Post by ucfinfan86 on Mar 14, 2019 14:20:09 GMT
This is part 2 of a 4 part series we were are looking at the biggest question facing each team.
Hornets(7-13)
Yourkers: Why did they trade Hagan?
Overview: The hornets are all over the place. They went into a rebuild and then they said fuck it and made the bold move of getting Hagan from the Knicks to add to their stud big Cruz. Then for some reason they did not like what they seen from TC and start of the season so they decided to break it down but why? Hagan is still young and is signed to one of the best contracts in the league by far. Cruz and Hagan could of been an awesome duo to build around for sure but we wont know that now and I wonder if Rog got the best of himself becuase when you love to trade things like this can happen. That itch is an addiction that can lead you down a dark path and one that leave you and your fans wondering what the fuck just happened.
Pistons(20-5)
Yourkers: Will last years upset hold any weight this year?
Overview: The pistons were the surprise of the season last year. They took the league by storm and took the 1st seed out east. They made a big live in nabbing Queeley to fill out their starting 5 and they looked destined to make a deep playoff run but that all hit the fan after a 7th game loss to the bucks. No one saw that coming especially from a team who seemed on autopilot. So the Pistons made sure they made big time moved and went out and got Edwards and Ramsey from the Nets and resigned Pazin and ringgold. With that one big move the starting 5 looks legit as it gets and the Pistons started off hot but the regular season is the regular season. Once the playoffs comes the test will be truly on and we will see if the Pistons can get past what was a really bad ending to an amazing year last year.
Yourkers: Will last years upset hold any weight this year?
Overview: The pistons were the surprise of the season last year. They took the league by storm and took the 1st seed out east. They made a big live in nabbing Queeley to fill out their starting 5 and they looked destined to make a deep playoff run but that all hit the fan after a 7th game loss to the bucks. No one saw that coming especially from a team who seemed on autopilot. So the Pistons made sure they made big time moved and went out and got Edwards and Ramsey from the Nets and resigned Pazin and ringgold. With that one big move the starting 5 looks legit as it gets and the Pistons started off hot but the regular season is the regular season. Once the playoffs comes the test will be truly on and we will see if the Pistons can get past what was a really bad ending to an amazing year last year.
UCF: What will keep them from winning a title?
The Pistons have started out the year on fire. The have the best record and the best point differential in the league at +17. Everyone in their starting 5 is scoring 19+ ppg. They are top 5 in points, rebounds, steals, blocks, FG%, OFG%. One question entering the season was whether Ringgold could replicate his standout season last year and he’s playing even better. It’s nitpicking to try and find areas where they can improve, but they are middle of the pack in turnovers and could be susceptible at guard if they face an injury to Ramsey or Trae. They look like the odds on favorite to win the title this year. Can they keep this team together long term? If Trae requires a max, it’ll definitely cost them their depth and probably Ringgold/Felici, but they made a very nice addition with Ferry who could step in at PF next year and unlock draft notes killing 2 birds with 1 stone.
Pacers(15-8)
Yourkers: What is Willie Naulls worth?
Overview: The Pacers have been a team who has stayed relevant for a long period of time and the one year they missed the playoffs they added Naulls with the 2nd overall pick. When you look at Naulls he looks like he is a complete superstar. His ratings are so well rounded and there should be no way he falls short but then you look at his numbers and you see him shooting 38%fg and 21%3pt. Those are not superstar numbers especially when he isnt a big time defender(2 stocks per game). Now when you look at the Pacers you see they have Arizin and McGuire who are only 30 and 31. You also have Sherman who is only 30 but looks like he is on a steep decline. Those 3 alone eat up much of the cap which means it will be tough to keep Naulls unless he gives a nice hometown discount. The Pacers have some really tough decisions to make this coming year.
Yourkers: What is Willie Naulls worth?
Overview: The Pacers have been a team who has stayed relevant for a long period of time and the one year they missed the playoffs they added Naulls with the 2nd overall pick. When you look at Naulls he looks like he is a complete superstar. His ratings are so well rounded and there should be no way he falls short but then you look at his numbers and you see him shooting 38%fg and 21%3pt. Those are not superstar numbers especially when he isnt a big time defender(2 stocks per game). Now when you look at the Pacers you see they have Arizin and McGuire who are only 30 and 31. You also have Sherman who is only 30 but looks like he is on a steep decline. Those 3 alone eat up much of the cap which means it will be tough to keep Naulls unless he gives a nice hometown discount. The Pacers have some really tough decisions to make this coming year.
UCF: Should the Pacers go for it?
They’ve kind of been shopping their core for a few seasons now, but unwilling to take anything but top dollar. I believe they are kind of at a cross roads. The Arizin/Sharman/Dick trio isn’t getting any younger or cheaper. They are a good team right now, but I don’t know that they are championship level good. They have a big FA decision looming with Naulls and signing him will require them to lose atleast 1, if not 2 of their trio. Naulls has outstanding ratings but it’s not really translating in the stat sheet yet. I believe if they could add a big time big man that they could be very dangerous. The only way to get that big man is either to mortgage your future picks or likely move Naulls. Donny has a decision to make: Trade Naulls and make one last finals run before likely tearing it all down or Stay pat, play the season out as a good team. Try and resign Naulls and sell off the core
Hawks(13-4)
Yourkers: Are the hawks for real?
Overview: The hawks are off to a hot start and this is a big surprise for a team that has not been very good. Pretty much the team is the exact same outside of bringing back Stangel at the SF position. Stangel has always been a good scorer but lacks everything else so it is really a surprise that they are doing so well. Add on the fact that they are a bad rebounding team(54.1 rpg which is 20th) and Costello is having a rough start are they capable of staying this good? I think they will cool down but it is nice to see new faces competing.
Yourkers: Are the hawks for real?
Overview: The hawks are off to a hot start and this is a big surprise for a team that has not been very good. Pretty much the team is the exact same outside of bringing back Stangel at the SF position. Stangel has always been a good scorer but lacks everything else so it is really a surprise that they are doing so well. Add on the fact that they are a bad rebounding team(54.1 rpg which is 20th) and Costello is having a rough start are they capable of staying this good? I think they will cool down but it is nice to see new faces competing.
UCF: Are they for real?
The Hawks have only made the playoffs once since I’ve joined and that was as an 8th seed. They’ve started off the season 15-6 however they only have a +5 point differential. They’ve surprisingly got off to such a great star despite Costello playing pretty bad early on. The Otto Stangel addition has been huge for them as he’s been their leading scorer and filled a glaring hole at SF. They have a strong big man duo in Clyde/Slim and you have to assume that Costello will improve. Can Raga/Stangel continue to shoot over 51% each? They don’t have much of a bench, especially on the wing. I think this team is ultimately closer to a 5-8 seed rather than the 2 seed they are currently on pace for.
Bucks(7-11)
Yourkers: Is anyone worth keeping?
Overview: The bucks surprised the pistons in the 1st round last year and since then it's only been downhill. They lost out on Barksdale and let him walk for free. They are a team in transition and when you look at the roster you wonder if anyone is worth keeping. Barlow is a stud defender but at 28 will he be around for when things start to look up? Then there is DeMarco and Schayes who both are solid players but at the age of 31 do they have a future with the Bucks? Now if they are to make trades can they actually find some value?
Yourkers: Is anyone worth keeping?
Overview: The bucks surprised the pistons in the 1st round last year and since then it's only been downhill. They lost out on Barksdale and let him walk for free. They are a team in transition and when you look at the roster you wonder if anyone is worth keeping. Barlow is a stud defender but at 28 will he be around for when things start to look up? Then there is DeMarco and Schayes who both are solid players but at the age of 31 do they have a future with the Bucks? Now if they are to make trades can they actually find some value?
UCF: Where do they go from here?
The Bucks GM took over a tough situation. He didn’t have his picks for the first 3 years in the league and had a middling roster with no ways to improve it. He’s had 2040 circled on the calendar as the year to finally rebuild. This offseason they decided to resign some of their guys in hopes of flipping them. They’ve been able to make some moves thus far, but don’t really have any significant to show for it. Adrian Smith has some intrigue. They acquired the Blazers 1st and then finally own their own pick. Unfortunately they have too many veterans that they’ve been unable to unload that is going to end up giving them a late lotto pick into of a top pick. Nelson should have some trade value, but probably won’t net any more than a late 1st at best. Can they get a pick for Barlow? Williams or Schayes may net some cash. Do they have any choice but to opt for a 3-4 year rebuild?
Hornets(7-13)
Yourkers: Why did they trade Hagan?
Overview: The hornets are all over the place. They went into a rebuild and then they said fuck it and made the bold move of getting Hagan from the Knicks to add to their stud big Cruz. Then for some reason they did not like what they seen from TC and start of the season so they decided to break it down but why? Hagan is still young and is signed to one of the best contracts in the league by far. Cruz and Hagan could of been an awesome duo to build around for sure but we wont know that now and I wonder if Rog got the best of himself becuase when you love to trade things like this can happen. That itch is an addiction that can lead you down a dark path and one that leave you and your fans wondering what the fuck just happened.
UCF:Did Hornets make a mistake trading for Hagan and then trading him away?
Coming into the offseason they had the look of a very promising rebuild (#1 and #3 in our rebuilding power ranking last year). Unfortunately they didn’t have lottery luck and fell to #4. I thought they made a good trade to acquire Hagan. I thought Hampton was over hyped as a “big 4” prospect in the draft. The rest of the assets in the deal were decent valued picks/prospects. They had Hagan and 4 young players in Brody, Ferry, Cruz, and Avdija. Again unfortunately for them they had a disappointing TC. They had plenty of cap space that they could have tried to acquire some veterans and make a playoff push or just ran the course with Hagan and the young players and wait it out for next season. They shopped Hagan and as far as I know, I was the only one to put out a competitive offer. The Hornets decided to move Hagan for 5 hopefully (for my sake) non-lotto picks. Overall I think the Hornets made a good deal to initially acquire Hagan and the jury is still out on if it was a good deal or mistake to flip him. I expect Rog to package the 5 picks together for pieces rather than strictly just keep them and draft. There are always bargains to be had, so let’s see what Rog can do with all of his ammo he acquired.
Cavaliers(9-15)
Yourkers: Can they find any value for their star players?
Overview: The Cavs finally have to hit the rest button after having such an amazing run that lasted for what seemed like forever. But is it possible that the Cavs held on too long? Sometimes the writing is on the wall but you hold on for that last stand and in the end it costs you. Marshall and Davies are stars. They have been amazing for years but age has caught up and their value has dropped add on the fact they signed big contracts and it is just hard enough to match. Marshall is getting paid over 34 mill and that means you gotta move multiple people to match and then move picks or prospects....that just seems like it's not gonna happen so the cavs most likely have to start from square one and have a clean slate.
Yourkers: Can they find any value for their star players?
Overview: The Cavs finally have to hit the rest button after having such an amazing run that lasted for what seemed like forever. But is it possible that the Cavs held on too long? Sometimes the writing is on the wall but you hold on for that last stand and in the end it costs you. Marshall and Davies are stars. They have been amazing for years but age has caught up and their value has dropped add on the fact they signed big contracts and it is just hard enough to match. Marshall is getting paid over 34 mill and that means you gotta move multiple people to match and then move picks or prospects....that just seems like it's not gonna happen so the cavs most likely have to start from square one and have a clean slate.
UCF: Can they deal Marshall/Davies for value?
The Cavs have been a dynasty since I’ve joined the NBN on the backs of the Davies/Marshall duo. The road is finally coming to an end. JCog is widely regarded as one of the best GMs here and I’m excited to see how he’s able to rebuild. It’s fitting that JCog and Bigthunder have dominated the league in the 10 years I’ve been here and they are both rebuilding at the same time. Right now they don’t have any rebuilding assets outside of Shaffer and their own lottery pick. Can they move Davies/Marshall for value? It’s very hard for any contenders to match their salary AND give up something of value for either player. Both are still great players, possibly all-stars. Davies will probably be easier to move since he’s 8mil cheaper, even though Marshall is the greater talent.
Raptors(8-14)
Yourkers: Where did it all go wrong?
Overview: I am at a loss where the Raptors turned bad. When you looked at their team you can see the talent but for some reason it just didnt work. Maybe Toles really is irreplaceable. He probably brought the most well rounded game and his talent is one of a kind and without it the Raptors just fall short. But then you see Isaacs was having a bad start and JPB was having a nightmare of a start so maybe it was just a depth chart that needed changes but instead the Raptors made trades. Fuzzy should bring shooting but will he make a big difference and they move on from Issacs in the hope Smith can give the team a much needed spark. Will be interesting to see if this helps or just makes matters worse.
Yourkers: Where did it all go wrong?
Overview: I am at a loss where the Raptors turned bad. When you looked at their team you can see the talent but for some reason it just didnt work. Maybe Toles really is irreplaceable. He probably brought the most well rounded game and his talent is one of a kind and without it the Raptors just fall short. But then you see Isaacs was having a bad start and JPB was having a nightmare of a start so maybe it was just a depth chart that needed changes but instead the Raptors made trades. Fuzzy should bring shooting but will he make a big difference and they move on from Issacs in the hope Smith can give the team a much needed spark. Will be interesting to see if this helps or just makes matters worse.
UCF: Is this team good?
The Raptors had a very strange start to the season. I thought their team was pretty good and projected them to fight for the 5th seed. They surprisingly started off terrible and have since made some trades to try and right the ship. They are playing better of late, but I’m not sure they are more talented. This team has a lot of good players, but no one really stands out. Berkovich has taken the expected step forward, but he’s still not someone who’s ready to be the best player on a contending team. Modestas is playing well and Fuzzy should be a nice addition. Is a Joe Smith/Hagans PG rotation and a JPB/Williams/Krumins a big man rotation good enough if you don’t have stud wings? Their future is still bright with Modestas/Miki/JPB all signed long term, but not sure how good this team will be this year.
Bulls(6-20)
Yourkers: What can be done to make the bulls better?
Overview: The bulls gm rr passed away and now the team is on pilot mode. It's a great gesture but even with that you would like to see some activity for the team. Especially when it comes to camping the young players. I feel someone should be assigned to help generate the team money with bets and also someone who can camp the players. It would be nice to see players get better and have draft notes used when a player lands in chicago. Imagine wilt or big O being wasted because they aren't getting camped. I just feel we should be able to help in someway because I dont want to see the team being a basement dweller for the rest of time.
Yourkers: What can be done to make the bulls better?
Overview: The bulls gm rr passed away and now the team is on pilot mode. It's a great gesture but even with that you would like to see some activity for the team. Especially when it comes to camping the young players. I feel someone should be assigned to help generate the team money with bets and also someone who can camp the players. It would be nice to see players get better and have draft notes used when a player lands in chicago. Imagine wilt or big O being wasted because they aren't getting camped. I just feel we should be able to help in someway because I dont want to see the team being a basement dweller for the rest of time.
UCF: What is the best way to utilize the CPU-Bulls?
I have no issues with keeping the Bulls CPU owned and think it’s a really nice gesture from the commish for a GM who was a big part of the league. Initially I was against the policy that we can offer them 1 trade a year, especially after LAC was able to dump a bad Fulks contract on them. I’m fearful that they will just be a dumping ground for GMs to get out of bad contracts. I think there are ways to improve the Bulls usage in the league. Their young players aren’t improving and they are likely going to continue to waste high lottery picks. One suggestion I heard was let a rotation of GMs scout and camp their players and I think that is a good idea. I’m sure people have some other interesting ideas?
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