Post by mouse on Jan 13, 2024 10:59:48 GMT -8
In this article, we're going to take a look around the league and discuss a couple teams and how they've looked over the first 40 days of the season.
The Toronto Raptors have exceeded expectations and have become a threat in the Eastern Conference quicker than expected. C Tim Duncan has already developed into one of the elite big men in the league averaging 22 points, 12.5 rebounds, and over 3 stocks per game. The signing of NBA Champion PG Jeff McInnis has also paid dividends as he is showing his value right away leading the Raptors to a 19-12 record in the first 40 days of the season. The starting lineup is rounded out with Anthony Parker, Dejan Bodiroga, and recently acquired Marcus Camby. The oldest starter is just 25 years old, while the Raptors still hold an abundance of picks over the next couple seasons. Matt has done a nice job, and if all goes well the Raptors could be a legitimate threat for years to come.
The Boston Celtics are still a top of the Eastern Conference as DBW continues to find moves to keep his team relevant and a title contender. The free agent signing gives the Celtics a young big with room from growth who can contribute right away, or become a trade chip down the line. Not to mention, being able to acquire veteran forward Charles Barkley to essentially replace the retired Dennis Rodman was a genius move. Barkley is arguably an upgrade over Rodman and after a slow start to the season the Celtics are back a top the standings with a 19-7 record.
In the West you have your obvious contenders in the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks, but the Golden State Warriors have been a pleasant surprise as they currently sit 2nd in the conference with a 17-12 record. The team has battled injuries all season but they've been able to remain competitive due to an impressive amount of depth. Clyde Drexler has played just 8 games this season, while they are currently missing Latrell Sprewell for 6 more days. Last year they were a playoff team despite an under .500 record but after some key additions, they've been able to improve the roster and become a very dangerous team. After spending 2 seasons with the Orlando Magic getting hardly any team, PF Christian Laetner has been unleashed in Golden State averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds on very good percentages. With Laetner on a contract year, it's a question mark if he will return to the team with so many potential buyers in the free agent market this off season, but for now the Warriors are thrilled with his success.
As much love as the Warriors are being given, they'll still have to go through either the Dallas Mavericks or San Antonio Spurs to get to the NBA Finals. Both teams look dangerous yet again, while the Spurs have found a way to still be 19-9 despite losing Jeff McInnis in free agency. The deal with the Charlotte Hornets to bring in Jerome James, Greg Minor, and Bobby Jackson has really helped the roster while the Mavericks have simply stayed the course and have spent time building chemistry and developing their roster from within. It's honestly tough to say who's the clear cut favorite so it's definitely going to be a fun playoff tournament this year.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been active in the trade market looking for ways to add draft picks and different young players in positions of need. After 2 years of mediocrity they decided to move on from star point guard Stephon Marbury in a deal that brought in 19 year old Tracy McGrady who unites with his cousin Vince Carter. McGrady has been able to essentially be the go to guy for the Wolves, and although the team in 10-13 his numbers have been impressive. With that said, they had a hole at the point guard position and were able to fill that need Saturday afternoon with the acquisition of rookie Mike Bibby. Bibby comes from Denver, a team that had an abundance of players at the point guard position so being able to acquire an impressive young player such as Stephen Jackson made sense for them as well. But as far as the Wolves go, they now have a young trio of Mike Bibby, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady leading the way for the forseeable future while they most likely look to move on from 23 year old C Lorenzen Wright if they can acquire some more assets to improve the team. The Wolves could potentially have 2 lottery picks in this upcoming draft as well so Tyga really has quietly been able to do a nice job building a strong foundation here in Minnesota.
The Milwaukee Bucks have been a bit of a surprise as I think most expected them to be a bit stronger in the East. After 2 really impressive seasons, they've taken a step back and currently sit in the 8th spot with a 16-15 record. The loss of a couple free agents during the off season has really seemed to be the difference for the Bucks, so look for their GM to begin toying with the idea of a rebuild. He could potentially sell off the team entirely and start fresh from the ground up, or maybe keep everyone around and just add a solid young prospect through the draft to add to an already established nucleus. The ladder might be the more logical decision. If the Bucks are able to bring in a draftee, and add some solid pieces in free agency then they could be right a top of the conference once again next year.
You have your teams on top of the standings and then a few clear cut tankers such as the New York Knicks, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Detroit Pistons. But in the middle you're left with a ton of teams bordering .500. Teams such as the Cavaliers, Hawks, Heat, Bucks, Grizzlies, Thunder, Clippers, Kings, and even a couple more. It's going to be interesting to see moving forward which teams are going to be buyers or sellers before the trade deadline comes up. If you were to guess, who do you have buying and selling?
The Toronto Raptors have exceeded expectations and have become a threat in the Eastern Conference quicker than expected. C Tim Duncan has already developed into one of the elite big men in the league averaging 22 points, 12.5 rebounds, and over 3 stocks per game. The signing of NBA Champion PG Jeff McInnis has also paid dividends as he is showing his value right away leading the Raptors to a 19-12 record in the first 40 days of the season. The starting lineup is rounded out with Anthony Parker, Dejan Bodiroga, and recently acquired Marcus Camby. The oldest starter is just 25 years old, while the Raptors still hold an abundance of picks over the next couple seasons. Matt has done a nice job, and if all goes well the Raptors could be a legitimate threat for years to come.
The Boston Celtics are still a top of the Eastern Conference as DBW continues to find moves to keep his team relevant and a title contender. The free agent signing gives the Celtics a young big with room from growth who can contribute right away, or become a trade chip down the line. Not to mention, being able to acquire veteran forward Charles Barkley to essentially replace the retired Dennis Rodman was a genius move. Barkley is arguably an upgrade over Rodman and after a slow start to the season the Celtics are back a top the standings with a 19-7 record.
In the West you have your obvious contenders in the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks, but the Golden State Warriors have been a pleasant surprise as they currently sit 2nd in the conference with a 17-12 record. The team has battled injuries all season but they've been able to remain competitive due to an impressive amount of depth. Clyde Drexler has played just 8 games this season, while they are currently missing Latrell Sprewell for 6 more days. Last year they were a playoff team despite an under .500 record but after some key additions, they've been able to improve the roster and become a very dangerous team. After spending 2 seasons with the Orlando Magic getting hardly any team, PF Christian Laetner has been unleashed in Golden State averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds on very good percentages. With Laetner on a contract year, it's a question mark if he will return to the team with so many potential buyers in the free agent market this off season, but for now the Warriors are thrilled with his success.
As much love as the Warriors are being given, they'll still have to go through either the Dallas Mavericks or San Antonio Spurs to get to the NBA Finals. Both teams look dangerous yet again, while the Spurs have found a way to still be 19-9 despite losing Jeff McInnis in free agency. The deal with the Charlotte Hornets to bring in Jerome James, Greg Minor, and Bobby Jackson has really helped the roster while the Mavericks have simply stayed the course and have spent time building chemistry and developing their roster from within. It's honestly tough to say who's the clear cut favorite so it's definitely going to be a fun playoff tournament this year.
The Minnesota Timberwolves have been active in the trade market looking for ways to add draft picks and different young players in positions of need. After 2 years of mediocrity they decided to move on from star point guard Stephon Marbury in a deal that brought in 19 year old Tracy McGrady who unites with his cousin Vince Carter. McGrady has been able to essentially be the go to guy for the Wolves, and although the team in 10-13 his numbers have been impressive. With that said, they had a hole at the point guard position and were able to fill that need Saturday afternoon with the acquisition of rookie Mike Bibby. Bibby comes from Denver, a team that had an abundance of players at the point guard position so being able to acquire an impressive young player such as Stephen Jackson made sense for them as well. But as far as the Wolves go, they now have a young trio of Mike Bibby, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady leading the way for the forseeable future while they most likely look to move on from 23 year old C Lorenzen Wright if they can acquire some more assets to improve the team. The Wolves could potentially have 2 lottery picks in this upcoming draft as well so Tyga really has quietly been able to do a nice job building a strong foundation here in Minnesota.
The Milwaukee Bucks have been a bit of a surprise as I think most expected them to be a bit stronger in the East. After 2 really impressive seasons, they've taken a step back and currently sit in the 8th spot with a 16-15 record. The loss of a couple free agents during the off season has really seemed to be the difference for the Bucks, so look for their GM to begin toying with the idea of a rebuild. He could potentially sell off the team entirely and start fresh from the ground up, or maybe keep everyone around and just add a solid young prospect through the draft to add to an already established nucleus. The ladder might be the more logical decision. If the Bucks are able to bring in a draftee, and add some solid pieces in free agency then they could be right a top of the conference once again next year.
You have your teams on top of the standings and then a few clear cut tankers such as the New York Knicks, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Hornets, and Detroit Pistons. But in the middle you're left with a ton of teams bordering .500. Teams such as the Cavaliers, Hawks, Heat, Bucks, Grizzlies, Thunder, Clippers, Kings, and even a couple more. It's going to be interesting to see moving forward which teams are going to be buyers or sellers before the trade deadline comes up. If you were to guess, who do you have buying and selling?
