Post by Charlotte Bobcats on May 9, 2009 16:21:39 GMT -5
1. New Orleans: Chris who? Awleans' is playing out of this world basketball. The Hornets GM even said at the time of the trade "THIS IS A SAD DAY FOR ME FAREWELL NBA CHAMPIONSHIP ." I would have agreed with him then, but now I'm not so sure the Hornets won't 3-peat. Nelson has been a good replacement for Paul, while Jefferson has completed the "lock down D" front line of Jefferson/Duncan/Camby. Hedo now is playing the 6th man role and HAS to be the front runner for 6th man of the year. If they can win the rest of their games, the Hornets could even tie the NBA Record for most wins in a season. Don't count the Hornets out yet, they maybe like the movie "Rocky Balboa." Everyone assume it was going to bust, but told a heartwarming story of hope and won over die hard Rocky fans.
2. Utah: You have to ask yourself, is Lebron really suited for such a conservative city? Not much love for Barack in Salt Lake City, could that be causing Lebron problems? Something is because every time Lebron plays well, the Jazz lose. When he lets Amare and Captain Kirk run the show, not many teams can contend with the Jazz. All 3 need to play lights out in the playoffs for the Jazz to have a shot at the Western Conference Title, or even the NBA Title.
3. Oklahoma City: "Should I call myself the Big Chief or the Big Plains?" Shaq asked at a press conference last week "I like Big Chief, but the Great Plains are even bigger." Whatever he decides to call himself, he's do it without Penny, Kobe, or Dwade. Deron Williams, Caron Butler, and Rudy Gay are all good young players, but none are super stars. That has been a knock on Shaq by the few criticize, but he's proving ain't nobody in the world do it bigger than Shaq. "Where is Kobe now? Probably in the lottery. Where is Dwade? Barley in the playoffs in the East. Everyone knows where Penny is, people doubt me but I get it done almost everywhere I go. Hell I've been doing the same thing since 1992." OKC better hope so because it would mean at least one ring.
4. Toronto: Many thought after trading GM favorite Jermaine O'Neal that this team would be done. Not the case, the Raptors still have the best record in the East and appear to be going strong. This new squad is getting it done, lead by Al Jefferson. Jefferson gives the Raptors a franchise player they didn't have before. Put Sheed and AK47 on the front line with him and you have the best defensive front line in the league. The back court of Baron Davis and Rip Hamilton is nice, Hamilton gives the Raptors much experience over former starting SG OJ Mayo. Though he lacks the explosiveness or potential of Mayo, I think he will help in the end.
5. Orlando: Orlando isn't that impressive in the standings, but you can bet your bottom dollar that come playoff time Orlando will be ready. Orlando needs to win now, it's almost certain David Lee or Chris Paul won't both be back with this team next year. Paul/Melo/Yao is 3 of the best players in the league, but they haven't played that well together yet. Chemistry is an issue, but I have faith in the Magic that they will get it together and win the East. Even though I see the title going to one of the Big 3 in the West, but I could be wrong.
6. Philly: After making some controversial trades around the deadline, Philly appears to be very tough. Not since AI and Mutombo paired up has Philly had this legit of a chance at a title. They look like a little real life San Antonio Spurs with Tony Parker leading the show. If you had to pick someone to replace Duncan it would probably be KG, if you had to pick someone to replace Bowen it would probably be Bell, and Howard isn't Manu but is a legit 3rd option. The bench is a lot better than the Spurs with Noah, Duhon, Brewer, Barry, Jones, Moon, and Mohammed as the 7 bench players. It is yet to be seen if the 76ers will win like the real life Spurs, but I might be ready to crown them "The Spurs of the East."
7. Memphis: Memphis has done a great job so far this season. They are now ranked 7th because there team looks like team you do not want to mess with right now. Peja has gone nuts for this team, and pairing him with Dirk has given the Grizzles the best shooting forward combo maybe ever. Also, it's about time Memphis is playing well, they have always been trying so hard to make it to the playoffs and now this year I can say it’s a for sure thing.
8. Dallas: It has been a while for Dallas since they made the playoffs and had a good run and everyone was written them off because of a slow start, but with a 10 game winning streak earlier this season, it has brought hope for Texans who are Dallas fans. Dallas’ group of players have finally clicked, with T-Mac and Kidd running this team, going into the playoffs and passing the 1st round should be very easy. Memphis and Dallas in a battle, the winner will beat Phoenix and the loser will have to battle a tough OKC team.
9. Washington: Washington has done well this season only being 4.5 games behind Orlando, who would think. Washington having a great season from Bosh and others, this team is hungry for the playoffs, so watch out! Delonte West has come in and done a great job at the PG for the Wizards, it’s turned them around 360 degrees. This team always had talent, now they may be ready to win an Legends Title.
10. Miami: What can I say about Miami, everything looks so bright and happy, then they lose AI and it all comes falling down. Miami, a team which should not be taken lightly, needs to have AI come back ASAP or there playoffs hopes could be in jeopardy. Personally, I think Miami will make it, but do the players in the locker room think they can? Paul Pierce was quoted as saying “in the words of my Barack, yes we can!”
11. Cleveland: MVP, MVP, MVP, Elton Brand has put up some crazy numbers this year, and he's smiling as well. He's helping the Cavs to make the playoffs and also he is making everyone think "hmm, what if I sign Elton in the off season?" With Elton being a FA this year, many teams would want his service, and if he wins MVP, yikes! Cavs will have to dig deep into the bank.
12. New Jersey: The pickup of Ron Artest and SAR from the Bobcats has really made the Nets tough. Steve Nash finally has another wing man to go along with Kevin Martin who can shoot and run the floor. West is one of the best run and gun bigs, and Okur can shoot the lights out. The team with so much potential to start the year is finally living up to it. New Jersey is the 5 seed at this point, but has only one more lose than the 2nd seed 76ers....bottom line is you don't want to draw New Jersey first.
13. Phoenix: Phoenix is an interesting team, they traded Artest for Dalembert and Noci but they still lead the division. With practically no challenge from Golden State or The LA Lakers, look for Phoenix to cruise to the division title. I wouldn't not expect them to get out of the 1st round, Memphis or Dallas will beat them handily. This team will also have problems in the future, all their players are really old (Carter, Bibby, J.O. etc.) and of course the Eddie Curry situation, he may never play again.
14. Portland: Portland needs a center, Diop is not going to get it done and every time I do Portland I say the same thing. After watching the Blazers play the Rockets in the 1st round (real life), I think the Legends Blazers should play Outlaw at the 4 and Aldridge at the 5. It would spread the floor for all those guards (Harris, Roy, and Maggette) and make them a very powerful offensive team. Martell Webster is a plenty good 6th man, food for thought for Portland.
15. Milwaukee: Bucks are plenty tough with Dwade leading the charge, Agent 0 along with him in the back court, and the shot blocking in the post of Josh Smith and Greg Oden. This team is fierce, but they don't play a lot of Defense...I almost think they should start Kurt Thomas at the 4 and slide Josh Smith to the 3. This team has tons of depth too, Toronto better not sleep on them (if the Bucks hold off the Pistons for the 8th seed) because if Dwade plays amazing, The Bucks have a chance to pull the upset.
16. Detroit: This team has gone from top 3 in the East last year to being a bubble team this year. The resigning and trading of Dwight Howard has not fared this team well at all. The team is very unpredictable, and while at times, Grant Hill seems to show signs of the past, the playoffs are looking bleak. They appear to be in love with some of the younger players, but not all agree with the GM’s estimation of them.
17. Boston: The Celtics have scoring a-plenty at the wings and PF positions, but outside of that, not much is going for them. They don't have a real post scoring presence. Durant and Johnson, as the leaders of the team need to pull it together, and steer the team in the right direction. They certainly have the ability to, they just need to show some more poise. Because the playoffs are definitely in reach for them. Next year look for the Durant lead Celtics to make the playoffs in the crowded crowded East.
18. Atlanta: Al Horford, Al Horford, Al Horford. In his second NBA season, he's been up in talks for the MVP. The Hawks are no one trick pony though, the shooting of Mike Miller and Al Harrington fits the post play of Mr. Horford. The lack of a true PG might hurt this team in the long run though, as Barbosa and Louis Williams are more scoring guards. Was trading Mo Williams a mistake? I guess only time will tell.
19. Houston: The trade deadline deal with Toronto hasn't panned out too well for the Rockets. Okafor and Jamison seem to have died off the face of the earth as of late. While Chauncey Billups is playing out of his mind, he's hardly getting any help. I'll just put it this way, without Billups, and Okafor/Jamison playing the way they are, Houston, you got a problem. But instead, they are on the verge of being in the playoffs, courtesy of, Mr. Big Shot.
20. LA Lakers: It seems like the LakeShow have found a solution, with Kobe at PG. He's even got a right hand man in the Aussie, like our fellow GM here (Indy) Andrew Bogut. But consistency is still a big problem for them. If they can put a nice run together though, a playoff berth is still in sight with the weak lower West. If Kobe truly is the “greatest player in the game” he should be able to get the Lakers in.
21. Golden State: It's hard to imagine that the Warriors are so low considering the 1-2 punch of Carlos Boozer and Rashard Lewis, as well as Ford, Charlie V, and the defense of Big Ben playing their roles. I'd be looking for them to try and make a run at the 7 or 8 seed in the playoffs though.
22. Charlotte: SUUUUUPPPAAAMANNNNNN! So, there's this one dude, named Dwight Howard. I hear he's pretty good? I mean, he was the #1 pick overall. Well.....so was his frontcourt mate, Kwame Brown. Nawwwwmean? With Mo Williams, Tayshaun Prince, and Dwight, this team isn't bad, but they just aren't really winning games. Shammond Williams put up 30 last game, if anyone cares. Sadly though, this team looks as if it's lottery bound. Pipe dream, Dwight Howard Blake Griffin frontcourt anyone?
23. Minny: Before the T-wolves can think about anything else, they have to resign Danny Granger. They should have the cap to do it, but you never know...if Danny did decide to test the FA waters that would be a "GAME OVER" blow to the T-wolves Franchise. If they do get him back they have some pieces with Green, Thompson, Gibson, and Hasslem...but not much else after and I don't see any way for them to get any better. They traded both of their 1sts (this year and next) and won't have much cap space after they resign Granger. They are going to lose Pietrus (due to his large contract) so that hurts as well.
24. New York: This has been a disappoint year for the Knicks. After two huge 3-way trades in the offseason that brought them some super young players (Melo, Ellis, and Granger) this team had high hopes. The New GM tried to balance out the line up, and it doesn't appear to have worked as the Knicks have dropped into the bottom 6 of the league. Though they have a bright future with players such as Kaman, Iggy, Gordon, Perkins, and Warrick, this team has no 1st round pick. This offseason will be big for New York, can they take the new step in the crowded East?
25. Denver:The D12 trade to Charlotte has appeared to have worked well, this is a more balanced line up and the Nuggets are finishing strong. The Rose/Ellis/Deng/Bargi/Biedrins starting 5 is athletic, can run the floor, and has a ton of upside. Like New York they have no 1st round pick either, so these are the players they have to work with in the future. Look out for the Nuggets GM though, he has made some block buster’s in the past. With the West the way it is, I could see Denver being a playoff team next year.
26. LA Clippers: The Clippers start the really bad teams, though this team will have more improvement than anyone this offseason. Their GM is known for having a great eye for prospects, and Wilson Chandler (who isn't even in uniform) is the best example of this. He'll be a 70-75 next year and adding him with this young team will make them really deep next year. Only thing that would make this team is if they would have drafted Rose over Beasley, but you can't cry over that now. The Clippers could make a big trade for a stud; this will be an interesting offseason for the LAC.
27. San Antonio: AND STARTING AT FORWARD FOR YOUR SAN ANTONIO SPURS.....BILL WALTON!!! Oh wait that’s Luke? Luke Walton is ruining the Spurs plans, playing like a mad man since being acquired from Philly. This team had banked on trying to get Griffin or Rubio, now they are in the 4 spot in a weak draft, maybe the lotto balls will be kind? Better hope so because outside of Felton, Tyrus Thomas, Vareajo, and Walton (I guess) this team has nothing.
28. Sacramento: The Kings own both their pick and DEN's so help should be on the way. They traded Deng in the 3-way deal that sent Howard to Charlotte, Rose to Dever, and it has made them better for next year. They got rid of that horrid contract and got a pick, and they still have Marvin Williams, Jarret Jack, Courtney Lee (who was a steal by the Kings GM last year in the draft), and hell even Telfair is playing better. I wouldn't say the future is bright, but it is a lot better than first thought.
29. Indiana: Building around Andrew Bynum? Not smart it seems as he has taken up the ass from Yao in the 2 round of the real life playoffs, is averaging 5 points a game, and barley playing. Bright side is the Pacers have some good guards; Rondo is becoming an all around beast...and is now the franchise player. Gordon and Westbrook have both shown potential, so if the Pacers end up with Griffin, get Troy Murphy in the rotation, and get a SF this team will be better next year.
30. Chicago: Chicago needs a top 2 pick this year, last year losing the lottery killed them and set them back a few years. Conley, Love, Green, Randolph, I'm not sold on any of these guys. This team has a lot of young players and could really use a veteran leader in the FA period, but the bottom line is who wants to play for Chicago now? Look on the bright side though Chicago, Obama is president, Jay Cutler is a Bear, and you have the only Black Senator in the US (thanks to your former impeached (unfairly) Governor, Rod Blagojevich.)
2. Utah: You have to ask yourself, is Lebron really suited for such a conservative city? Not much love for Barack in Salt Lake City, could that be causing Lebron problems? Something is because every time Lebron plays well, the Jazz lose. When he lets Amare and Captain Kirk run the show, not many teams can contend with the Jazz. All 3 need to play lights out in the playoffs for the Jazz to have a shot at the Western Conference Title, or even the NBA Title.
3. Oklahoma City: "Should I call myself the Big Chief or the Big Plains?" Shaq asked at a press conference last week "I like Big Chief, but the Great Plains are even bigger." Whatever he decides to call himself, he's do it without Penny, Kobe, or Dwade. Deron Williams, Caron Butler, and Rudy Gay are all good young players, but none are super stars. That has been a knock on Shaq by the few criticize, but he's proving ain't nobody in the world do it bigger than Shaq. "Where is Kobe now? Probably in the lottery. Where is Dwade? Barley in the playoffs in the East. Everyone knows where Penny is, people doubt me but I get it done almost everywhere I go. Hell I've been doing the same thing since 1992." OKC better hope so because it would mean at least one ring.
4. Toronto: Many thought after trading GM favorite Jermaine O'Neal that this team would be done. Not the case, the Raptors still have the best record in the East and appear to be going strong. This new squad is getting it done, lead by Al Jefferson. Jefferson gives the Raptors a franchise player they didn't have before. Put Sheed and AK47 on the front line with him and you have the best defensive front line in the league. The back court of Baron Davis and Rip Hamilton is nice, Hamilton gives the Raptors much experience over former starting SG OJ Mayo. Though he lacks the explosiveness or potential of Mayo, I think he will help in the end.
5. Orlando: Orlando isn't that impressive in the standings, but you can bet your bottom dollar that come playoff time Orlando will be ready. Orlando needs to win now, it's almost certain David Lee or Chris Paul won't both be back with this team next year. Paul/Melo/Yao is 3 of the best players in the league, but they haven't played that well together yet. Chemistry is an issue, but I have faith in the Magic that they will get it together and win the East. Even though I see the title going to one of the Big 3 in the West, but I could be wrong.
6. Philly: After making some controversial trades around the deadline, Philly appears to be very tough. Not since AI and Mutombo paired up has Philly had this legit of a chance at a title. They look like a little real life San Antonio Spurs with Tony Parker leading the show. If you had to pick someone to replace Duncan it would probably be KG, if you had to pick someone to replace Bowen it would probably be Bell, and Howard isn't Manu but is a legit 3rd option. The bench is a lot better than the Spurs with Noah, Duhon, Brewer, Barry, Jones, Moon, and Mohammed as the 7 bench players. It is yet to be seen if the 76ers will win like the real life Spurs, but I might be ready to crown them "The Spurs of the East."
7. Memphis: Memphis has done a great job so far this season. They are now ranked 7th because there team looks like team you do not want to mess with right now. Peja has gone nuts for this team, and pairing him with Dirk has given the Grizzles the best shooting forward combo maybe ever. Also, it's about time Memphis is playing well, they have always been trying so hard to make it to the playoffs and now this year I can say it’s a for sure thing.
8. Dallas: It has been a while for Dallas since they made the playoffs and had a good run and everyone was written them off because of a slow start, but with a 10 game winning streak earlier this season, it has brought hope for Texans who are Dallas fans. Dallas’ group of players have finally clicked, with T-Mac and Kidd running this team, going into the playoffs and passing the 1st round should be very easy. Memphis and Dallas in a battle, the winner will beat Phoenix and the loser will have to battle a tough OKC team.
9. Washington: Washington has done well this season only being 4.5 games behind Orlando, who would think. Washington having a great season from Bosh and others, this team is hungry for the playoffs, so watch out! Delonte West has come in and done a great job at the PG for the Wizards, it’s turned them around 360 degrees. This team always had talent, now they may be ready to win an Legends Title.
10. Miami: What can I say about Miami, everything looks so bright and happy, then they lose AI and it all comes falling down. Miami, a team which should not be taken lightly, needs to have AI come back ASAP or there playoffs hopes could be in jeopardy. Personally, I think Miami will make it, but do the players in the locker room think they can? Paul Pierce was quoted as saying “in the words of my Barack, yes we can!”
11. Cleveland: MVP, MVP, MVP, Elton Brand has put up some crazy numbers this year, and he's smiling as well. He's helping the Cavs to make the playoffs and also he is making everyone think "hmm, what if I sign Elton in the off season?" With Elton being a FA this year, many teams would want his service, and if he wins MVP, yikes! Cavs will have to dig deep into the bank.
12. New Jersey: The pickup of Ron Artest and SAR from the Bobcats has really made the Nets tough. Steve Nash finally has another wing man to go along with Kevin Martin who can shoot and run the floor. West is one of the best run and gun bigs, and Okur can shoot the lights out. The team with so much potential to start the year is finally living up to it. New Jersey is the 5 seed at this point, but has only one more lose than the 2nd seed 76ers....bottom line is you don't want to draw New Jersey first.
13. Phoenix: Phoenix is an interesting team, they traded Artest for Dalembert and Noci but they still lead the division. With practically no challenge from Golden State or The LA Lakers, look for Phoenix to cruise to the division title. I wouldn't not expect them to get out of the 1st round, Memphis or Dallas will beat them handily. This team will also have problems in the future, all their players are really old (Carter, Bibby, J.O. etc.) and of course the Eddie Curry situation, he may never play again.
14. Portland: Portland needs a center, Diop is not going to get it done and every time I do Portland I say the same thing. After watching the Blazers play the Rockets in the 1st round (real life), I think the Legends Blazers should play Outlaw at the 4 and Aldridge at the 5. It would spread the floor for all those guards (Harris, Roy, and Maggette) and make them a very powerful offensive team. Martell Webster is a plenty good 6th man, food for thought for Portland.
15. Milwaukee: Bucks are plenty tough with Dwade leading the charge, Agent 0 along with him in the back court, and the shot blocking in the post of Josh Smith and Greg Oden. This team is fierce, but they don't play a lot of Defense...I almost think they should start Kurt Thomas at the 4 and slide Josh Smith to the 3. This team has tons of depth too, Toronto better not sleep on them (if the Bucks hold off the Pistons for the 8th seed) because if Dwade plays amazing, The Bucks have a chance to pull the upset.
16. Detroit: This team has gone from top 3 in the East last year to being a bubble team this year. The resigning and trading of Dwight Howard has not fared this team well at all. The team is very unpredictable, and while at times, Grant Hill seems to show signs of the past, the playoffs are looking bleak. They appear to be in love with some of the younger players, but not all agree with the GM’s estimation of them.
17. Boston: The Celtics have scoring a-plenty at the wings and PF positions, but outside of that, not much is going for them. They don't have a real post scoring presence. Durant and Johnson, as the leaders of the team need to pull it together, and steer the team in the right direction. They certainly have the ability to, they just need to show some more poise. Because the playoffs are definitely in reach for them. Next year look for the Durant lead Celtics to make the playoffs in the crowded crowded East.
18. Atlanta: Al Horford, Al Horford, Al Horford. In his second NBA season, he's been up in talks for the MVP. The Hawks are no one trick pony though, the shooting of Mike Miller and Al Harrington fits the post play of Mr. Horford. The lack of a true PG might hurt this team in the long run though, as Barbosa and Louis Williams are more scoring guards. Was trading Mo Williams a mistake? I guess only time will tell.
19. Houston: The trade deadline deal with Toronto hasn't panned out too well for the Rockets. Okafor and Jamison seem to have died off the face of the earth as of late. While Chauncey Billups is playing out of his mind, he's hardly getting any help. I'll just put it this way, without Billups, and Okafor/Jamison playing the way they are, Houston, you got a problem. But instead, they are on the verge of being in the playoffs, courtesy of, Mr. Big Shot.
20. LA Lakers: It seems like the LakeShow have found a solution, with Kobe at PG. He's even got a right hand man in the Aussie, like our fellow GM here (Indy) Andrew Bogut. But consistency is still a big problem for them. If they can put a nice run together though, a playoff berth is still in sight with the weak lower West. If Kobe truly is the “greatest player in the game” he should be able to get the Lakers in.
21. Golden State: It's hard to imagine that the Warriors are so low considering the 1-2 punch of Carlos Boozer and Rashard Lewis, as well as Ford, Charlie V, and the defense of Big Ben playing their roles. I'd be looking for them to try and make a run at the 7 or 8 seed in the playoffs though.
22. Charlotte: SUUUUUPPPAAAMANNNNNN! So, there's this one dude, named Dwight Howard. I hear he's pretty good? I mean, he was the #1 pick overall. Well.....so was his frontcourt mate, Kwame Brown. Nawwwwmean? With Mo Williams, Tayshaun Prince, and Dwight, this team isn't bad, but they just aren't really winning games. Shammond Williams put up 30 last game, if anyone cares. Sadly though, this team looks as if it's lottery bound. Pipe dream, Dwight Howard Blake Griffin frontcourt anyone?
23. Minny: Before the T-wolves can think about anything else, they have to resign Danny Granger. They should have the cap to do it, but you never know...if Danny did decide to test the FA waters that would be a "GAME OVER" blow to the T-wolves Franchise. If they do get him back they have some pieces with Green, Thompson, Gibson, and Hasslem...but not much else after and I don't see any way for them to get any better. They traded both of their 1sts (this year and next) and won't have much cap space after they resign Granger. They are going to lose Pietrus (due to his large contract) so that hurts as well.
24. New York: This has been a disappoint year for the Knicks. After two huge 3-way trades in the offseason that brought them some super young players (Melo, Ellis, and Granger) this team had high hopes. The New GM tried to balance out the line up, and it doesn't appear to have worked as the Knicks have dropped into the bottom 6 of the league. Though they have a bright future with players such as Kaman, Iggy, Gordon, Perkins, and Warrick, this team has no 1st round pick. This offseason will be big for New York, can they take the new step in the crowded East?
25. Denver:The D12 trade to Charlotte has appeared to have worked well, this is a more balanced line up and the Nuggets are finishing strong. The Rose/Ellis/Deng/Bargi/Biedrins starting 5 is athletic, can run the floor, and has a ton of upside. Like New York they have no 1st round pick either, so these are the players they have to work with in the future. Look out for the Nuggets GM though, he has made some block buster’s in the past. With the West the way it is, I could see Denver being a playoff team next year.
26. LA Clippers: The Clippers start the really bad teams, though this team will have more improvement than anyone this offseason. Their GM is known for having a great eye for prospects, and Wilson Chandler (who isn't even in uniform) is the best example of this. He'll be a 70-75 next year and adding him with this young team will make them really deep next year. Only thing that would make this team is if they would have drafted Rose over Beasley, but you can't cry over that now. The Clippers could make a big trade for a stud; this will be an interesting offseason for the LAC.
27. San Antonio: AND STARTING AT FORWARD FOR YOUR SAN ANTONIO SPURS.....BILL WALTON!!! Oh wait that’s Luke? Luke Walton is ruining the Spurs plans, playing like a mad man since being acquired from Philly. This team had banked on trying to get Griffin or Rubio, now they are in the 4 spot in a weak draft, maybe the lotto balls will be kind? Better hope so because outside of Felton, Tyrus Thomas, Vareajo, and Walton (I guess) this team has nothing.
28. Sacramento: The Kings own both their pick and DEN's so help should be on the way. They traded Deng in the 3-way deal that sent Howard to Charlotte, Rose to Dever, and it has made them better for next year. They got rid of that horrid contract and got a pick, and they still have Marvin Williams, Jarret Jack, Courtney Lee (who was a steal by the Kings GM last year in the draft), and hell even Telfair is playing better. I wouldn't say the future is bright, but it is a lot better than first thought.
29. Indiana: Building around Andrew Bynum? Not smart it seems as he has taken up the ass from Yao in the 2 round of the real life playoffs, is averaging 5 points a game, and barley playing. Bright side is the Pacers have some good guards; Rondo is becoming an all around beast...and is now the franchise player. Gordon and Westbrook have both shown potential, so if the Pacers end up with Griffin, get Troy Murphy in the rotation, and get a SF this team will be better next year.
30. Chicago: Chicago needs a top 2 pick this year, last year losing the lottery killed them and set them back a few years. Conley, Love, Green, Randolph, I'm not sold on any of these guys. This team has a lot of young players and could really use a veteran leader in the FA period, but the bottom line is who wants to play for Chicago now? Look on the bright side though Chicago, Obama is president, Jay Cutler is a Bear, and you have the only Black Senator in the US (thanks to your former impeached (unfairly) Governor, Rod Blagojevich.)