Post by nybombers3 on Jan 31, 2024 7:23:27 GMT -8
In this article, I'll look at the top 15 players from the creation draft. I'll state where they started, how things have gone for them and predict what happens to them in the offseason.
1. Orlando – Kobe Bryant
So Far: Kobe was traded to the Lakers in a deal involving AI and picks. Thus far, Kobe looks about as good as you would’ve expected, although he’s had to play different positions so far. With the Lakers having drafted Manu, expect Kobe to play the 3 from here on out creating a nasty ½ punch. Don’t expect Kobe to be traded anytime soon and wild it would be amazing to see Kobe leave, I don’t see that either.
Prediction: Resigns with the Lakers on a max
2. Sacramento – Shaquille O’Neal
So far: Shaq has been an amazing player, pulling the Kings to the playoffs in all 3 seasons. That said, the Kings roster has been left over garbage for a week in the summer levels of bad. Charles Barkley aside, Chris Mullin and a young Todd Day has been the best teammates Shaq has had. The Kings have also floated rebuilding but don’t see to want to move Shaq either. So, where does that leave both Shaq and the Kings? Let’s just say, the treadmill needs to work overtime for this one. All this being said, I think eventually the Kings will have to move on and I expect them to. Just not yet.
Prediction: Kings sign and trade Shaq on a max deal before the next season.
3. Phenoix – Kevin Garnett
So Far: A double-double threat at SF is a massive gift and the Suns currently have the best one. The second GM hire/fire, John dipped and Outlawz came in. While Outlawz hasn’t been around much since coming in, he made it clear that he isn’t moving KG. Pretty understandably. The Suns are an interesting team in that their best players play the same position. Still, with Outlawz just joining, I don’t see the rush in him moving on from KG and instead trying to build around him.
Prediction: Resigns with Suns on a max
4. Lakers – Allen Iverson
So Far: The most moved guy in this top 15, AI went from LA to Orlando to Philly. AI as a player, for the most part, has lived up to the expectations although this season he has taken a bit of a step back. That said, the 76ers have struggled a bit this year. The 76ers seem comfortable with keeping the AI/Marbury backcourt together and trying to figure out the rest of the core. With Philly also not having their picks, moving AI currently doesn’t do a ton for him unless it’s a package for an upgrade upfront. Don’t really see that happening currently.
Prediction: Resigns with the 76ers on a max
5. San Antonio – Michael Jordan
So Far: The 3 time MVP has missed a few games but currently is still putting up great stats. The Spurs seem to want to head towards a retool for understandable reasons. While MJ is for sure headed toward the HOF, don’t expect him to finish things off in SA. The Spurs have made it clear that they want to trade both him and Deke. With current comments seeming to point to an offer they currently like, I don’t expect any other teams to rush to top that.
Prediction: Traded to Nets. Resigns in the offseason for one more season.
6. Houston – Chris Webber
So Far: This one is going to be difficult. Webber is an interesting player. High turnovers aside, he does everything else pretty well. That said, the Rockets are in a clear rebuild and I don’t expect Marty to keep him. He can, obviously, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Marty got a nice rebuilding package for him and decided to fully commit. Now it’s just about guessing where he’s traded. There are a few teams that can both afford him asset-wise, salary-wise and need a PF.
Prediction: Traded to Hornets before the deadline. Tests FA but resigns for a max.
7. Cleveland – Antonie Walker
So Far: Not going to lie. Was shocked I saw Walker here. I had to go back to the initial season and see what his ratings/numbers were. He’s for sure improved but I’m sure there’s a bit of disappointment that his scoring hasn’t developed as much as expected. His scoring numbers overall are solid and his rebounding at SF is something that’s always going to be coveted. His stock numbers are pretty nice for sure. Due to these things, he’s a pretty easy max candidate. I don’t expect the Cavs to trade him as they seem content to tank around him. Does he stay though?
Prediction: Tests FA but resigns for a max
8. Mavs – Grant Hill
So Far: Grant Hill is great. A triple-double guy who is great on offense overall as well. He helped led the Mavs to a title last year and seems like they are steamrolling their way to another one this year. That said, habes seemed like he was pretty open to moving him and I doubt that will change anytime soon. With the Mavs current record, it might be difficult for the Mavs to move Hill currently and the market may not help either. This offseason though, things open up again. Two of the bigger traders in the league discussed a Hill trade and while it may not happen this season, I expect Hill to be traded this offseason.
Prediction: Resigns with Mavs on a max. Gets traded to Nuggets.
9. Miami - Alonzo Mourning
So Far: I mean, not sure I really have to get into great detail here. The Heat surprisingly traded Zo this offseason to the Nuggets for a package including the current clear top pick in a redraft Richard Hamilton. Zo is a double double threat along with great shot blocking. He’s been everything the Nuggets wanted from Zo and while braz is always up for a good trade, I don’t expect them to move him anytime soon.
Prediction: Resigns with Nuggets on a max
10. Jazz – Rasheed Wallace
So Far: The good for Sheed is that he finally got that B+ rebounding. The bad is, well, his scoring numbers this season. Those percentages especially are bad. Even before this year, his offensive numbers have left a lot to be desired. Sheed might be the most interesting player on this list. The Jazz need to make sure they bring him back as they are missing their pick next year and can lose Barkley. Is he worth the max that he’ll for sure be getting though? Do the Jazz bring him back and trade him for assets to build a better squad around Mash? Does he get sign and traded? Do the Jazz max and maintain?
Prediction: Resigns with Jazz on a max
11. Charlotte – Jermaine O’Neal
So Far: In a league with limited great bigs, JO is going to be a big priority for the Hornets. Assuming the above Webber deal happens, the Hornets are going to be in a tough position where their frontcourt could test and/or leave. That said, even if they don’t make a move, JO as a double double 3 bpg guy is great. Along with the fact that he still has A potential and is only 21, he would be an amazing loss if he left. The Hornets are clearly not going to trade him but does FA push him elsewhere?
Prediction: He resigns on a max in Charlotte.
12. Indiana – Ray Allen
So Far: Indy has been a pretty big disappointment thus far. I feel like Pierce is their biggest issue along with depth. Either way, Ray Allen himself has been pretty consistent and has maintained that A potential. The biggest thing Ray has done aside from scoring is his rebounding and that’s something the Pacers have to love. All that said, the Pacers need to make some moves and figure out how to fix things Does this involve moving Ray Allen and more importantly, does Ray decide to move himself?
Prediction: Ray Allen tests FA. Ray Allen resigns in Indy on a max.
13. Clippers – Steve Nash
So Far: Steve Nash is good. He doesn’t really play much D but that’s fine. He scores, can rebound fine and isn’t bad with the handles. The Clippers have not made the playoffs thus far and are borderline as currently constructed. With Nash filling a weak spot in the league so well currently (PG), his value should be pretty high. The Clippers don’t seem like they are even entertaining moving him but that doesn’t mean he’ll automatically come back. The Clippers could use a playoff push to help retain him. Sometimes, FBB doesn’t care. Will this be one of those cases?
Predictions: Steve Nash leaves in FA for the Pacers (if they clear cap) or Heat.
14. Jazz – Jamal Mashburn
So Far: A big get for Lums in the draft, Mash is easily one of the best SF’s in the league. He has helped carry the Jazz so far and Lums for sure isn’t interested in moving him. His scoring has been pretty consistent all 4 seasons along with his rebounding and his shooting percentages. If the Jazz can fill some of their higher priority needs, they can make noise. Sometimes it can be difficult to get that first piece so don’t expect Mash to move right now. At least via trade. Via FA though?
Prediction: Mash reisgns with Jazz on a max
15. Memphis – David Robinson
So Far: The Admiral has been on the move since being drafted. A lot. Drafted by the Grizz he eventually was sent to the Celtics. He was traded to the Lakers and after a couple of sims, he was traded to the Warriors. Currently, the Warriors are a top team in the West and they are not done. Robinson is a double double big who provides big time D from the center spot. His numbers are down a bit from the prior seasons but it’s understandable considering he’s 34. That said, being 34 and expiring can bring up the retirement talk. Most really good older players have returned. Will Robinson follow their lead?
Prediction: Robinson returns on a 3 yr deal with Warriors during resigning.
1. Orlando – Kobe Bryant
So Far: Kobe was traded to the Lakers in a deal involving AI and picks. Thus far, Kobe looks about as good as you would’ve expected, although he’s had to play different positions so far. With the Lakers having drafted Manu, expect Kobe to play the 3 from here on out creating a nasty ½ punch. Don’t expect Kobe to be traded anytime soon and wild it would be amazing to see Kobe leave, I don’t see that either.
Prediction: Resigns with the Lakers on a max
2. Sacramento – Shaquille O’Neal
So far: Shaq has been an amazing player, pulling the Kings to the playoffs in all 3 seasons. That said, the Kings roster has been left over garbage for a week in the summer levels of bad. Charles Barkley aside, Chris Mullin and a young Todd Day has been the best teammates Shaq has had. The Kings have also floated rebuilding but don’t see to want to move Shaq either. So, where does that leave both Shaq and the Kings? Let’s just say, the treadmill needs to work overtime for this one. All this being said, I think eventually the Kings will have to move on and I expect them to. Just not yet.
Prediction: Kings sign and trade Shaq on a max deal before the next season.
3. Phenoix – Kevin Garnett
So Far: A double-double threat at SF is a massive gift and the Suns currently have the best one. The second GM hire/fire, John dipped and Outlawz came in. While Outlawz hasn’t been around much since coming in, he made it clear that he isn’t moving KG. Pretty understandably. The Suns are an interesting team in that their best players play the same position. Still, with Outlawz just joining, I don’t see the rush in him moving on from KG and instead trying to build around him.
Prediction: Resigns with Suns on a max
4. Lakers – Allen Iverson
So Far: The most moved guy in this top 15, AI went from LA to Orlando to Philly. AI as a player, for the most part, has lived up to the expectations although this season he has taken a bit of a step back. That said, the 76ers have struggled a bit this year. The 76ers seem comfortable with keeping the AI/Marbury backcourt together and trying to figure out the rest of the core. With Philly also not having their picks, moving AI currently doesn’t do a ton for him unless it’s a package for an upgrade upfront. Don’t really see that happening currently.
Prediction: Resigns with the 76ers on a max
5. San Antonio – Michael Jordan
So Far: The 3 time MVP has missed a few games but currently is still putting up great stats. The Spurs seem to want to head towards a retool for understandable reasons. While MJ is for sure headed toward the HOF, don’t expect him to finish things off in SA. The Spurs have made it clear that they want to trade both him and Deke. With current comments seeming to point to an offer they currently like, I don’t expect any other teams to rush to top that.
Prediction: Traded to Nets. Resigns in the offseason for one more season.
6. Houston – Chris Webber
So Far: This one is going to be difficult. Webber is an interesting player. High turnovers aside, he does everything else pretty well. That said, the Rockets are in a clear rebuild and I don’t expect Marty to keep him. He can, obviously, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Marty got a nice rebuilding package for him and decided to fully commit. Now it’s just about guessing where he’s traded. There are a few teams that can both afford him asset-wise, salary-wise and need a PF.
Prediction: Traded to Hornets before the deadline. Tests FA but resigns for a max.
7. Cleveland – Antonie Walker
So Far: Not going to lie. Was shocked I saw Walker here. I had to go back to the initial season and see what his ratings/numbers were. He’s for sure improved but I’m sure there’s a bit of disappointment that his scoring hasn’t developed as much as expected. His scoring numbers overall are solid and his rebounding at SF is something that’s always going to be coveted. His stock numbers are pretty nice for sure. Due to these things, he’s a pretty easy max candidate. I don’t expect the Cavs to trade him as they seem content to tank around him. Does he stay though?
Prediction: Tests FA but resigns for a max
8. Mavs – Grant Hill
So Far: Grant Hill is great. A triple-double guy who is great on offense overall as well. He helped led the Mavs to a title last year and seems like they are steamrolling their way to another one this year. That said, habes seemed like he was pretty open to moving him and I doubt that will change anytime soon. With the Mavs current record, it might be difficult for the Mavs to move Hill currently and the market may not help either. This offseason though, things open up again. Two of the bigger traders in the league discussed a Hill trade and while it may not happen this season, I expect Hill to be traded this offseason.
Prediction: Resigns with Mavs on a max. Gets traded to Nuggets.
9. Miami - Alonzo Mourning
So Far: I mean, not sure I really have to get into great detail here. The Heat surprisingly traded Zo this offseason to the Nuggets for a package including the current clear top pick in a redraft Richard Hamilton. Zo is a double double threat along with great shot blocking. He’s been everything the Nuggets wanted from Zo and while braz is always up for a good trade, I don’t expect them to move him anytime soon.
Prediction: Resigns with Nuggets on a max
10. Jazz – Rasheed Wallace
So Far: The good for Sheed is that he finally got that B+ rebounding. The bad is, well, his scoring numbers this season. Those percentages especially are bad. Even before this year, his offensive numbers have left a lot to be desired. Sheed might be the most interesting player on this list. The Jazz need to make sure they bring him back as they are missing their pick next year and can lose Barkley. Is he worth the max that he’ll for sure be getting though? Do the Jazz bring him back and trade him for assets to build a better squad around Mash? Does he get sign and traded? Do the Jazz max and maintain?
Prediction: Resigns with Jazz on a max
11. Charlotte – Jermaine O’Neal
So Far: In a league with limited great bigs, JO is going to be a big priority for the Hornets. Assuming the above Webber deal happens, the Hornets are going to be in a tough position where their frontcourt could test and/or leave. That said, even if they don’t make a move, JO as a double double 3 bpg guy is great. Along with the fact that he still has A potential and is only 21, he would be an amazing loss if he left. The Hornets are clearly not going to trade him but does FA push him elsewhere?
Prediction: He resigns on a max in Charlotte.
12. Indiana – Ray Allen
So Far: Indy has been a pretty big disappointment thus far. I feel like Pierce is their biggest issue along with depth. Either way, Ray Allen himself has been pretty consistent and has maintained that A potential. The biggest thing Ray has done aside from scoring is his rebounding and that’s something the Pacers have to love. All that said, the Pacers need to make some moves and figure out how to fix things Does this involve moving Ray Allen and more importantly, does Ray decide to move himself?
Prediction: Ray Allen tests FA. Ray Allen resigns in Indy on a max.
13. Clippers – Steve Nash
So Far: Steve Nash is good. He doesn’t really play much D but that’s fine. He scores, can rebound fine and isn’t bad with the handles. The Clippers have not made the playoffs thus far and are borderline as currently constructed. With Nash filling a weak spot in the league so well currently (PG), his value should be pretty high. The Clippers don’t seem like they are even entertaining moving him but that doesn’t mean he’ll automatically come back. The Clippers could use a playoff push to help retain him. Sometimes, FBB doesn’t care. Will this be one of those cases?
Predictions: Steve Nash leaves in FA for the Pacers (if they clear cap) or Heat.
14. Jazz – Jamal Mashburn
So Far: A big get for Lums in the draft, Mash is easily one of the best SF’s in the league. He has helped carry the Jazz so far and Lums for sure isn’t interested in moving him. His scoring has been pretty consistent all 4 seasons along with his rebounding and his shooting percentages. If the Jazz can fill some of their higher priority needs, they can make noise. Sometimes it can be difficult to get that first piece so don’t expect Mash to move right now. At least via trade. Via FA though?
Prediction: Mash reisgns with Jazz on a max
15. Memphis – David Robinson
So Far: The Admiral has been on the move since being drafted. A lot. Drafted by the Grizz he eventually was sent to the Celtics. He was traded to the Lakers and after a couple of sims, he was traded to the Warriors. Currently, the Warriors are a top team in the West and they are not done. Robinson is a double double big who provides big time D from the center spot. His numbers are down a bit from the prior seasons but it’s understandable considering he’s 34. That said, being 34 and expiring can bring up the retirement talk. Most really good older players have returned. Will Robinson follow their lead?
Prediction: Robinson returns on a 3 yr deal with Warriors during resigning.
