Post by pjclippers on Jan 11, 2019 23:39:49 GMT
Joining us today at the roundtable will be yourkers15, Rog, Donny - Bucks, ucfinfan86, JCog72 and of course your host pjclippers! Let's get into it shall we?
1) The Nets are currently 52-6 and in the midst of an 18 game winning streak - do you think they have a chance at the best record in league history?
Yourk: They have a stacked team who is efficient on offense and a beast on defense. They will give it a run for its money and if they dont make drastic changes like the Sonics did that one year and they should pull this off.
Rog: The Nets seem to have slowed down since then(7-3 since this) but I still think they can finish with 70 wins, and finish just a bit off the record. They are one of the best teams in league history though, especially if they finish off the season with a title. They have a chance, just think its dwindled a bit.
Donny: I don't see why not, although you really never know with injuries. Lumpp's obviously fantastic, Yardley is a beast, and their bigs are incredible. He's done a really good job altogether and they're almost guaranteed 70 wins, imo.
UC: I'm pretty sure the record is 71. I'm writing this after I just lost 2 road games to Spurs/Wizards and fell 53-8. I would need to go 19-2 to get to 72 wins which probably isn't happening. I'd be very happy to win 70 games though.
JCog: UC has put together an outstanding team and has become a very good GM here in the NBN. I’m not exactly sure what the top record is in the NBN, probably like 70ish wins. But I think he has a chance. Ultimately, I don’t think he will be the best record because the Atlantic is pretty strong this season. I think he will be close, but I think due to his division being strong and teams potentially getting stronger at the deadline, I’ll say no. Title favorite though IMO.
PJ: The Nets have gone 7-3 since these questions were sent out so I think they are going to fall just short unless they make a big move or two at the deadline to shore up their depth. I think they are definitely the surprise team of the season and a big surprise that they were pushing to be the team to potentially break this record but I think they are going to fall just short.
2) Speaking of the Nets, they currently look like the team to beat this season - do you think any team matches up well against them and has a chance to beat them in the postseason?
Yourk: I will never count out the Sonics. With cousy and jesus they will always have a chance. It will be nice to see that matchup because it will be one for the ages.
Rog: Not really honestly. I think the East is really down this year and would be shocked if the Nets lost in the Eastern playoffs. Come the finals, the West has a few teams that really could do well against the Nets, but don't expect anyone to beat them. Lumpp is the best point guard in the league, hand down. They have a really good starting 5 with no real flaws. As you can imagine they rank highly in all team stats as well. The only 2 they don't really is FTs attempted per game and they don't force a ton of turnovers, but those are middling stats rather than being flat out bad. I just don't see anyone beating them.
Donny: I'd say the Grizzlies match up well to anyone. BooBoo, Queeley, Twyman, Stokes, and Neon is as good of a starting 5 as there is in the league in my opion. Also, obviously, the Sonics can do damage as they do every season. Could see either of these teams upsetting.
UC: Wizards have played me tough this season. They are one of the few teams that have a better low post duo than Goga/Edwards. It really comes down to the guard play and I'd prefer mine, but it would be a good matchup. I also think any of Sonics/Nuggets/Grizz would have a shot as well. All have PG play to match or exceed Lumpp, good big men. The top is very strong this year.
JCog: The Sonics/Nuggets/Grizzlies for sure, I also think the Knicks match up decently well with him. Plus the Wizards and Pacers could match up well, but I Iike the Nets in those matchups. I think my team could, but I’m missing help at PF/C and I think my record shows that. Ultimately though, I think we will be watching the Nets in the NBN finals.
PJ: I think a team like the Blazers could be a tough matchup. They already beat the Nets on the road this season and I think with both teams having shut down shotblocking bigs a dynamic player like Sergei Belov could prove to be the difference and could potentially carry the Blazers to a win in the Finals if they were able to advance that far.
3) With the Nuggets recent acquisition of Oscar Schmidt and Panagiotis Giannakis do you think they are the team to beat in the West or are the Sonics still the favorite?
Yourk: The Sonics will still be the favorites. The nuggets made some awesome moves and it will put them in the position to jump over the Sonics but till it happens I will expect the Sonics to come out on top.
Rog: I think the Nuggets have started to play well enough and gained ground enough to be considered "a" favorite out West, but until someone beats the Sonics they are the favorite, period. I do think that more than any year, the top of the West is really good and the top 5 all have a chance to win the entire thing.
Donny: I'll take the Nuggets as #3 behind the Grizz and the Sonics, but man, the West is as strong as I've ever remembered it being. Incredibly good conference and the Nuggets as #3 almost seems unfair.
UC: I don't think you can count anyone as the favorite over the Sonics until it happens. They've had some injuries this season and while Griggs was an amazing signing, is still a downgrade from what they were getting from Newhouse. I think the Nuggets are every bit as good as the Sonics, but think the Sonics are the favorites until proven otherwise. Don't forget about the Grizz either.
JCog: I think the west is a toss up between the Sonics/Nuggets/Grizzlies. Any one of those three teams have the roster makeup to win the West. That trade elevated the Nuggets to tier 1 of the West with the other 2 teams mentioned and has really made the West top heavy.
PJ: I think that any of the top 4-5 teams in the West have a legitimate shot at making noise in the playoffs. The Sonics are still having a solid season and if they are able to finish as the top seed it's going to be hard to win a series against them when they hold homecourt. However, the Blazers have won 16 of their last 17 games and look to be rounding into shape at the right time. I think the West representative in the playoffs will likely come down to one of those two teams unless jelly gets bored and makes a big move at the deadline that ruins his team.
4) What mid-tier team from the East and/or the West would you not want to match up against in the first round of the playoffs?
Yourk: The cavs. Even though they are below expectations they still have Marshall and he can take a team a long way. They also dealt with injuries early on which has them a little lower in the standings.
Rog: The Spurs. I thought the trade would end up being better for them but sometimes big time trades take some time to take. They have a really nice full 5 starting lineup. Nico is a stud, Gola and Mikan are fantastic role players. Skinny and Galis pick up the scoring as well. I just think the team is balanced and will play better than they are showing right now.
Donny: I love my Pacers, but I just don't want to play the Cavs in the playoffs. It's too much trouble and too much of a hassle trying to beat JCog every year, so hopefully he holds the 6 seed so I don't have to deal with it.
UC: For me, I definitely don't want to face the Cavs in the 1st round. They've played better and have jumped up to middle of the pack so hoping that won't happen. Their team isn't as good as it has been and they've had injuries this year, but still don't want to face a proven Marshall/Davies pairing in the 1st round. Pollard was a big pickup for them and I'm sure they still have something else up their sleeve before the deadline.
JCog: I wouldn’t want to play myself and the Spurs. I think my team has started slow due to some lack of depth and key injuries early on. I think my team will continue to win, if healthy, and will move up to the 4/5 spots in the East. As for the Spurs, I love his depth and I am a fan of the roster he has put together. I think he could surprise.
PJ: The Cavs have underperformed this season and would definitely be a team I'd be looking to avoid if I was in the Eastern Conference. Out West I certainly wouldn't want to play the Nuggets with their recent additions or my squad as we seem to have finally found our groove after some early-season injuries and we have performed fairly well over the past 4-5 seasons in the playoffs after being terrible for the first 20+ years here.
5) The Cleveland Cavaliers currently sit only 4 games over .500 after dominating the league for the past decade or so - did you see this coming or does this come as a surprise?
Yourk: It is not an ultra surprise but I thought they would be fine this year. But with Marshall's and Davies huge contracts their team was gonna start to change and they would have lesser talent than usual. But with recent moves I feel they will be just fine.
Rog: I mean you knew it had to happen at some point, I just didn't think we were there yet. They have suffered some losses but still have Marshall and Davies and they found a good role player who can score in Smawley. But as the team ages it had to come down at some point, and they still are a playoff team but we'll see if they can still make noise in the playoffs.
Donny: Every dog has their day and the way the league is set up, it's almost impossible to hold onto a competitive team at that level for as long as he did as is.
UC: They had a rough stretch with injuries that is making their record look worse than it really should be. I thought they'd take a step back this year to maybe a mid 50s, low 60 win team. Looks like they will probably fall a little short of that, probably somewhere in the low 50s range. They have a glaring hole at PF, but they are getting more out of Smawley than I expected. Marshall's PPG is down, but his efficiency is as good as ever, so that's also a little surprising.
JCog: It was bound to happen at some point, I’ve been on a 15 year run of winning 55+ games per season. But I think this season isn’t totally lost yet. I still can make a splash in the postseason and have some trades I’m trying to work out to add depth to my team. It seemed like the first 6ish sims of the year I was without Page completely, and had Marshall and/or Davies out as well. I didnt have the depth to deal with those injuries. If I stay healthy I will be in the post season and I wouldn’t want to face the Cavs.
PJ: I was a year early on the decline of the Cavs. I figured once he added Page but didn't address his big situation that he was going to struggle and it eventually happened. I definitely think the foundation of a solid team is there if he can just flip Page for a solid big but I don't think he has the squad to be able to face off with the top teams in the league with his current roster.
6) With the trade deadline looming, who do you think are some of the big time names who might be on the move?
Yourk: I really feel there wont be much moves. Feel there are too many teams tanking and the top teams are pretty set. I expect a boring trade deadline.
Rog: I'm hoping to move Isaacs and Max Williams at some point. But other than my guys I don't really know. I think the Cavaliers might trade a guy or two to hedge the decline a bit. The Celtics might move make a big move we don't see coming. It could be a very quiet deadline, the league has been a bit quiet but we'll see.
Donny: I could see the Rockets moving Newhouse or Calder. The Wolves likely move Sale. Maybe the Mavs move Newhouse? I expect Roger to move anyone with any talent on his team, so maybe Isaacs too. Lots of possibilities.
UC: It's probably going to be a quiet deadline. Most of the players that should be moved, the GMs don't really seem as active or inclined to do so. Calder, Newhouse, Holloway are 3 guys who should be shipped to contenders. Same with possibly Chia depending on if they get a new GM. Raptors will probably move Macauley, otherwise maybe some smaller deals like Hornets moving Isaac, Suns moving Stangel. The Eastern Playoff race is tight, so there probably won't be any sellers among the teams fighting for the playoffs. Just throwing it out there that I'm willing to go over HC if someone wants to move a big name
JCog: I anticipate a quiet deadline in terms of big time names. I think we will see some trades but I think they will be lower level starters and depth pieces being moved. Plus, Rog doesn’t have any more superstars to trade so he probably won’t be making any moves.
PJ: Seems activity has quieted down here a bit lately. Not sure as to the reason why but I think it's going to make for a very quiet deadline. Rockets should have traded Calder or Newhouse long ago but think his lack of interest has led to him holding onto them longer than he should have. Cavs should prob make a move or two to get some depth or potentially swap Page for a big but other than that I think most teams are set for the playoff run.
7) Is your team likely to be a buyer or seller at the deadline and what move(s) are you looking to make to position your team either to compete this season or retool for the future?
Yourk: I am in a retooling stage but I do like the team I have. Hot rod should be good soon and Pazin should be better next year as well. So even though this year is a full on disappointment I see next year being better.
Rog: Seller! Someone come get John isaacs and Max Williams from me. I accept picks and/or cash. Literally anyone on my roster can be had at this point too. Just give me picks.
Donny: I'm going to stand pat I think. Made my big addition with Tomlin who's paid off a ton for my team. Might make some small moves, but I'm rolling with the main core.
UC: Buyer. I'm looking for a 4th big to replace Scherer. I want to win a title this year, so if I can get a really good bench piece for cash, picks and going over the hard cap I'm all for it.
JCog: I’m going to be a buyer per usual. I need to add some depth and PF/C help. With Marshall on my team I am always going to look to compete because he is one of the all time best players.
PJ: I'm both TBH. I would be willing to move Fulks/Rodgers, given my young big depth, for youth/picks but I'd also be willing to add pieces to help the squad as we are a contender and will be for the foreseeable future with our younger core of Kerris/Mlkvy/McDermott.
8) What team do you think is likely to take the next step and be a major player in the next couple years given their stockpile of solid youth and high projected picks?
Yourk: I will go with the hornets. They always find a way to build a team and with a few high picks on the way they should be back on track in a couple years.
Rog: I think the 76ers should go crazy coming up. They are stocked with solid youth that should take a step or two in the next year or two. They also should have some cap to add another big piece. They could have a decent pick with the Cavs potentially taking a step back again next year, but who knows. Slough completely and totally consistently has the pulse of his team perfectly, so he should be able to lead them to the right places as well, so I think they should be contenders in no time.
Donny: Magic will be good because of youth like Cosic and Tanenbaum likely going to get even better. I'm a big fan of what Charles has done so far, especially considering he didn't give up a whole hell of a lot to get the team he has now.
UC: I like the way Rog rebuilds. He doesn't have the young star right now, but he has potentially 2 top 5 picks, another late lotto and then potentially early playoff picks. It should be a fun draft for him. Lakers have potential with KC, Heinsohn, Howell and add in another top 8ish pick. They really should be moving Holloway for another player or 2 to add to that core and I'd really like their future. Celtics with JPB, Baylor, Jones is a nice young trio to build around. I think the opportunity is there for Jones/Baylor to be a devastating duo moving forward in a few years.
JCog: Well Rog has a stockpile of picks, so he could be a player in the future...but his impatience always seems to land him here, no offense. I also like some of the pieces the Suns, Raptors , and Jazz have. They could surprise with some more good draft picks and FA moves.
PJ: Rog is very active and just picked up a lot of younger players and picks, although only the Bulls pick next season looks like it fall in the lotto. The 76ers don't have a lot of picks but they'd acquired a lot of youth over the last couple seasons and with some solid development they could be a contender as well. In the West most of the teams that aren't in the playoff race aren't very active and don't have a ton of solid youth so think you are going to see the same 7-8 teams make the playoffs there for the next few seasons unless one of them lands a marquee free agent and decides to put the work into rebuilding the franchise as a result.
9) The Jazz and the Suns both have winning percentages around the .100 mark - who do you think will end up with the worst record and projected top pick in the draft?
Yourk: The jazz. They dont have any real talent on their team and they should luck out and get the 1st pick again which they truly need.
Rog: Probably the Jazz. They don't have any redeemable pieces on their team while the Suns do have Groat and Stangel. Doesn't matter, lotto is a crap shoot though every year it screws the top pick. Knowing my luck with having 2 top 6 picks, this will be the year things stay the same.
Donny: The Jazz don't have any talent at all, while the Suns have Rothenberg, Stangel, and Groat... gonna go with the Jazz here by a smidge.
UC: Uhhh I'll just guess the Jazz since they have 1 less win as I'm writing this.
JCog: I think the Jazz will end up the worst team in the league. I think the Suns have some decent pieces that might help them win a game or two more than the Jazz down the stretch.
PJ: The Suns actually won a few games recently and the Jazz are now 4 games behind them for the worst record. The Jazz have more home games coming up than the Suns but they also have less talent on the roster so I think they will win the tanking race and finish with the worst overall record in the league.
10) Do you envision calling up any players from your G-League team to the main roster this offseason?
Yourk: I have no g league players at all so I wont be calling up anyone anytime soon.
Rog: No. Don't utilize G-League as I should and haven't since the first year. Just can't get myself interested in trying to do so. Maybe moving foward. We'll see.
Donny: We're currently 41-2, so I'm just going to assume that someone (Krebs?) is a forced call-up which wouldn't be too bad for me considering he was a high draft pick and is super talented. Him and Halbrook both seemed to have turned into some real studs at the big spot.
UC: I'm hoping that Shellie McMillon will win awards to get called up. I won't be calling up anyone else who isn't an automatic call-up though. I'd really like to get McMillon some awards and get him on my roster next season while I'm still contending to use his draft notes. I probably have a rebuild in my future in a few years and want get his increases as much as I can.
JCog: I didn’t participate in the gleague this year because I was super busy around the holidays and neglected the NBN a bit more than usual.
PJ: I will likely need to clear some room as the Mavs pick I own will probably sadly end up at 14 (or the 1st overall pick for the G-League) so hopefully I can land a decent big there and call up either Haythem Kamai or Bob Doll to the big league squad as a cheap 3rd/4th big.
1) The Nets are currently 52-6 and in the midst of an 18 game winning streak - do you think they have a chance at the best record in league history?
Yourk: They have a stacked team who is efficient on offense and a beast on defense. They will give it a run for its money and if they dont make drastic changes like the Sonics did that one year and they should pull this off.
Rog: The Nets seem to have slowed down since then(7-3 since this) but I still think they can finish with 70 wins, and finish just a bit off the record. They are one of the best teams in league history though, especially if they finish off the season with a title. They have a chance, just think its dwindled a bit.
Donny: I don't see why not, although you really never know with injuries. Lumpp's obviously fantastic, Yardley is a beast, and their bigs are incredible. He's done a really good job altogether and they're almost guaranteed 70 wins, imo.
UC: I'm pretty sure the record is 71. I'm writing this after I just lost 2 road games to Spurs/Wizards and fell 53-8. I would need to go 19-2 to get to 72 wins which probably isn't happening. I'd be very happy to win 70 games though.
JCog: UC has put together an outstanding team and has become a very good GM here in the NBN. I’m not exactly sure what the top record is in the NBN, probably like 70ish wins. But I think he has a chance. Ultimately, I don’t think he will be the best record because the Atlantic is pretty strong this season. I think he will be close, but I think due to his division being strong and teams potentially getting stronger at the deadline, I’ll say no. Title favorite though IMO.
PJ: The Nets have gone 7-3 since these questions were sent out so I think they are going to fall just short unless they make a big move or two at the deadline to shore up their depth. I think they are definitely the surprise team of the season and a big surprise that they were pushing to be the team to potentially break this record but I think they are going to fall just short.
2) Speaking of the Nets, they currently look like the team to beat this season - do you think any team matches up well against them and has a chance to beat them in the postseason?
Yourk: I will never count out the Sonics. With cousy and jesus they will always have a chance. It will be nice to see that matchup because it will be one for the ages.
Rog: Not really honestly. I think the East is really down this year and would be shocked if the Nets lost in the Eastern playoffs. Come the finals, the West has a few teams that really could do well against the Nets, but don't expect anyone to beat them. Lumpp is the best point guard in the league, hand down. They have a really good starting 5 with no real flaws. As you can imagine they rank highly in all team stats as well. The only 2 they don't really is FTs attempted per game and they don't force a ton of turnovers, but those are middling stats rather than being flat out bad. I just don't see anyone beating them.
Donny: I'd say the Grizzlies match up well to anyone. BooBoo, Queeley, Twyman, Stokes, and Neon is as good of a starting 5 as there is in the league in my opion. Also, obviously, the Sonics can do damage as they do every season. Could see either of these teams upsetting.
UC: Wizards have played me tough this season. They are one of the few teams that have a better low post duo than Goga/Edwards. It really comes down to the guard play and I'd prefer mine, but it would be a good matchup. I also think any of Sonics/Nuggets/Grizz would have a shot as well. All have PG play to match or exceed Lumpp, good big men. The top is very strong this year.
JCog: The Sonics/Nuggets/Grizzlies for sure, I also think the Knicks match up decently well with him. Plus the Wizards and Pacers could match up well, but I Iike the Nets in those matchups. I think my team could, but I’m missing help at PF/C and I think my record shows that. Ultimately though, I think we will be watching the Nets in the NBN finals.
PJ: I think a team like the Blazers could be a tough matchup. They already beat the Nets on the road this season and I think with both teams having shut down shotblocking bigs a dynamic player like Sergei Belov could prove to be the difference and could potentially carry the Blazers to a win in the Finals if they were able to advance that far.
3) With the Nuggets recent acquisition of Oscar Schmidt and Panagiotis Giannakis do you think they are the team to beat in the West or are the Sonics still the favorite?
Yourk: The Sonics will still be the favorites. The nuggets made some awesome moves and it will put them in the position to jump over the Sonics but till it happens I will expect the Sonics to come out on top.
Rog: I think the Nuggets have started to play well enough and gained ground enough to be considered "a" favorite out West, but until someone beats the Sonics they are the favorite, period. I do think that more than any year, the top of the West is really good and the top 5 all have a chance to win the entire thing.
Donny: I'll take the Nuggets as #3 behind the Grizz and the Sonics, but man, the West is as strong as I've ever remembered it being. Incredibly good conference and the Nuggets as #3 almost seems unfair.
UC: I don't think you can count anyone as the favorite over the Sonics until it happens. They've had some injuries this season and while Griggs was an amazing signing, is still a downgrade from what they were getting from Newhouse. I think the Nuggets are every bit as good as the Sonics, but think the Sonics are the favorites until proven otherwise. Don't forget about the Grizz either.
JCog: I think the west is a toss up between the Sonics/Nuggets/Grizzlies. Any one of those three teams have the roster makeup to win the West. That trade elevated the Nuggets to tier 1 of the West with the other 2 teams mentioned and has really made the West top heavy.
PJ: I think that any of the top 4-5 teams in the West have a legitimate shot at making noise in the playoffs. The Sonics are still having a solid season and if they are able to finish as the top seed it's going to be hard to win a series against them when they hold homecourt. However, the Blazers have won 16 of their last 17 games and look to be rounding into shape at the right time. I think the West representative in the playoffs will likely come down to one of those two teams unless jelly gets bored and makes a big move at the deadline that ruins his team.
4) What mid-tier team from the East and/or the West would you not want to match up against in the first round of the playoffs?
Yourk: The cavs. Even though they are below expectations they still have Marshall and he can take a team a long way. They also dealt with injuries early on which has them a little lower in the standings.
Rog: The Spurs. I thought the trade would end up being better for them but sometimes big time trades take some time to take. They have a really nice full 5 starting lineup. Nico is a stud, Gola and Mikan are fantastic role players. Skinny and Galis pick up the scoring as well. I just think the team is balanced and will play better than they are showing right now.
Donny: I love my Pacers, but I just don't want to play the Cavs in the playoffs. It's too much trouble and too much of a hassle trying to beat JCog every year, so hopefully he holds the 6 seed so I don't have to deal with it.
UC: For me, I definitely don't want to face the Cavs in the 1st round. They've played better and have jumped up to middle of the pack so hoping that won't happen. Their team isn't as good as it has been and they've had injuries this year, but still don't want to face a proven Marshall/Davies pairing in the 1st round. Pollard was a big pickup for them and I'm sure they still have something else up their sleeve before the deadline.
JCog: I wouldn’t want to play myself and the Spurs. I think my team has started slow due to some lack of depth and key injuries early on. I think my team will continue to win, if healthy, and will move up to the 4/5 spots in the East. As for the Spurs, I love his depth and I am a fan of the roster he has put together. I think he could surprise.
PJ: The Cavs have underperformed this season and would definitely be a team I'd be looking to avoid if I was in the Eastern Conference. Out West I certainly wouldn't want to play the Nuggets with their recent additions or my squad as we seem to have finally found our groove after some early-season injuries and we have performed fairly well over the past 4-5 seasons in the playoffs after being terrible for the first 20+ years here.
5) The Cleveland Cavaliers currently sit only 4 games over .500 after dominating the league for the past decade or so - did you see this coming or does this come as a surprise?
Yourk: It is not an ultra surprise but I thought they would be fine this year. But with Marshall's and Davies huge contracts their team was gonna start to change and they would have lesser talent than usual. But with recent moves I feel they will be just fine.
Rog: I mean you knew it had to happen at some point, I just didn't think we were there yet. They have suffered some losses but still have Marshall and Davies and they found a good role player who can score in Smawley. But as the team ages it had to come down at some point, and they still are a playoff team but we'll see if they can still make noise in the playoffs.
Donny: Every dog has their day and the way the league is set up, it's almost impossible to hold onto a competitive team at that level for as long as he did as is.
UC: They had a rough stretch with injuries that is making their record look worse than it really should be. I thought they'd take a step back this year to maybe a mid 50s, low 60 win team. Looks like they will probably fall a little short of that, probably somewhere in the low 50s range. They have a glaring hole at PF, but they are getting more out of Smawley than I expected. Marshall's PPG is down, but his efficiency is as good as ever, so that's also a little surprising.
JCog: It was bound to happen at some point, I’ve been on a 15 year run of winning 55+ games per season. But I think this season isn’t totally lost yet. I still can make a splash in the postseason and have some trades I’m trying to work out to add depth to my team. It seemed like the first 6ish sims of the year I was without Page completely, and had Marshall and/or Davies out as well. I didnt have the depth to deal with those injuries. If I stay healthy I will be in the post season and I wouldn’t want to face the Cavs.
PJ: I was a year early on the decline of the Cavs. I figured once he added Page but didn't address his big situation that he was going to struggle and it eventually happened. I definitely think the foundation of a solid team is there if he can just flip Page for a solid big but I don't think he has the squad to be able to face off with the top teams in the league with his current roster.
6) With the trade deadline looming, who do you think are some of the big time names who might be on the move?
Yourk: I really feel there wont be much moves. Feel there are too many teams tanking and the top teams are pretty set. I expect a boring trade deadline.
Rog: I'm hoping to move Isaacs and Max Williams at some point. But other than my guys I don't really know. I think the Cavaliers might trade a guy or two to hedge the decline a bit. The Celtics might move make a big move we don't see coming. It could be a very quiet deadline, the league has been a bit quiet but we'll see.
Donny: I could see the Rockets moving Newhouse or Calder. The Wolves likely move Sale. Maybe the Mavs move Newhouse? I expect Roger to move anyone with any talent on his team, so maybe Isaacs too. Lots of possibilities.
UC: It's probably going to be a quiet deadline. Most of the players that should be moved, the GMs don't really seem as active or inclined to do so. Calder, Newhouse, Holloway are 3 guys who should be shipped to contenders. Same with possibly Chia depending on if they get a new GM. Raptors will probably move Macauley, otherwise maybe some smaller deals like Hornets moving Isaac, Suns moving Stangel. The Eastern Playoff race is tight, so there probably won't be any sellers among the teams fighting for the playoffs. Just throwing it out there that I'm willing to go over HC if someone wants to move a big name
JCog: I anticipate a quiet deadline in terms of big time names. I think we will see some trades but I think they will be lower level starters and depth pieces being moved. Plus, Rog doesn’t have any more superstars to trade so he probably won’t be making any moves.
PJ: Seems activity has quieted down here a bit lately. Not sure as to the reason why but I think it's going to make for a very quiet deadline. Rockets should have traded Calder or Newhouse long ago but think his lack of interest has led to him holding onto them longer than he should have. Cavs should prob make a move or two to get some depth or potentially swap Page for a big but other than that I think most teams are set for the playoff run.
7) Is your team likely to be a buyer or seller at the deadline and what move(s) are you looking to make to position your team either to compete this season or retool for the future?
Yourk: I am in a retooling stage but I do like the team I have. Hot rod should be good soon and Pazin should be better next year as well. So even though this year is a full on disappointment I see next year being better.
Rog: Seller! Someone come get John isaacs and Max Williams from me. I accept picks and/or cash. Literally anyone on my roster can be had at this point too. Just give me picks.
Donny: I'm going to stand pat I think. Made my big addition with Tomlin who's paid off a ton for my team. Might make some small moves, but I'm rolling with the main core.
UC: Buyer. I'm looking for a 4th big to replace Scherer. I want to win a title this year, so if I can get a really good bench piece for cash, picks and going over the hard cap I'm all for it.
JCog: I’m going to be a buyer per usual. I need to add some depth and PF/C help. With Marshall on my team I am always going to look to compete because he is one of the all time best players.
PJ: I'm both TBH. I would be willing to move Fulks/Rodgers, given my young big depth, for youth/picks but I'd also be willing to add pieces to help the squad as we are a contender and will be for the foreseeable future with our younger core of Kerris/Mlkvy/McDermott.
8) What team do you think is likely to take the next step and be a major player in the next couple years given their stockpile of solid youth and high projected picks?
Yourk: I will go with the hornets. They always find a way to build a team and with a few high picks on the way they should be back on track in a couple years.
Rog: I think the 76ers should go crazy coming up. They are stocked with solid youth that should take a step or two in the next year or two. They also should have some cap to add another big piece. They could have a decent pick with the Cavs potentially taking a step back again next year, but who knows. Slough completely and totally consistently has the pulse of his team perfectly, so he should be able to lead them to the right places as well, so I think they should be contenders in no time.
Donny: Magic will be good because of youth like Cosic and Tanenbaum likely going to get even better. I'm a big fan of what Charles has done so far, especially considering he didn't give up a whole hell of a lot to get the team he has now.
UC: I like the way Rog rebuilds. He doesn't have the young star right now, but he has potentially 2 top 5 picks, another late lotto and then potentially early playoff picks. It should be a fun draft for him. Lakers have potential with KC, Heinsohn, Howell and add in another top 8ish pick. They really should be moving Holloway for another player or 2 to add to that core and I'd really like their future. Celtics with JPB, Baylor, Jones is a nice young trio to build around. I think the opportunity is there for Jones/Baylor to be a devastating duo moving forward in a few years.
JCog: Well Rog has a stockpile of picks, so he could be a player in the future...but his impatience always seems to land him here, no offense. I also like some of the pieces the Suns, Raptors , and Jazz have. They could surprise with some more good draft picks and FA moves.
PJ: Rog is very active and just picked up a lot of younger players and picks, although only the Bulls pick next season looks like it fall in the lotto. The 76ers don't have a lot of picks but they'd acquired a lot of youth over the last couple seasons and with some solid development they could be a contender as well. In the West most of the teams that aren't in the playoff race aren't very active and don't have a ton of solid youth so think you are going to see the same 7-8 teams make the playoffs there for the next few seasons unless one of them lands a marquee free agent and decides to put the work into rebuilding the franchise as a result.
9) The Jazz and the Suns both have winning percentages around the .100 mark - who do you think will end up with the worst record and projected top pick in the draft?
Yourk: The jazz. They dont have any real talent on their team and they should luck out and get the 1st pick again which they truly need.
Rog: Probably the Jazz. They don't have any redeemable pieces on their team while the Suns do have Groat and Stangel. Doesn't matter, lotto is a crap shoot though every year it screws the top pick. Knowing my luck with having 2 top 6 picks, this will be the year things stay the same.
Donny: The Jazz don't have any talent at all, while the Suns have Rothenberg, Stangel, and Groat... gonna go with the Jazz here by a smidge.
UC: Uhhh I'll just guess the Jazz since they have 1 less win as I'm writing this.
JCog: I think the Jazz will end up the worst team in the league. I think the Suns have some decent pieces that might help them win a game or two more than the Jazz down the stretch.
PJ: The Suns actually won a few games recently and the Jazz are now 4 games behind them for the worst record. The Jazz have more home games coming up than the Suns but they also have less talent on the roster so I think they will win the tanking race and finish with the worst overall record in the league.
10) Do you envision calling up any players from your G-League team to the main roster this offseason?
Yourk: I have no g league players at all so I wont be calling up anyone anytime soon.
Rog: No. Don't utilize G-League as I should and haven't since the first year. Just can't get myself interested in trying to do so. Maybe moving foward. We'll see.
Donny: We're currently 41-2, so I'm just going to assume that someone (Krebs?) is a forced call-up which wouldn't be too bad for me considering he was a high draft pick and is super talented. Him and Halbrook both seemed to have turned into some real studs at the big spot.
UC: I'm hoping that Shellie McMillon will win awards to get called up. I won't be calling up anyone else who isn't an automatic call-up though. I'd really like to get McMillon some awards and get him on my roster next season while I'm still contending to use his draft notes. I probably have a rebuild in my future in a few years and want get his increases as much as I can.
JCog: I didn’t participate in the gleague this year because I was super busy around the holidays and neglected the NBN a bit more than usual.
PJ: I will likely need to clear some room as the Mavs pick I own will probably sadly end up at 14 (or the 1st overall pick for the G-League) so hopefully I can land a decent big there and call up either Haythem Kamai or Bob Doll to the big league squad as a cheap 3rd/4th big.
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