With NBA training camps having begun this week, I thought it would be a good time to provide my power rankings for the Eastern Conference:
Contenders
1) Detroit Pistons - The key pieces from a 53-win team, plus the addition of some promising rookies lead me to put Detroit on top of the East.
2) Chicago Bulls - Seven of the Bulls top eight from last season return, plus two new big men - Joakim Noah and Joe Smith.
3) Boston Celtics - The Hall of Fame trio will certainly contend for the conference championship. Injuries and the development of their young players will be the determining factor here.
4) Cleveland Cavaliers - With Ilgauskas and Marshall a year older, the development of Cedric Simmons, Shannon Brown, and Daniel Gibson will be vital.
Pretenders
5) New Jersey Nets - I don't buy Jamaal Magliore being the missing piece to the Nets' puzzle. I would expect the Nets to play more consistently throughout the season, but never truely contend for the title.
6) Miami Heat - Too many injuries to key players and a lack of talented youth has the Heat as a fringe playoff team.
Sleepers
7) Washington Wizards - The Wizards certainly have a talented roster this season, but likely are a talented center short of moving up the power ranking.
8) Orlando Magic - Adding Rashard Lewis is worth at minimum five wins to their regular season total. The Magic are still short on talent around Dwight Howard and Lewis to make a serious run in the East.
9) Toronto Raptors - With a majority of the Eastern Conference teams improving this offseason, the Raptors only made minor tweaks to their roster. The development of Andrea Bargnani and T.J. Ford will determine the success of this team.
Losers
10) New York Knicks - Zach Randolph was a strong addition to the Knicks roster, but they will have all types of trouble playing defense this year.
11) Atlanta Hawks - The Hawks have a young roster with loads of potential. Finding a reliable point guard to lead them will be vital in their success.
12) Charlotte Bobcats - I like Charlotte's starting five now, but they lack depth at every position. If they can keep their core together for years to come, they will be a contender soon.
13) Milwaukee Bucks - The Bucks had an active offseason, but still have plenty of question marks. What will Yi Jianlian bring them? Can Charlie Villanueva stay healthy? Do they need more of a true point guard?
14) Indiana Pacers - The Pacers may see themselves trading Jermaine O'Neal and Jamaal Tinsley by midseason and starting over around Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy Jr.
15) Philadelphia 76ers - The 76ers have some nice pieces in Andre Iguodala, Jason Smith, Rodney Carney and Thaddeus Young, but they lack a consistent veteran post scorer.
Showing posts with label Jamaal Tinsley. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jamaal Tinsley. Show all posts
Friday, October 5, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Eastern Conference X-Factors
As we begin to move closer to the start of NBA training camps, I wanted to take a look at who I would consider to be the X-factor on each team in the Eastern Conference. I consider an X-factor to be a player on a team who will largely help a team towards success or failure - that player may be a rookie, young veteran, someone coming off injury, someone newly acquired, etc.
Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Williams
Williams is coming off a year where he missed 18 games because of injury. If he can provide versatility and consistency in what will be his third year, the Hawks will be able to suprise many teams in the East.
Boston Celtics: Rajon Rondo
Rondo will be counted on to handle and distribute the ball on a team with three Hall of Fame players. It will be important for Rondo to develop all season so he is ready for playoff basketball at the end of the year.
Charlotte Bobcats: Adam Morrison
Charlotte comes into this season with a strong start five, but a very limited bench. If Morrison can develop into a consistent scorer off-the-bench the Bobcats could compete for a playoff spot this season.
Chicago Bulls: Tyrus Thomas
On a team with consistent veterans like Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Andres Nocioni, Ben Wallace, and Joe Smith, Tyrus Thomas is the real wildcard on the Bulls. Last season, he played well during stretches, but this year he will need to bring consistency in points, rebounds, and blocked shots.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Larry Hughes
In the last 40 games before the Cavaliers met the Spurs in the NBA Finals, Cleveland went 29-11. In each one of those games, the starting point guard was Larry Hughes. If Hughes can continue to provide stability and strong defense at the point guard position for Cleveland, then the franchise should again compete for the Eastern Conference title.
Detroit Pistons: Jason Maxiell
In playoff games against Chicago and Cleveland last season, Detroit saw what they hope to get each night from Maxiell this season. With Chris Webber most likely not returning, the Pistons will look for Maxiell and a group of other players to fil his minutes. Scoring and rebounding from Maxiell in the post will be key for Detroit's success this season.
Indiana Pacers: Jamaal Tinsley
Tinsley will get his last chance this season to prove he can be the Pacers lead guard. Although he had a strong scoring season last year, the team needs more from Tinsley on the defensive end. Tinsley also finished the year sixth among point guards in turnovers per game. Both of these concerns need to be addressed this season, or the Pacers will most likely be looking to select a point guard in next season's draft.
Miami Heat: Dorrell Wright
On an aging roster, Wright is one of the only younger players who should be ready this season to produce. Wright should add versatility and athleticism to a team badly in need of both. If Wright fails to produce, then the Heat will have to look for more from Anfernee Hardaway (36), Alonzo Mourning (37), Antoine Walker (31), and Jason Williams (31).
Milwaukee Bucks: Charlie Villanueva
In his third season, Villanueva has shown great potential, but is coming back from a season-ending shoulder injury. If Villanueva can provide consistent points and rebounding statistics - perhaps 15 points and 8 rebounds per game - the Bucks will have a proven scorer in the post. If he cannot, then they will struggle to get any consistency from their big men all season.
New Jersey Nets: Jamaal Magloire
Magloire was the Nets most significant addition this year to a 41-win season last year. The Nets need some production from their big men next to Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson, and Magloire may be just that guy.
New York Knicks: Quentin Richardson
Ricahrdson has only played 91 games over the last two seasons because of injuries. Richardson has the ability to provide three point shooting from the perimter that the Knicks will certainly need. The Knicks know waht they will get from all of their starters, plus Nate Robinson and Renaldo Balkman, but Richardson could be the real wildcard here.
Orlando Magic: Trevor Ariza
The Magic would ideally like to play their top five players each night: Jameer Nelson, Hedo Turkoglu, Trevor Ariza, Rashard Lewis, and Dwight Howard. To be able to do this, Ariza needs to start off the season strong and provide the defensive effort they need. If Ariza fails, then the Magic will have to go with a taller lineup and start Adonal Foyle.
Philadelphia 76ers: Thaddeus Young
This year's first round pick, Young is an important piece in Philadelphia's rebuilding process. Young is an excellent athlete and an emerging shooter who has potential to be a great complement to Andre Iguodala. If Young can succeed this season, then Philadelphia will have a bright future.
Toronto Raptors: Andrea Bargnani
Bargnani had a nice rookie season improving his points per game each month. Playing in a much improved division, the Raptors did not made many upgrades on their roster. Therefore, the development of Bargnani will be essential towards the Raptors' return to the playoffs.
Washington Wizards: Oleksiy Pecherov
Pecherov is a young, Ukrainian forward who can play multiple positions and shoot the ball well. The Wizards have an experienced starting lineup, but could use some scoring punch off the bench. Pecherov has the ability to provide what the Wizards need in order to return to the playoffs.
Atlanta Hawks: Marvin Williams
Williams is coming off a year where he missed 18 games because of injury. If he can provide versatility and consistency in what will be his third year, the Hawks will be able to suprise many teams in the East.
Boston Celtics: Rajon Rondo
Rondo will be counted on to handle and distribute the ball on a team with three Hall of Fame players. It will be important for Rondo to develop all season so he is ready for playoff basketball at the end of the year.
Charlotte Bobcats: Adam Morrison
Charlotte comes into this season with a strong start five, but a very limited bench. If Morrison can develop into a consistent scorer off-the-bench the Bobcats could compete for a playoff spot this season.
Chicago Bulls: Tyrus Thomas
On a team with consistent veterans like Kirk Hinrich, Ben Gordon, Luol Deng, Andres Nocioni, Ben Wallace, and Joe Smith, Tyrus Thomas is the real wildcard on the Bulls. Last season, he played well during stretches, but this year he will need to bring consistency in points, rebounds, and blocked shots.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Larry Hughes
In the last 40 games before the Cavaliers met the Spurs in the NBA Finals, Cleveland went 29-11. In each one of those games, the starting point guard was Larry Hughes. If Hughes can continue to provide stability and strong defense at the point guard position for Cleveland, then the franchise should again compete for the Eastern Conference title.
Detroit Pistons: Jason Maxiell
In playoff games against Chicago and Cleveland last season, Detroit saw what they hope to get each night from Maxiell this season. With Chris Webber most likely not returning, the Pistons will look for Maxiell and a group of other players to fil his minutes. Scoring and rebounding from Maxiell in the post will be key for Detroit's success this season.
Indiana Pacers: Jamaal Tinsley
Tinsley will get his last chance this season to prove he can be the Pacers lead guard. Although he had a strong scoring season last year, the team needs more from Tinsley on the defensive end. Tinsley also finished the year sixth among point guards in turnovers per game. Both of these concerns need to be addressed this season, or the Pacers will most likely be looking to select a point guard in next season's draft.
Miami Heat: Dorrell Wright
On an aging roster, Wright is one of the only younger players who should be ready this season to produce. Wright should add versatility and athleticism to a team badly in need of both. If Wright fails to produce, then the Heat will have to look for more from Anfernee Hardaway (36), Alonzo Mourning (37), Antoine Walker (31), and Jason Williams (31).
Milwaukee Bucks: Charlie Villanueva
In his third season, Villanueva has shown great potential, but is coming back from a season-ending shoulder injury. If Villanueva can provide consistent points and rebounding statistics - perhaps 15 points and 8 rebounds per game - the Bucks will have a proven scorer in the post. If he cannot, then they will struggle to get any consistency from their big men all season.
New Jersey Nets: Jamaal Magloire
Magloire was the Nets most significant addition this year to a 41-win season last year. The Nets need some production from their big men next to Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson, and Magloire may be just that guy.
New York Knicks: Quentin Richardson
Ricahrdson has only played 91 games over the last two seasons because of injuries. Richardson has the ability to provide three point shooting from the perimter that the Knicks will certainly need. The Knicks know waht they will get from all of their starters, plus Nate Robinson and Renaldo Balkman, but Richardson could be the real wildcard here.
Orlando Magic: Trevor Ariza
The Magic would ideally like to play their top five players each night: Jameer Nelson, Hedo Turkoglu, Trevor Ariza, Rashard Lewis, and Dwight Howard. To be able to do this, Ariza needs to start off the season strong and provide the defensive effort they need. If Ariza fails, then the Magic will have to go with a taller lineup and start Adonal Foyle.
Philadelphia 76ers: Thaddeus Young
This year's first round pick, Young is an important piece in Philadelphia's rebuilding process. Young is an excellent athlete and an emerging shooter who has potential to be a great complement to Andre Iguodala. If Young can succeed this season, then Philadelphia will have a bright future.
Toronto Raptors: Andrea Bargnani
Bargnani had a nice rookie season improving his points per game each month. Playing in a much improved division, the Raptors did not made many upgrades on their roster. Therefore, the development of Bargnani will be essential towards the Raptors' return to the playoffs.
Washington Wizards: Oleksiy Pecherov
Pecherov is a young, Ukrainian forward who can play multiple positions and shoot the ball well. The Wizards have an experienced starting lineup, but could use some scoring punch off the bench. Pecherov has the ability to provide what the Wizards need in order to return to the playoffs.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
What does Sam Presti do next?
Newly hired Sam Presti has been busy already this summer, drafting Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, and trading Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Additionally, Presti was able to acquire Delonte West and a trade exception from the Magic worth $9,350,000.
Although the other team got the better player in the trades of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, Presti was able to acquire some valuable assets and provide flexibility for his team. With Allen, the Sonics were able to create future cap relief, as well as, bring in West who could be promising. West is a lefthander who has a strong outside shot, especially from midrange, and good quickness and athleticism. He's not a natural point guard, however, as it's not his instinct to drive and dish and he doesn't push the ball well in transition. West is better in halfcourt set-ups where he can use his size to shoot over opponents, and he's a very good spot-up shooter when he plays off the ball. He has the tools to be an outstanding defender, but is not quite there yet. The trade of Allen also brought in Jeff Green, who seemingly is a perfect talent to put next to Durant.
Rashard Lewis left as a part of a sign-and-trade with Orlando. The Sonics and Rockets competed with the Magic for Lewis’ services, but in the end Orlando outbid everyone. Many have criticized the Magic for giving Lewis a sixth year in his contract when the Sonics were not going to match the five year offer in itself. Presti was smart enough to realize that overpaying for Lewis would not be smart for the long-term success of his team.
Presti recently was quoted as saying: "The exception has made me the most popular person in the gym (Thomas & Mack Center) the last 24 hours. We have to be smart about how to utilize it. If the right opportunity comes along, we won't hesitate to use it.”
So what is the next move for Presti? I believe that Presti should package some of the assets he has remaining to continue to rebuild the Sonics around his two young wing players. The assets that Seattle has in its pocket include:
*$9,350,000 trade exception from Orlando Magic
The trade exception expires after one year if it has not been used. It can be very valuable in an effort to bring in premium talent.
*Delonte West
2007-08 Contract: $1,889,759
2008-09 Contract: Qualifying offer of $276,282,800
2009-10 Contract: Potentially Unrestricted Free Agent
West could be very valuable to a team looking for an experienced, big guard to add to their backcourt.
*Wally Szczerbiak
2007-08 Contract: $12,000,000
2008-09 Contract: $13,000,000
2009-10 Contract: Unrestricted Free Agent
Szczerbiak has played at a high-level in the past and is a tremendous shooter. His contract likely will be a bigger asset to other teams than his talent.
*Chris Wilcox
2007-08 Contract: $6,500,000
2008-09 Contract: $6,750,000
2009-10 Contract: Unrestricted Free Agent
Wilcox is an outstanding leaper and great finisher around the basket. He rebounds the ball well, but does not bring much to the table from the offensive side and can still improve a great deal on defense. For a team looking to bring in another big body to bring off the bench, Wilcox would be a good fit. His contract expiring after the 2008-09 season would also be attractive to many teams.
*Luke Ridnour
$19,500,000 over the next three years
Ridnour is an experienced point guard having started there since the 2004-05 season. He fell out-of-favor with his coaches in the second half of the season and had a disappointing season. However, he maintains a strong assist-to-turnover ratio and gets to the basket fairly well. The biggest knock on Ridnour in the past has been his poor defense. He has quick hands and decent anticipation, but zero strength, average lateral movement, and can be shot over. He can be a nice addition for a team looking for a point guard who can eat up some minutes.
*21 year old, athletic centers
Robert Swift, Saer Sene, Johan Petro
Each one of these three do not make more than $3,000,000 per season and have great potential. Nobody in the group has played significant time in their career, but were all at one point first round picks. Swift missed last season when he blew out his knee in a preseason game, but in the past he has shown the ability to pass in the post and stay active. Sene most likely has the most upside of the group. He has wowed scouts in the past with his athleticism and shot-blocking ability. Petro is a great athlete, but has not been able to grasp the subtle aspects of offense. He generally looks to dunk the ball around the basket and has shown a decent short hook shot. He needs to develop some more post moves and improve in his team defense.
So, what should Presti do with this group of assets? I would look to acquire more talent to help the progression of Durant and Green. Some options at the point guard position would include: Jarrett Jack, Jose Calderon, Juan Carlos Navarro, and Mike Bibby. In the post, Marvin Williams, Jermaine O’Neal, Shelden Williams, and Drew Gooden may be available.
What would I do if I were Presti? I would offer the Pacers, Johan Petro ($1,077,120), Wally Szczerbiak ($12,775,000), Delonte West ($1,889,760), the $9,350,000 trade exception, and Seattle’s first round pick next year for Jermaine O’Neal ($19,728,000) and Jamaal Tinsley ($6,300,000). This trade would bring the Sonics back a top-knotch post player in O'Neal, who would play a similar role that Tim Duncan has played with the Spurs. A combination of Tinsley and Ridnour at point guard, Jeff Green at shooting guard, Kevin Durant at small forward, Nick Collison at power forward, and Jermaine O'Neal at center would be a great start towards the Sonics climb to the top of the West.
The Pacers should do this trade because of the great flexibility and the specific talents it gives them. The Pacers plan to alter their style of play this year under newly hired coach, Jim O'Brien. O'Brien recently said, "We're going to shoot the 3. I don't know (how often), but we're going to shoot the 3." Additionally, he said, "I can't have enough perimeter shooters." With this trade, he would be getting more perimeter-type players. West would immediately step into the starting point guard spot for the Pacers, and Szcazerbiak would provide the outside shooting they have missed since Peja Stojakovic left in free agency. Also, Petro would be an intriguing player the Pacers would be able to develop.
From a financial prespective, all the players the Pacers would receive in this trade could be off their payroll after the 2008-09 season. Including Tinsley in the trade would also be very attractive to the Pacers. He has four years remaining in his contract and clearly fell out-of-favor with Indiana's management last year. With the Sonics first round pick included in the trade, the Pacers would gain additional flexibility to rebuild their squad.
At this point, there have not been much reports of Seattle making another meeting immediately, but if I were Presti and the Sonics, I would surely go ahead and call the Pacers to try and pry away O'Neal. With O'Neal (28), Green (20), and Durant (18) as their core, the Sonics would definitely contend for the title for years to come.
Although the other team got the better player in the trades of Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis, Presti was able to acquire some valuable assets and provide flexibility for his team. With Allen, the Sonics were able to create future cap relief, as well as, bring in West who could be promising. West is a lefthander who has a strong outside shot, especially from midrange, and good quickness and athleticism. He's not a natural point guard, however, as it's not his instinct to drive and dish and he doesn't push the ball well in transition. West is better in halfcourt set-ups where he can use his size to shoot over opponents, and he's a very good spot-up shooter when he plays off the ball. He has the tools to be an outstanding defender, but is not quite there yet. The trade of Allen also brought in Jeff Green, who seemingly is a perfect talent to put next to Durant.
Rashard Lewis left as a part of a sign-and-trade with Orlando. The Sonics and Rockets competed with the Magic for Lewis’ services, but in the end Orlando outbid everyone. Many have criticized the Magic for giving Lewis a sixth year in his contract when the Sonics were not going to match the five year offer in itself. Presti was smart enough to realize that overpaying for Lewis would not be smart for the long-term success of his team.
Presti recently was quoted as saying: "The exception has made me the most popular person in the gym (Thomas & Mack Center) the last 24 hours. We have to be smart about how to utilize it. If the right opportunity comes along, we won't hesitate to use it.”
So what is the next move for Presti? I believe that Presti should package some of the assets he has remaining to continue to rebuild the Sonics around his two young wing players. The assets that Seattle has in its pocket include:
*$9,350,000 trade exception from Orlando Magic
The trade exception expires after one year if it has not been used. It can be very valuable in an effort to bring in premium talent.
*Delonte West
2007-08 Contract: $1,889,759
2008-09 Contract: Qualifying offer of $276,282,800
2009-10 Contract: Potentially Unrestricted Free Agent
West could be very valuable to a team looking for an experienced, big guard to add to their backcourt.
*Wally Szczerbiak
2007-08 Contract: $12,000,000
2008-09 Contract: $13,000,000
2009-10 Contract: Unrestricted Free Agent
Szczerbiak has played at a high-level in the past and is a tremendous shooter. His contract likely will be a bigger asset to other teams than his talent.
*Chris Wilcox
2007-08 Contract: $6,500,000
2008-09 Contract: $6,750,000
2009-10 Contract: Unrestricted Free Agent
Wilcox is an outstanding leaper and great finisher around the basket. He rebounds the ball well, but does not bring much to the table from the offensive side and can still improve a great deal on defense. For a team looking to bring in another big body to bring off the bench, Wilcox would be a good fit. His contract expiring after the 2008-09 season would also be attractive to many teams.
*Luke Ridnour
$19,500,000 over the next three years
Ridnour is an experienced point guard having started there since the 2004-05 season. He fell out-of-favor with his coaches in the second half of the season and had a disappointing season. However, he maintains a strong assist-to-turnover ratio and gets to the basket fairly well. The biggest knock on Ridnour in the past has been his poor defense. He has quick hands and decent anticipation, but zero strength, average lateral movement, and can be shot over. He can be a nice addition for a team looking for a point guard who can eat up some minutes.
*21 year old, athletic centers
Robert Swift, Saer Sene, Johan Petro
Each one of these three do not make more than $3,000,000 per season and have great potential. Nobody in the group has played significant time in their career, but were all at one point first round picks. Swift missed last season when he blew out his knee in a preseason game, but in the past he has shown the ability to pass in the post and stay active. Sene most likely has the most upside of the group. He has wowed scouts in the past with his athleticism and shot-blocking ability. Petro is a great athlete, but has not been able to grasp the subtle aspects of offense. He generally looks to dunk the ball around the basket and has shown a decent short hook shot. He needs to develop some more post moves and improve in his team defense.
So, what should Presti do with this group of assets? I would look to acquire more talent to help the progression of Durant and Green. Some options at the point guard position would include: Jarrett Jack, Jose Calderon, Juan Carlos Navarro, and Mike Bibby. In the post, Marvin Williams, Jermaine O’Neal, Shelden Williams, and Drew Gooden may be available.
What would I do if I were Presti? I would offer the Pacers, Johan Petro ($1,077,120), Wally Szczerbiak ($12,775,000), Delonte West ($1,889,760), the $9,350,000 trade exception, and Seattle’s first round pick next year for Jermaine O’Neal ($19,728,000) and Jamaal Tinsley ($6,300,000). This trade would bring the Sonics back a top-knotch post player in O'Neal, who would play a similar role that Tim Duncan has played with the Spurs. A combination of Tinsley and Ridnour at point guard, Jeff Green at shooting guard, Kevin Durant at small forward, Nick Collison at power forward, and Jermaine O'Neal at center would be a great start towards the Sonics climb to the top of the West.
The Pacers should do this trade because of the great flexibility and the specific talents it gives them. The Pacers plan to alter their style of play this year under newly hired coach, Jim O'Brien. O'Brien recently said, "We're going to shoot the 3. I don't know (how often), but we're going to shoot the 3." Additionally, he said, "I can't have enough perimeter shooters." With this trade, he would be getting more perimeter-type players. West would immediately step into the starting point guard spot for the Pacers, and Szcazerbiak would provide the outside shooting they have missed since Peja Stojakovic left in free agency. Also, Petro would be an intriguing player the Pacers would be able to develop.
From a financial prespective, all the players the Pacers would receive in this trade could be off their payroll after the 2008-09 season. Including Tinsley in the trade would also be very attractive to the Pacers. He has four years remaining in his contract and clearly fell out-of-favor with Indiana's management last year. With the Sonics first round pick included in the trade, the Pacers would gain additional flexibility to rebuild their squad.
At this point, there have not been much reports of Seattle making another meeting immediately, but if I were Presti and the Sonics, I would surely go ahead and call the Pacers to try and pry away O'Neal. With O'Neal (28), Green (20), and Durant (18) as their core, the Sonics would definitely contend for the title for years to come.
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