Title: Real's Top 10
Description: 7/3/2005
Real Deal - July 3, 2005 06:15 PM (GMT)
NOTE: These rankings include predicted trades and signings. A month of transactions could change everything, especially the bottom half of the rankings.
1) San Antonio Spurs - with Duncan, Manu, Parker, Bowen and Horry, the Spurs have no reason to be sitting elsewhere. Udrih is turning out to be a great pickup in the 2004 draft, and will definitely be starting material once Parker makes his exit from the league (or the team). Popovich is a top 3 coach in the league, and with the addition of Luis Scola (from Argentina), the Spurs are just going to get stronger and stronger.
2) Indiana Pacers - with Artest, the Pacers are possibly the best team out East. After drafting Danny Granger in the 2005 NBA draft, which was a huge steal, Indiana has added a young, defensive-minded player from New Mexico, who could be a starter by mid-season (if Artest moves up to PF). The Pacers were the best team in the regular season two years ago, and if it wasn't for the brawl, they may have been in the ECF's with Miami this last season.
3) Phoenix Suns - no surprise here. The Suns are reloaded, with the Kurt Thomas trade that also sent young guard Dijon Thompson to Phoenix. Jim Jackson will play behind Joe Johnson (who will more than likely re-sign now that Q-Rich is gone), but don't be surprised if Phoenix pulls in Michael Finley as well. If they do, there's going to be a nasty WCF series vs. the Spurs next season that may go to seven games.
4) Detroit Pistons - this is a tough call, ranking Detroit at #4 this early in the off-season. Larry Brown may be on the sidelines, but we don't know for sure. The Pistons may pick up McMillan or Flip Saunders if Brown does in fact leave, which may not be so bad either. Detroit will still have their starting five, along with McDyess and newly-acquired Jason Maxiell, out of Cincinnati, who some say is a clone of Big Ben himself. Scary.
5) Miami Heat - much like Detroit, this was also a tough decision. Damon Jones may be leaving, Keyon Dooling could be wearing a Nets jersey, Udonis may find a new home, and Zo could hang it up this year. However, Miami still has Wade and Shaq, and a STEAL in the draft named Wayne Simien, so things aren't so bad in Florida. They may not win 60 games, but an ECF appearance isn't out of their reach.
6) Denver Nuggets - after the incredible win streak they shoved down the throats of the league last spring, the Nuggets will be back for more. George Karl nearly earned Coach of the Year honors, as Melo, K-Mart, Miller, Camby and Boykins tore into the league and was picked by a few analysts to win the Western Conference championship. Nothing has changed since then, except the team picking up an incredible guard named Julius Hodge, who could do some damage in a year or so, depending on the condition of Voshon Lenard.
7) Houston Rockets - this could be the season where McGrady gets out of the first round. I won't bet on it though, but the Rockets may do well depending on who they pick up this off-season. Houston needs a PF badly, and although I can't give you a reason as to why they passed up Wayne Simien, I do know that Luther Head will see some minutes next year. Then there's Yao and McGrady, no need to elaborate. Houston will be in the playoffs.
8) Dallas Mavericks - if Dallas loses Finley, and with the rumors of Dampier being shipped, they may have trouble collecting a 50-win season. However, you can't knock Dirk Nowitzki, and the Mavericks will surely make the playoffs next year, but getting out of the first round could be much tougher this time, especially if they meet up with Denver or Houston. The "Dirk Show" will start in November, and if all goes well, I wouldn't be surprised to see Dirk back on the first team...that is, depending on how well the Mavs do in the regular season.
9) Cleveland Cavaliers - but only if they re-sign Big Z and pick up Michael Redd. You may see the Cavs pushing for the second round of the playoffs if this happens, because an All-Star big and an All-Star shooter, teamed with LeBron James, should NOT miss the playoffs. If they do, there is something terribly wrong in Cleveland, and my suggestion would be to sell the team and change jersey colors and the team name.
10) Los Angeles Lakers - ah, and I'm not biased with this choice. When has Phil Jackson ever missed the playoffs? Look at the track record...his is unbelieveable. Kobe Bryant may reach his prime this season; team him with quite possibly the greatest coach of all time, and all the Lakers need is one more impact player using their MLE. Don't be surprised if it happens. A seven game series in the second round would be my prediction, depending on who they face...but one injury to Kobe could ruin the season.
Sleepers - Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors
Could be in trouble - Seattle SuperSonics, Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards
madsen35 - July 3, 2005 07:04 PM (GMT)
As much as I love the Lakers, realistically they aren't a top 10 team as of yet...but by the end of the offseason they could be if they solidify their interior defense.
Real Deal - July 3, 2005 07:17 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (madsen35 @ Jul 3 2005, 01:04 PM) |
| As much as I love the Lakers, realistically they aren't a top 10 team as of yet...but by the end of the offseason they could be if they solidify their interior defense. |
If you think about it, we were the 6th seed in the playoffs last year until Rudy T left. That's a top ten team, considering the East dropped off after Miami, Detroit and Indiana.
Vinsanity - July 3, 2005 07:44 PM (GMT)
What about the raptors with charlie!? :( lol...
Im liking some of your top 10 picks but not all
madsen35 - July 3, 2005 07:51 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Real Deal @ Jul 3 2005, 01:17 PM) |
| QUOTE (madsen35 @ Jul 3 2005, 01:04 PM) | | As much as I love the Lakers, realistically they aren't a top 10 team as of yet...but by the end of the offseason they could be if they solidify their interior defense. |
If you think about it, we were the 6th seed in the playoffs last year until Rudy T left. That's a top ten team, considering the East dropped off after Miami, Detroit and Indiana.
|
True, but the early part of our season was mostly at home against easier teams.
What really hurt was all the injuries (Divac, Grant, Kobe, Odom, George, etc). If not for them, we would have been 5th seed I am guessing.
I love your optimism and hopefully we can return to glory next season!
HFC6 - July 3, 2005 08:14 PM (GMT)
As for the Heat: Zo is staying. Udonis is most likely not moving, and if Keyon or DJ are gone, it wouldn't be hard to find a PG who would want to play alongside Shaq. Damon Stoudamire, anybody?
Real Deal - July 3, 2005 08:35 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (HFC6 @ Jul 3 2005, 02:14 PM) |
| As for the Heat: Zo is staying. Udonis is most likely not moving, and if Keyon or DJ are gone, it wouldn't be hard to find a PG who would want to play alongside Shaq. Damon Stoudamire, anybody? |
Zo isn't necessarily staying. The Heat just picked up his option, that's all. He could still retire, it wasn't his choice for them to pick up the option.
HFC6 - July 4, 2005 12:55 AM (GMT)
No, he said he is on for the ride next season.
Real Deal - July 4, 2005 01:43 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (HFC6 @ Jul 3 2005, 06:55 PM) |
| No, he said he is on for the ride next season. |
Link me man, I gotta see it. I was unaware that he agreed to stay. The last I heard, he was going to retire if he didn't get in more minutes. I don't follow the Heat as much as I do other teams, and this would be more insider stuff than ESPN right now.
HFC6 - July 4, 2005 05:30 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE |
"I wouldn't want to go play anywhere else," Mourning said. "If somebody offered me $20 million to go play next year, I wouldn't go anywhere else. It's the Heat or I'm going to retire."
Mourning, who starred with the Heat from 1995-2002, was happy to return after two injury-riddled seasons with New Jersey in which he continued to battle a kidney ailment. Mourning averaged 7.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.0 blocks and 19 minutes in 37 games this season, with 17 starts.
Mourning said his health is fine. Otherwise, he said, he wouldn't consider playing again.
"I know I'm not the player that I used to be, but at the same time, I still feel I have a lot to offer," Mourning said. "I want to be able to somewhat control the destiny of the team, the outcome of the team."
|
Real Deal - July 4, 2005 05:53 AM (GMT)
I've read that, it's from the Palm Beach Post. Here's the first part...
| QUOTE |
Alonzo Mourning said Wednesday he wants to be more of a factor for the Heat next season. If not, he might retire.
Mourning, a reserve this season after joining the Heat in March, said not being on the court during the final moments of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals against Detroit was frustrating.
"I just don't want to go through a whole year again and get into that situation where we were in Game 7 and not be on the court and helping out," said Mourning, who was hosting an event Wednesday to promote the ninth annual Zo's Summer Groove, which will be July 14-17. "I worked my butt off to try to be a part of something special and try to make a difference in the outcome of something. I felt helpless just sitting on the sideline and not being able to do anything. That's just the competitor in me." |
So what he's saying, which was definitely expressed at the beginning, is that if he can't get in more minutes, he's probably going to retire. Otherwise, he wouldn't have brought that up.
We all know he's not going to get anymore behind Shaq. I think he wants to see more minutes beside him, at the PF...and that probably won't happen now that they've got Simien, and may re-sign Haslem. If they don't re-sign Haslem, then sure...but I believe Udonis is more important.
HFC6 - July 4, 2005 05:57 AM (GMT)
Maybe I am being biased since Alonzo is my favorite player ever, but he our best low-post defender. He doesn't need to watch his PF because of our frontcourt depth, so he is pretty much fearless out there. I doubt he retires. I think he wants one last shot to hoist the trophy.
madsen35 - July 4, 2005 02:23 PM (GMT)
I could see Zo coming back, as long as Shaq lobbies for him. They do need a solid backup center to relieve Shaq when he is tired or injured.
Sealy - July 4, 2005 09:50 PM (GMT)
That was a great read Real. I don't think Lakers or Cavs are top 10 teams though.
ballorama. - July 4, 2005 11:39 PM (GMT)
same with Sealy but you should replace the Cavs and Lakers with the Sonics and Bulls.
Anyway good job. thmbup.
Real Deal - July 4, 2005 11:53 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (AHsan @ Jul 4 2005, 05:39 PM) |
same with Sealy but you should replace the Cavs and Lakers with the Sonics and Bulls.
Anyway good job. thmbup. |
The Sonics could be missing Ray Allen and Nate McMillan next season, not to mention Daniels is out the door, and Radmanovic, Flip, James and Evans are all FA's.
And I wouldn't be surprised if Curry was in a different jersey next season, as well as Chandler.
madsen35 - July 5, 2005 01:42 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Real Deal @ Jul 4 2005, 05:53 PM) |
| QUOTE (AHsan @ Jul 4 2005, 05:39 PM) | same with Sealy but you should replace the Cavs and Lakers with the Sonics and Bulls.
Anyway good job. thmbup. |
The Sonics could be missing Ray Allen and Nate McMillan next season, not to mention Daniels is out the door, and Radmanovic, Flip, James and Evans are all FA's.
And I wouldn't be surprised if Curry was in a different jersey next season, as well as Chandler.
|
True true. But don't you think the Wizards are a top 10 team. And maybe the Celtics? Did you put those 2 teams up there?
Real Deal - July 5, 2005 02:43 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (madsen35 @ Jul 4 2005, 07:42 PM) |
| QUOTE (Real Deal @ Jul 4 2005, 05:53 PM) | | QUOTE (AHsan @ Jul 4 2005, 05:39 PM) | same with Sealy but you should replace the Cavs and Lakers with the Sonics and Bulls.
Anyway good job. thmbup. |
The Sonics could be missing Ray Allen and Nate McMillan next season, not to mention Daniels is out the door, and Radmanovic, Flip, James and Evans are all FA's.
And I wouldn't be surprised if Curry was in a different jersey next season, as well as Chandler.
|
True true. But don't you think the Wizards are a top 10 team. And maybe the Celtics? Did you put those 2 teams up there?
|
The Wizards weren't even a top 10 team last season. There were about 7 West teams in the top 10 last season, and 3 East teams. I didn't even consider the Celtics a top 10 last season, because the Atlantic Division was so terrible, they snagged the 3rd seed with a mediocre record.
If Gerald Green makes an immediate impact, then I'll admit that I was wrong about Boston...but I doubt he will. There are so many rumors about Pierce anyways, that I believe it'll really affect the team next season, whether he's traded or not.
Sealy - July 5, 2005 03:08 AM (GMT)
To be fair to Real Deal, it's tough to see who will be a top team this early into the off-season. He did his best to offer his predictions, and I think they are very reasonable from 1-10. My personal bias thinks the Timberwolves will be back up as a contender next year after they re-tool and re-group. I expect a much more energized and passionate group next season than what we saw this past season.
Spurs Fan - July 6, 2005 02:18 AM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Real Deal @ Jul 3 2005, 12:15 PM) |
NOTE: These rankings include predicted trades and signings. A month of transactions could change everything, especially the bottom half of the rankings.
1) San Antonio Spurs - with Duncan, Manu, Parker, Bowen and Horry, the Spurs have no reason to be sitting elsewhere. Udrih is turning out to be a great pickup in the 2004 draft, and will definitely be starting material once Parker makes his exit from the league (or the team). Popovich is a top 3 coach in the league, and with the addition of Luis Scola (from Argentina), the Spurs are just going to get stronger and stronger.
2) Indiana Pacers - with Artest, the Pacers are possibly the best team out East. After drafting Danny Granger in the 2005 NBA draft, which was a huge steal, Indiana has added a young, defensive-minded player from New Mexico, who could be a starter by mid-season (if Artest moves up to PF). The Pacers were the best team in the regular season two years ago, and if it wasn't for the brawl, they may have been in the ECF's with Miami this last season.
3) Phoenix Suns - no surprise here. The Suns are reloaded, with the Kurt Thomas trade that also sent young guard Dijon Thompson to Phoenix. Jim Jackson will play behind Joe Johnson (who will more than likely re-sign now that Q-Rich is gone), but don't be surprised if Phoenix pulls in Michael Finley as well. If they do, there's going to be a nasty WCF series vs. the Spurs next season that may go to seven games.
4) Detroit Pistons - this is a tough call, ranking Detroit at #4 this early in the off-season. Larry Brown may be on the sidelines, but we don't know for sure. The Pistons may pick up McMillan or Flip Saunders if Brown does in fact leave, which may not be so bad either. Detroit will still have their starting five, along with McDyess and newly-acquired Jason Maxiell, out of Cincinnati, who some say is a clone of Big Ben himself. Scary.
5) Miami Heat - much like Detroit, this was also a tough decision. Damon Jones may be leaving, Keyon Dooling could be wearing a Nets jersey, Udonis may find a new home, and Zo could hang it up this year. However, Miami still has Wade and Shaq, and a STEAL in the draft named Wayne Simien, so things aren't so bad in Florida. They may not win 60 games, but an ECF appearance isn't out of their reach.
6) Denver Nuggets - after the incredible win streak they shoved down the throats of the league last spring, the Nuggets will be back for more. George Karl nearly earned Coach of the Year honors, as Melo, K-Mart, Miller, Camby and Boykins tore into the league and was picked by a few analysts to win the Western Conference championship. Nothing has changed since then, except the team picking up an incredible guard named Julius Hodge, who could do some damage in a year or so, depending on the condition of Voshon Lenard.
7) Houston Rockets - this could be the season where McGrady gets out of the first round. I won't bet on it though, but the Rockets may do well depending on who they pick up this off-season. Houston needs a PF badly, and although I can't give you a reason as to why they passed up Wayne Simien, I do know that Luther Head will see some minutes next year. Then there's Yao and McGrady, no need to elaborate. Houston will be in the playoffs.
8) Dallas Mavericks - if Dallas loses Finley, and with the rumors of Dampier being shipped, they may have trouble collecting a 50-win season. However, you can't knock Dirk Nowitzki, and the Mavericks will surely make the playoffs next year, but getting out of the first round could be much tougher this time, especially if they meet up with Denver or Houston. The "Dirk Show" will start in November, and if all goes well, I wouldn't be surprised to see Dirk back on the first team...that is, depending on how well the Mavs do in the regular season.
9) Cleveland Cavaliers - but only if they re-sign Big Z and pick up Michael Redd. You may see the Cavs pushing for the second round of the playoffs if this happens, because an All-Star big and an All-Star shooter, teamed with LeBron James, should NOT miss the playoffs. If they do, there is something terribly wrong in Cleveland, and my suggestion would be to sell the team and change jersey colors and the team name.
10) Los Angeles Lakers - ah, and I'm not biased with this choice. When has Phil Jackson ever missed the playoffs? Look at the track record...his is unbelieveable. Kobe Bryant may reach his prime this season; team him with quite possibly the greatest coach of all time, and all the Lakers need is one more impact player using their MLE. Don't be surprised if it happens. A seven game series in the second round would be my prediction, depending on who they face...but one injury to Kobe could ruin the season.
Sleepers - Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Utah Jazz, New Jersey Nets, Golden State Warriors
Could be in trouble - Seattle SuperSonics, Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards |
VERY good post, dude, but just some comments...
3) Phoenix Suns - Michael Finley might demand lots of money, too, though, and you never know if he'll stay or go. If Cuban can get some dice to roll in the stock market, who knows?
4) Detroit Pistons - Tayshaun Prince is more of a Sixth Man than Starter, I hear, but nothing wrong with this team.
5) Miami Heat - The Diesel is only getting older, but The Flash is only getting better.
6) Denver Nuggets - maybe not the same run continuing from last year, but 50-wins is a possibility.
7) Houston Rockets - the Rockts had a slow start, but 55-wins is my guess, for 2005-2006.
8) Dallas Mavericks - Dallas's production goes up in the SG Spot, because Stack or Marquis will takeover, but at center, Damp needs to PRODUCE.
9) Cleveland Cavaliers - Redd is probably going to stay with the Bucks, as he has mentioned several times it is the team he wants to stay on until he retires, but definitely the Cavs need the Big Z and King James back.
10) Los Angeles Lakers - their long-term draft picks won't help them. Phil Jackson is only here for three seasons, and you need a win-NOW mentality, not a long-term mentality...
Sleepers - Warriors ended the season on a good run. They're going to probably be arond a #10 Seed...
Could be in trouble - Seattle's stars are a little old now, but they have some long-term contracts with Ray Allen.
Once again, GREAT post!
Benjams - July 6, 2005 05:29 AM (GMT)
Well I would like to make a strong case for the Magic, but well I dont know what is going to happen because of free agency like you have said but I do know as much as I hate Steve Francis he is probably a great player and Dwight and some others if they get anything in FA they could be a good team in the East like they were early in the season this year. If we could get a big impact player they could be one of the teams to beat in the east. Cuttino Mobley was a big loss IMO but I still think that the Magic can overcome and become a top 10 team in the league probably 7-10 range but It is possible.
AIfan1330 - July 6, 2005 03:22 PM (GMT)
Once again, a great post.
Now I don't know if this is a list for the bext regular season teams or the best overall teams. If it's for the best regular season teams, then I agree. But I think the Suns are going to be a better overall team than the Pacers. Our frontline is solid with Thomas and Stoudemire, all-star Marion at SF, and an even better guard combo than last year, pending the re-signing of JJ. The one thing the Pacers have on the Suns is depth, but that's not even that big of a deal. Our depth is laregely improved over last year. We'll have a solid 9-man rotation, with JJax, Raja Bell, Barbosa, and whoever the Suns get to backup the big men (whether it's Hunter or somebody else).
Sealy - July 6, 2005 04:21 PM (GMT)
Did the Q-Thomas trade go through yet? Last I heard of it they said it might not happen because of Q's injury problems.
AIfan1330 - July 6, 2005 04:26 PM (GMT)
| QUOTE (Sealy @ Jul 6 2005, 10:21 AM) |
| Did the Q-Thomas trade go through yet? Last I heard of it they said it might not happen because of Q's injury problems. |
No, it happened on draft night.
Suns sent:
Q and Nate Robinson
Knicks Sent:
Thomas and Dijon Thompson
Sealy - July 6, 2005 04:28 PM (GMT)
Ah, that explains it. I wasn't able to watch the draft. :angry:
ballorama. - July 6, 2005 05:37 PM (GMT)
Why did you go to the Draft Party with your Dad?
Lone Wolf - July 6, 2005 05:52 PM (GMT)
He just said he didn't get to see it.. he was on vacation
ballorama. - July 6, 2005 05:54 PM (GMT)
no i mean he really said that before just thought about it
Lone Wolf - July 6, 2005 07:04 PM (GMT)
Sealy - July 6, 2005 07:04 PM (GMT)
We were invited to the draft party but we went on vacation the day of the draft.