The four owners of these teams all know each other and have a small bet for pride in this league...Here is a breakdown/scouting report the way I see it...
Twolves
Center Position: Hawes/Jordan
I like Hawes a lot. He has all the tools to be an offensive star, in the fact he can play inside, but also provides a 3 point threat. He blocks shots and rebounds well enough to be in many if not most games. Playing times should not be an issue due to Miller not being in town anymore. Grade: B
Forwards: Jefferson/Granger/Bosh
WOW!!! This is arguablly the best forward combo in the NBA. McHale eat your heart out…this is how you make moves. All signs have been positive for Big Al and Granger for injuries and when they are high level fantasy players. Bosh = Stud x3. Can he stay healthy? That is about the only issue. The Wolves will be very hard to beat in this position, especially boards, rebounds and blocks. Grade A+
Guards: Milller/Turkoglu/Flynn
A combo of youth with Flynn and Miller & Hedo. If you were to find a weakness on this squad, this would be the position, but how many teams would be happy with that. Miller will more than likely take over for Blake as the starting PG in Portland and should have great assist numbers with the many options that Portland has in Roy and Aldridge. Hedo, well, he had a nice run in Orlando, but has the final chapters been written? Time will tell. Flynn - I like Flynn from what I saw during the NCAA tourny. He seems to have the toughness of AI at least that is what came to mind when I saw him play. Grade: B-
Overall: The Wolves are going to win the division and should make a deep playoff run. This season could finally give Wolves fans the NBA title they have been longing for and many will not even remember KG. Well, let's not go too far, but at least there will be more to the ticket advertising then just come see "Kobe, Chris Paul, King James." Instead, they will be able to sell tickets based on their own talent.
Prediction: 60 - 22 Western conference finals and a possible title in their future.
Trailblazers
Center: Zach Randolph
I maybe biased here but I am not a fat Randolph fan. However, when healthy and motivated, he is a force inside. Although he will be sharing time with a healthy Kaman and Camby, so his numbers may suffer a bit. I am also not a fan of his big contract, but Portland had the money and is hoping that the second time around in Portland is a charm. Grade: B-
Forward: Aldridge/Milsap/Ariza/Green
If it was not for the beastness of the Wolves, the Blazers would have the best front line. It is not shabby at all though and should provide big time numbers each night. Green is a budding star, Aldridge is becoming a very good all around Power Forward and thrives in the Blazers system. Milsap is a question mark for me. With all of the pieces seemingly back in Utah, Milsap will more than likely be relegated to the 6th man roll. Ariza really stepped up his game in the playoffs last year and there is little reason why the positive progression should not continue. When he is getting the playing time he is a force in rebounds, blocks and steals…reminds me of a young Marion, but with more talent. Grade: A
Guards: Roy
Roy will be in the MVP talk next season as long as he remains healthy. His game is becoming more and more balanced each season. He is the main scoring option, gets to the foul line, shoots free throws well and rebounds like a forward. Having Miller in the back court should take more pressure of Roy in being the PG. Portland will continue to give him the rock when the game is on the line. Grade: A-
Overall: The Blazers will challenge the Wolves in winning the division. The Blazers also must remain healthy because there is little depth after the starters. They will probably be a 4th or 5th seed in the Western Conference and could meet the Wolves in the Western Conference Finals.
Prediction: 55 - 27 4-6 seed
Suns
Center Postion: Shaq
Had a rebirth last season and now finds himself on the Cavs. He should start, but will not be asked to do as much as he did last season with the Suns. His best days are clearly behind him, but Shaq still offers a viable fantasy option. Grade: C+
Forward: Amare/Richardson
Amare is one of the top PF/C in the Western Conference when he is healthy. It will be interesting to see if he can return to the game changing form he has shown in the past. However, he is not as young as he once was and the situation is worth watching. Richardson should put up some nice numbers from a FG and 3 PT% perspective. Grade: B
Guards: Barbosa/Joe Johnson
Probably the best depth at the position between the 4 teams in this email. Johnson was a nice trade for the Suns. They were able to get rid of the aging Nash and add an All Star Guard. Barbosa should continue to see an expanded role next season and adds great scoring and steals. Grade: A
Overall: The Suns come into this season it appears as one last gasp to make the playoffs as they are getting older, however have a nice balance of talent to sniff the 7th or 8th seed. They are also strapped with some big contracts so this year maybe the last season for them to make that coveted run to the promised land.
Prediction: 45 - 37 possible 7/8 seed
Clippers
Center Position: Przybilla & Collison
Decent plug an play options that will get blocks and boards. However consistant minutes in each of their teams' rotation. Grade: C+
Forward: Josh Howard/Al Thorton/Ronnie Brewer/Ryan Gomes
Very athletic group of budding stars. Howard is coming off a very good season, that was injury riddled. Thorton is primed for a true breakout season. Brewer is a player that goes unnoticed in the Jazz rotation, but frequently scores double figure points and provides good steals, rebounds and was getting to the free throw line more often last season. Gomes, had a slow start last season, but stepped things up for the woeful Twolves last season. Another year of experience for Gomes and the fact that someone has to score in MN other than Big Al, should allow Gomes to put up servicable fantasy numbers. Grade: B
Guards: Gordon/Calderon/Blake
Gordon was more than what the Clippers thought he could be last season and the sky is the limit for this potential All-Star. His game at some times can be erratic, however more times than not his game was years beyond his experience level. Calderon should provide decent assist numbers. Blake, well, I must confess I was taken back by the signing of Miller and this move may not bring the fruits I was hoping for and the contract is a little more than the front office should/could have payed. Grade: C+/B-
Bench: Very little depth on this team. Grade: F
Overall outlook: From what the Clippers had before the new ownership took over, they have made moves to get younger and free up cap space. Should been in most games, but will need many breaks to make the playoffs.
Prediction: 40-42 miss playoffs
