Post by Miege22 on Oct 6, 2013 19:42:11 GMT -5
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
It was a tough decision between the Cavs and Kansas City Kings, but the Cavs simply have more depth at this point in time. The Kings may be able to add a few more players before the season starts, but they aren't likely to be impact guys. The Cavs have a bunch of solid pieces, in addition to fantasy studs like Kevin Love and John Wall. If Gallinari comes back playing well, watch out. I really like this Cavs team to make noise in the postseason.
2. Kansas City Kings
There is definitely a gap between the Cavs and Kings, and everyone else. The Kings, somewhat surprisingly, dominated the division last year en route to a Western Conference Finals appearance. They couldn't get past the Utah Jazz, but there is a lot to work with here. Tony Parker and Monta Ellis are first-class fantasy guards and form a potent backcourt. DeMar DeRozan emerged down the stretch last year as a very effective SG/SF player as did JR Smith. The frontcourt is loaded with guys that won't wow you, but they are consistently solid. Luol Deng, Al Jefferson, Carlos Boozer, and David West are veterans that you know will contribute. The issue here is depth, as this team has three roster spots to fill with next to no money. It may require a trade of one of their big guns, which is something they've done before (Kobe Bryant). If this team finds a way to fill the roster with solid contributors, they can overtake Cleveland.
3. Chicago Bulls
This is by far the team with the most upside in the division. In fact, this might be a stretch, as this team is lacking is some pretty significant areas. But there are some players to watch here. OJ Mayo will be the only wing scoring threat in Milwaukee, which could lead to a drop in efficiency but an increase in counting stats. Thad Young is going to see an expanded role on the tanking 76ers (and he'll get to shoot threes!), and Josh Smith and Andre Drummond will pair up to be an interesting frontcourt for the Pistons. The rest of the young guys are question marks: MKG, John Henson, Alexy Shved, and Austin Rivers. If all of those guys take a step forward, this team is on their way.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
Slotting the Thunder here is contingent on them filling out their roster with decent players. As it stands now, the Thunder aren't going to compete despite having Carmelo Anthony, Russel Westbrook, Eric Gordon, and LaMarcus Aldridge. That is a fearsome quartet of players, but there is almost no one else on the roster. Marshon Brooks should see a statistical increase, but after those two you have Jimmy Butler, Reggie Bullock, and Andrei Kirilenko... and that's it. OKC finishes ahead of Minnesota, but just barely.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
There's actually a lot to like here. Joe Johnson is still solid, and the trade for Green should be an absolute steal. Avery Bradley and Kevin Martin are above-average is a few categories, and the rookies could see some serious minutes (Kelly Olynyk, Trey Burke). But this team is so far away from competing. They could get back quickly, but it is not happening this season.
Discuss.
It was a tough decision between the Cavs and Kansas City Kings, but the Cavs simply have more depth at this point in time. The Kings may be able to add a few more players before the season starts, but they aren't likely to be impact guys. The Cavs have a bunch of solid pieces, in addition to fantasy studs like Kevin Love and John Wall. If Gallinari comes back playing well, watch out. I really like this Cavs team to make noise in the postseason.
2. Kansas City Kings
There is definitely a gap between the Cavs and Kings, and everyone else. The Kings, somewhat surprisingly, dominated the division last year en route to a Western Conference Finals appearance. They couldn't get past the Utah Jazz, but there is a lot to work with here. Tony Parker and Monta Ellis are first-class fantasy guards and form a potent backcourt. DeMar DeRozan emerged down the stretch last year as a very effective SG/SF player as did JR Smith. The frontcourt is loaded with guys that won't wow you, but they are consistently solid. Luol Deng, Al Jefferson, Carlos Boozer, and David West are veterans that you know will contribute. The issue here is depth, as this team has three roster spots to fill with next to no money. It may require a trade of one of their big guns, which is something they've done before (Kobe Bryant). If this team finds a way to fill the roster with solid contributors, they can overtake Cleveland.
3. Chicago Bulls
This is by far the team with the most upside in the division. In fact, this might be a stretch, as this team is lacking is some pretty significant areas. But there are some players to watch here. OJ Mayo will be the only wing scoring threat in Milwaukee, which could lead to a drop in efficiency but an increase in counting stats. Thad Young is going to see an expanded role on the tanking 76ers (and he'll get to shoot threes!), and Josh Smith and Andre Drummond will pair up to be an interesting frontcourt for the Pistons. The rest of the young guys are question marks: MKG, John Henson, Alexy Shved, and Austin Rivers. If all of those guys take a step forward, this team is on their way.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder
Slotting the Thunder here is contingent on them filling out their roster with decent players. As it stands now, the Thunder aren't going to compete despite having Carmelo Anthony, Russel Westbrook, Eric Gordon, and LaMarcus Aldridge. That is a fearsome quartet of players, but there is almost no one else on the roster. Marshon Brooks should see a statistical increase, but after those two you have Jimmy Butler, Reggie Bullock, and Andrei Kirilenko... and that's it. OKC finishes ahead of Minnesota, but just barely.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
There's actually a lot to like here. Joe Johnson is still solid, and the trade for Green should be an absolute steal. Avery Bradley and Kevin Martin are above-average is a few categories, and the rookies could see some serious minutes (Kelly Olynyk, Trey Burke). But this team is so far away from competing. They could get back quickly, but it is not happening this season.
Discuss.