Post by repole ಠ_ಠ on Jun 1, 2012 23:39:45 GMT -5
Dallas Mavericks
Key Arrivals: Walter Davis, Joe Hassett
Key Departures:
Analysis: The Mavs were bad enough last year to land them a relatively high pick in the draft, which typically means upgrading the talent level on the roster, but that didn't exactly happen. Instead they picked Walter Davis, a SG who looks like he might be able to score some eventually, but doesn't really add much else. They also drafted Joe Hassett, a small forward who can't rebound, though it appears he won't get much burn this season. All in all, it's hard to argue that the Mavs have gotten any better, and by force feeding Walter Davis minutes, they may have in fact be worse. Greg has an excellent piece in Moses Malone to build around, but at this point things are looking pretty murky.
Prediction: 25-57
Denver Nuggets
Key Arrivals: Phil Smith, Chet Walker, Rich Kelley, T.R. Dunn
Key Departures: Jon McGlocklin, Willie Wise
Analysis: The Nuggets had themselves a nice offseason, picking up quality value for a declining Jon McGlocklin, drafting the promising T.R. Dunn, and bringing in a young shot blocker in Kelley who may have an impact. Despite that, the loss of Glock means the two time defending Western Conference champs are going to have an uphill battle in order to make a return trip to the finals this year. Clifford Ray, Artis Gilmore, Tom McMillen, Skeeter Swift, and Brian Taylor are all solid starters in this league, and seem to complement each other's skillsets pretty well, so I wouldn't be surprised to see the Nuggets near the top of the West again, but there's no questioning that the loss of Glock takes some major star power away from the roster. Still, I like what greeme has done with the team, they have a legitimate chance to make some noise.
Prediction: 53-29
Houston Rockets
Key Arrivals: Marques Johnson, Willard Sojourner
Key Departures: Pete Maravich, Lou Dampier
Analysis: After lucking out in the lotto, a talented Rockets team added Marques Johnson to their roster, giving them a very intriguing pair on the wings. Pistol Pete's stay was cut short after a deal with the Bucks, and it seems clear that the Rockets will attempt to once again be in the lotto and bring some more young talent in. Still, with Dr. J on the roster, one has to question the direction of the team. Erving looks primed for a breakout season, and Jordan is yet to really build a ton around him. Marques and Jones are a nice start, but outside of those two things get rough. Al Skinner was brought in to run the point, but the offensively challenged guard is unlikely to give the team much of a boost. Willard Sojourner should play his role decently at PF, but isn't anything special. At best, Marques is a wash with the production Pistol Pete gave the Rockets last year, and ultimately their only real chance for improvement is Dr. J. If the early returns are any indication, they might just win a few more games this year, though that probably isn't what they're hoping for.
Prediction: 38-44
Memphis Grizzlies
Key Arrivals:
Key Departures: Jack Marin, Larry Cannon
Analysis: 2046 was a tough year for the Grizzlies, desparately trying to make it to 42 wins, but coming up 6 games short. Due to their failure, Pig is now one subpar season from a forced retirement that no one wants to see. Unfortuantely, there haven't really been any improvements to the roster, and if they're to have any chance at winning 42 games, they're going to have to hope that some depth chart changes or in house improvement over the offseason does the trick. Darnell Hillman living up to his potential offensively would go a long way towards that goal, but the odds of that happening seem low. Unless Pig makes some major moves, this is the end of the line. Guys like Denton, Hillman, Gale, and Powell simply aren't going to be enough.
Prediction: 34-48
Minnesota Timberwolves
Key Arrivals: Dennis Johnson, Clyde Lee
Key Departures: Jasper Wilson
Analysis: The Timberwolves managed to win 55 games last year on the backs of Kareem Abdul-Jabar and Earl Monroe, but came up just short of a finals appearence. The offseason was a relatively interesting one, as they lost forward Jasper Wilson, dealing a major hit to their core, but added young point Dennis Johnson. Though Paul Silas did a solid job last season, Johnson has the potential to impact the game with his defense in a way Silas simply couldn't, and should serve as a clear upgrade. Unfortunately that upgrade is more than negated by Clyde Lee replacing Jasper Wilson. Though Wilson missed much of the year last season, his defense and rebounding proved to be quite impactful for the Wolves down the stretch and in the playoffs. Lee offers rebounding, and can play some defense, but not at the same level, and offensively he's a walking disaster. The Wolves will need a bit of luck to reach last year's win totals.
Prediction: 51-31
New Orleans Hornets
Key Arrivals: Willie Davis, Pete Maravich, John Block
Key Departures: Butch Beard, Steve Mix, Dave Cowens
Analysis: The Hornets had one of the more eventful offseasons in BBS, and with good reason. A relatively talented team last season managed to win just 34 games (much to Skillz delight), and to make matters worse, there wasn't a clear problem. Their offense wasn't awful, but it wasn't good, same goes for their defense, rebounding, and ball control. In that sense, shaking up the roster made a lot of sense. That's the good news. The bad news is, I'm not sure how well this shake up is gonig to work. For one, they have Willie Davis playing PF, and while he's a good PF, he's a great SF. On top of that, I couldn't think of a stranger duo than Davis and Maravich. Their skillsets are so opposite that I'm not sure if it'll work offensively. Even if that's the case, there's more than enough talent here now to win some games, Block in particular was a great acquisition to help solidify their frontcourt.
Prediction: 45-37
San Antonio Spurs
Key Arrivals: Phil Jackson, Terry Tyler, Butch Beard, Louie Dampier
Key Departures: Levern Tart, Pierre Russell, AL HENRY
Analysis: The Spurs had every reason in the world to be hopeful last season, with a young Michael Ray Richardson and Campy Russell showing off their considerable talent on a team that was losing but had a bright future to look forward to. But after a lacklust offseason, Russell and Richardson return essentially the same, some might argue regressed even, which has to concern greatly concern Blue. With the addition of Tyler, a promising young rookie, Butch Beard, and Phil Jackson, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Spurs make a bit of noise in the West. But they'll need MRR to step his game up, and right now I'm not sure that's going to happen.
Prediction: 42-40
