Post by ucfinfan86 on Sept 17, 2019 23:41:32 GMT
This didn't go exactly as I was hoping, but thanks for A. Silver and mcmuslim for providing their rankings. The comments are mine.
I combined the 3 rankings and broke them down into tiers. For the most part we all had pretty similar rankings.
Title Contenders
1. Denver Nuggets
Absolutely love the addition of Pazin for super cheap. He will be an upgrade from Chia. Depth is the only concern, but they have the cash to add a piece as the season progresses.
2. Brooklyn Nets
Schmidt/Belov swap should cancel out, but the team will miss Drazen as a 3rd option. It’s time for Barnett to prove himself as a starter. Deep frontcourt with 4 starter quality players.
3. Charlotte Hornets
West is all you need to be a title contender. Lost Edwards and really only added SF Don Nelson and I think they could take a step back. Lack assets to really make any additions, but do have $9mil in cap room and need to get creative.
4. Vancouver Grizzlies
Essentially running back a finals team with the loss of in-season acquisition Tom Gola. They will see if Bazely is ready this year or could make a similar move again. Like Denver, depth could be a real issue as they have nothing behind the starters
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
Loved their FA with value signings of Gjerja, Smawley, Wiley, Issacs, and even Queeley on a 1 year deal. Should look to move one of the guards for a big. With Nico the team is always in the title hunt, but they feel like a starter quality big man away.
6. Portland Trailblazers
Loved the Cosic/Miki trade. Miki/Hagan is one of the best wing duos. Team has a nice mix of veterans and youth. Is Hot Rod/Mrazek a good enough PG duo to win a title is the only question? Have the assets to make an upgrade if they need to.
Good Playoff Teams
7. Orlando Magic
McGuire/Belov/Johnson/Ferry is a really nice core. I’m excited to see Belov as the clear alpha again and with the right big man can jump into the top tier. They acquired Krebs to balance their lineup a bit, but think they are a starting PF away from moving into the above tier and causing real damage.
8. Washington Wizards
Very fun and well done rebuild. They have a plan for how they want to rebuild their roster and stick to it. They are young and cheap with a lot of flexibility. Defensive bigs and scoring guards and don’t care about some attributes for certain positions. This team should only get better with 6 picks in this draft with a chance at 1-2 lottos.
9. Houston Rockets
If only this team has Yardley from 3 years ago, they would be in the top tier. They lack a real #1 option. Reed/Russell is a very nice big man combo and Dior/Attles/Edwards gives them 3 good guards. Just feel like they are 1 piece away from doing real damage.
10. San Antonio Spurs
Did not like the Miki/Cosic for the Spurs. I understand the need to mix it up, but Cosic making $24m and $25m isn’t as valuable as Miki was. Giannakis/Blanchfield/Zoran/Johnston/Cosic is a good team though.
11. Los Angeles Clippers
Team feels old and played out at this point. This core peaked a few years ago. They want to break it up, but Costello/McDermott are the only ones with legit trade value and McDermott’s market is capped because of his salary. Which direction do they go?
Playoff Contenders
12. New York Knicks
They got themselves into a tough salary spot but there had to be a better way to get out of it than losing Pazin for Gola. Brody/Tywman/Qu is still a good core and they may be able to move into the next tier. They do have some a lot of depth.
13. Utah Jazz
This was my favorite roster last year and still remains it. Just love all the youth with Bogut, Thurmond, Stith, Dragan and they have a legit in their prime PG to lead the team. They are still a year away from being true contenders. Big question, can Dragan turn into a top 5 SG?
14. Seattle Supersonics
Their outlook looked very bright for about 5 minutes until I realized they were over the HC. I know they had to sell off Barlow to get under the cap, but $1000 is really cheap and I hated the Howell/Chia trade. Morant/Simons had a lot of potential, but they may have missed the window the compete with that duo.
15. Boston Celtics
Went on an incredible run in the playoffs last year, but was definitely fluky. Really excited to see what BJ can do. Gus Johnson got better last year (except for the FG%). Case/Boston/Arizin/Gus/Bellamy is a borderline playoff team. Bellamy/Gus/Boston could be a core moving forward. Will anyone offer them anything for Case or Arizin?
16. Golden State Warriors
Bing looks like a future franchise player and if he can develop quick enough to go with the FA haul of Drazen/Modestas/Slim this team can be back on the map quick. Will be interesting to see how they play Modestas/Drazen and think one should be shopped for a G or PF.
Fringe Playoff Contenders
17. Toronto Raptors
Kind of competing, but not really? Sharman/Daneu is the oldest backcourt in the league and Sharman essentially died. Dino/Wilt is still fun, but there is just have no scoring from the wing. Probably should just rebuild. You may be able to keep Wilt through a short rebuild but should definitely look to move Dino and go into next season with an open cap sheet.
18. Philadelphia 76ers
Not really sure what the direction here is. Signed a bunch of veterans that I’m assuming they will use to flip since they don’t really fit together. JPB/Howell isn’t a great fit with the lack of rebounding/shot blocking. Kolokithas** was a very nice pick. The future of this team could be hinging on that ’47 Mavs 1st.
19. Atlanta Hawks
They are trying to bandaid together a contender since they don’t have their pick. Baylor showed he’s one of the best players in the league, but outside of that I’m not sure there’s another quality starter on the roster (maybe Macauley or Green?). The young guys just haven’t developed. Fingers crossed that Siegfried took a step in TC.
20. Indiana Pacers
Pacers have been stuck in middle land for a few seasons now. They probably need to bottom out, but can’t without moving their veterans. Not sure if they are asking too much or just aren’t getting any offers. Probably need to start being proactive with their trade offers. Got Eddie on a really nice FA contract.
21. Los Angeles Lakers
This team has 2 real nice pieces in Sam Jones and Tom Heinsohn and not much else. It’s tough to recover from losing a franchise player like Baylor, but they keep paying middling players large long term deals. That is A LOT of money for a big man who will struggle to get 10 rebounds and 1 block as a starter and a SF who’s barely able to score in the double digits.
Non-Playoff/Tanking
22. Miami Heat
Oh what a career that Guerin could have had. I just don’t know what the Heat are doing. They aren’t trying to compete, but yet won’t move Guerin. I don’t know what the point of signing Embry and Samuel were. Why resign Slavnic after you have $10,000 in cash and didn’t camp him once during his rookie contract?
23. Phoenix Suns
I missed an opportunity to get Pazin, but he went even cheaper than I was hoping to steal him for. Can’t help but think that move was rushed. The rest of the veterans are expected to move soon, but don’t think any of them will land much of a return. Recalcati is really their only piece to look forward too.
24. Sacramento Kings
They have a few interesting pieces, but unfortunately it doesn’t seem they had the best TC, outside of maybe Hazzard. Theoretically signing KC to flip was a good move, but it’ll be tough for a contender to match that contract. They probably have a few more seasons of rebuilding to go and need to hope one of these young guys blossom.
25. Detroit Pistons
New GM steps into a tough spot. The roster is devoid of talent and they don’t own their pick this year. None of their recent draft picks are super exciting, but now that they will hopefully be camped, maybe one of Russell, Thorn or Mullins will pop.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves
Mlkvy continues to be a really good scorer on a very nice contract. His defense sucks, but atleast he’s a good rebounder. He should be able to land a nice prospect or a few picks. After that the Wolves should be able to fully rebuild with their picks now in hand.
27. Milwaukee Bucks
In a slightly better spot than the Pistons since they own their own pick this year and will have $70mil in cap space next offseason to completely remake the roster. Will be interesting to see which of the new GMs can turn their team around the quickest.
28. Dallas Mavericks
They finally have their own pick! Unfortunately Shaffer, Lucas, and Mobley contracts are on the books for the next 3-4 years. Hopefully Lynch takes his time with the rebuild and does it right.
29. Chicago Bulls
The CPU is bad.
I combined the 3 rankings and broke them down into tiers. For the most part we all had pretty similar rankings.
Title Contenders
1. Denver Nuggets
Absolutely love the addition of Pazin for super cheap. He will be an upgrade from Chia. Depth is the only concern, but they have the cash to add a piece as the season progresses.
2. Brooklyn Nets
Schmidt/Belov swap should cancel out, but the team will miss Drazen as a 3rd option. It’s time for Barnett to prove himself as a starter. Deep frontcourt with 4 starter quality players.
3. Charlotte Hornets
West is all you need to be a title contender. Lost Edwards and really only added SF Don Nelson and I think they could take a step back. Lack assets to really make any additions, but do have $9mil in cap room and need to get creative.
4. Vancouver Grizzlies
Essentially running back a finals team with the loss of in-season acquisition Tom Gola. They will see if Bazely is ready this year or could make a similar move again. Like Denver, depth could be a real issue as they have nothing behind the starters
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
Loved their FA with value signings of Gjerja, Smawley, Wiley, Issacs, and even Queeley on a 1 year deal. Should look to move one of the guards for a big. With Nico the team is always in the title hunt, but they feel like a starter quality big man away.
6. Portland Trailblazers
Loved the Cosic/Miki trade. Miki/Hagan is one of the best wing duos. Team has a nice mix of veterans and youth. Is Hot Rod/Mrazek a good enough PG duo to win a title is the only question? Have the assets to make an upgrade if they need to.
Good Playoff Teams
7. Orlando Magic
McGuire/Belov/Johnson/Ferry is a really nice core. I’m excited to see Belov as the clear alpha again and with the right big man can jump into the top tier. They acquired Krebs to balance their lineup a bit, but think they are a starting PF away from moving into the above tier and causing real damage.
8. Washington Wizards
Very fun and well done rebuild. They have a plan for how they want to rebuild their roster and stick to it. They are young and cheap with a lot of flexibility. Defensive bigs and scoring guards and don’t care about some attributes for certain positions. This team should only get better with 6 picks in this draft with a chance at 1-2 lottos.
9. Houston Rockets
If only this team has Yardley from 3 years ago, they would be in the top tier. They lack a real #1 option. Reed/Russell is a very nice big man combo and Dior/Attles/Edwards gives them 3 good guards. Just feel like they are 1 piece away from doing real damage.
10. San Antonio Spurs
Did not like the Miki/Cosic for the Spurs. I understand the need to mix it up, but Cosic making $24m and $25m isn’t as valuable as Miki was. Giannakis/Blanchfield/Zoran/Johnston/Cosic is a good team though.
11. Los Angeles Clippers
Team feels old and played out at this point. This core peaked a few years ago. They want to break it up, but Costello/McDermott are the only ones with legit trade value and McDermott’s market is capped because of his salary. Which direction do they go?
Playoff Contenders
12. New York Knicks
They got themselves into a tough salary spot but there had to be a better way to get out of it than losing Pazin for Gola. Brody/Tywman/Qu is still a good core and they may be able to move into the next tier. They do have some a lot of depth.
13. Utah Jazz
This was my favorite roster last year and still remains it. Just love all the youth with Bogut, Thurmond, Stith, Dragan and they have a legit in their prime PG to lead the team. They are still a year away from being true contenders. Big question, can Dragan turn into a top 5 SG?
14. Seattle Supersonics
Their outlook looked very bright for about 5 minutes until I realized they were over the HC. I know they had to sell off Barlow to get under the cap, but $1000 is really cheap and I hated the Howell/Chia trade. Morant/Simons had a lot of potential, but they may have missed the window the compete with that duo.
15. Boston Celtics
Went on an incredible run in the playoffs last year, but was definitely fluky. Really excited to see what BJ can do. Gus Johnson got better last year (except for the FG%). Case/Boston/Arizin/Gus/Bellamy is a borderline playoff team. Bellamy/Gus/Boston could be a core moving forward. Will anyone offer them anything for Case or Arizin?
16. Golden State Warriors
Bing looks like a future franchise player and if he can develop quick enough to go with the FA haul of Drazen/Modestas/Slim this team can be back on the map quick. Will be interesting to see how they play Modestas/Drazen and think one should be shopped for a G or PF.
Fringe Playoff Contenders
17. Toronto Raptors
Kind of competing, but not really? Sharman/Daneu is the oldest backcourt in the league and Sharman essentially died. Dino/Wilt is still fun, but there is just have no scoring from the wing. Probably should just rebuild. You may be able to keep Wilt through a short rebuild but should definitely look to move Dino and go into next season with an open cap sheet.
18. Philadelphia 76ers
Not really sure what the direction here is. Signed a bunch of veterans that I’m assuming they will use to flip since they don’t really fit together. JPB/Howell isn’t a great fit with the lack of rebounding/shot blocking. Kolokithas** was a very nice pick. The future of this team could be hinging on that ’47 Mavs 1st.
19. Atlanta Hawks
They are trying to bandaid together a contender since they don’t have their pick. Baylor showed he’s one of the best players in the league, but outside of that I’m not sure there’s another quality starter on the roster (maybe Macauley or Green?). The young guys just haven’t developed. Fingers crossed that Siegfried took a step in TC.
20. Indiana Pacers
Pacers have been stuck in middle land for a few seasons now. They probably need to bottom out, but can’t without moving their veterans. Not sure if they are asking too much or just aren’t getting any offers. Probably need to start being proactive with their trade offers. Got Eddie on a really nice FA contract.
21. Los Angeles Lakers
This team has 2 real nice pieces in Sam Jones and Tom Heinsohn and not much else. It’s tough to recover from losing a franchise player like Baylor, but they keep paying middling players large long term deals. That is A LOT of money for a big man who will struggle to get 10 rebounds and 1 block as a starter and a SF who’s barely able to score in the double digits.
Non-Playoff/Tanking
22. Miami Heat
Oh what a career that Guerin could have had. I just don’t know what the Heat are doing. They aren’t trying to compete, but yet won’t move Guerin. I don’t know what the point of signing Embry and Samuel were. Why resign Slavnic after you have $10,000 in cash and didn’t camp him once during his rookie contract?
23. Phoenix Suns
I missed an opportunity to get Pazin, but he went even cheaper than I was hoping to steal him for. Can’t help but think that move was rushed. The rest of the veterans are expected to move soon, but don’t think any of them will land much of a return. Recalcati is really their only piece to look forward too.
24. Sacramento Kings
They have a few interesting pieces, but unfortunately it doesn’t seem they had the best TC, outside of maybe Hazzard. Theoretically signing KC to flip was a good move, but it’ll be tough for a contender to match that contract. They probably have a few more seasons of rebuilding to go and need to hope one of these young guys blossom.
25. Detroit Pistons
New GM steps into a tough spot. The roster is devoid of talent and they don’t own their pick this year. None of their recent draft picks are super exciting, but now that they will hopefully be camped, maybe one of Russell, Thorn or Mullins will pop.
26. Minnesota Timberwolves
Mlkvy continues to be a really good scorer on a very nice contract. His defense sucks, but atleast he’s a good rebounder. He should be able to land a nice prospect or a few picks. After that the Wolves should be able to fully rebuild with their picks now in hand.
27. Milwaukee Bucks
In a slightly better spot than the Pistons since they own their own pick this year and will have $70mil in cap space next offseason to completely remake the roster. Will be interesting to see which of the new GMs can turn their team around the quickest.
28. Dallas Mavericks
They finally have their own pick! Unfortunately Shaffer, Lucas, and Mobley contracts are on the books for the next 3-4 years. Hopefully Lynch takes his time with the rebuild and does it right.
29. Chicago Bulls
The CPU is bad.
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