Post by ucfinfan86 on Mar 13, 2019 20:23:36 GMT
This is part 1 of a 4 part series we were are looking at the biggest question facing each team.
Wizards (17-5)
Yourkers: Is Galis a big enough upgrade over Walther?
Overview: The wizards have been a really good team for the past few years but keep falling short in the playoffs. They have standouts in Johnson and Pettit down low who control the paint, get 2nd chance opportunities, and also know how to score. Drazen has upped his game so far this year and has always been a really good SF and is looking elite this year and Frank has been the best bargain in the NBN since signing that contract with the Wizards. Even with 4 big time talents they have always felt like they were missing something and thats why they went out and made the trade for Galis. But is galis that much of a difference maker? Galis just like Walther is a liability defensively. Now with that I think he offers more offensively and adding Walther to the bench and having a guy like that playing against the second unit could be a plus and as of right now they are playing well. But even with that it comes down can they keep this up come playoff time?
UCF: Are their guards good enough to win a title?
This is basically the same Wizards over the past 5 years with the addition of SG Nikos Galis this season. He’s been a good SG, but never lived up to the hype of a #1 overall pick. PG Frank Baumholtz has been the key to their success during their run. He’s provided 26+ ppg scoring over the past 4 seasons on a miniscule contract. The problem is Baumholtz is now 33yo and has begun declining. He’s still putting up nearly 25ppg, but his defense is getting worse and he’s averaging less than a steal a game. While Galis gets decent steals (1.6), he has B- defense. The top contenders are littered with superstar PGs and SGs and can a Baumholtz/Galis combo defend well enough to win at the highest level?
Magic(14-8)
Yourkers: Can the Magic be successful without a bench?
Overview: The magic made some moves that got them in a good position. They were able to nab Lumpp from the Nets who had cap issues. They were able to resign Cosic(think they paid more than they needed to) but he is playing lights out this year, and they added Eddleman with the MLE to fill out their starting 5. But after that the team is ultra light. There isnt really anyone there that you want to be a main backup because with one injury and the Magic can be really screwed. But say no injuries happen is it possible for this team to really go far?
Yourkers: Can the Magic be successful without a bench?
Overview: The magic made some moves that got them in a good position. They were able to nab Lumpp from the Nets who had cap issues. They were able to resign Cosic(think they paid more than they needed to) but he is playing lights out this year, and they added Eddleman with the MLE to fill out their starting 5. But after that the team is ultra light. There isnt really anyone there that you want to be a main backup because with one injury and the Magic can be really screwed. But say no injuries happen is it possible for this team to really go far?
UCF: How far can you go without a bench?
The Magic’s starting 5 is very strong. Lumpp/Sid/Eddleman/Cosic/Mejri fits well together with scoring, rebounding and defense. Eddleman is having a career year to start off the season and I think he may be masking how big of an issue their lack of bench will be moving forward. You expected Lumpp, Sid, and Cosic to all score 20+ ppg, but Eddleman scoring 22.4 is 6 more than his career average. They are getting absolutely nothing from their bench (Literally 16 points a game). So far their team hasn’t missed a single game to injury, but I think any injury to a starter could derail their season.
Celtics(13-9)
Yourkers: Are Foust or Embry starter on a championship team?
Overview: One of the biggest if not the biggest winner of the offseason was the Celtics. They got Cousy who is the best player in the league, Schmidt and Simons who are one of the best players at their respective positions. They also got Embry who has nice ratings but seems to be a little let down especially in the blocks area. So with that the celtics added Foust with their LLE. Foust is another guy who has good ratings but has his flaws with his B defense. With that said if the celtics are to really make a push can it be done with one of them at C? They are stacked every where else in their starting 5 but they really could use more especially when it comes to shot blocking. Maybe a guy who is all bout shot blocking would make more sense for the Celtics.
Yourkers: Are Foust or Embry starter on a championship team?
Overview: One of the biggest if not the biggest winner of the offseason was the Celtics. They got Cousy who is the best player in the league, Schmidt and Simons who are one of the best players at their respective positions. They also got Embry who has nice ratings but seems to be a little let down especially in the blocks area. So with that the celtics added Foust with their LLE. Foust is another guy who has good ratings but has his flaws with his B defense. With that said if the celtics are to really make a push can it be done with one of them at C? They are stacked every where else in their starting 5 but they really could use more especially when it comes to shot blocking. Maybe a guy who is all bout shot blocking would make more sense for the Celtics.
UCF: Are their big man good enough?
The Celtics are better than their current 13-9 record, with a +10 point differential. All of their starters are playing pretty close to expectations. Their only real weakness appears to be shot blocking, where they are near the bottom of the league. Foust/Embry/Pradilla trio is rebounding well though as they are top 5 in the league in rebounding. If the Celtics are all in for this season, the best action is probably to shop Embry for a shot blocking center. Pradilla gives them scoring/rebounding, Foust gives them some shot blocking and would be a good 3rd big. Embry has the ratings but isn’t producing at the level that is needed. With Embry on an expiring along with Cousy and Schmidt, I doubt they will be able to retain all 3. Might as well cash in on the young guy to keep the 2 superstars and get an upgrade for this season.
76ers(12-9)
Yourkers: Is Lecque capable of leading a team to a championship?
Overview: You never want to put the weight on the shoulders of a young player but in this case Lecque definitely has the weight on his. As the PG you are where the offense runs through most of the time and a guy like Lecque looks like he has the ability to be special but he has one huge flaw and that is turnovers. With 4.5 turnovers and a 2.06 as it to turn over ratio Lecque really hinders his team effectiveness. He also doesnt take the greatest shots shown by his .435 fg%. Now the question is do the 76ers ride this wave this year and how in a year or two he fixes the issue and grows into an even better player or will the 76ers go all in and look for a PG who is a better fit right now.
Yourkers: Is Lecque capable of leading a team to a championship?
Overview: You never want to put the weight on the shoulders of a young player but in this case Lecque definitely has the weight on his. As the PG you are where the offense runs through most of the time and a guy like Lecque looks like he has the ability to be special but he has one huge flaw and that is turnovers. With 4.5 turnovers and a 2.06 as it to turn over ratio Lecque really hinders his team effectiveness. He also doesnt take the greatest shots shown by his .435 fg%. Now the question is do the 76ers ride this wave this year and how in a year or two he fixes the issue and grows into an even better player or will the 76ers go all in and look for a PG who is a better fit right now.
UCF: Is Jalen Lecque good enough for the 76ers to be a title contender?
The first thing that jumps out when looking at the 76ers roster is the eye popping 4.5 turnovers for Jalen Lecque. I’m sure that number will come down as the season progresses, but that’s just an unacceptable amount for any player. The team is tied for 2nd most turnovers in the league ahead of only the CPU-Bulls. This is a team that should be one of the offenses in the league, but the turnovers are causing them to be league average. The 76ers are in a difficult spot. They have a win now roster with their best player being 33yo, but can they really afford to shop for an upgrade?
Knicks(12-11)
Yourkers: Can the Knicks find a SF to fill out their roster?
Overview: The Knicks had a wild offseason and even beginning of the season. The Knicks started by trading for Queeley. Queeley next to Hagan looked like it would be a great duo and then the Knicks go and trade Hagan for a rebuilding package. Like it made the 1st trade look pointless. The Knicks then got rid of Queeley quickly so they can start their rebuild. But then they hit it in FA and got Barksdale who they moved later for Barlow. Then the Knicks decided to keep making moves and now ended up with a very solid roster getting Wade, Smawley, Daneu and Miyem. This gives them a very well rounded lineup but what they lack is what they traded in the first place and that was a SF. If they were patient they would still have Hagan who is a stud on an amazing contract but they just got the itch and they are where they are. With that though can they trade for a SF to fix the lineup and also get rid of one of their high turnover players.
Yourkers: Can the Knicks find a SF to fill out their roster?
Overview: The Knicks had a wild offseason and even beginning of the season. The Knicks started by trading for Queeley. Queeley next to Hagan looked like it would be a great duo and then the Knicks go and trade Hagan for a rebuilding package. Like it made the 1st trade look pointless. The Knicks then got rid of Queeley quickly so they can start their rebuild. But then they hit it in FA and got Barksdale who they moved later for Barlow. Then the Knicks decided to keep making moves and now ended up with a very solid roster getting Wade, Smawley, Daneu and Miyem. This gives them a very well rounded lineup but what they lack is what they traded in the first place and that was a SF. If they were patient they would still have Hagan who is a stud on an amazing contract but they just got the itch and they are where they are. With that though can they trade for a SF to fix the lineup and also get rid of one of their high turnover players.
UCF: Were the offseason trades worth it?
After deciding to deal Hagan, the Knicks looked in prime position to tank. They really only had Qu on their roster as a stable veteran and he wasn't going to win you any games on his own. They had a few picks they acquired from moving Queeley and Hagan and a couple of nice young players in Hampton, Ohl, and Shaffer. They would be competing with the worst teams for the #1 pick. After making multiple trades for relatively cheap veterans they look like a .500 team with a roster full of good players, but no stars. To their credit, they didn't really move anything of significant value, except potentially their 2042 1st (although top 3 protecting it was very smart), and the opportunity cost of landing a top 3 pick. If I was the Knicks GM, I probably would have went in a different direction. I have no problem with what the Knicks did though since all of their deals were equal or good value trades.
Nets(9-11)
Yourkers: Can Belov and Hagan take the Nets to the next level
Overview: An end of an era happened in Brooklyn when the Nets traded away star players Edwards, Ramsey, Lumpp and then when they resigned Yardley they traded him and got belov. But with trading for belov the nets left the door open for trades even when in a rebuild. So the nets jumped at the opportunity at grabbing Hagan and it changes their fortunes. But with the big trade the Nets still have to make moves to get back to being a contender. But the big question is how will Belov and Hagan work? 2 legit superstars playing together is always tough to figure out. Who will be better suited as the 1st option and who will be better as the 2nd? Once they figure out if they can work together they can navigate the rest of the lineup.
UCF: What is the next move?
The Nets have made some big moves since the 2039 season ended. First they started to tear it down, but didn’t go into a complete rebuild by keeping Belov. After quickly realizing their tear down wasn’t good enough to compete with the bad teams, they decided to cash in some of the assets that were acquired during the tear down for Hagan. They now have a roster full of young guys with 2 prime superstars. Do they cash in more of their young chips to make a push for this season? Do they ride out this season and let their young guys continue to develop and wait for next season? Do they shop Hagan/Belov for better pieces than what they gave up? The Nets have options and are always looking to make a move.
Heat(5-11)
Yourkers: What will be done with Richie Guerin?
Overview: The Heat were without their gm for the worst part of the year and that was FA. They left Anthony walk for nothing and sign an MLE and they also lost Tarik. Those are 2 players who could of at least got them back some assets even if it's a late 1st or cash. They also had a bunch of cap space and didn't even use any at all. With that this truly signals a rebuild in Miami. Now that puts the attention on Guerin and what does his future hold. Guerin is the best 2 guard in the league and he deserves a big package but with so many bad teams and the good ones set would it be best to hold onto him? But if you do that means he will win you some games you dont wanna win and hurt your draft positioning but if you trade him and get minimum value you are only hurting the franchise. This is a catch 22 for the Heat and I hope they make the right choice.
Yourkers: What will be done with Richie Guerin?
Overview: The Heat were without their gm for the worst part of the year and that was FA. They left Anthony walk for nothing and sign an MLE and they also lost Tarik. Those are 2 players who could of at least got them back some assets even if it's a late 1st or cash. They also had a bunch of cap space and didn't even use any at all. With that this truly signals a rebuild in Miami. Now that puts the attention on Guerin and what does his future hold. Guerin is the best 2 guard in the league and he deserves a big package but with so many bad teams and the good ones set would it be best to hold onto him? But if you do that means he will win you some games you dont wanna win and hurt your draft positioning but if you trade him and get minimum value you are only hurting the franchise. This is a catch 22 for the Heat and I hope they make the right choice.
UCF: Trade or Rebuild around Guerin?
The Heat really hurt their team by being inactive (Even if not the GMs fault) and missing out on a key Free Agent cycle for them. Now they are stuck with a prime superstar and nothing left around him. That said superstar is probably going to prevent them from getting a top 3 pick unless they have lotto luck. The trade market for stars has been lukewarm (see Hagan). If they trade Guerin and don’t get a significant package, they could be stuck in the cellar for a while. Unless they are wowed by a package, I’m always in the camp of holding onto the star unless the salaries make it difficult. They should have max cap space next offseason to add a 2nd and possibly 3rd piece with Guerin and whatever pick they end up with.
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