Post by MeanJoe on Dec 15, 2011 17:33:26 GMT -5
I looked at the seasons between 2026-2035 and ranked the Eastern Conference Teams in the following categories: Elite, Good, Average, Below Average, Bad, & Horrible based on Regular Season stats & Finals Appearances/Championships.
2026-'35 AVERAGES
ELITE
Over the past decade the Bulls have built a rare dynasty in BBS. With an average win% nearing 70% they blow every team away in the regular season but it is what they have accomplished in the post season that sets them apart from the rest. The Bulls are the only team in the league to make the playoffs each season over this time frame. The franchise has won 4 championships in 5 attempts in the past 10 years alone. Chicago also holds the best record in the league over the past 10 seasons of 69-13 in a year that they did win a title. The Bulls look to continue their success in the regular season as well as the playoffs with a completely different lineup.
The fans in New York have mixed feelings of their hometown team. Their management has built contender after contender but seem to have harsh luck in the playoffs (injuries) and have not had any success once they reach the finals. This is one of four teams in the East that have achieved at least one 60+ win season. The Knicks have reached the playoffs in 8 of the past 10 seasons and on average are the 4th seed out of the East. An average win percentage of 64% is very respectable but their core is aging and their window to win a championship is closing fast.
GOOD
The Magic are ahead of the other teams in this "Very Good" category due to having won a championship. In 2031 they had an excellent regular season finishing 66-16 and the 1st seed in the East. Since winning a title it has been a rebuilding process anchored on the offseason acquisition of star Jerry Lucas. Their team is soon to be set up with a great front court, a very good back court, and complimentary players in between. This team will make many runs in the playoffs for upcoming seasons.
Milwaukee Bucks have seen success in the regular season year in and year out but have not made the finals over the past 10 seasons. Their highest seed position was the 2nd seed which was accomplished twice. The Bucks did break the 60 win mark for the 2035 season. After a quick rebuild in which they were able to land stud SG Larry Jones, management is not certain which direction they are headed in terms of rebuilding or contending.
The 76ers have seen success in the regular season and have made the playoffs in 7 of the past 10 seasons. Philly has not entered the playoffs representing the East as the #1 seed over this decade. Much of their winning can be attributed to their stand out player, Oscar Robertson, who can play nearly every position on the court. It looks like they need some front court help if they are going to achieve anything for the immediate future.
AVERAGE
The Heat have made the playoffs in only 4 instances out of 10 chances. At least they made a run in their few appearances and made it to the Finals but ultimately lost. This franchise is ready to contend for many years to come with good assortment of talent at the Center, Small Forward, & Shooting Guard positions.
The Nets have done alright over the past 10 years. Nothing great or out of the ordinary for this franchise. Considering they have not held their own picks for the past 4-5 seasons they have done a good job competing until they can rebuild. Look for the Nets to rebuild over upcoming 2-3 seasons.
Atlanta looked like they had a very good team for a few season but were not able to accomplish what every team sets out to do. The highest seed they were able to attain over the past 10 season was the 4th seed. The Hawks have gone in the opposite direction this season and had no choice but to rebuild.
BELOW AVERAGE
It is joked on the boards that the Pacers are the epitome of mediocre. A few rebuilding years and some winning years and then start the process over again. This is exactly what it looks like by the numbers. 5 years in the playoffs, 5 years out of the playoffs with the highest seed entering the playoffs being the 4th. A win % below .500 is below average and an average seed of 9 means this squad is out of the playoffs/is a late seed often. Look for a few more rebuilding years upcoming.
The Raptors are another team with limited success in the regular season as well as the playoffs. Averaging less than 39 wins a season and a win % of 47% is subpar. It does not look like the tide is changing soon but a possible rebuild is on the horizon. Once a few contracts run out or are traded it will commence.
Bill Russell and the Cavaliers failed to cash in on their limited window to win a title and Bill was subsequently traded to initiate a rebuild. Nothing special about these past 10 years in terms of success. A 46% winning percentage and averaging missing the playoffs is not sitting well with the people of Cleveland. Fortunately for them the Cavs won the lotto in back to back years and have a once again contending teams.
BAD
I did not think that the Celtics had been this bad but I was mistaken. Only making the playoffs in 40% of the past 10 seasons and average wins per season at 35 is pretty bad. This team has not been dominating recently and the highest playoff seed they secured was the 3rd. A change in GM's may have been exactly what this franchise needed moving forward.
The Pistons have the second worst, best record in the 10 year span out of the East. 47-35 was achieved in 2030 this will reset your contract year but that is all. Detroit has seen marginal success in the regular season and very little in the playoffs. With only 3 playoff appearances in the last decade they borderline belong in the "Horrible" category.
HORRIBLE
The Bobcats have been garbage with only 1 playoff appearance. A 39% win percentage is not going please the fans or the owner. GM's have frequently been fired due to their lack of success. It’s not all bleak in Charlotte though. A new GM and a bunch of fresh faces from a recent draft are here to change that.
Wow, can it get much worse? This team has gone through a number of GM's over the years and none have been able to turn the franchise around. A mere 40% winning percentage is laughable but not making the playoffs for the past 10 seasons is a bigger joke. In fact they have not been on the cusp of making the playoffs either. Their best record of 38-44 is still worse than the Bulls lowest record of 45-37 over the 10 year span. HeatFlash returns to right this ship and I hope he can bring them to their first playoff appearance in 10+ years.
