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Interesting article where the writer ranks the rebuilding teams in the Western Conference:
Mark Heisler’s rebuilding rankings: Rounding up usual suspects below .500 mark
He has them (with a paraphrasing of his reasoning for those who don't want to read the article:
1. T-Wolves: Despite only sitting in the 13 spot there are about 25 teams (including the Lakers) who would trade their roster for one loaded with prospects like Towns, Wiggins, Lavine, Dieng, Dunn and Muhammad. Thibs has them No. 7 in defense over the past 15 games.
2. Pelicans: Similar to the T-Wolves, but with worse luck, more injuries, less depth and no leadership. But you have to like a core of the Brow, Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans to build around.
3. Lakers: Prospects Russell, Randle and Ingram are in an earlier stage of development than others. Unlike some of the other teams on the list, leadership doesn't appear to be an issue any longer. They have the right coach (finally) and Jeanie seems to be looking to run the franchise like her Dad (provide the vision and let the professionals fulfill it).
4. Kings: The teams hopes AND fears all revolve around Boogie Cousins. Ranadive has essentially created a no-win situation for himself and his franchise. They currently sit at #9 in the West. Can they build on this? Or will they see Boogie leave in 2020 and have to start over again?
5. Nuggets: They have solid pieces in Gallinari, Chandler, Jokic and Nurkic, but no stars. They also have the No. 29 payroll and an owner who seems more interested in making/saving money than building a contender.
6. Suns: Some good pieces in Booker, Chriss, Bender and Len. The problem is owner Robert Sarver who said he would sit back and let the Colangelo's run the team. Then went from involved owner to meddlesome owner, prompting the Colangelo's to leave.
7. Mavs: Management, they've got. Memories, they've got. Prospects, they don't got. Cuban did a good job of keeping together the team that won the title in 2011. Unfortunately, you have to get old sometime and they did.
Thoughts?
Mark Heisler’s rebuilding rankings: Rounding up usual suspects below .500 mark
He has them (with a paraphrasing of his reasoning for those who don't want to read the article:
1. T-Wolves: Despite only sitting in the 13 spot there are about 25 teams (including the Lakers) who would trade their roster for one loaded with prospects like Towns, Wiggins, Lavine, Dieng, Dunn and Muhammad. Thibs has them No. 7 in defense over the past 15 games.
2. Pelicans: Similar to the T-Wolves, but with worse luck, more injuries, less depth and no leadership. But you have to like a core of the Brow, Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans to build around.
3. Lakers: Prospects Russell, Randle and Ingram are in an earlier stage of development than others. Unlike some of the other teams on the list, leadership doesn't appear to be an issue any longer. They have the right coach (finally) and Jeanie seems to be looking to run the franchise like her Dad (provide the vision and let the professionals fulfill it).
4. Kings: The teams hopes AND fears all revolve around Boogie Cousins. Ranadive has essentially created a no-win situation for himself and his franchise. They currently sit at #9 in the West. Can they build on this? Or will they see Boogie leave in 2020 and have to start over again?
5. Nuggets: They have solid pieces in Gallinari, Chandler, Jokic and Nurkic, but no stars. They also have the No. 29 payroll and an owner who seems more interested in making/saving money than building a contender.
6. Suns: Some good pieces in Booker, Chriss, Bender and Len. The problem is owner Robert Sarver who said he would sit back and let the Colangelo's run the team. Then went from involved owner to meddlesome owner, prompting the Colangelo's to leave.
7. Mavs: Management, they've got. Memories, they've got. Prospects, they don't got. Cuban did a good job of keeping together the team that won the title in 2011. Unfortunately, you have to get old sometime and they did.
Thoughts?
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