- Thread starter
- #1
CitySushi
Andrew Wiggin's burner account
- 15,265
- 7,988
- 533
- Joined
- Aug 17, 2011
- Hoopla Cash
- $ 102,675.00
- Fav. Team #1
- Fav. Team #2
- Fav. Team #3
Who you got for each conference? Here's my way too early prediction.
East:
1) Cavs - Team to beat. They really started to click before the injuries in the post season. Going to be interesting to see how Love, Thompson, Mozgof and Vareajo all rotate. Still light on the wing.
2) Hawks - Losing Carroll hurts more than they think. They lost all steam going down the stretch in the playoffs. Really, they could be anywhere from 2-6 on this list.
3) Bulls - Have to see how team does under new coaching staff. Talent is still there, but hopefully the team won't be run into the ground come playoff time.
4) Heat - Nice core but Q's about health. Bosh will be coming back from his condition. McRoberts hasn't played in a year. Whiteside was great last year, but have to see if he can duplicate.
5) Bucks - Wild card team here. Lots to like, but have to see how consistent they can be. The way they defend will push them up the board. Being able to switch everything on defense will cause so many problems. I could see them being a Warriors type defensive team. (still weird to say that as a Warriors fan)
6) Wizards - Didn't really improve in the off-season. Losing Pierce and his leadership definitely hurts. From a talent standpoint they should be able to easily make the playoffs, but I don't expect a 2nd round appearance.
7) Hornets - Added some much needed shooting. They really will need some production from the 2 and the 4 this year in order to compete.
8) Raptors - Loaded with wings, but no bigs or depth on the front line.
Bubble team: Celtics. They have like 20 guards, and not nearly as talented as some other teams not listed above, but they compete. No give with them. Well coached.
West:
1) Thunder - They'll be out on a mission to show how healthy they are. Q's about new coaching staff though which everyone seems to forget about.
2) Warriors - Defending champs may come out a bit complacent. Overall team has its exact core back and will be able to still run and gun.
3) Spurs - Could easily be #1 based on talent, but I have them at 4 because Pop couldn't care less about the regular season. He'll sacrifice a bunch of games this year to preserve Duncan, Parker and Ginobili.
4) Rockets - Thought it really hurt them to have DMo and Beverly hurt last year in the playoffs. Another strong year from Harden and Howard could have them at 4.
5) Mavs - I think they're gonna take a while to mesh. Added Matthews and Parsons will be healthy. Problem now is Jordan wants touches as the main option. Who gets less? And who's gonna be the PG to tell them no?
6) Clippers - CP3 and Blake alone should be able to help you coast to the 6th spot. Glaring holes at the 5 and bench depth.
7) Pelicans - Anthony Davis under Alvin Gentry is gonna put up ridiculous numbers. I absolutely can't wait to watch him play next year. From a talent standpoint I think the Pelicans have a nice group, they just need someone to get them playing in the right direction.
8) Grizzlies - Whoa. Can't believe I have them here, but the West is just going to be an absolute crapshoot. They could also just as easily be #4.
Bubble Team: Utah Jazz. Their defense is no joke. They really came on towards the end of the year. If they can just get halfway decent play from their PG position, they could make some noise.
Fire away.
East:
1) Cavs - Team to beat. They really started to click before the injuries in the post season. Going to be interesting to see how Love, Thompson, Mozgof and Vareajo all rotate. Still light on the wing.
2) Hawks - Losing Carroll hurts more than they think. They lost all steam going down the stretch in the playoffs. Really, they could be anywhere from 2-6 on this list.
3) Bulls - Have to see how team does under new coaching staff. Talent is still there, but hopefully the team won't be run into the ground come playoff time.
4) Heat - Nice core but Q's about health. Bosh will be coming back from his condition. McRoberts hasn't played in a year. Whiteside was great last year, but have to see if he can duplicate.
5) Bucks - Wild card team here. Lots to like, but have to see how consistent they can be. The way they defend will push them up the board. Being able to switch everything on defense will cause so many problems. I could see them being a Warriors type defensive team. (still weird to say that as a Warriors fan)
6) Wizards - Didn't really improve in the off-season. Losing Pierce and his leadership definitely hurts. From a talent standpoint they should be able to easily make the playoffs, but I don't expect a 2nd round appearance.
7) Hornets - Added some much needed shooting. They really will need some production from the 2 and the 4 this year in order to compete.
8) Raptors - Loaded with wings, but no bigs or depth on the front line.
Bubble team: Celtics. They have like 20 guards, and not nearly as talented as some other teams not listed above, but they compete. No give with them. Well coached.
West:
1) Thunder - They'll be out on a mission to show how healthy they are. Q's about new coaching staff though which everyone seems to forget about.
2) Warriors - Defending champs may come out a bit complacent. Overall team has its exact core back and will be able to still run and gun.
3) Spurs - Could easily be #1 based on talent, but I have them at 4 because Pop couldn't care less about the regular season. He'll sacrifice a bunch of games this year to preserve Duncan, Parker and Ginobili.
4) Rockets - Thought it really hurt them to have DMo and Beverly hurt last year in the playoffs. Another strong year from Harden and Howard could have them at 4.
5) Mavs - I think they're gonna take a while to mesh. Added Matthews and Parsons will be healthy. Problem now is Jordan wants touches as the main option. Who gets less? And who's gonna be the PG to tell them no?
6) Clippers - CP3 and Blake alone should be able to help you coast to the 6th spot. Glaring holes at the 5 and bench depth.
7) Pelicans - Anthony Davis under Alvin Gentry is gonna put up ridiculous numbers. I absolutely can't wait to watch him play next year. From a talent standpoint I think the Pelicans have a nice group, they just need someone to get them playing in the right direction.
8) Grizzlies - Whoa. Can't believe I have them here, but the West is just going to be an absolute crapshoot. They could also just as easily be #4.
Bubble Team: Utah Jazz. Their defense is no joke. They really came on towards the end of the year. If they can just get halfway decent play from their PG position, they could make some noise.
Fire away.
