Post by skrouse on Oct 27, 2018 19:08:27 GMT
Boston Celtics
2007 Record: (27-55)
Big Adds: Mustapha Heron
Big Losses: Meadowlark Lemon, Mark Price, Dean Wade
Batman: Sekou Doumbouya
Robin: Mustapha Heron
Overview: Last year's team got derailed due to key injuries early on, and eventually a selloff as other key parts were moved as the season rolled on. This year's interim GM has paired Sekou with Mustapha Heron, who's prolific scoring should give the 2nd worst scoring team in the league a slight bump on the offensive end. Hopefully he can also keep his TOs down as he hovers right around 2 per 36 mins, and is now on a team that was 3rd worst in TOPG at 13.3 in 2007. I believe this team is still lacking significantly at other positions, and that coupled with their tough division will keep them near the bottom of the standings. I don't see how they get more than 30 wins this year without a big acquisition.
Prediction: 29-57
Harlem Globetrotters
2007 Record: (51-31)Big Adds: None
Big Losses: None
Batman: Dolph Schayes
Robin: Shamorie Ponds
Overview: Probably more like Batman and Superman, Schayes and Ponds along with Ingram and Delle Donne look to make a run at the franchise's 2nd title. Due to their current cap situation Ward wasn't able to add any key pieces but didn't lose any either. The team does lack depth so an injury could put a damper on things. They're also weak at the C position which could be problem against the likes of the Knicks and Suns. I think this team does have enough fire power to score with the big boys, but based on last year they're a bit TO prone, which hurts their chances against the more effecient squads. I see a repeat performance right around 50 wins.
Prediction: 53-29
Miami Heat
2007 Record: (42-40)
Big Adds: NoneBig Losses: Brad Daugherty
Batman: Ray McCallum Jr.
Robin: Zion Williamson
Overview: The Heat look very similar to the team they were last season but with a bigger hole at the 5 spot. They lost the inside scoring of Brad Daugherty and didn't really replace him. Now as the 5th option he's wasn't really a key player but definitely is the biggest loss. Yawn did pick up Billy Owens in the draft this offseason but he's not ready to be a key contributor just yet. With no other key additions I see this team right around the .500 mark yet again.
Prediction: 41-41
New York Knicks
2007 Record: (52-30)
Big Adds: Bones McKinney, Jesus Shuttlesworth
Big Losses: Jim Halpert, Landyn Freshwater
Batman: Firsto Picko
Robin: Brandon Griner
Overview: The Knicks are led again by the future HOFer Firsto Picko, and this year he gets to play a full season with last year's 2 key additions, Brandon Griner and Nick King. GM Eric brought in Bones McKinney and Jesus Shuttlesworth to fill Halpert's minutes along side King on the wing. Bones and Jesus are by no means an All Star players but they should replace Halpert well. The PG spot remains the shakiest position with what looks to be a time share between Ulaakees and FA signing Tito Maddox. I don't love either and they will get owned the top PGs in this division, Shamorie Ponds and Jason Williams. LIke the Globes and Heat, I see the Knicks in about the same position as last year
Prediction: 51-31
2007 Record: (55-27)
Big Adds: DJ Hogg, Shu Shuvington
Big Losses: None
Batman: Guy Beahm
Robin: Jason Williams
Overview: The Orlando Magic rebuilt rather quickly after acquiring top FA Guy Beahm from the 2007 FA class. After a few big deals, GM skrouse was able to add All Star PG Jason Williams and wing Clarence Withers. The addition of Shu Shuvington and DJ Hogg this offseason means that last year's starters Withers and Quentin Richardson have a challenge for their starting minutes. As of right now, Shu tops the DC along side Q Rich with Withers coming off the bench. This team will be challenged by any team with a pair of top bigs, like Firsto and former Magic great Brandon Griner, or against the defending champion Suns with Hakeem and Templeton. I believe the Magic yet again challenge for the #1 seed in the East.
Prediction: 58-24
Washington Bullets
2007 Record: (29-53)Big Adds: Chuck Person, Luka Doncic
Big Losses: Barry Obama
Batman: Simisola Shittu
Robin: Chuck Person
Overview: Quite a few changes by GM kn88, out goes long time starter at PG Barry Oboma and in comes 2 high volume scoring wings with Chuck Person and Luka Doncic. No one is really replacing Obama, so it seems the time has come for Aljami Durham to ste up. The team retained most other key players, but outside of Shittu and Strong, they didn't have much. Will these additions be enough to take this team to the playoffs? I am not so sure. They'll be competing with the Heat, Bucks and Raptors for the last 3 seeds and I'm not sure if they're better than any of those 3. I see improvement, but not enough to matter big picture.
Prediction: 40-42
Washington Wizards
2007 Record: (29-53)Big Adds: De'Anthony Melton, Ken Nielsen
Big Losses: Quincy McCall
Batman: Jontay Porter
Robin: Arvydas Sabonis
Overview: The front office shuffled a few pieces around to try and improve on the 29 wins from last season for the Wiz. The bigman duo of Jontay Porter and Arvydas Sabonis now have former Sonic De'Anthony Melton running the point. A TO prone PG who does work hard on both ends to try and make up for his lack of ball security, but he's not an overall great improvement on what they had last year. The team also drafted NBA defensive legend Dikembe Mutombo, but his less than stellar preseason performance may have GM h/t a bit nervous. He did manage close to 3 blocks per 36, but everything else was sub par. I see more of the same for the Wizards, maybe even a slight decline with their rival DC squad improving some.
Prediction: 25-57
