Post by yourkers15 on Feb 18, 2019 3:12:02 GMT
Nets in black
Pistons in red
ELITE
1. Sonics
Another year and another season with the Sonics atop the power ranking. LeBron trade just made them that much stronger.
1. Sonics
They are easily the team to beat with the best player in the league with Cousy. Adding LBJr gives them more fire power but will they miss the defense Mejri brings when it comes playoff time.
2. Nuggets
Went through one weird stretch where they lost winnable games, other than that they have been on par with Sonics all season. Nuggets and Sonics are the clear cut top 2 this season
2. Nuggets
The nuggets have one stacked roster. Schmidt at SF having the ability to grab 10 boards a is unreal. There only one question is will Embry be able to hold his own come playoff time.
3. Pistons
After my big trade this puts me in the elite category. Gives me one of the best starting 5 in the league and it should make me the clear favorite out east.
Title Contenders
3. Clippers
The Calder acquisition was huge and I think it separates them from the rest of the title contenders, but probably still a notch below the Sonics/Nuggets. They are the #1 in FG% and getting good performances from pretty much all of their significant contributors
4. Clippers
Adding Calder is huge for the Clippers. He is a huge upgrade over Mlkvy and gives them a 2nd elite scorer next to McDermott. They will def give both the nuggets and Sonics a run for their money and they will be amazing series' if they are to happen.
4. Pistons
Definetly the surprise of the season. Pazin has blossomed, Ringgold/Mikkelsen are having great seasons. Not sure if Hundley is ready to start at SG for a title team. I think they should shop for an upgrade if it won't cost them much of their future.
5. 76ers
The leader in the Atlantic has one of the deepest teams in the league. EP and Martin have been amazing off the bench. Adding they have a great starting 5 even with 2nd year player Jalen Lecque. Tostig is 37 and would like to add one more title before he retires.
5. Nets
A little bit of projection here. Hoping Volasgis can replicate what Bitadze gave last season when the team won 69 games. He's been hurt for most of the past few sims. Team has 4 starters with A+ defense and the 5th is Lumpp with an A.
6. Wizards
All the wizards need is an upgrade at SG and I would say they would have the best team in the league. They have Pettit who is such an amazing player and Frank is still a legit scorer even if he isn't scoring 30 a game anymore. Could easily come out the east with how well the rebound and block shots.
6. Raptors
I really like the additions of JPB and DJ here. The East is wide open and now is a good chance for them to make a run with Toles
7. Raptors
Who could of seen Issacs as the leading scorer on a team with Toles on it. Issacs has shown his amazing value and gives this team a great big 3. They also added JPB who solidifies their starting 5. They will be fun to watch come playoff time.
7. 76ers
Tostig has been huge for them and Fuzzy was a nice addition. Team is in a good spot of competing in a wide open East and having a nice core of Lecque/Selvy/Eddie moving forward
8. Grizz
Even though this team is not playing up to expectations I feel they have the right mix of players to get it done. Adding Newhouse will be huge especially when they has Ace as their backup big. This should get them back on track and being a very dangerous team come playoff time.
8. Blazers
This is a very good defensive team and N'Doye has been decent enough to get by. I think they really lack a secondary scorer to pair with Belov, who has been amazing.
9. Nets
After winning the title the nets had to make moves becuase they were in cap hell. They are over -40 mill and if Volgis doesnt retire they are screwed. This could be the last year for the nets.
9. Grizzlies
I think the Grizz are a SG trade away from vaulting into the top 3-4 of the rankings. Twyman has turned into what everyone thought he would be when he was drafted #1
10. Blazers
Belov has really turned into the star that was expected. It took a gm who knew what to do with him to get him playing amazing ball. But does the team have enough fire power. Belov is the only player that is above 22 a game. That could come back to haunt them.
10. Spurs
Mannion has taken the step forward that this team needed to really compete. The team struggles defensively though
especially with a Galis/Houghton backcourt. I am surprised they are as good offensively as they are with Mikan/Gola not giving them much
11. Wizards
Team isn't as strong as it was last season and that's mainly due to Baumholtz regressing. Pettit/Johnston still as good of a big man duo as any in the league. Should be in the thick of the race for homecourt all year.
12. Warriors
Vick is having a fantastic offensive season, but the 3.6 turnsover are really hurting the team. Dort having a very nice bounceback year.
Playoff Contenders
11. Spurs
The spurs are good but gola is holding them back. He would be a stud bench player but he is not worthy of starting. If they could upgrade this position I would feel they could push for a title.
13. Pacers
Weird to see Arizin scoring down so much, but his FG% and defense remains elite. They are really lacking a bonafide low post presence. They are probably destined for the 6th seed and will be a tough first round matchup.
12. Pacers
The Pacers have a very good squad but there is one thing they lack and that is shot blocking. They dont even block 5 shots a game and that could be holding them back. I feel they add a shot blocker and they could really be better than where they are place.
14. Celtics
Joe Smith injury really changed their whole season. I liked JPB for them, but grabbing Morant was a good return. Should still make the playoffs and have a bright future if they build around Morant/Jones/Baylor
13. Warriors
Dort/Coleman/Vick has been a very nice big 3. But they need some help from Jallow. When you are getting paid like he is you need him to be scoring more than 12 a game. He has not been as good as i thought he could be. They might regret trading fuzzy.
15. Cavaliers
This is likely the last season for the historic Davies/Marshall run. They've been unable to acquire their pick back so they are trying to make one last playoff push. They are in the bottom half in team FG% and not getting really any productive offense from their bigs
14. Celtics
I really like this team. Baylor and Jones are a very nice one-two punch. Smith got hurt so they went out and got them a big time pg prospect for the future. Smith will be back and they will def be a tough out come playoff time.
16. Bucks
That Daneu contract looks even worse after regressing this season. Lack of a real SF is killing them, but this should be their last season trying to compete before finally getting to rebuild with their pick next year
15. Cavaliers
It finally happened. The cavs are human. Marshall and Davies huge contracts have handicapped the team and they lost some of their depth. Now it looks like it is rebuilding time in Cleveland.
17. Jazz
Love the turnaround for the Jazz and have one of the brightest futures in the league. Their roster reminds me of the
Nuggets a few seasons ago. This team is primed to add a star this offseason and make a real push next year. Think they are the favorite for the 8th seed this year
16. Bucks
The bucks traded away all their picks before their GM got suspended and it hurt them big time. They have had to stay relevant. With that comes offering Daneu a contract he is not worth. They do have a solid team but with Barksdale expiring they will be in a tough spot. At least they will have their picks again.
18. Hawks
It's been a roller coaster season for the Hawks and are in the middle of a terrible stretch. They had a positive point differential until recently, so it seems they had a little bit of bad luck. It's really tough to win with below average play from SG and SF though.
17. Heat
Guerin is such a stud but with the team not making needed strides they are stuck with being mediocre. They have gotten older and lack a PG. Might be time to trade guerin and rebuild.
19. Heat
The team is hanging in the playoff race on the back of Guerin. They've talked about being sellers and jump starting a rebuild around Guerin/McDaniels, but an upgrade at PG could solidify the 8th seed for them
18. Hawks
The Hawks lack of a SF is what holds them back. They are solid at every other starting position but at SF they are only average. Being the most important position you need to be better if you want to make a case come playoff time.
20. Rockets
Currently the 8th seed, but just sold off their pieces and the Jazz should pass them soon. Can they flip Neon for a nice pick or piece? I'd probably have them around 3-4 in the "rebuilding ranks"
19. Jazz
The Jazz have hit it big in the draft with Green and made a very nice trade for Goga. They would of liked to of added another lotto pick but the west is weak and they are gonna make the playoffs earlier than expected.
20. Rockets
The rockets started clearing house and that was a good choice. They ended up getting something nice back for Calder and got a little something for Newhouse. They still have Russell and his draft notes and with more activity they could be on their way to being relevant.
Lottery Ranking:
Great Rebuilding Spots
1. Hornets
Clubhouse leader for #1 pick and have a nice young roster with 2 potential franchise pieces in Cruz and Brody. Market has been cold for Queeley, but he hasn't hurt their tank yet.
1. Knicks
The Knicks are only bad because they didn't have a gm at the time FA came around. Now that they have a gm and a top pick on the way they should back to winning next year.
2. Suns
In position for a top 5 pick and have 2 nice building blocks in Johnson/Bellamy. Hornets volume of secondary prospects and leader for #1 pick propel them higher.
2. Suns
I love Johnson and Bellamy. That's a great way to start a building process. Add in they have a good chance to add another big piece and they could be good real quick.
3. Knicks
Hagan/Case on great contracts and a potential top 5 pick is a great place to rebuild. Have a very nice cap sheet moving forward and have some pieces to sell off before the deadline.
3. Hornets
Hornets are a lot like other teams with plenty of cap space but what they really have is the best position for a huge change as they sit with the worst record. They also have a great prospect in Cruz. Add in rog knows how to deal. They will be good in no time.
4. Wolves
I love that they have so much cap space and will have a possibility at a top 5 pick. I known they are gonna be patient and build up correctly.
Decent rebuilding spots
4. Wolves
Mobley has a nice build but is far from developed. Near empty cap sheet and a potential top 3 pick. Curios to see if they take the same offseason approach this year.
5. Magic
Even without their picks the next 2 years I like where they are at. Tanenbaum, Coisc, Merji, Cosic is a nice start and then they have their lotto pick this year. Add in they will have plenty of cap space come FA. They could be fine.
5. Lakers
Have a very nice building block in Howell and a few secondary prospects and a likely mid lotto pick. Still think they are doing their team a disservice by not moving Holloway/Wanzer before they walk for free in FA
6. Kings
I am unsure of how this team is gonna turn out. They dont really have a good prospect yet but that can change with this draft. This team can really use it and put their draft pick next to Chia can make some big changes.
6. Kings
Currently ownerless. Most of their recent draft picks have busted and they lack a real foundational building block. Have some big contracts (Chia, Samanic) that may be hard to move.
Toughest Spots
7. Lakers
The Lakers are not active enough for me to see them in a good spot. Not a fan of the kc Jones contract and I see Howell as a good prospect but not as a franchise builder.
7. Magic
I didn't understand the LBJ trade for them and why they gave a pick + cash. They are in a tricky spot of trying to tank for 1 season to get a cornerstone piece. They don't have their pick next 2 years so it needs to be a quick turnaround.
8. Mavericks
The mavs are in a real tough spot do to bad contracts and not having their pick this year. They need to really put in work to get back on track and making better decisions.
8. Mavericks
I think they have the bleakest situation in the league. Don't have their first this year and have no young talent. Nicholson will take up 1/3 of their cap for the next 2 seasons also. I think they could get a couple of late 1sts for some of their expiring talent though.
9. Bulls
It was a sad day when we heard the bulls gm Rr passed away. Silver did the best thing and turned them into a CPU team. That means the team will not grow correctly do to not having the ability to camp. So the team will just be sitting there without growing.
9. Bulls
Have some interesting young guys in Foster, Steveniers, and Greer. Unfortunately they won't reach their potential without being camped and have draft notes utitlized. Hope they don't turn into a continual dumping ground for bad contracts
Pistons in red
ELITE
1. Sonics
Another year and another season with the Sonics atop the power ranking. LeBron trade just made them that much stronger.
1. Sonics
They are easily the team to beat with the best player in the league with Cousy. Adding LBJr gives them more fire power but will they miss the defense Mejri brings when it comes playoff time.
2. Nuggets
Went through one weird stretch where they lost winnable games, other than that they have been on par with Sonics all season. Nuggets and Sonics are the clear cut top 2 this season
2. Nuggets
The nuggets have one stacked roster. Schmidt at SF having the ability to grab 10 boards a is unreal. There only one question is will Embry be able to hold his own come playoff time.
3. Pistons
After my big trade this puts me in the elite category. Gives me one of the best starting 5 in the league and it should make me the clear favorite out east.
Title Contenders
3. Clippers
The Calder acquisition was huge and I think it separates them from the rest of the title contenders, but probably still a notch below the Sonics/Nuggets. They are the #1 in FG% and getting good performances from pretty much all of their significant contributors
4. Clippers
Adding Calder is huge for the Clippers. He is a huge upgrade over Mlkvy and gives them a 2nd elite scorer next to McDermott. They will def give both the nuggets and Sonics a run for their money and they will be amazing series' if they are to happen.
4. Pistons
Definetly the surprise of the season. Pazin has blossomed, Ringgold/Mikkelsen are having great seasons. Not sure if Hundley is ready to start at SG for a title team. I think they should shop for an upgrade if it won't cost them much of their future.
5. 76ers
The leader in the Atlantic has one of the deepest teams in the league. EP and Martin have been amazing off the bench. Adding they have a great starting 5 even with 2nd year player Jalen Lecque. Tostig is 37 and would like to add one more title before he retires.
5. Nets
A little bit of projection here. Hoping Volasgis can replicate what Bitadze gave last season when the team won 69 games. He's been hurt for most of the past few sims. Team has 4 starters with A+ defense and the 5th is Lumpp with an A.
6. Wizards
All the wizards need is an upgrade at SG and I would say they would have the best team in the league. They have Pettit who is such an amazing player and Frank is still a legit scorer even if he isn't scoring 30 a game anymore. Could easily come out the east with how well the rebound and block shots.
6. Raptors
I really like the additions of JPB and DJ here. The East is wide open and now is a good chance for them to make a run with Toles
7. Raptors
Who could of seen Issacs as the leading scorer on a team with Toles on it. Issacs has shown his amazing value and gives this team a great big 3. They also added JPB who solidifies their starting 5. They will be fun to watch come playoff time.
7. 76ers
Tostig has been huge for them and Fuzzy was a nice addition. Team is in a good spot of competing in a wide open East and having a nice core of Lecque/Selvy/Eddie moving forward
8. Grizz
Even though this team is not playing up to expectations I feel they have the right mix of players to get it done. Adding Newhouse will be huge especially when they has Ace as their backup big. This should get them back on track and being a very dangerous team come playoff time.
8. Blazers
This is a very good defensive team and N'Doye has been decent enough to get by. I think they really lack a secondary scorer to pair with Belov, who has been amazing.
9. Nets
After winning the title the nets had to make moves becuase they were in cap hell. They are over -40 mill and if Volgis doesnt retire they are screwed. This could be the last year for the nets.
9. Grizzlies
I think the Grizz are a SG trade away from vaulting into the top 3-4 of the rankings. Twyman has turned into what everyone thought he would be when he was drafted #1
10. Blazers
Belov has really turned into the star that was expected. It took a gm who knew what to do with him to get him playing amazing ball. But does the team have enough fire power. Belov is the only player that is above 22 a game. That could come back to haunt them.
10. Spurs
Mannion has taken the step forward that this team needed to really compete. The team struggles defensively though
especially with a Galis/Houghton backcourt. I am surprised they are as good offensively as they are with Mikan/Gola not giving them much
11. Wizards
Team isn't as strong as it was last season and that's mainly due to Baumholtz regressing. Pettit/Johnston still as good of a big man duo as any in the league. Should be in the thick of the race for homecourt all year.
12. Warriors
Vick is having a fantastic offensive season, but the 3.6 turnsover are really hurting the team. Dort having a very nice bounceback year.
Playoff Contenders
11. Spurs
The spurs are good but gola is holding them back. He would be a stud bench player but he is not worthy of starting. If they could upgrade this position I would feel they could push for a title.
13. Pacers
Weird to see Arizin scoring down so much, but his FG% and defense remains elite. They are really lacking a bonafide low post presence. They are probably destined for the 6th seed and will be a tough first round matchup.
12. Pacers
The Pacers have a very good squad but there is one thing they lack and that is shot blocking. They dont even block 5 shots a game and that could be holding them back. I feel they add a shot blocker and they could really be better than where they are place.
14. Celtics
Joe Smith injury really changed their whole season. I liked JPB for them, but grabbing Morant was a good return. Should still make the playoffs and have a bright future if they build around Morant/Jones/Baylor
13. Warriors
Dort/Coleman/Vick has been a very nice big 3. But they need some help from Jallow. When you are getting paid like he is you need him to be scoring more than 12 a game. He has not been as good as i thought he could be. They might regret trading fuzzy.
15. Cavaliers
This is likely the last season for the historic Davies/Marshall run. They've been unable to acquire their pick back so they are trying to make one last playoff push. They are in the bottom half in team FG% and not getting really any productive offense from their bigs
14. Celtics
I really like this team. Baylor and Jones are a very nice one-two punch. Smith got hurt so they went out and got them a big time pg prospect for the future. Smith will be back and they will def be a tough out come playoff time.
16. Bucks
That Daneu contract looks even worse after regressing this season. Lack of a real SF is killing them, but this should be their last season trying to compete before finally getting to rebuild with their pick next year
15. Cavaliers
It finally happened. The cavs are human. Marshall and Davies huge contracts have handicapped the team and they lost some of their depth. Now it looks like it is rebuilding time in Cleveland.
17. Jazz
Love the turnaround for the Jazz and have one of the brightest futures in the league. Their roster reminds me of the
Nuggets a few seasons ago. This team is primed to add a star this offseason and make a real push next year. Think they are the favorite for the 8th seed this year
16. Bucks
The bucks traded away all their picks before their GM got suspended and it hurt them big time. They have had to stay relevant. With that comes offering Daneu a contract he is not worth. They do have a solid team but with Barksdale expiring they will be in a tough spot. At least they will have their picks again.
18. Hawks
It's been a roller coaster season for the Hawks and are in the middle of a terrible stretch. They had a positive point differential until recently, so it seems they had a little bit of bad luck. It's really tough to win with below average play from SG and SF though.
17. Heat
Guerin is such a stud but with the team not making needed strides they are stuck with being mediocre. They have gotten older and lack a PG. Might be time to trade guerin and rebuild.
19. Heat
The team is hanging in the playoff race on the back of Guerin. They've talked about being sellers and jump starting a rebuild around Guerin/McDaniels, but an upgrade at PG could solidify the 8th seed for them
18. Hawks
The Hawks lack of a SF is what holds them back. They are solid at every other starting position but at SF they are only average. Being the most important position you need to be better if you want to make a case come playoff time.
20. Rockets
Currently the 8th seed, but just sold off their pieces and the Jazz should pass them soon. Can they flip Neon for a nice pick or piece? I'd probably have them around 3-4 in the "rebuilding ranks"
19. Jazz
The Jazz have hit it big in the draft with Green and made a very nice trade for Goga. They would of liked to of added another lotto pick but the west is weak and they are gonna make the playoffs earlier than expected.
20. Rockets
The rockets started clearing house and that was a good choice. They ended up getting something nice back for Calder and got a little something for Newhouse. They still have Russell and his draft notes and with more activity they could be on their way to being relevant.
Lottery Ranking:
Great Rebuilding Spots
1. Hornets
Clubhouse leader for #1 pick and have a nice young roster with 2 potential franchise pieces in Cruz and Brody. Market has been cold for Queeley, but he hasn't hurt their tank yet.
1. Knicks
The Knicks are only bad because they didn't have a gm at the time FA came around. Now that they have a gm and a top pick on the way they should back to winning next year.
2. Suns
In position for a top 5 pick and have 2 nice building blocks in Johnson/Bellamy. Hornets volume of secondary prospects and leader for #1 pick propel them higher.
2. Suns
I love Johnson and Bellamy. That's a great way to start a building process. Add in they have a good chance to add another big piece and they could be good real quick.
3. Knicks
Hagan/Case on great contracts and a potential top 5 pick is a great place to rebuild. Have a very nice cap sheet moving forward and have some pieces to sell off before the deadline.
3. Hornets
Hornets are a lot like other teams with plenty of cap space but what they really have is the best position for a huge change as they sit with the worst record. They also have a great prospect in Cruz. Add in rog knows how to deal. They will be good in no time.
4. Wolves
I love that they have so much cap space and will have a possibility at a top 5 pick. I known they are gonna be patient and build up correctly.
Decent rebuilding spots
4. Wolves
Mobley has a nice build but is far from developed. Near empty cap sheet and a potential top 3 pick. Curios to see if they take the same offseason approach this year.
5. Magic
Even without their picks the next 2 years I like where they are at. Tanenbaum, Coisc, Merji, Cosic is a nice start and then they have their lotto pick this year. Add in they will have plenty of cap space come FA. They could be fine.
5. Lakers
Have a very nice building block in Howell and a few secondary prospects and a likely mid lotto pick. Still think they are doing their team a disservice by not moving Holloway/Wanzer before they walk for free in FA
6. Kings
I am unsure of how this team is gonna turn out. They dont really have a good prospect yet but that can change with this draft. This team can really use it and put their draft pick next to Chia can make some big changes.
6. Kings
Currently ownerless. Most of their recent draft picks have busted and they lack a real foundational building block. Have some big contracts (Chia, Samanic) that may be hard to move.
Toughest Spots
7. Lakers
The Lakers are not active enough for me to see them in a good spot. Not a fan of the kc Jones contract and I see Howell as a good prospect but not as a franchise builder.
7. Magic
I didn't understand the LBJ trade for them and why they gave a pick + cash. They are in a tricky spot of trying to tank for 1 season to get a cornerstone piece. They don't have their pick next 2 years so it needs to be a quick turnaround.
8. Mavericks
The mavs are in a real tough spot do to bad contracts and not having their pick this year. They need to really put in work to get back on track and making better decisions.
8. Mavericks
I think they have the bleakest situation in the league. Don't have their first this year and have no young talent. Nicholson will take up 1/3 of their cap for the next 2 seasons also. I think they could get a couple of late 1sts for some of their expiring talent though.
9. Bulls
It was a sad day when we heard the bulls gm Rr passed away. Silver did the best thing and turned them into a CPU team. That means the team will not grow correctly do to not having the ability to camp. So the team will just be sitting there without growing.
9. Bulls
Have some interesting young guys in Foster, Steveniers, and Greer. Unfortunately they won't reach their potential without being camped and have draft notes utitlized. Hope they don't turn into a continual dumping ground for bad contracts
. What would make me really happy would be jumping up in the draft but I’m far from expecting it. I’ll be fine with a late lotto / just the top-10 and using the potential camp boost on Sid or something... maybe Cosic. 
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