Majic and Druce Prognostication Special - Western Conference
Sept 6, 2018 15:05:18 GMT
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Post by Majic on Sept 6, 2018 15:05:18 GMT
Welcome back to the first ever Majic and Druce Prognostication Special. In today's article we are going to take a look at the Western Conference and grade each team based on where where we see them over the next 5 years. You will notice that we have come up with a list of Notable Players as well as Future Assets to help in our decisions. Each of us weighed things a little differently, but on the whole we didn't have anything we greatly disagreed on.
Grading is on a scale of 0-10: 10 being the most prepared to be a title contender in 5 years, 0 being a lottery team in purgatory.
Keep in mind, while most of the Notable Players listed will be the teams best players, it may not always. We wanted to look at both talent and cap when making our determinations. Some players listed are not the best, but carry large salaries for a number of years and could potentially be a problem.
Asterisks notate a player that is in the last year of his contract.
We will be posting the Western Conference later this week.
So without further ado, here is the Western Conference
Dallas Mavericks
Notable Players: Cameron Reddish (25), Al Harrington* (21), George Mikan (32), Killian Tillie (27)
Future Assets:
Mavericks 08 1st
Mavericks 11 1st
Majic Grade: 7
Druce Grade: 8
Comments:
Majic: Reddish and Harrington are studs, Mikan is an aging but quality 3rd star and Tillie is a good scoring punch in the 4th slot. Have to hope that as Mikan falls off a bit that Tillie can pick up the slack. This core is pretty well set assuming Delap can resign Harrington. The key will be to add depth and role players along the way. I definitely think this team can win it in the next year or two, but beyond that it will take some smart managing from Delap.
Druce: I like this team a lot moving forward. Yes Mikan is old, but I think Marcus Taylor could step into that 3rd star role pretty easily. They will need some big depth moving forward but I trust delap in finding it. The Mavs should be title contenders for the foreseeable future.
Denver Nuggets
Notable Players: Michael Jordan (25), Andre Turner (27), Austin Wiley (25), Livio Jean-Charles (20)
Future Assets:
Nuggets 07 1st
Nuggets 08 1st
Nuggets 09 1st
Nuggets 10 1st
Nuggets 11 1st
Knicks 07 2nd
Majic Grade: 4.9
Druce Grade: 4.5
Comments:
Druce: I applaud Mike for going for it with Turner, but I’m not sure it’s enough. KMart was a pretty good player to give up in that deal. Mike has all his picks, so he could swing those for an impact guy from a team looking to rebuild, which would be what I’m trying to do if I’m Mike. We know his thoughts on draft picks so I imagine that’ll be his direction. Unlike his country’s currency the exchange rate on Mike’s picks should be pretty decent.
Majic: I liked the Turner trade for Mike as he made a move to get better but as Druce said I still think this team is a ways off from competing in any seriousness. Best case scenario for Mike here is he gets some of the Lotto Luck and hits on a pick or two. His picks could have some value around the league as teams might view them as high lottery potential. Combine that with some continued growth from Jean Charles and this could one day be a team.
Houston Rockets
Notable Players: Guy Beahm* (26), Brain Winter* (31), Jesus Shuttlesworth* (32), Tyler Davis (28)
Future Assets:
Rockets 09 1st
Rockets 10 1st
Rockets 11 1st
Majic Grade: 6.4
Druce Grade: 5
Comments:
Majic: Brain is still the best player in the league and Beahm is still one of the best SF’s out there. Jesus is putting together another effective year and Edgar Jones is providing some efficient scoring as well. This team is the class of the West this year and the favorite to make it to the finals. My main concern, and the reason this grade isn't higher, is due to the age and contract situation of this team. Brain, Beahm and Jesus are all expiring, and Brain and Jesus are aging. A lot can happen in FA, so it's impossible to predict. If Pete can manage this smartly he could once again have a title caliber team, or he could choose to blow it up and rebuild.
Druce: My rating is a reflection of Pete’s commitment to this team as much as the players on it. Brain is only getting older, and I just don’t think this team has enough to get a title currently. Unlike Majic, I think the Jazz and Mavs outclass the Rockets this season, and beyond. If I’m Pete I look to swing those picks for another impact guy. At some point soon you have to consider moving Brain for a dearth of assets and re-shaping the lineup around Beahm. Is now that time? I don’t know but I think sooner than later it’ll have to happen.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Notable Players: Amare Stoudemire (20), Chuck Person (26), Isaiah Canaan (23), Ryan Humphrey (22)
Future Assets:
Timberwolves 07 1st
Timberwolves 08 1st
Timberwolves 09 1st
Timberwolves 10 1st
Timberwolves 11 1st
Wizards 07 1st
Wizards 08 1st
Wizards 09 1st
Majic Grade: 5.7
Druce Grade: 6.7
Comments:
Druce: Amare is very good, Person is pretty good. Many future picks that are moveable. Wizards 07 looks like a potential lotto, 08 and 09 perhaps as well. I could see Ian moving some of those picks and getting a 3rd wheel for Amare and Person and building depth through FA. If he stands pat his grade goes lower. The building blocks are here for a nice run in a few years, it’ll depend on hitting in the draft or getting value in trade.
Majic: Druce is higher on this team than I am. I just don't see a clear path to this team getting substantially better. Amare is a stud, Person is also damn good, but beyond that there's not much talent on this team. The best thing Ian has right now is all of his own picks along with the Wizards picks. Those Wizards picks could be great for Ian if they continue to keep losing. Whether he flips them for another established star or gets some luck in the lotto, they could be a huge asset moving forward.
Phoenix Suns
Notable Players: Hakeem Olajuwon (26), Max Zaslofsky (29), Butch McRae (34), Stephen Templeton (33) Qyntel Woods (20)
Future Assets:
Suns 10 1st
Suns 11 1st
Majic Grade: 8.8
Druce Grade: 7
Comments:
Majic: I went back and forth on the grade for the Suns, but I think they stand to be good for quite a few more years. Hakeem will continue to be a dominant player and a think MAx will age nicely and continue being an above average PG. The biggest thing for this Suns team has been the surprise contributions Woods. He has come in, put up great scoring numbers and is only a rookie. Invest some points into him and he can easily fill the role of 3rd star on this team even when Butch and Steph drop off/retire.
Druce: A big part of this depends on Max and his level of decline. If he drops off at any significant pace then the Suns could be in a not so great spot. Hakeem is obviously a cornerstone, but if Max drops off and Butch/Temp retire I can see selling off Hakeem/Woods and banking a boat load of picks for the future. I think the Suns contend for at least 2-3 more years and then survey their position. Should at least make a finals with this core.
San Antonio Spurs
Notable Players: Jake Tsakalidis (23), Kenyon Martin (24) , Rui Hachimura (27), Courtney Alexander (25)
Future Assets:
Grizzlies 08 1st via Clippers
Grizzlies 09 1st via Clippers
Nuggets 07
Mavericks 07 1st via Grizzlies
Rockets 07 1st via Clippers via Jazz
Spurs 07 1st
Spurs 08 1st
Spurs 10 1st
Spurs 11 1st
Majic Grade: 7.9
Druce Grade: 8.5
Comments:
Druce: RW has really hit some moves and really missed some others. Imagining this team with Jake/Mitchell/Rui/Butler/Alexander is probably the best young starting 5 in the league. Granted he had no idea what Butler was and hindsight is 20/20. The Spurs still have a very solid, but rather top heavy lineup. RW needs to find some gems in fa and with all those picks, or trade some of the picks for another piece to really speed up his build. It’s just nice to have an active Spurs GM again.
Majic: Looks like both me and Druce have a good feeling on the talent of this team. Rui is the oldest of the group and he is still only 27. I really liked the Turner trade in a vacuum as I really like the look of Martin. Really this team just needs to show some continued development and with a cachet of picks, RW could have turn this team into a dominant force over the next 2-3 years.
Utah Jazz
Notable Players: Gary Bossert (32), Yante Manten (29), Clarence Withers (32), Mustapha Heron (26), Jared Vanderbilt (25)
Future Assets:
Jazz 07 1st
Rockets 08 1st
Jazz 11 1st
Majic Grade: 5.9
Druce Grade: 7.2
Comments:
Majic: The Jazz are one of the toughest teams to grade as they are in an interesting position. Bossert is great, but aging and on a long term contract. Yante is great, but about to hit 30 and will need a new contract in a year. Similar for Withers, 32 and expiring. Going to be a hard decision for Ank in the next year or two, do you re-up these guys and try to make another title run, or sell off and look for a rebuild. Jazz have had a hell of a run to start 5.0 and Ank is a good GM, I wouldn't be shocked to see them re-tool and be among the title contenders in 5 years.
Druce: Yes a couple of the main pieces are getting old. Ank has this ability to con GMs into taking aging players or taking his picks for studs. Now that the secret is out, Ank will have to find some gems with a little dust on them in FA. He has a knack for using his spreadsheet to find players who the league has undervalued, and I have no doubt he’ll do it again.
Golden State Warriors
Notable Players: Shabazz Muhammad (22), Elle Okobo (27), Paul Young Thomas (34), Kenny Gattison (27), Nene Hilario
Future Assets:
Heat 07 1st
Warriors 07 1st
Warriors 08 1st
Warriors 09 1st
Warriors 10 1st
Warriors 11 1st
Majic Grade: 7.1
Druce Grade: 7
Comments:
Druce: Taco has some wing talent, and a pretty good point guard. He needs to flip some picks for a big. In doing this I see a lot of teams who would be trade partners. Darius Miles and 5 firsts for Schayes, is this a terrible idea? Who says no? Are the Warriors upper tier west with Schayes? I don’t know, but if I’m taco I’m floating offers like that to see if anyone is selling. There are tradable assets for Taco to make a move here and propel himself up the list in the West. Hopefully he’s got feelers out and we see something materialize.
Majic: I like the nucleus of this core and what Taco has finally been able to put together. I think they are still missing a true star in order to be a real contender, but this team has a ton of depth. PYT, Nene, Gattison, Miles and Rush are all strong role players. As Druce mentions, I would push for a trade utilizing one or two of those guys along with a pick and see who would bite. I think he could find a damn good player. Really it's up to Taco on how good this team could become.
LA Clippers
Notable Players: RJ Cole (25), Luke Maye (28), Sam Perkins (27) Liangelo Ball (27), Stojko Vrankovic (26), Yirmiyaho Iair (31)
Future Assets:
Clippers 07 1st
Clippers 08 1st
Clippers 09 1st
Clippers 10 1st
Clippers 11 1st
Globetrotters 10 1st
Grizzlies 10 1st
Magic 09 1st
Majic Grade: 7.9
Druce Grade: 7.5
Comments:
Majic: This grade is weighted heavily in the fact that I think Fason is one of the better GM’s in the league. I also am a bit surprised this team is not better this year. The good news for the Clippers is that the majority of this score is young and mostly signed long term. Fason also has a host of picks to use to improve this team and I think Fason will.
Druce: Team is similar to the Warriors above, except I have a bit more faith in Fason to make the necessary moves to get the squad over the hump. Looking at Maye and Perkins you’ve probably got a 5-ish year window here, and 8 firsts that fall in that window. Don’t be shocked to see Fason make a big move and position himself into the top half of the west.
LA Lakers
Notable Players: Len Bias (27), Mikal Bridges* (28), Michael Olowokandi* (26), Otto Porter (21)
Future Assets:
Grizzlies 07 1st
Lakers 07 1st
Lakers 08 1st
Lakers 09 1st
Lakers 10 1st
Lakers 11 1st
Majic Grade: 4.5
Druce Grade: 5
Comments:
Druce: We know what Bias is, Diggins looks pretty good, Bridges is probably a solid 4th starter on a contender. The rest is lacking. I’m not sure SPL pays enough attention to really build on what he has here, and there aren’t a lot of additional assets to do so either. I have a feeling the Lakers just kinda toil in the mediocre range for the foreseeable future. His best move may be to see what he can get for Bridges, Bias, and Kandi and then try and build around young Skylar.
Majic: My grade is primarily a reflection on SPL’s commitment to this team. SPL has been a in 5.0 a few seasons now, but barely checks in and isn't overly involved with his team. If he starts to show more of an interest, I think this team could be good. Bias is a star, Bridges is a strong secondary star and Skylar looks amazing in his rookie year. Still missing some depth, but again that will take some maneuvering from the GM.
Portland Trailblazers
Notable Players: Isaac Bonga (26), Caron Butler (22), Drew Gooden (21), Shavon Shields* (31)
Future Assets:
Bucks 08 1st
Bucks 09 1st
Bulls 09 1st
Bulls 11 1st
Globetrotters 07 1st
Globetrotters 08 1st
Hawks 08 1st
Hawks 09 1st
Knicks 08 1st
Trailblazers 07 1st
Trailblazers 08 1st
Trailblazers 09 1st
Trailblazers 10 1st
Trailblazers 11 1st
Majic Grade: 7
Druce Grade: 8
Comments:
Majic: Hard to grade myself but here is my attempt. Selling off Moore and Turner was necessary and I think the returns have been great. Getting Caron, and him looking like a star, have set this rebuild on a good start. There might not be one truly great 1st round pick in there, but the quantity is massive. Given the success a lot of GM’s have seen in finding mid-late round all stars, I think it could turn into something. Bonga is still young and will need a new contract after next year, but with a bunch of firsts theres alot of assets to help build some depth.
Druce: Majic has set himself up with a lot of picks. Whether he uses the picks or uses them as ammo in a trade remains to be seen. Caron is Caron, Bonga is Bonga, we know those 2 for almost certain. If he can flip shields or re-sign him to a cheaper deal with an eye on flipping him he’d be better off. The assets are there, the base is there, the next question is how will Majic turn this into a middling team with no real shot in the west.
Sacramento Kings
Notable Players: Peyton Gragg (28), Jason Williams* (26), Steven Adams (21), Alex Reese (26)
Future Assets:
Bulls 07 1st
Jazz 08 1st via Clippers
Jazz 09 1st via Clippers
Hornets 08 1st
Kings 07 1st
Kings 08 1st via Grizzlies via Spurs
Kings 09 1st
Kings 10 1st
Kings 11 1st
Spurs 09 1st
Suns 07 1st
Suns 08 1st
Majic Grade: 6.5
Druce Grade: 5.5
Comments:
Druce: Billy has amassed quite a few picks and how he uses them will be vital in determining the future of his Kings. He still has Gragg who is a top tier player, but really nothing else as far as star power. Quade is solid, but probably served as a backup guard at this point. Reese is solid but not spectacular. Billy will probably be looking to move Gragg for all he can get and rebuild from there, or turn the multitude of picks he has into a couple star tier players to retool around Gragg. I don't see Billy standing pat and making all those picks.
Majic: Looking over BK’s situation I was a bit surprised how good it looks. Gragg is an elite star in this league and should be for a few more years. I agree with Druce, this team likely needs another true star long term, but I like the core that's currently in place. Williams is having a bit of a breakout year, resigning him could get interesting. Same think with Allen, I would expect BK to extend the MLE to keep him around. I also really like the reason that Adams is having. Yes his FG % is a bit low, but you have to love those rebounding and blocking numbers. It will be key to watch what BK does with all of the picks he has.
Seattle Supersonics
Notable Players: Stromile Swift (22), Romeo Langford (24), Nerlens Noel (20), De’Anthony Melton (25), Larry Hughes* (22)
Future Assets:
Supersonics 07 1st
Supersonics 08 1st
Supersonics 09 1st
Supersonics 10 1st
Supersonics 11 1st
Majic Grade: 7.2
Druce Grade: 6.2
Comments:
Majic: I really like this team from a pure talent standpoint, and I think could make a big jump over the next couple of years. Swift is a stud, Hughes has really transformed into an All-Star, Romeo is over-paid but a solid player and Noel looks like he could be a monster D/Rb big. The downsides of this team revolve around Melton being shit, and Romeo being overpaid are mitigated by the fact that their contracts shouldn't hurt the team long term. Duc should have the necessary cap room to keep his core together long term.
Druce: The Sonics have an interesting roster to say the least. Swift is a stud that much is certain. On the wing Langford could be a stud if not for a major flaw handling wise, Larry Hughes really came into his own last season . I'm not sure Melton has been what they expected running the show, meanwhile Nerlens appears to be in the mold of the old school defense/rebounding big. I think duc and the Sonics have an Identity crisis. I'd like to see how they'd do with a Hughes/Langford/Kostas/Swift/Noel lineup.
Vancouver Grizzlies
Notable Players: Bobby McDermott (32), Sam Bowie (27), Tyler Blevins (30), Trendon Watford (23), Tony Mitchell (22)
Future Assets:
Grizzlies 11 1st
Majic Grade: 5.9
Druce Grade: 6.5
Comments:
Druce: Losing Perkins really hurt this squad. McDermott is a lead dog but will be entering a downturn here soon. Bowie is a solid 2nd fiddle and Blevins and Watford are very solid pieces as well. My concern lies in the future of this team and whether it can get over the hump without Perkins. Do you hang on and try to win with what you’ve got? Do you sell a couple pieces to try and acquire assets for a stud? Having only 1 future first will hurt, it’ll be very interesting to see what JHB can do with this team after Odin built a very good squad only to see their 2nd best player depart in FA.
Majic: This team is in a bit of a tough spot moving forward. The core is aging, minus Watford, but the team doesn't really have alot of assets to build around. McDermott is really good but on the wrong side of his career. Bowie and Blevins are solid players but I am not sure its enough. Mitchell is the wildcard for this team. The previous GM gave up 2 picks for him and he already looks like a long term player. The question is whether he will jump to another level and become and All-Star level player. If that happens I like the outlook of this team a bit more.
Grading is on a scale of 0-10: 10 being the most prepared to be a title contender in 5 years, 0 being a lottery team in purgatory.
Keep in mind, while most of the Notable Players listed will be the teams best players, it may not always. We wanted to look at both talent and cap when making our determinations. Some players listed are not the best, but carry large salaries for a number of years and could potentially be a problem.
Asterisks notate a player that is in the last year of his contract.
We will be posting the Western Conference later this week.
So without further ado, here is the Western Conference
Dallas Mavericks
Notable Players: Cameron Reddish (25), Al Harrington* (21), George Mikan (32), Killian Tillie (27)
Future Assets:
Mavericks 08 1st
Mavericks 11 1st
Majic Grade: 7
Druce Grade: 8
Comments:
Majic: Reddish and Harrington are studs, Mikan is an aging but quality 3rd star and Tillie is a good scoring punch in the 4th slot. Have to hope that as Mikan falls off a bit that Tillie can pick up the slack. This core is pretty well set assuming Delap can resign Harrington. The key will be to add depth and role players along the way. I definitely think this team can win it in the next year or two, but beyond that it will take some smart managing from Delap.
Druce: I like this team a lot moving forward. Yes Mikan is old, but I think Marcus Taylor could step into that 3rd star role pretty easily. They will need some big depth moving forward but I trust delap in finding it. The Mavs should be title contenders for the foreseeable future.
Denver Nuggets
Notable Players: Michael Jordan (25), Andre Turner (27), Austin Wiley (25), Livio Jean-Charles (20)
Future Assets:
Nuggets 07 1st
Nuggets 08 1st
Nuggets 09 1st
Nuggets 10 1st
Nuggets 11 1st
Knicks 07 2nd
Majic Grade: 4.9
Druce Grade: 4.5
Comments:
Druce: I applaud Mike for going for it with Turner, but I’m not sure it’s enough. KMart was a pretty good player to give up in that deal. Mike has all his picks, so he could swing those for an impact guy from a team looking to rebuild, which would be what I’m trying to do if I’m Mike. We know his thoughts on draft picks so I imagine that’ll be his direction. Unlike his country’s currency the exchange rate on Mike’s picks should be pretty decent.
Majic: I liked the Turner trade for Mike as he made a move to get better but as Druce said I still think this team is a ways off from competing in any seriousness. Best case scenario for Mike here is he gets some of the Lotto Luck and hits on a pick or two. His picks could have some value around the league as teams might view them as high lottery potential. Combine that with some continued growth from Jean Charles and this could one day be a team.
Houston Rockets
Notable Players: Guy Beahm* (26), Brain Winter* (31), Jesus Shuttlesworth* (32), Tyler Davis (28)
Future Assets:
Rockets 09 1st
Rockets 10 1st
Rockets 11 1st
Majic Grade: 6.4
Druce Grade: 5
Comments:
Majic: Brain is still the best player in the league and Beahm is still one of the best SF’s out there. Jesus is putting together another effective year and Edgar Jones is providing some efficient scoring as well. This team is the class of the West this year and the favorite to make it to the finals. My main concern, and the reason this grade isn't higher, is due to the age and contract situation of this team. Brain, Beahm and Jesus are all expiring, and Brain and Jesus are aging. A lot can happen in FA, so it's impossible to predict. If Pete can manage this smartly he could once again have a title caliber team, or he could choose to blow it up and rebuild.
Druce: My rating is a reflection of Pete’s commitment to this team as much as the players on it. Brain is only getting older, and I just don’t think this team has enough to get a title currently. Unlike Majic, I think the Jazz and Mavs outclass the Rockets this season, and beyond. If I’m Pete I look to swing those picks for another impact guy. At some point soon you have to consider moving Brain for a dearth of assets and re-shaping the lineup around Beahm. Is now that time? I don’t know but I think sooner than later it’ll have to happen.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Notable Players: Amare Stoudemire (20), Chuck Person (26), Isaiah Canaan (23), Ryan Humphrey (22)
Future Assets:
Timberwolves 07 1st
Timberwolves 08 1st
Timberwolves 09 1st
Timberwolves 10 1st
Timberwolves 11 1st
Wizards 07 1st
Wizards 08 1st
Wizards 09 1st
Majic Grade: 5.7
Druce Grade: 6.7
Comments:
Druce: Amare is very good, Person is pretty good. Many future picks that are moveable. Wizards 07 looks like a potential lotto, 08 and 09 perhaps as well. I could see Ian moving some of those picks and getting a 3rd wheel for Amare and Person and building depth through FA. If he stands pat his grade goes lower. The building blocks are here for a nice run in a few years, it’ll depend on hitting in the draft or getting value in trade.
Majic: Druce is higher on this team than I am. I just don't see a clear path to this team getting substantially better. Amare is a stud, Person is also damn good, but beyond that there's not much talent on this team. The best thing Ian has right now is all of his own picks along with the Wizards picks. Those Wizards picks could be great for Ian if they continue to keep losing. Whether he flips them for another established star or gets some luck in the lotto, they could be a huge asset moving forward.
Phoenix Suns
Notable Players: Hakeem Olajuwon (26), Max Zaslofsky (29), Butch McRae (34), Stephen Templeton (33) Qyntel Woods (20)
Future Assets:
Suns 10 1st
Suns 11 1st
Majic Grade: 8.8
Druce Grade: 7
Comments:
Majic: I went back and forth on the grade for the Suns, but I think they stand to be good for quite a few more years. Hakeem will continue to be a dominant player and a think MAx will age nicely and continue being an above average PG. The biggest thing for this Suns team has been the surprise contributions Woods. He has come in, put up great scoring numbers and is only a rookie. Invest some points into him and he can easily fill the role of 3rd star on this team even when Butch and Steph drop off/retire.
Druce: A big part of this depends on Max and his level of decline. If he drops off at any significant pace then the Suns could be in a not so great spot. Hakeem is obviously a cornerstone, but if Max drops off and Butch/Temp retire I can see selling off Hakeem/Woods and banking a boat load of picks for the future. I think the Suns contend for at least 2-3 more years and then survey their position. Should at least make a finals with this core.
San Antonio Spurs
Notable Players: Jake Tsakalidis (23), Kenyon Martin (24) , Rui Hachimura (27), Courtney Alexander (25)
Future Assets:
Grizzlies 08 1st via Clippers
Grizzlies 09 1st via Clippers
Nuggets 07
Mavericks 07 1st via Grizzlies
Rockets 07 1st via Clippers via Jazz
Spurs 07 1st
Spurs 08 1st
Spurs 10 1st
Spurs 11 1st
Majic Grade: 7.9
Druce Grade: 8.5
Comments:
Druce: RW has really hit some moves and really missed some others. Imagining this team with Jake/Mitchell/Rui/Butler/Alexander is probably the best young starting 5 in the league. Granted he had no idea what Butler was and hindsight is 20/20. The Spurs still have a very solid, but rather top heavy lineup. RW needs to find some gems in fa and with all those picks, or trade some of the picks for another piece to really speed up his build. It’s just nice to have an active Spurs GM again.
Majic: Looks like both me and Druce have a good feeling on the talent of this team. Rui is the oldest of the group and he is still only 27. I really liked the Turner trade in a vacuum as I really like the look of Martin. Really this team just needs to show some continued development and with a cachet of picks, RW could have turn this team into a dominant force over the next 2-3 years.
Utah Jazz
Notable Players: Gary Bossert (32), Yante Manten (29), Clarence Withers (32), Mustapha Heron (26), Jared Vanderbilt (25)
Future Assets:
Jazz 07 1st
Rockets 08 1st
Jazz 11 1st
Majic Grade: 5.9
Druce Grade: 7.2
Comments:
Majic: The Jazz are one of the toughest teams to grade as they are in an interesting position. Bossert is great, but aging and on a long term contract. Yante is great, but about to hit 30 and will need a new contract in a year. Similar for Withers, 32 and expiring. Going to be a hard decision for Ank in the next year or two, do you re-up these guys and try to make another title run, or sell off and look for a rebuild. Jazz have had a hell of a run to start 5.0 and Ank is a good GM, I wouldn't be shocked to see them re-tool and be among the title contenders in 5 years.
Druce: Yes a couple of the main pieces are getting old. Ank has this ability to con GMs into taking aging players or taking his picks for studs. Now that the secret is out, Ank will have to find some gems with a little dust on them in FA. He has a knack for using his spreadsheet to find players who the league has undervalued, and I have no doubt he’ll do it again.
Golden State Warriors
Notable Players: Shabazz Muhammad (22), Elle Okobo (27), Paul Young Thomas (34), Kenny Gattison (27), Nene Hilario
Future Assets:
Heat 07 1st
Warriors 07 1st
Warriors 08 1st
Warriors 09 1st
Warriors 10 1st
Warriors 11 1st
Majic Grade: 7.1
Druce Grade: 7
Comments:
Druce: Taco has some wing talent, and a pretty good point guard. He needs to flip some picks for a big. In doing this I see a lot of teams who would be trade partners. Darius Miles and 5 firsts for Schayes, is this a terrible idea? Who says no? Are the Warriors upper tier west with Schayes? I don’t know, but if I’m taco I’m floating offers like that to see if anyone is selling. There are tradable assets for Taco to make a move here and propel himself up the list in the West. Hopefully he’s got feelers out and we see something materialize.
Majic: I like the nucleus of this core and what Taco has finally been able to put together. I think they are still missing a true star in order to be a real contender, but this team has a ton of depth. PYT, Nene, Gattison, Miles and Rush are all strong role players. As Druce mentions, I would push for a trade utilizing one or two of those guys along with a pick and see who would bite. I think he could find a damn good player. Really it's up to Taco on how good this team could become.
LA Clippers
Notable Players: RJ Cole (25), Luke Maye (28), Sam Perkins (27) Liangelo Ball (27), Stojko Vrankovic (26), Yirmiyaho Iair (31)
Future Assets:
Clippers 07 1st
Clippers 08 1st
Clippers 09 1st
Clippers 10 1st
Clippers 11 1st
Globetrotters 10 1st
Grizzlies 10 1st
Magic 09 1st
Majic Grade: 7.9
Druce Grade: 7.5
Comments:
Majic: This grade is weighted heavily in the fact that I think Fason is one of the better GM’s in the league. I also am a bit surprised this team is not better this year. The good news for the Clippers is that the majority of this score is young and mostly signed long term. Fason also has a host of picks to use to improve this team and I think Fason will.
Druce: Team is similar to the Warriors above, except I have a bit more faith in Fason to make the necessary moves to get the squad over the hump. Looking at Maye and Perkins you’ve probably got a 5-ish year window here, and 8 firsts that fall in that window. Don’t be shocked to see Fason make a big move and position himself into the top half of the west.
LA Lakers
Notable Players: Len Bias (27), Mikal Bridges* (28), Michael Olowokandi* (26), Otto Porter (21)
Future Assets:
Grizzlies 07 1st
Lakers 07 1st
Lakers 08 1st
Lakers 09 1st
Lakers 10 1st
Lakers 11 1st
Majic Grade: 4.5
Druce Grade: 5
Comments:
Druce: We know what Bias is, Diggins looks pretty good, Bridges is probably a solid 4th starter on a contender. The rest is lacking. I’m not sure SPL pays enough attention to really build on what he has here, and there aren’t a lot of additional assets to do so either. I have a feeling the Lakers just kinda toil in the mediocre range for the foreseeable future. His best move may be to see what he can get for Bridges, Bias, and Kandi and then try and build around young Skylar.
Majic: My grade is primarily a reflection on SPL’s commitment to this team. SPL has been a in 5.0 a few seasons now, but barely checks in and isn't overly involved with his team. If he starts to show more of an interest, I think this team could be good. Bias is a star, Bridges is a strong secondary star and Skylar looks amazing in his rookie year. Still missing some depth, but again that will take some maneuvering from the GM.
Portland Trailblazers
Notable Players: Isaac Bonga (26), Caron Butler (22), Drew Gooden (21), Shavon Shields* (31)
Future Assets:
Bucks 08 1st
Bucks 09 1st
Bulls 09 1st
Bulls 11 1st
Globetrotters 07 1st
Globetrotters 08 1st
Hawks 08 1st
Hawks 09 1st
Knicks 08 1st
Trailblazers 07 1st
Trailblazers 08 1st
Trailblazers 09 1st
Trailblazers 10 1st
Trailblazers 11 1st
Majic Grade: 7
Druce Grade: 8
Comments:
Majic: Hard to grade myself but here is my attempt. Selling off Moore and Turner was necessary and I think the returns have been great. Getting Caron, and him looking like a star, have set this rebuild on a good start. There might not be one truly great 1st round pick in there, but the quantity is massive. Given the success a lot of GM’s have seen in finding mid-late round all stars, I think it could turn into something. Bonga is still young and will need a new contract after next year, but with a bunch of firsts theres alot of assets to help build some depth.
Druce: Majic has set himself up with a lot of picks. Whether he uses the picks or uses them as ammo in a trade remains to be seen. Caron is Caron, Bonga is Bonga, we know those 2 for almost certain. If he can flip shields or re-sign him to a cheaper deal with an eye on flipping him he’d be better off. The assets are there, the base is there, the next question is how will Majic turn this into a middling team with no real shot in the west.
Sacramento Kings
Notable Players: Peyton Gragg (28), Jason Williams* (26), Steven Adams (21), Alex Reese (26)
Future Assets:
Bulls 07 1st
Jazz 08 1st via Clippers
Jazz 09 1st via Clippers
Hornets 08 1st
Kings 07 1st
Kings 08 1st via Grizzlies via Spurs
Kings 09 1st
Kings 10 1st
Kings 11 1st
Spurs 09 1st
Suns 07 1st
Suns 08 1st
Majic Grade: 6.5
Druce Grade: 5.5
Comments:
Druce: Billy has amassed quite a few picks and how he uses them will be vital in determining the future of his Kings. He still has Gragg who is a top tier player, but really nothing else as far as star power. Quade is solid, but probably served as a backup guard at this point. Reese is solid but not spectacular. Billy will probably be looking to move Gragg for all he can get and rebuild from there, or turn the multitude of picks he has into a couple star tier players to retool around Gragg. I don't see Billy standing pat and making all those picks.
Majic: Looking over BK’s situation I was a bit surprised how good it looks. Gragg is an elite star in this league and should be for a few more years. I agree with Druce, this team likely needs another true star long term, but I like the core that's currently in place. Williams is having a bit of a breakout year, resigning him could get interesting. Same think with Allen, I would expect BK to extend the MLE to keep him around. I also really like the reason that Adams is having. Yes his FG % is a bit low, but you have to love those rebounding and blocking numbers. It will be key to watch what BK does with all of the picks he has.
Seattle Supersonics
Notable Players: Stromile Swift (22), Romeo Langford (24), Nerlens Noel (20), De’Anthony Melton (25), Larry Hughes* (22)
Future Assets:
Supersonics 07 1st
Supersonics 08 1st
Supersonics 09 1st
Supersonics 10 1st
Supersonics 11 1st
Majic Grade: 7.2
Druce Grade: 6.2
Comments:
Majic: I really like this team from a pure talent standpoint, and I think could make a big jump over the next couple of years. Swift is a stud, Hughes has really transformed into an All-Star, Romeo is over-paid but a solid player and Noel looks like he could be a monster D/Rb big. The downsides of this team revolve around Melton being shit, and Romeo being overpaid are mitigated by the fact that their contracts shouldn't hurt the team long term. Duc should have the necessary cap room to keep his core together long term.
Druce: The Sonics have an interesting roster to say the least. Swift is a stud that much is certain. On the wing Langford could be a stud if not for a major flaw handling wise, Larry Hughes really came into his own last season . I'm not sure Melton has been what they expected running the show, meanwhile Nerlens appears to be in the mold of the old school defense/rebounding big. I think duc and the Sonics have an Identity crisis. I'd like to see how they'd do with a Hughes/Langford/Kostas/Swift/Noel lineup.
Vancouver Grizzlies
Notable Players: Bobby McDermott (32), Sam Bowie (27), Tyler Blevins (30), Trendon Watford (23), Tony Mitchell (22)
Future Assets:
Grizzlies 11 1st
Majic Grade: 5.9
Druce Grade: 6.5
Comments:
Druce: Losing Perkins really hurt this squad. McDermott is a lead dog but will be entering a downturn here soon. Bowie is a solid 2nd fiddle and Blevins and Watford are very solid pieces as well. My concern lies in the future of this team and whether it can get over the hump without Perkins. Do you hang on and try to win with what you’ve got? Do you sell a couple pieces to try and acquire assets for a stud? Having only 1 future first will hurt, it’ll be very interesting to see what JHB can do with this team after Odin built a very good squad only to see their 2nd best player depart in FA.
Majic: This team is in a bit of a tough spot moving forward. The core is aging, minus Watford, but the team doesn't really have alot of assets to build around. McDermott is really good but on the wrong side of his career. Bowie and Blevins are solid players but I am not sure its enough. Mitchell is the wildcard for this team. The previous GM gave up 2 picks for him and he already looks like a long term player. The question is whether he will jump to another level and become and All-Star level player. If that happens I like the outlook of this team a bit more.
