Random NBA Chatter - Season long thread

• hoops23

  

  I skimmed through but didn't see a general NBA thread created. If I just missed it, my bad.
  
  Either way, with the season upon us, what are some of your thoughts/predictions?
  
  As we all know, a few teams began their season on XMas day, while everybody else is joining the fray Monday.
  
  I'm thinking this is the year OKC gets out of the West. IMO, they are the most complete team now and have 3 legit stars on their team. (yes, I now consider James Harden a star)
  
  As far as the East, I think the Heat are the obvious faves. The Bulls are very good and could give them a challenge, but when I look at the Bulls, I see the LeBron-led Cavs.
  
  1 superstar player surrounded by a bunch of average players. No other star that can supplement consistent scoring. They run sets based on Rose taking his man in isolation, either looking to score for himself or setting up a teammate.
  
  The Heat will be MUCH better this year. Good enough to win it all. The addition of Shane Battier didn't get much pub, but it was a very good addition to that team.
  
  I also think the Clippers will be the best team in LA (albeit not by much). Lakers looked old and there is really no player outside of Kobe who is going to beat you on a consistent basis. They lack great depth this season as well. The whole CP3 blunder really set them back, especially losing LO for nothing.
  
  If the Lakers can swing a deal for Howard, I'll change my tune a bit.
• Azubuike24

  

  Just watching Boston in game 1. The Rondo for Paul deal was better not made. Paul would not make this team any better. Rondo is their best player, has been for a year now and IMO, he's the perfect compliment PG to go along with a team who has other dominant scorers that don't thrive by needing the ball. I'd actually like to see him on the Knicks.
• bigdaddy2003

  

  I think the Heat definitely come out of the East. I'm not sure about the West right now. I don't think it really matters though. I think the Heat will win the title.
• Pick6

  

  I like the Thunder in the west. Young core who will be able to deal with the compacted season better than teams like the Lakers, IMO. I think the West will come between the Mavs/Clippers and Thunder..with the Thunder finally getting over the hump.
  
  As for the East.. I think the Bulls have the most complete team. Noah, Boozer, Deng, Hamilton, Rose. Pretty damn good starting line up, IMO. Solid bench as well. I think his team is head and shoulders above the Lebron-led Cavs. Whether or not their team is better than the Big 3 of the Heat is still a question to me. If the Heat can keep playing with basically the street ball offense they used yesterday and their lock down defense and barring any lengthy injuries to Lebron or Wade, I think they win it all.
• thedynasty1998

  

  I always thought year 1 in Miami would be a success if they went to the Finals. They did that, and now will improve. With Haslem healthy, and the additions I think they are far and away the best team.
  
  I don't know if the Clippers try to make any more moves, but they are going to be a playoff team that could upset someone. I think Dallas took a step back by losing Chandler and Kidd a year older. Oklahoma City should be improved, but I still don't trust Westbrook. The Lakers will eventually make a move, so I expect their team to be upgraded eventually.
• bigdaddy2003

  

  I too think the Mavericks will take a step back with letting Chandler, Butler, and Barea go. I know Butler only played the first part of the season but there is a chance he remains healthy all season.
• wes_mantooth

  

  Heat should win the whole damn thing, but you can never trust Lebron to show up when the pressure is on....so who knows
• Pick6

  

  wes_mantooth;1027499 wrote:Heat should win the whole damn thing, but you can never trust Lebron to show up when the pressure is on....so who knows

  It all depends on how they do they first 3 quarters. I mean the Heat did still only score 8 fourth quarter points yesterday.
• Mulva

  

  Legit contenders: Miami, Chicago, and OKC should all be better and appear the clear top 3 to me. Dallas, the Lakers, Spurs, Boston, and Orlando are all worse.
  
  Next tier: Memphis, the Clippers, and the Knicks are all still a piece or 2 away from joining that group.
  
  Meh: Portland, Denver, and Atlanta are solid but not real threats to win the championship.
  
  Up and comers: I like what Utah and Indiana are doing a lot, but they aren't ready for the big time yet.
  
  Pretty much everyone else sucks.
• Azubuike24

  

  I'd put Philly in the "Meh" group you listed. I actually like them to finish ahead of Boston, probably top 4 in the East, maybe the best team behind the top 3 of Miami, Chicago and New York. There are going to be a lot of mismatches in the East this year.
  
  Most interested in the West Pacific. Hoping the Kings can make some noise this year.
• Hb31187

  

  I Think Milwaukee will have a solid team and finish 6-8th in the east this year. If Bogut stays healthy along with Jennings, Jackson and Dunleavy they should be pretty good
• thedynasty1998

  

  Memphis is a team I forgot about. I wouldn't be surprised if they make the Finals. They were impressive last year, and have the best frontline in the NBA. Serious contenders if Randolph is motivated.
• thedynasty1998

  

  Hb31187;1027617 wrote:I Think Milwaukee will have a solid team and finish 6-8th in the east this year. If Bogut stays healthy along with Jennings, Jackson and Dunleavy they should be pretty good

  I agree, but 6-8 in the East isn't saying much. They do have decent talent and could fly under the radar.
• hoops23

  

  I really like Brandon Jennings, so if they can keep Bogut healthy, they should make the postseason.
  
  As for Memphis, I think they could definitely challenge OKC. Randolph has dropped some serious weight and seems more determined than ever.
  
  Having a healthy Rudy Gay will only help.
• robj55

  

  Rubio is droppin dimes
• Ironman92

  

  JJ Redick with 20 tonight
• Ironman92

  

  Jennings just drilled a 3 to cut it to a 2 point game late vs the Bobcats....he has 22
• Ironman92

  

  Bucks down 2 with ball and 20 seconds left....on NBA TV
• Ironman92

  

  Kemba Walker in for Mullens and drills two big free throws giving him 13 pts, but just 3-10 shooting
• hoops23

  

  Ironman92;1027685 wrote:Kemba Walker in for Mullens and drills two big free throws giving him 13 pts, but just 3-10 shooting

  
  
  Yep. Like I said in the Cavs season thread, rookie PG's usually have poor shooting nights in their first game. Rose was 3/9 I believe in his first game.. John Wall was 6/19, etc...
• robj55

  

  Dallas getting blown out again, down 24 at home against Denver
• Ironman92

  

  Justincredible on set of NBA TV
• hoops23

  

  Dallas is going to have a huge drop off IMO. Odom isn't even interested in being there.
  
  Indy is possibly the most improved team overall. They could hit 40+ wins this year.
• Laley23

  

  hoops23;1027705 wrote: Indy is possibly the most improved team overall. They could hit 40+ wins this year.

  ...improved in general, and then you factor in that Paul George is now 6-11. Up from I think 6-8 or 9
• robj55

  

  Laley23;1027706 wrote:...improved in general, and then you factor in that Paul George is now 6-11. Up from I think 6-8 or 9

  Is he actually, or are they just listing him at that?