Regardless of experience, the Timber puppies will be fun to watch and difficult to match-up against for every NBA team. A good team should expect to get the win against Minnesota, it just wont come as easy as some teams will expect.
New Additions: Al Jefferson, Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes, Gerald Green, Theo Ratliff, Sebastian Telfair, Juwan Howard, Chris Richard
Losses: Kevin Garnett, Mikes James, Justin Reed
Players Under the Radar: Gerald Green / Ryan Gomes
Big Games: Nov. 23 @ DEN, Nov. 30 vs SA, Jan. 19 @ DEN, Jan. 25 @ BOS, Feb. 8 vs BOS, Mar. 5 @ UTA, April 2 @ UTA
Thursday, October 18, 2007
WESTERN CONFERENCE - SOUTHWEST DIVISION (10/18/07)
WESTERN CONFERENCE - SOUTHWEST DIVISION
1.) San Antonio 2.) Houston 3.) Dallas 4.) New Orleans 5.) Memphis
All-Southwest Team:
PG - Tony Parker / Chris Paul
SG - Jason Terry / Mike Miller
SF - Tracy McGrady / Josh Howard
PF - Dirk Nowitzki / Tim Duncan
C - Yao Ming / Pau Gasol
1. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
-- The Spurs have been the most dominant NBA franchise since the dynasty days in Boston and Los Angeles. But there is one thing that has eluded this current dynasty: back-to-back titles. Last year the Spurs were productive in the regular season winning 58 games but they played their best ball during the post season. After a controversial call or two that turned the Suns / Spurs series into history, San Antonio will use their so-called controversial title as motivation to prove its real value. The biggest and arguably the best big three in the NBA is on the side of the Spurs. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili will once again take on the role as defending champions and favorites in the west.
New Additions: Tiago Splitter, Marcus Williams, Ime Udoka, Vassilis Spanoulis, Darius Washington, Keith Langford,
Losses: Jackie Butler, Luis Scola, Giorgos Bintezis
Players Under the Radar: Ime Udoka / Matt Bonner
Big Games: Nov. 6 @ HOU, Nov. 15 @ DAL, Dec. 5 vs DAL, Dec. 15 vs DEN, Dec. 17 vs PHX, Dec. 26 vs CHI, Jan. 3 @ DEN, Jan. 31 @ PHX, April 11 vs PHX
2. HOUSTON ROCKETS
-- With 52 wins and a playoff disappointment, the Rockets will look to have repeat success during the regular season without the bitter end result. 52 wins was good for fifth most in the NBA last year, but just third most in the state of Texas (or should I say the state of basketball?). The season stayed on course despite T-Mac missing 11 games and Yao Ming missing 34 (Yao has missed 52 games over the last two seasons). The Rockets welcome in Rick Adelman which will give them a much needed playoff professor. McGrady is probably the most thankful that he'll be taught how to win come post season, he's 0-6 in potential series closing playoff games (losing each closing game by a sad margin of 19.5 points). Adelman has 70 career playoff wins which ranks 11th all time. McGrady will get by round one this year, finally.
New Additions: Steve Francis, Mike James, Justin Reed, Jackie Butler, Luis Scola, Mike Harris, Aaron Brooks, Carl Landry, Brad Newley
Losses: Juwan Howard, Vassilis Spanoulis
Players Under the Radar: Chuck Hayes / Rafer Alston
Big Games: Nov. 1 @ UTA, Nov. 5 @ DAL, Nov. 6 vs SA, Nov. 16 @ SA, Nov. 17 vs PHX, Nov. 21 vs DAL
3. DALLAS MAVERICKS
-- Two 60 win seasons in a row including a whopping 67 last year might be just be the peak for Dallas. After an MVP season, Dirk Nowitzki had to accept his award from a press conference podium because his team was eliminated pre-maturely by the Don Nelson, secret knowing, three point making, run and gun Warriors. It would have been interesting to see the outcome of a Nash / Dirk match-up or a potential Western Conference Finals series of Mavs / Spurs, but the early exit for Dallas is a sign. Finishing third in this division could very well mean finishing third in the entire NBA -- but Dallas won't be reaching the club record for wins this season. Then again, Dirk is amazing. Nowitzki was the only player in the NBA last year to hit 50% from the field, 40% from three and 90% from the free through line.
New Additions: Trenton Hassell, Brandon Bass, Nick Fazekas, Reyshan Terry, Eddie Jones, Renaldas Seubutis, Jamal Sampson, Darvin Ham, Jared Newson
Losses: Austin Croshere, Milovan Rakovic,
Players Under the Radar: DeSagana Diop / Erik Dampier
Big Games: Oct. 31 @ CLE, Nov. 5 vs HOU, Nov. 15 vs SA, Dec. 19 vs PHX, Feb. 14 @ PHX, Feb. 25 vs CHI, Feb 28 @ SA, April 6 @ PHX
4. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
-- In 2003, Memphis won a total of 28 games but responded the next season winning 50. After just 22 wins last year, can they pull a turnaround again? With Pau Gasol, Mike Miller, Rudy Gay and Hakim Warrick already in place -- by adding the number four overall pick Mike Conley Jr. and signing Darko Milicic, the Grizzlies could be ready to flirt with that 50 win mark. If Memphis can keep Gasol healthy and Conley improves the point guard game (they were 2nd worst in the west last year in TOs averaging 16.4 per game) -- many believe that they could again become contenders in the Southwest division.
New Additions: Darko Milicic, Mike Conley Jr., Andre Brown, Casey Jacobson, Juan Carlos Navarro, Kasib Powell, Dontell Jefferson
Losses: Chucky Atkins
Players Under the Radar: Hakim Warrick / Damon Stoudamire
Big Games: Nov. 16 vs NO, Dec. 5 @ HOU, Dec. 30 @ SA, Feb. 9 @ NO, Feb. 22 vs DAL, April 8 vs PHX
5. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
-- Last season wasn't a failure, nor was it a success. The Hornets were hoping that they would get more production from Peja Stojakovic, but he missed almost the entire season from a surgically repaired back. New Orleans missed out on the post season for the third year in a row and they might not be able to keep up in one of the deepest Western conference divisions. It might be better than expected for the Hornet's first full season back in the big easy. Accompanying super star Chris Paul will be a healthy Stojakovic, David West and Tyson Chandler. Chandler might be a huge factor in the Hornets success. During the month of February last year, Chandler recorded an average of 16.1 rebounds per game -- the second highest average for a player that participated in at least three games in a single month. The Hornets will employ a group of role players to fill in the holes.
New Additions: Morris Peterson, Julian Wright, Adam Haluska, Melvin Ely
Losses: Desmond Mason, Brandon Bass, Eric Chenowith, Anthony Richardson
Players Under the Radar: Jannero Pargo / Rasual Butler
Big Games: Oct. 31 vs SAC, Nov. 16 @ MEM, Dec. 1 vs DAL, Jan. 26 @ SA, April 16 @ DAL
1.) San Antonio 2.) Houston 3.) Dallas 4.) New Orleans 5.) Memphis
All-Southwest Team:
PG - Tony Parker / Chris Paul
SG - Jason Terry / Mike Miller
SF - Tracy McGrady / Josh Howard
PF - Dirk Nowitzki / Tim Duncan
C - Yao Ming / Pau Gasol
1. SAN ANTONIO SPURS
-- The Spurs have been the most dominant NBA franchise since the dynasty days in Boston and Los Angeles. But there is one thing that has eluded this current dynasty: back-to-back titles. Last year the Spurs were productive in the regular season winning 58 games but they played their best ball during the post season. After a controversial call or two that turned the Suns / Spurs series into history, San Antonio will use their so-called controversial title as motivation to prove its real value. The biggest and arguably the best big three in the NBA is on the side of the Spurs. Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili will once again take on the role as defending champions and favorites in the west.
New Additions: Tiago Splitter, Marcus Williams, Ime Udoka, Vassilis Spanoulis, Darius Washington, Keith Langford,
Losses: Jackie Butler, Luis Scola, Giorgos Bintezis
Players Under the Radar: Ime Udoka / Matt Bonner
Big Games: Nov. 6 @ HOU, Nov. 15 @ DAL, Dec. 5 vs DAL, Dec. 15 vs DEN, Dec. 17 vs PHX, Dec. 26 vs CHI, Jan. 3 @ DEN, Jan. 31 @ PHX, April 11 vs PHX
2. HOUSTON ROCKETS
-- With 52 wins and a playoff disappointment, the Rockets will look to have repeat success during the regular season without the bitter end result. 52 wins was good for fifth most in the NBA last year, but just third most in the state of Texas (or should I say the state of basketball?). The season stayed on course despite T-Mac missing 11 games and Yao Ming missing 34 (Yao has missed 52 games over the last two seasons). The Rockets welcome in Rick Adelman which will give them a much needed playoff professor. McGrady is probably the most thankful that he'll be taught how to win come post season, he's 0-6 in potential series closing playoff games (losing each closing game by a sad margin of 19.5 points). Adelman has 70 career playoff wins which ranks 11th all time. McGrady will get by round one this year, finally.
New Additions: Steve Francis, Mike James, Justin Reed, Jackie Butler, Luis Scola, Mike Harris, Aaron Brooks, Carl Landry, Brad Newley
Losses: Juwan Howard, Vassilis Spanoulis
Players Under the Radar: Chuck Hayes / Rafer Alston
Big Games: Nov. 1 @ UTA, Nov. 5 @ DAL, Nov. 6 vs SA, Nov. 16 @ SA, Nov. 17 vs PHX, Nov. 21 vs DAL
3. DALLAS MAVERICKS
-- Two 60 win seasons in a row including a whopping 67 last year might be just be the peak for Dallas. After an MVP season, Dirk Nowitzki had to accept his award from a press conference podium because his team was eliminated pre-maturely by the Don Nelson, secret knowing, three point making, run and gun Warriors. It would have been interesting to see the outcome of a Nash / Dirk match-up or a potential Western Conference Finals series of Mavs / Spurs, but the early exit for Dallas is a sign. Finishing third in this division could very well mean finishing third in the entire NBA -- but Dallas won't be reaching the club record for wins this season. Then again, Dirk is amazing. Nowitzki was the only player in the NBA last year to hit 50% from the field, 40% from three and 90% from the free through line.
New Additions: Trenton Hassell, Brandon Bass, Nick Fazekas, Reyshan Terry, Eddie Jones, Renaldas Seubutis, Jamal Sampson, Darvin Ham, Jared Newson
Losses: Austin Croshere, Milovan Rakovic,
Players Under the Radar: DeSagana Diop / Erik Dampier
Big Games: Oct. 31 @ CLE, Nov. 5 vs HOU, Nov. 15 vs SA, Dec. 19 vs PHX, Feb. 14 @ PHX, Feb. 25 vs CHI, Feb 28 @ SA, April 6 @ PHX
4. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES
-- In 2003, Memphis won a total of 28 games but responded the next season winning 50. After just 22 wins last year, can they pull a turnaround again? With Pau Gasol, Mike Miller, Rudy Gay and Hakim Warrick already in place -- by adding the number four overall pick Mike Conley Jr. and signing Darko Milicic, the Grizzlies could be ready to flirt with that 50 win mark. If Memphis can keep Gasol healthy and Conley improves the point guard game (they were 2nd worst in the west last year in TOs averaging 16.4 per game) -- many believe that they could again become contenders in the Southwest division.
New Additions: Darko Milicic, Mike Conley Jr., Andre Brown, Casey Jacobson, Juan Carlos Navarro, Kasib Powell, Dontell Jefferson
Losses: Chucky Atkins
Players Under the Radar: Hakim Warrick / Damon Stoudamire
Big Games: Nov. 16 vs NO, Dec. 5 @ HOU, Dec. 30 @ SA, Feb. 9 @ NO, Feb. 22 vs DAL, April 8 vs PHX
5. NEW ORLEANS HORNETS
-- Last season wasn't a failure, nor was it a success. The Hornets were hoping that they would get more production from Peja Stojakovic, but he missed almost the entire season from a surgically repaired back. New Orleans missed out on the post season for the third year in a row and they might not be able to keep up in one of the deepest Western conference divisions. It might be better than expected for the Hornet's first full season back in the big easy. Accompanying super star Chris Paul will be a healthy Stojakovic, David West and Tyson Chandler. Chandler might be a huge factor in the Hornets success. During the month of February last year, Chandler recorded an average of 16.1 rebounds per game -- the second highest average for a player that participated in at least three games in a single month. The Hornets will employ a group of role players to fill in the holes.
New Additions: Morris Peterson, Julian Wright, Adam Haluska, Melvin Ely
Losses: Desmond Mason, Brandon Bass, Eric Chenowith, Anthony Richardson
Players Under the Radar: Jannero Pargo / Rasual Butler
Big Games: Oct. 31 vs SAC, Nov. 16 @ MEM, Dec. 1 vs DAL, Jan. 26 @ SA, April 16 @ DAL
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
EASTERN CONFERENCE - SOUTHEAST DIVISION (10/17/07)
EASTERN CONFERENCE - SOUTHEAST DIVISION
1.) Orlando 2.) Washington 3.) Miami 4.) Charlotte 5.) Atlanta
All-Southeast Team:
PG - Gilbert Arenas / Raymond Felton
SG - Dwyane Wade / Joe Johnson
SF - Josh Smith / Gerald Wallace
PF - Rashard Lewis / Antawn Jamison
C - Dwight Howard / Shaquille O'Neal
1. ORLANDO MAGIC
-- Overshadowed by big name players like Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett suiting up in new uniforms, Rashard Lewis jersey swap to the East might be the best off season transaction. Lewis will pair with Dwight Howard and the two will hope to get the Magic back to the post season, but with a more lengthy stay this time. Orlando was playing with the "just happy to be here" faces during the 0-4 sweeping handed to them by a much more serious game faced team. Even after drafting shooting purest J.J. Redick, the Magic shot the third fewest three pointers and third lowest in the NBA in free throw percentage as a team last season. And despite the fact that Orlando had the second highest number of turnovers in the NBA last year, the Magic made the playoffs with a .488 win percentage (the lowest percentage posted for a playoff team in Magic history). If the shooting can improve and the turnovers can be contained, Orlando will win the Southeast division.
New Additions: Rashard Lewis, Adonal Foyle, Mikolan Rakovic, Marcin Gortat, Bo Outlaw, Kevin Kruger, Torrell Martin
Losses: Grant Hill, Darko Milicic, Travis Deiner
Players Under the Radar: Hedo Turkoglu / Keith Bogans
Big Games: Nov. 3 @ WASH, Nov. 13 @ SEA, Nov. 28 @ SEA, Jan. 30 @ MIA, Mar. 5 @ WASH, Mar. 19 vs WASH, April 16 vs WASH
2. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
-- Free Agent, Agent Zero is playing this upcoming season with the intentions of trying to add some more zero's to his contract. After this season, Gilbert Arenas might be looking to sign on board with a contender if he can't get want he wants accomplished (playoff glory) with the Wizards. The question for Washington will be can they improve on last years 41 win season or will their win total drop below 40 for the first time since 2003-04? One thing the Wizards can count on for sure is that Antawn Jamison will be bringing it every night. Jamison will be in the line-up and producing -- he has played all 82 games in five of the last seven seasons. If Caron Butler can become big enough to help establish a legitimate "Big Three" of Washington's own (Arenas, Jamison, Butler) -- it could be a two team race for the Southeast division.
New Additions: Nick Young, Dominic McGuire, Oleksiy Pecherov, Tony Massenburg
Losses: Juan Carlos Navarro
Players Under the Radar: Andray Blatche / DeShawn Stevenson
Big Games: Nov. 2 @ BOS, Nov. 3 vs ORL, Nov. 21 @ CHA, Mar. 5 vs ORL, Mar. 19 @ ORL, April 16 @ ORL
3. MIAMI HEAT
-- Returning to the promise land is a lot harder than Shaq thought and predicted. Now two seasons removed from the title winning squad, this Heat team will start their own climb towards competing in a much improved Southeast division. A healthy Wade / Shaq combo could be enough to make it back to the post season for the fifth straight year. But losing Jason Kapono and James Posey could leave some holes on the bench that might need to be filled by inexperienced players. It should be an interesting season for Miami.
New Additions: Charlie Bell, Smush Parker, Penny Hardaway, Alexander Johnson, Devin Green, Brian Chase, Earl Barron
Losses: Jason Kapono, James Posey, Eddie Jones, Jason Smith
Players Under the Radar: Udonis Haslem / Dorell Wright
Big Games: Nov. 7 @ SA, Nov. 16 @ BOS, Nov. 24 @ ORL, Dec. 13 vs WASH, Feb. 10 vs LAL, April 4 @ WASH
4. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
-- I'm not certain that giving up Brandan Wright for Jason Richardson was wise for the Bobcats (other than money), but with MJ calling the shots it's not like anyone is going to argue -- especially not new coach Sam Vincent. If the Bobcats can mesh, they could be a possible sleeper to slip their way into post season play. As for Adam Mustache Morrison, I heard he shaved (No, I didn't actually hear that -- but he should), he needs to be great from start to finish in his sophomore campaign. Morrison, the third overall pick in 2006, averaged 15.3 points per game in November last year, but he fell off as the season wore him down and averaged just 8.0 points per game in March and April. Losing Sean May for the season could mean the Bobcats will need Emeka Okafor to produce for all 82 games -- he has played in only 93 games over the past two seasons.
New Additions: Jason Richardson, Jared Dudley, Jermareo Davidson
Losses: Jake Voskuhl, Brevin Knight
Players Under the Radar: Walter Herrmann / Matt Carroll
Big Games: Nov. 4 @ MIA, Nov. 21 vs WASH, Nov. 23 @ ORL, Jan. 9 BOS, Jan. 11 @ CLE
5. ATLANTA HAWKS
-- This team is far from contention, but the building blocks are in place. Joe Johnson, who averaged 25.0 points per game in 2006-07, is an emerging All-Star and Josh Smith (16.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.9 bpg) is the next NBA super star. They've drafted wise by choosing big bodies in order to establish that ever so necessary in the paint presence. Shelden Williams and Al Horford will be a force on the block for years to come. Remember former second overall pick Marvin Williams -- he started to look like his potential predicted scoring 13.1 per game last year. Atlanta wants to break out from the bottom of the Southeast division, but it could be too deep.
New Additions: Al Horford, Acie Law, Jamaal Tatum, Mario West, Steven Smith, Antywane Robinson
Losses: None.
Players Under the Radar: Zaza Pachulia / Salim Stoudamire
Big Games: Nov. 9 @ BOS, Nov. 27 @ CHI, Nov. 24 @ MIN, Jan. 9 vs CLE, Jan 11. vs WASH, Jan. 13 vs CHI, April 15 vs ORL
1.) Orlando 2.) Washington 3.) Miami 4.) Charlotte 5.) Atlanta
All-Southeast Team:
PG - Gilbert Arenas / Raymond Felton
SG - Dwyane Wade / Joe Johnson
SF - Josh Smith / Gerald Wallace
PF - Rashard Lewis / Antawn Jamison
C - Dwight Howard / Shaquille O'Neal
1. ORLANDO MAGIC
-- Overshadowed by big name players like Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett suiting up in new uniforms, Rashard Lewis jersey swap to the East might be the best off season transaction. Lewis will pair with Dwight Howard and the two will hope to get the Magic back to the post season, but with a more lengthy stay this time. Orlando was playing with the "just happy to be here" faces during the 0-4 sweeping handed to them by a much more serious game faced team. Even after drafting shooting purest J.J. Redick, the Magic shot the third fewest three pointers and third lowest in the NBA in free throw percentage as a team last season. And despite the fact that Orlando had the second highest number of turnovers in the NBA last year, the Magic made the playoffs with a .488 win percentage (the lowest percentage posted for a playoff team in Magic history). If the shooting can improve and the turnovers can be contained, Orlando will win the Southeast division.
New Additions: Rashard Lewis, Adonal Foyle, Mikolan Rakovic, Marcin Gortat, Bo Outlaw, Kevin Kruger, Torrell Martin
Losses: Grant Hill, Darko Milicic, Travis Deiner
Players Under the Radar: Hedo Turkoglu / Keith Bogans
Big Games: Nov. 3 @ WASH, Nov. 13 @ SEA, Nov. 28 @ SEA, Jan. 30 @ MIA, Mar. 5 @ WASH, Mar. 19 vs WASH, April 16 vs WASH
2. WASHINGTON WIZARDS
-- Free Agent, Agent Zero is playing this upcoming season with the intentions of trying to add some more zero's to his contract. After this season, Gilbert Arenas might be looking to sign on board with a contender if he can't get want he wants accomplished (playoff glory) with the Wizards. The question for Washington will be can they improve on last years 41 win season or will their win total drop below 40 for the first time since 2003-04? One thing the Wizards can count on for sure is that Antawn Jamison will be bringing it every night. Jamison will be in the line-up and producing -- he has played all 82 games in five of the last seven seasons. If Caron Butler can become big enough to help establish a legitimate "Big Three" of Washington's own (Arenas, Jamison, Butler) -- it could be a two team race for the Southeast division.
New Additions: Nick Young, Dominic McGuire, Oleksiy Pecherov, Tony Massenburg
Losses: Juan Carlos Navarro
Players Under the Radar: Andray Blatche / DeShawn Stevenson
Big Games: Nov. 2 @ BOS, Nov. 3 vs ORL, Nov. 21 @ CHA, Mar. 5 vs ORL, Mar. 19 @ ORL, April 16 @ ORL
3. MIAMI HEAT
-- Returning to the promise land is a lot harder than Shaq thought and predicted. Now two seasons removed from the title winning squad, this Heat team will start their own climb towards competing in a much improved Southeast division. A healthy Wade / Shaq combo could be enough to make it back to the post season for the fifth straight year. But losing Jason Kapono and James Posey could leave some holes on the bench that might need to be filled by inexperienced players. It should be an interesting season for Miami.
New Additions: Charlie Bell, Smush Parker, Penny Hardaway, Alexander Johnson, Devin Green, Brian Chase, Earl Barron
Losses: Jason Kapono, James Posey, Eddie Jones, Jason Smith
Players Under the Radar: Udonis Haslem / Dorell Wright
Big Games: Nov. 7 @ SA, Nov. 16 @ BOS, Nov. 24 @ ORL, Dec. 13 vs WASH, Feb. 10 vs LAL, April 4 @ WASH
4. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS
-- I'm not certain that giving up Brandan Wright for Jason Richardson was wise for the Bobcats (other than money), but with MJ calling the shots it's not like anyone is going to argue -- especially not new coach Sam Vincent. If the Bobcats can mesh, they could be a possible sleeper to slip their way into post season play. As for Adam Mustache Morrison, I heard he shaved (No, I didn't actually hear that -- but he should), he needs to be great from start to finish in his sophomore campaign. Morrison, the third overall pick in 2006, averaged 15.3 points per game in November last year, but he fell off as the season wore him down and averaged just 8.0 points per game in March and April. Losing Sean May for the season could mean the Bobcats will need Emeka Okafor to produce for all 82 games -- he has played in only 93 games over the past two seasons.
New Additions: Jason Richardson, Jared Dudley, Jermareo Davidson
Losses: Jake Voskuhl, Brevin Knight
Players Under the Radar: Walter Herrmann / Matt Carroll
Big Games: Nov. 4 @ MIA, Nov. 21 vs WASH, Nov. 23 @ ORL, Jan. 9 BOS, Jan. 11 @ CLE
5. ATLANTA HAWKS
-- This team is far from contention, but the building blocks are in place. Joe Johnson, who averaged 25.0 points per game in 2006-07, is an emerging All-Star and Josh Smith (16.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 3.3 apg, 2.9 bpg) is the next NBA super star. They've drafted wise by choosing big bodies in order to establish that ever so necessary in the paint presence. Shelden Williams and Al Horford will be a force on the block for years to come. Remember former second overall pick Marvin Williams -- he started to look like his potential predicted scoring 13.1 per game last year. Atlanta wants to break out from the bottom of the Southeast division, but it could be too deep.
New Additions: Al Horford, Acie Law, Jamaal Tatum, Mario West, Steven Smith, Antywane Robinson
Losses: None.
Players Under the Radar: Zaza Pachulia / Salim Stoudamire
Big Games: Nov. 9 @ BOS, Nov. 27 @ CHI, Nov. 24 @ MIN, Jan. 9 vs CLE, Jan 11. vs WASH, Jan. 13 vs CHI, April 15 vs ORL
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
EASTERN CONFERENCE - ATLANTIC DIVISION (10/16/07)
EASTERN CONFERENCE - ATLANTIC DIVISION
1.) Boston 2.) Toronto 3.) New Jersey 4.) New York 5.) Philadelphia
All-Atlantic Team:
PG - Jason Kidd / T.J. Ford
SG - Ray Allen / Andre Iguodala
SF - Vince Carter / Richard Jefferson
PF - Kevin Garnett / Chris Bosh
C - Eddy Curry / Samuel Dalembert
1. BOSTON CELTICS
-- In 2004-05, Boston posted 45 wins, won the Atlantic division and made the playoff for the third straight season. After losing 58 games last year and missing the playoffs for the second straight season, Boston is ready for a drastic turnaround. By adding Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen their win total should easily rise. Garnett might not be as durable as he once was, Allen missed 27 games last year and one thing Boston battled last season was with the injury bug. As a team, Boston missed 73 more games than any other team last year. But if everyone can stay healthy the Celtics will run away with the Atlantic division. The big three of KG, Peirce and Ray Ray know that they haven't done anything yet. Key word: Yet.
New Additions: Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Scott Pollard, Eddie House, James Posey, Glen Davis, Gabe Pruitt, Esteban Batista, Dahntay Jones, Jackie Manuel
Losses: Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Theo Ratliff, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Allan Ray, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West
Player Under the Radar: Tony Allen / Kendrick Perkins
Big Games: Dec. 27 @ SEA, Jan. 25 vs MIN, Feb. 8 @ MIN, Mar. 17 @ SEA
2. TORONTO RAPTORS
-- You can't write anything about the Raptors without first mentioning the mastermind Bryan Colangelo. Colangelo has had a tremendous impact in the front office which has resulted in success on the court. The current Raptor's and former Phoenix Suns general manager has put together the right kind of players for the city that the team represents. He has constructed a team that is not only talented and unselfish, but has a winning mindset. Chris Bosh, T.J. Ford, Andrea Bargnani, Jorge Garbajosa, Anthony Parker, Jose Calderon and newly acquired sharp-shooter Jason Kapono will use a team mentality to rise to the top of the Eastern Conference. The Raptors won't have a problem putting it up from deep, but a lack of size might cause them to struggle with scoring in the paint (the Raptors were second worst in the NBA in points in the paint last year). The emerging Raptors and new look Celtics make the Atlantic a tough division to conquer.
New Additions: Carlos Delfino, Jason Kapono, Maceo Baston
Losses: Morris Peterson
Players Under the Radar: Jose Calderon / Anthony Parker
Big Games: Nov. 2 @ NJ, Nov. 4 vs BOS, Dec. 7 @ BOS, Dec. 22 @ PHX, Dec. 28 @ SA, April 5 @ NJ, April 11 vs NJ
3. NEW JERSEY NETS
-- The Big Three in Boston aren't the original Big Three of the Atlantic Division. Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson might be playing with their primes behind them, but they won't go away just yet. The Nets made the playoffs last season for the sixth straight time. With Nenad Kristic returning from an injury that cost him almost all of last season and Jamaal Magloire coming in to replace Mikki Moore's solid contributions, the Nets could be playing in June for the seventh year in a row.
New Additions: Jamaal Magloire, Sean Williams, Darrell Armstrong, Jumaine Jones, Mateen Cleaves, Malik Allen, Rod Benson
Losses: Mikki Moore, Eddie House
Players Under the Radar: Josh Boone / Bostjan Nachbar
Big Games: Nov. 2 vs TOR, Nov. 10 vs BOS, Nov. 14 @ BOS, Nov. 14 @ BOS, Mar. 2 vs SA, Mar. 2 @ SA, April 16 @ BOS
4. NEW YORK KNICKS
-- It might be wishful thinking to beleive that the one-two punch of Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry will be a potent combination. The Knicks are a few years away from being a really good team. The core of younger Knicks players haven't approached their primes, but it's only a matter of time before we're seeing New York back in the playoffs. Renaldo Balkman, Wilson Chandler, Mardy Collins, Jared Jeffries, David Lee, Randolph Morris and Nate Robinson are all close to, but yet are all far from becoming strong and consistent NBA players.
New Additions: Zach Randolph, Allan Houston, Fred Jones, Wilson Chandler, Demetris Nichols, Jared Jordon, Walker Russell Jr., Roderick Wilmont
Losses: Channing Frye, Steve Francis
Players Under the Radar: Renaldo Balkman / Randolph Morris
Big Games: Nov. 29 @ BOS, Dec. 5 @ NJ, Jan. 4 @ SA, Jan. 5 @ HOU, Feb. 1 @ POR, Mar. 8 vs POR, April 14 vs BOS
5. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
-- Last season, Andre Iguodala led Philadelphia in scoring with 18.2 points per game. Iguodala should be great again this season, but the Sixers might be in trouble. Iguodala's 18.2 points per game was the lowest high output for a Sixer since 1953-54 when 17.1 led the team. One sign of hope could be that the 76ers had the best home record for a non-playoff team after the All-Star break and will look to continue the home court success into 2007-08. The 76ers have a young, but relatively unknown squad who will try to make the rest of the Atlantic division more familiar with who they are this season.
New Additions: Thaddeus Young, Jason Smith, Derrick Byars, Herbert Hill, Ricky Sanchez, Reggie Evans, Calvin Booth
Losses: Joe Smith
Players Under the Radar: Kyle Korver / Kevin Ollie
Big Games: Oct. 31 @ TOR, Dec. 1 @ NJ, Dec. 5 vs BOS, Jan. 6 @ DEN, Mar. 19 vs DEN
1.) Boston 2.) Toronto 3.) New Jersey 4.) New York 5.) Philadelphia
All-Atlantic Team:
PG - Jason Kidd / T.J. Ford
SG - Ray Allen / Andre Iguodala
SF - Vince Carter / Richard Jefferson
PF - Kevin Garnett / Chris Bosh
C - Eddy Curry / Samuel Dalembert
1. BOSTON CELTICS
-- In 2004-05, Boston posted 45 wins, won the Atlantic division and made the playoff for the third straight season. After losing 58 games last year and missing the playoffs for the second straight season, Boston is ready for a drastic turnaround. By adding Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen their win total should easily rise. Garnett might not be as durable as he once was, Allen missed 27 games last year and one thing Boston battled last season was with the injury bug. As a team, Boston missed 73 more games than any other team last year. But if everyone can stay healthy the Celtics will run away with the Atlantic division. The big three of KG, Peirce and Ray Ray know that they haven't done anything yet. Key word: Yet.
New Additions: Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Scott Pollard, Eddie House, James Posey, Glen Davis, Gabe Pruitt, Esteban Batista, Dahntay Jones, Jackie Manuel
Losses: Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes, Theo Ratliff, Gerald Green, Sebastian Telfair, Allan Ray, Wally Szczerbiak, Delonte West
Player Under the Radar: Tony Allen / Kendrick Perkins
Big Games: Dec. 27 @ SEA, Jan. 25 vs MIN, Feb. 8 @ MIN, Mar. 17 @ SEA
2. TORONTO RAPTORS
-- You can't write anything about the Raptors without first mentioning the mastermind Bryan Colangelo. Colangelo has had a tremendous impact in the front office which has resulted in success on the court. The current Raptor's and former Phoenix Suns general manager has put together the right kind of players for the city that the team represents. He has constructed a team that is not only talented and unselfish, but has a winning mindset. Chris Bosh, T.J. Ford, Andrea Bargnani, Jorge Garbajosa, Anthony Parker, Jose Calderon and newly acquired sharp-shooter Jason Kapono will use a team mentality to rise to the top of the Eastern Conference. The Raptors won't have a problem putting it up from deep, but a lack of size might cause them to struggle with scoring in the paint (the Raptors were second worst in the NBA in points in the paint last year). The emerging Raptors and new look Celtics make the Atlantic a tough division to conquer.
New Additions: Carlos Delfino, Jason Kapono, Maceo Baston
Losses: Morris Peterson
Players Under the Radar: Jose Calderon / Anthony Parker
Big Games: Nov. 2 @ NJ, Nov. 4 vs BOS, Dec. 7 @ BOS, Dec. 22 @ PHX, Dec. 28 @ SA, April 5 @ NJ, April 11 vs NJ
3. NEW JERSEY NETS
-- The Big Three in Boston aren't the original Big Three of the Atlantic Division. Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson might be playing with their primes behind them, but they won't go away just yet. The Nets made the playoffs last season for the sixth straight time. With Nenad Kristic returning from an injury that cost him almost all of last season and Jamaal Magloire coming in to replace Mikki Moore's solid contributions, the Nets could be playing in June for the seventh year in a row.
New Additions: Jamaal Magloire, Sean Williams, Darrell Armstrong, Jumaine Jones, Mateen Cleaves, Malik Allen, Rod Benson
Losses: Mikki Moore, Eddie House
Players Under the Radar: Josh Boone / Bostjan Nachbar
Big Games: Nov. 2 vs TOR, Nov. 10 vs BOS, Nov. 14 @ BOS, Nov. 14 @ BOS, Mar. 2 vs SA, Mar. 2 @ SA, April 16 @ BOS
4. NEW YORK KNICKS
-- It might be wishful thinking to beleive that the one-two punch of Zach Randolph and Eddy Curry will be a potent combination. The Knicks are a few years away from being a really good team. The core of younger Knicks players haven't approached their primes, but it's only a matter of time before we're seeing New York back in the playoffs. Renaldo Balkman, Wilson Chandler, Mardy Collins, Jared Jeffries, David Lee, Randolph Morris and Nate Robinson are all close to, but yet are all far from becoming strong and consistent NBA players.
New Additions: Zach Randolph, Allan Houston, Fred Jones, Wilson Chandler, Demetris Nichols, Jared Jordon, Walker Russell Jr., Roderick Wilmont
Losses: Channing Frye, Steve Francis
Players Under the Radar: Renaldo Balkman / Randolph Morris
Big Games: Nov. 29 @ BOS, Dec. 5 @ NJ, Jan. 4 @ SA, Jan. 5 @ HOU, Feb. 1 @ POR, Mar. 8 vs POR, April 14 vs BOS
5. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS
-- Last season, Andre Iguodala led Philadelphia in scoring with 18.2 points per game. Iguodala should be great again this season, but the Sixers might be in trouble. Iguodala's 18.2 points per game was the lowest high output for a Sixer since 1953-54 when 17.1 led the team. One sign of hope could be that the 76ers had the best home record for a non-playoff team after the All-Star break and will look to continue the home court success into 2007-08. The 76ers have a young, but relatively unknown squad who will try to make the rest of the Atlantic division more familiar with who they are this season.
New Additions: Thaddeus Young, Jason Smith, Derrick Byars, Herbert Hill, Ricky Sanchez, Reggie Evans, Calvin Booth
Losses: Joe Smith
Players Under the Radar: Kyle Korver / Kevin Ollie
Big Games: Oct. 31 @ TOR, Dec. 1 @ NJ, Dec. 5 vs BOS, Jan. 6 @ DEN, Mar. 19 vs DEN
Sunday, October 14, 2007
EASTERN CONFERENCE - CENTRAL DIVISION (10/15/07)
I'm going to post my analysis of each conference one day at a time starting today with the Eastern Conference Central Division. For the next six days I'll review each division and on the seventh day (the day before the player IPO's) I'll give my overall predictions for the entire NBA and player awards.
EASTERN CONFERENCE - CENTRAL DIVISION
1.) Chicago 2.) Cleveland 4.) Detroit 3.) Milwaukee 5.) Indiana
All-Central Team:
PG - Chauncey Billups / Kirk Hinrich
SG - Michael Redd / Ben Gordon / Richard Hamilton
SF - LeBron James / Luol Deng
PF - Jermaine O'Neal / Rasheed Wallace
C - Zydrunas Ilgauskas / Andrew Bogut
1. CHICAGO BULLS
-- The Bulls will put an all-around great team on the court again this season. With guards Hinrich, Gordon and Duhan, forward play from Deng, Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas and big men Aaron Gray, Joakim Noah and Ben Wallace -- Chicago will be the one of the favorites to win the East and make it to the NBA finals. With 49 wins a year ago (which was an improvement of eight wins from the previous season) a 50 win season is in order for 2007-08. The Bulls are mature yet young and have been helped by the Eddy Curry trade which has resulted in Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah.
New Additions: Joe Smith, Joakim Noah, Aaron Gray, JamesOn Curry, Andre Barrett, Thomas Gardner, Jared Homan
Losses: None.
Players Under the Radar: Thabo Sefolosha / Ben Gordon
Big Games: Nov. 8 vs DET, Dec. 7 @ DET, Mar. 2 @ CLE, Mar. 6 vs CLE, Mar. 7 @ BOS, April 3 @ CLE, April 11 vs CLE
2. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
-- The Eastern conference may have caught up to the Western conference as far as the number of quality teams that are fighting for a playoff spot. With Cleveland making it to the Finals last season, the Cavaliers have a bull's-eye on their chest from the East's best: Chicago, Miami, New Jersey, Boston, Detroit, Orlando, Toronto and Washington. But LeBron is still the King and he's not ready to give up his thrown. Returning to the NBA finals might be harder this year than last, but the Cavs competition starts and ends with their own division. The Cavs will have to face tough match-ups against Chicago, Milwaukee and Detroit all season long. And despite winning 50 games for the second consecutive season in 2006-07, the Cavs had a losing record on the road (20-21).
New Additions: Dwayne Jones, Hassan Adams, Darius Rice, Chet Mason, Cedric Simmons
Losses: Scott Pollard, David Wesley
Players Under the Radar: Sasha Pavlovic / Ira Newble
Big Games: Oct. 31 vs DAL, Nov. 4 @ PHX, Nov. 27 vs BOS, Nov. 28 vs DET, Mar. 2 vs CHI, April 3 vs CHI, April 11 @ CHI, April 16 vs DET
3. DETROIT PISTONS
-- It's hard to imagine that Detroit will finish anything worse than third, but with the rise in talent elsewhere and the lack of reinforcements in Detroit, the reign over the Central might be through. Although Detroit still boasts a starting five that contains four All-Stars, they might be over the hill -- Wallace is in his 12th year, Billups in his 10th and Hamilton is in his 8th. In one of the deepest divisions in the NBA, one team has to finish third and it appears that it will be Detroit.
New Additions: Jarvis Hayes, Rodney Stuckey, Arron Affalo, Sammy Mejia, Gerald Fitch
Losses: Carlos Delfino
Players Under the Radar: Jason Maxiell / Flip Murray
Big Games: Nov. 8 @ CHI, Nov. 28 vs CLE, April 14 vs NJ, April 16 @ CLE
4. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
-- The Bucks might just surprise and sneak up the division standings as a team filled with underestimated stars. Milwaukee is my pick as this year version of the 2006-07 Raptors. The Bucks had just 28 in 2007 -- their worst season since 1995-96. Milwaukee could steal more wins this year than they had in 2006 when they won 40 and reached the post-season (all five Central division teams made the post-season in 2005-06). The Bucks have talent, they just need to put it together for a full 82 games.
New Additions: Desmond Mason, Jake Voskuhl, Yi Jianlian, Ramon Sessions, Royal Ivey, Samaki Walker, Awvee Storey, Michael Ruffin
Losses: Lynn Greer
Players Under the Radar: Charlie Vilanueva / Bobby Simmons
Big Games: Nov. 3 vs CHI, Nov. 11 @ SA, Nov. 20 @ CLE, Dec. 14 @ BOS, Dec. 17 @ CLE, April 14 vs CHI
5. INDIANA PACERS
-- The Pacers have declined in their number of wins since they won 61 games in 2003-04. Could it get any worse than the 35 they managed to win last year? The Pacers don't have much to look forward to coming into 2007-08 -- they had the worst record in the NBA after February 22nd. Another question that has been asked is whether or not their only superstar, Jermaine O'Neal, will be around for the entire year. Rumors are that the Pacer forward has grumbled about the direction of the team and might ask to be traded to a contender.
New Additions: Travis Diener, Stanko Barac, Kareem Rush
Losses: Maceo Baston, Darrell Armstrong
Players Under the Radar: Danny Granger / Troy Murphy
Big Games: Nov. 7 vs LAC, Nov. 20 vs LAL, Nov. 23 vs DAL, Nov. 24 vs CLE, Dec. 2 @ LAC, April 4 @ MIL, April 6 vs MIL
EASTERN CONFERENCE - CENTRAL DIVISION
1.) Chicago 2.) Cleveland 4.) Detroit 3.) Milwaukee 5.) Indiana
All-Central Team:
PG - Chauncey Billups / Kirk Hinrich
SG - Michael Redd / Ben Gordon / Richard Hamilton
SF - LeBron James / Luol Deng
PF - Jermaine O'Neal / Rasheed Wallace
C - Zydrunas Ilgauskas / Andrew Bogut
1. CHICAGO BULLS
-- The Bulls will put an all-around great team on the court again this season. With guards Hinrich, Gordon and Duhan, forward play from Deng, Nocioni, Tyrus Thomas and big men Aaron Gray, Joakim Noah and Ben Wallace -- Chicago will be the one of the favorites to win the East and make it to the NBA finals. With 49 wins a year ago (which was an improvement of eight wins from the previous season) a 50 win season is in order for 2007-08. The Bulls are mature yet young and have been helped by the Eddy Curry trade which has resulted in Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah.
New Additions: Joe Smith, Joakim Noah, Aaron Gray, JamesOn Curry, Andre Barrett, Thomas Gardner, Jared Homan
Losses: None.
Players Under the Radar: Thabo Sefolosha / Ben Gordon
Big Games: Nov. 8 vs DET, Dec. 7 @ DET, Mar. 2 @ CLE, Mar. 6 vs CLE, Mar. 7 @ BOS, April 3 @ CLE, April 11 vs CLE
2. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
-- The Eastern conference may have caught up to the Western conference as far as the number of quality teams that are fighting for a playoff spot. With Cleveland making it to the Finals last season, the Cavaliers have a bull's-eye on their chest from the East's best: Chicago, Miami, New Jersey, Boston, Detroit, Orlando, Toronto and Washington. But LeBron is still the King and he's not ready to give up his thrown. Returning to the NBA finals might be harder this year than last, but the Cavs competition starts and ends with their own division. The Cavs will have to face tough match-ups against Chicago, Milwaukee and Detroit all season long. And despite winning 50 games for the second consecutive season in 2006-07, the Cavs had a losing record on the road (20-21).
New Additions: Dwayne Jones, Hassan Adams, Darius Rice, Chet Mason, Cedric Simmons
Losses: Scott Pollard, David Wesley
Players Under the Radar: Sasha Pavlovic / Ira Newble
Big Games: Oct. 31 vs DAL, Nov. 4 @ PHX, Nov. 27 vs BOS, Nov. 28 vs DET, Mar. 2 vs CHI, April 3 vs CHI, April 11 @ CHI, April 16 vs DET
3. DETROIT PISTONS
-- It's hard to imagine that Detroit will finish anything worse than third, but with the rise in talent elsewhere and the lack of reinforcements in Detroit, the reign over the Central might be through. Although Detroit still boasts a starting five that contains four All-Stars, they might be over the hill -- Wallace is in his 12th year, Billups in his 10th and Hamilton is in his 8th. In one of the deepest divisions in the NBA, one team has to finish third and it appears that it will be Detroit.
New Additions: Jarvis Hayes, Rodney Stuckey, Arron Affalo, Sammy Mejia, Gerald Fitch
Losses: Carlos Delfino
Players Under the Radar: Jason Maxiell / Flip Murray
Big Games: Nov. 8 @ CHI, Nov. 28 vs CLE, April 14 vs NJ, April 16 @ CLE
4. MILWAUKEE BUCKS
-- The Bucks might just surprise and sneak up the division standings as a team filled with underestimated stars. Milwaukee is my pick as this year version of the 2006-07 Raptors. The Bucks had just 28 in 2007 -- their worst season since 1995-96. Milwaukee could steal more wins this year than they had in 2006 when they won 40 and reached the post-season (all five Central division teams made the post-season in 2005-06). The Bucks have talent, they just need to put it together for a full 82 games.
New Additions: Desmond Mason, Jake Voskuhl, Yi Jianlian, Ramon Sessions, Royal Ivey, Samaki Walker, Awvee Storey, Michael Ruffin
Losses: Lynn Greer
Players Under the Radar: Charlie Vilanueva / Bobby Simmons
Big Games: Nov. 3 vs CHI, Nov. 11 @ SA, Nov. 20 @ CLE, Dec. 14 @ BOS, Dec. 17 @ CLE, April 14 vs CHI
5. INDIANA PACERS
-- The Pacers have declined in their number of wins since they won 61 games in 2003-04. Could it get any worse than the 35 they managed to win last year? The Pacers don't have much to look forward to coming into 2007-08 -- they had the worst record in the NBA after February 22nd. Another question that has been asked is whether or not their only superstar, Jermaine O'Neal, will be around for the entire year. Rumors are that the Pacer forward has grumbled about the direction of the team and might ask to be traded to a contender.
New Additions: Travis Diener, Stanko Barac, Kareem Rush
Losses: Maceo Baston, Darrell Armstrong
Players Under the Radar: Danny Granger / Troy Murphy
Big Games: Nov. 7 vs LAC, Nov. 20 vs LAL, Nov. 23 vs DAL, Nov. 24 vs CLE, Dec. 2 @ LAC, April 4 @ MIL, April 6 vs MIL
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Week Six Could Be's (10/14/07)
Could Be Great:
QB: Kurt Warner vs Carolina -- Now that Kurt has taken over, the Cardinals instantly become a Super Bowl contender. (Did I really just say that?)
RB: Brandon Jacobs vs Atlanta -- Jacobs is officially back after rushing for 100 yards and a touchdown against the Jets. The Jacobs train is beginning to chug -- he could be great this weekend.
WR: Marques Colston vs Seattle -- If Drew Brees can return to form (Brees has nine interceptions and just one touchdown), Colston will be great. Colston had four 100 yard games last season and has yet to top the century mark this year -- it could be time.
Could Be Good:
QB: Derek Anderson vs Miami -- Settled in as the main man and producing, Anderson could be good against a Dolphins defense that ranks 24th in the NFL giving up nearly 350 yards per game.
RB: Willis McGahee vs St. Louis -- McGahee has racked up plenty of yards this season (464 rushing, 143 receiving), but hasn't recording a rushing touchdown. If the Rams continue to stink it up on defense (St. Louis allows the most rushing touchdowns per game), McGahee might just break on through to the other side (of the goal line).
WR: Terrell Owens vs Randy Moss -- I'm getting the popcorn ready.
Could Be Bad:
QB: Brett Favre vs Washington -- After losing a heartbreaker last Sunday night, I think reality is setting in and the Favre farewell tour is on the downslide. I'm glad I traded Favre in all my fantasy leagues last weekend -- his true age should start to show.
RB: Chester Taylor vs Chicago -- Taylor was in a fight with his own teammate this week in the locker room and apparently he has a history of locker room fights (http://sports.aol.com/fanhouse/2007/10/12/vikings-rb-chester-taylor-has-a-history-of-locker-room-fights/).
WR: Drew Bennett vs Baltimore -- Last week Bennett caught his first touchdown since week 13 of 2006. With the Ravens defense coming to town, Bennett could be starting his next drought.
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Fantasy NBA CHEat Sheet: Top 150 (10/9/07)
Fantasy Basketball draft season is underway. My opinions on players change daily (more like hourly), so it helps to get a cheat sheet together now and refine it as the opening night gets closer. Here is my top 150 as of today, let me know who's overrated and who needs to get more love.
Fantasy NBA Top 100
1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Dirk Nowitzki
4. Shawn Marion
5. Kevin Garnett
6. Yao Ming
7. Tim Duncan
8. Steve Nash
9. Pau Gasol
10. Chris Paul
11. Gilbert Arenas
12. Dwyane Wade
13. Jason Kidd
14. Vince Carter
15. Tracy McGrady
16. Deron Williams
17. Chauncey Billups
18. Rashard Lewis
19. Chris Bosh
20. Amare Stoudemire
21. Marcus Camby
22. Paul Pierce
23. Baron Davis
24. Allen Iverson
25. Josh Howard
26. Michael Redd
27. Josh Smith
28. Dwight Howard
29. Ray Allen
30. Joe Johnson
31. Carmelo Anthony
32. Andre Iguodala
33. Al Jefferson
34. Gerald Wallace
35. Caron Butler
36. Carlos Boozer
37. Tyson Chandler
38. Jermaine O'Neal
39. Luol Deng
40. Raymond Felton
41. Andrei Kirilenko
42. Emeka Okafor
43. Nene Hilario
44. Jason Terry
45. Kevin Martin
46. Andris Biedrins
47. Lamar Odom
48. Mehmet Okur
49. Zach Randolph
50. Ben Gordon
51. Brandon Roy
52. Ron Artest
53. Tony Parker
54. Leandro Barbosa
55. Mike Miller
56. Antawn Jamison
57. Kirk Hinrich
58. Rasheed Wallace
59. Danny Granger
60. Manu Ginobili
61. Jason Richardson
62. Richard Hamilton
63. Richard Jefferson
64. Larry Hughes
65. Rudy Gay
66. Mo Williams
67. Kevin Durant
68. Samuel Dalembert
69. Corey Maggette
70. Ben Wallace
71. Mike Bibby
72. Jamal Crawford
73. Monta Ellis
74. T. J. Ford
75. LaMarcus Aldridge
76. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
77. Devin Harris
78. Hedo Turkoglu
79. Tayshaun Prince
80. Andre Miller
81. Stephen Jackson
82. Al Harrington
83. Ricky Davis
84. David West
85. Jarrett Jack
86. Andrew Bogut
87. Shane Battier
88. Chris Kaman
89. Stephon Marbury
90. Luther Head
91. Luke Ridnour
92. Troy Murphy
93. David Lee
94. Boris Diaw
95. Delonte West
96. Brad Miller
97. Luke Walton
98. Jose Calderon
99. Rajon Rondo
100. Randy Foye
101. Matt Carroll
102. Drew Gooden
103. Andres Nocioni
104. J.R. Smith
105. DeShawn Stevenson
106. Jamaal Tinsley
107. Raja Bell
108. Andrew Bynum
109. Anthony Parker
110. Jorge Garbajosa
111. Udonis Haslem
112. Matt Barnes
113. Charlie Vilanueva
114. Morris Peterson
115. Jameer Nelson
116. Nenad Kristic
117. Kyle Korver
118. Charlie Bell
119. Darko Milicic
120. Cuttino Mobley
121. Mikki Moore
122. Paul Milsap
123. Peja Stojakovic
124. Steve Francis
125. John Salmons
126. Mike Conley Jr.
127. Bobby Simmons
128. Ryan Gomes
129. Mike Dunleavy
130. Marvin Williams
131. Ruben Patterson
132. Wally Szczerbiak
133. Chris Wilcox
134. Nick Collison
135. Hakim Warrick
136. Steve Blake
137. Anderson Varejao
138. Antonio Daniels
139. Quentin Richardson
140. Tyrus Thomas
141. Antonio McDyess
142. Shareef Abdur-Rahim
143. Josh Childress
144. Rafer Alston
145. Al Horford
146. Craig Smith
147. Chucky Atkins
148. Kenyon Martin
149. Jason Maxiell
150. Eddy Curry
Just off the list:
Zaza Pachulia, Earl Watson, Sam Cassell, Gerald Green, Jason Williams, Smush Parker, Acie Law, Shaquille O'Neal, Kyle Lowry, Ike Diogu, Robert Swift, Joakim Noah, Brent Barry, Chris Mihm, Sasha Pavlovic, DeSangana Diop, Alonzo Mourning, Kurt Thomas, Jason Kapono, J.J. Redick
Fantasy NBA Top 100
1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Dirk Nowitzki
4. Shawn Marion
5. Kevin Garnett
6. Yao Ming
7. Tim Duncan
8. Steve Nash
9. Pau Gasol
10. Chris Paul
11. Gilbert Arenas
12. Dwyane Wade
13. Jason Kidd
14. Vince Carter
15. Tracy McGrady
16. Deron Williams
17. Chauncey Billups
18. Rashard Lewis
19. Chris Bosh
20. Amare Stoudemire
21. Marcus Camby
22. Paul Pierce
23. Baron Davis
24. Allen Iverson
25. Josh Howard
26. Michael Redd
27. Josh Smith
28. Dwight Howard
29. Ray Allen
30. Joe Johnson
31. Carmelo Anthony
32. Andre Iguodala
33. Al Jefferson
34. Gerald Wallace
35. Caron Butler
36. Carlos Boozer
37. Tyson Chandler
38. Jermaine O'Neal
39. Luol Deng
40. Raymond Felton
41. Andrei Kirilenko
42. Emeka Okafor
43. Nene Hilario
44. Jason Terry
45. Kevin Martin
46. Andris Biedrins
47. Lamar Odom
48. Mehmet Okur
49. Zach Randolph
50. Ben Gordon
51. Brandon Roy
52. Ron Artest
53. Tony Parker
54. Leandro Barbosa
55. Mike Miller
56. Antawn Jamison
57. Kirk Hinrich
58. Rasheed Wallace
59. Danny Granger
60. Manu Ginobili
61. Jason Richardson
62. Richard Hamilton
63. Richard Jefferson
64. Larry Hughes
65. Rudy Gay
66. Mo Williams
67. Kevin Durant
68. Samuel Dalembert
69. Corey Maggette
70. Ben Wallace
71. Mike Bibby
72. Jamal Crawford
73. Monta Ellis
74. T. J. Ford
75. LaMarcus Aldridge
76. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
77. Devin Harris
78. Hedo Turkoglu
79. Tayshaun Prince
80. Andre Miller
81. Stephen Jackson
82. Al Harrington
83. Ricky Davis
84. David West
85. Jarrett Jack
86. Andrew Bogut
87. Shane Battier
88. Chris Kaman
89. Stephon Marbury
90. Luther Head
91. Luke Ridnour
92. Troy Murphy
93. David Lee
94. Boris Diaw
95. Delonte West
96. Brad Miller
97. Luke Walton
98. Jose Calderon
99. Rajon Rondo
100. Randy Foye
101. Matt Carroll
102. Drew Gooden
103. Andres Nocioni
104. J.R. Smith
105. DeShawn Stevenson
106. Jamaal Tinsley
107. Raja Bell
108. Andrew Bynum
109. Anthony Parker
110. Jorge Garbajosa
111. Udonis Haslem
112. Matt Barnes
113. Charlie Vilanueva
114. Morris Peterson
115. Jameer Nelson
116. Nenad Kristic
117. Kyle Korver
118. Charlie Bell
119. Darko Milicic
120. Cuttino Mobley
121. Mikki Moore
122. Paul Milsap
123. Peja Stojakovic
124. Steve Francis
125. John Salmons
126. Mike Conley Jr.
127. Bobby Simmons
128. Ryan Gomes
129. Mike Dunleavy
130. Marvin Williams
131. Ruben Patterson
132. Wally Szczerbiak
133. Chris Wilcox
134. Nick Collison
135. Hakim Warrick
136. Steve Blake
137. Anderson Varejao
138. Antonio Daniels
139. Quentin Richardson
140. Tyrus Thomas
141. Antonio McDyess
142. Shareef Abdur-Rahim
143. Josh Childress
144. Rafer Alston
145. Al Horford
146. Craig Smith
147. Chucky Atkins
148. Kenyon Martin
149. Jason Maxiell
150. Eddy Curry
Just off the list:
Zaza Pachulia, Earl Watson, Sam Cassell, Gerald Green, Jason Williams, Smush Parker, Acie Law, Shaquille O'Neal, Kyle Lowry, Ike Diogu, Robert Swift, Joakim Noah, Brent Barry, Chris Mihm, Sasha Pavlovic, DeSangana Diop, Alonzo Mourning, Kurt Thomas, Jason Kapono, J.J. Redick
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Week Five Could Be's (10/7/07)
Could Be Great:
QB: Tony Romo vs Buffalo -- Romo is trying to lead the Cowboys to their first 5-0 start since 1983. So far this season Romo has been on fire and it wouldn't be surprising to see him light up the Bills secondary.
RB: Edgerrin James vs St. Louis -- The Rams could fall to 0-5 if the defensive line can't stop Edgerrin. James will look to exploit a defense that is giving up 4.8 yards per carry and 157 rushing yards per game.
WR: Jerricho Cotchery vs New York Giants -- The Giants may have been able to get to McNabb last weekend and they might be able to do the same to Pennington. But if Chad is able to get the ball out of his hands before he's thrown to the ground -- Cotchery might just have a great day. Jerricho has at least five catches in nine of his last 10.
Could Be Good:
QB: Joey Harrington vs Tennessee -- The Falcons are for real. And the fact that Jerious Norwood has been pretty much invisible gives them the potential to get even better. Over the last two games Harrington has been Brady-like completing 74% of his throws, passing for 585 yards, 4 touchdowns all without throwing a pick. If Atlanta's o-line can keep Harrington upright -- they are giving up four sacks per game -- Harrington could be good.
RB: Ronnie Brown vs Houston -- Brown has been the only spark for the Dolphins offense. He's actually drawing comparisons to Walter Payton having boasted more than 200 yards per scrimmage in three straight games.
WR: Steve Smith vs New Orleans -- Smith will have to work with back-up quarterback David Carr in order to extend his touchdown streak against the Saints to five straight contests.
Could Be Bad:
QB: Matt Schaub vs Miami -- Schaub might hit a wall in week five of his first full season as a starter in the NFL. Without his go-to man Andre Johnson and his second best threat also out (Jacoby Jones), Schaub and the Texans might not produce much offense.
RB: LenDale White vs Atlanta -- The other day I actually heard someone say that LenDale White has done more in the NFL than Reggie Bush (teammates in college). I laughed. White could be bad this weekend because he's been sick all week.
WR: Joey Galloway vs Indianapolis -- With no Cadillac to ride, plus a brand new left tackle making his NFL debut against Dwight Freeney, it could be a long day for any Buccaneer especially against the defending Super Bowl champs.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Fantasy NBA CHEat Sheet: Top 100 (10/2/07)
Fantasy Basketball draft season is underway. I have already begun drafting teams and even though the season is almost a month from now, it helps to get your cheat sheet together now and refine it as the opening night gets closer. Here is my top 100 as of today, help me refine the list.
Fantasy NBA Top 100
1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Shawn Marion
4. Kevin Garnett
5. Dirk Nowitzki
6. Yao Ming
7. Tim Duncan
8. Steve Nash
9. Pau Gasol
10. Chris Paul
11. Gilbert Arenas
12. Dwyane Wade
13. Jason Kidd
14. Vince Carter
15. Tracy McGrady
16. Deron Williams
17. Chauncey Billups
18. Rashard Lewis
19. Chris Bosh
20. Marcus Camby
21. Amare Stoudemire
22. Paul Pierce
23. Baron Davis
24. Allen Iverson
25. Josh Howard
26. Gerald Wallace
27. Josh Smith
28. Caron Butler
29. Ray Allen
30. Michael Redd
31. Al Jefferson
32. Andre Iguodala
33. Joe Johnson
34. Carmelo Anthony
35. Dwight Howard
36. Carlos Boozer
37. Tyson Chandler
38. Jermaine O'Neal
39. Luol Deng
40. Lamar Odom
41. Brandon Roy
42. Mehmet Okur
43. Nene Hilario
44. Jason Terry
45. Kevin Martin
46. Andris Biedrins
47. Andrei Kirilenko
48. Raymond Felton
49. Zach Randolph
50. Jason Richardson
51. Emeka Okafor
52. Ron Artest
53. Rasheed Wallace
54. Danny Granger
55. Tony Parker
56. Antawn Jamison
57. Mike Miller
58. Rudy Gay
59. Manu Ginobili
60. Ben Gordon
61. Leandro Barbosa
62. Kevin Durant
63. Richard Hamilton
64. Larry Hughes
65. Kirk Hinrich
66. Richard Jefferson
67. Mo Williams
68. Monta Ellis
69. Corey Maggette
70. Ben Wallace
71. Mike Bibby
72. Jamal Crawford
73. Samuel Dalembert
74. T. J. Ford
75. Rajon Rondo
76. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
77. LaMarcus Aldridge
78. Shane Battier
79. Tayshaun Prince
80. Andre Miller
81. Stephen Jackson
82. Al Harrington
83. Devin Harris
84. David West
85. Jarrett Jack
86. Hedo Turkoglu
87. David Lee
88. Chris Kaman
89. Stephon Marbury
90. Luther Head
91. Luke Ridnour
92. Troy Murphy
93. Matt Carroll
94. Boris Diaw
95. Delonte West
96. Brad Miller
97. Andres Nocioni
98. Jose Calderon
99. Andrew Bogut
100. Randy Foye
Others just off the list:
Ricky Davis, Drew Gooden, Mikki Moore, J.R. Smith, Luke Walton, DeShawn Stevenson, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Jorge Garbajosa, John Salmons, Ryan Gomes, Udonis Haslem, Matt Barnes, Ruben Patterson, Morris Peterson, Jameer Nelson, Nick Collison, Raja Bell, Anthony Parker, Kyle Korver, Cuttino Mobley
Fantasy NBA Top 100
1. Kobe Bryant
2. LeBron James
3. Shawn Marion
4. Kevin Garnett
5. Dirk Nowitzki
6. Yao Ming
7. Tim Duncan
8. Steve Nash
9. Pau Gasol
10. Chris Paul
11. Gilbert Arenas
12. Dwyane Wade
13. Jason Kidd
14. Vince Carter
15. Tracy McGrady
16. Deron Williams
17. Chauncey Billups
18. Rashard Lewis
19. Chris Bosh
20. Marcus Camby
21. Amare Stoudemire
22. Paul Pierce
23. Baron Davis
24. Allen Iverson
25. Josh Howard
26. Gerald Wallace
27. Josh Smith
28. Caron Butler
29. Ray Allen
30. Michael Redd
31. Al Jefferson
32. Andre Iguodala
33. Joe Johnson
34. Carmelo Anthony
35. Dwight Howard
36. Carlos Boozer
37. Tyson Chandler
38. Jermaine O'Neal
39. Luol Deng
40. Lamar Odom
41. Brandon Roy
42. Mehmet Okur
43. Nene Hilario
44. Jason Terry
45. Kevin Martin
46. Andris Biedrins
47. Andrei Kirilenko
48. Raymond Felton
49. Zach Randolph
50. Jason Richardson
51. Emeka Okafor
52. Ron Artest
53. Rasheed Wallace
54. Danny Granger
55. Tony Parker
56. Antawn Jamison
57. Mike Miller
58. Rudy Gay
59. Manu Ginobili
60. Ben Gordon
61. Leandro Barbosa
62. Kevin Durant
63. Richard Hamilton
64. Larry Hughes
65. Kirk Hinrich
66. Richard Jefferson
67. Mo Williams
68. Monta Ellis
69. Corey Maggette
70. Ben Wallace
71. Mike Bibby
72. Jamal Crawford
73. Samuel Dalembert
74. T. J. Ford
75. Rajon Rondo
76. Zydrunas Ilgauskas
77. LaMarcus Aldridge
78. Shane Battier
79. Tayshaun Prince
80. Andre Miller
81. Stephen Jackson
82. Al Harrington
83. Devin Harris
84. David West
85. Jarrett Jack
86. Hedo Turkoglu
87. David Lee
88. Chris Kaman
89. Stephon Marbury
90. Luther Head
91. Luke Ridnour
92. Troy Murphy
93. Matt Carroll
94. Boris Diaw
95. Delonte West
96. Brad Miller
97. Andres Nocioni
98. Jose Calderon
99. Andrew Bogut
100. Randy Foye
Others just off the list:
Ricky Davis, Drew Gooden, Mikki Moore, J.R. Smith, Luke Walton, DeShawn Stevenson, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Jorge Garbajosa, John Salmons, Ryan Gomes, Udonis Haslem, Matt Barnes, Ruben Patterson, Morris Peterson, Jameer Nelson, Nick Collison, Raja Bell, Anthony Parker, Kyle Korver, Cuttino Mobley
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