Team Needs going into the 98/99 season

[logpmess]

Boston Celtics

The Celtics lost a lot at the conclusion of this past season. Currently on their roster they still have Alonzo Mourning and Toni Kukoc. Outside of the Center and Small Forward Position, they are bare. Look for them to bring back some former players such as Mitch Richmond and Tim Hardaway. In order to continue their eastern conference dominance, look for a big splash in free agency as they have approximately $14,000,000 in cap room. I expect them to look a little younger as they have a need for an abundance of players and not just one or two pieces this year. 

Needs: Starting PG, Starting SG, Starting PF, Depth, Youth
Cap Space:$14,660,769
Draft Picks: 26, 55

New Jersey Nets

The Nets have a solid core going into the upcoming season. They have potential starters at all positions each being at least G/G. Hoping for further development from Antoine Walker, the Nets could have the best 2, 3, 4 combo in the league next year. However, aging players at the Point guard and center position could be the downfall. With only their pick in the draft this year and approximately $6 million in cap, look for them to go for that one big player at PG or C to push them over the top. 

Needs: Depth, Youth at the 1 and 5
Cap Space: $5,686,830
Draft Picks:20

Miami Heat

The Heat Have a great starters at the point guard, shooting guard, small forward, and power forward position With solid backups at the 1, 2, and 4, that leaves a huge hole at the Center position and a backup at the SF position. The glaring hole is at center. Expect them to make a splash at that position in free agency. 

Needs: Starting Center, backup SF
Cap Space: $6,980,47
Draft Picks: 25, 54

New York Knicks

The Knicks have a team on the verge of being aging with a decent amount of cap space. They have at least G/G players at every position but center, but none are exactly superstars. Look for the Knicks to make a splash at a superstar. A team searching for an identity needs to take a player to build around. They need scoring desperately.

Needs: Superstar player, Top scorer, Starting Center, depth, youth
Cap Space: $12,036,207
Draft Picks: 12, 41

Orlando Magic

The Magic easily have a top priority this offseason: Jason Kidd. He is a top PG in the league and will be in Orlando next year. Assuming this is the case, the Magic might not have the remaining cap room to resign their other big players from last year. Look for Orlando to go for mid-tier talent in free agency once Kidd is signed. With the "aging" Patrick Ewing, this team could use some youth at center as well. 

Needs: Resigning Kidd, depth, youth at center
Cap Space: $10,847,097
Picks: None

Philadelphia 76ers

This team has a lot of work to go. Anthony Peeler is definitely the best player on this team right now, but if the 76ers don't put together a team around him soon, this player may not find success. Bobby Jackson is a player that will be good in the future, but still is about 2-4 years away from reaching his potential. Anthony Mason is an aging undersized power forward. 

Needs: Starting SF and C, depth, offensive scorer
Cap Space: $16,979,170
Picks: 13, 42

Washington Wizards

From 1-4, this team is set at the starting position. With no first round pick this year, the Wizards are going to be looking to bring back some former players. They may also be looking to get a top Center free agent as well. This team needs that last piece to push them back to the finals and some depth to maintain their prowess. No reload here.

Needs: Starting Center, Depth
Cap Space: $17,997,692
Picks: 39

I am going to be going division by division as my time allows. Keep a lookout over the next few days. 

[logpmess]

Atlanta Hawks

The Atlanta Hawks currently have some decent depth at the moment. Known last year as a defensive beast, offense is obviously their priority. Vlade is a good mentor for the young Erick Dampier, who can backup both C and PF. GM WigNosy is hoping for a big step forward in Ben Wallace's development to solidify the PF position. Between Sean Elliott and Antonio McDyess, the small forward position is set for this upcoming year. If Eric Snow develops into a mid-tier PG, that spot can be solidified. Which leaves a hole at the Shooting Guard position. If the Hawks can land a top scoring SG through free agency, this team could be a contender in the East. With an excess of picks, this team has a bright future as well as present 

Needs: Scoring SG, depth at point guard and shooting guard. 
Cap Space: $16,140,881
Draft Picks: 11, 15, 23, 29, 44

Chicago Bulls

Building a team around an emerging Kobe Bryant is always a team on the right track. An aging point guard and power forward paired with an undeveloped center is an interesting combination. This team was 32-50 last year. I only expect them to go up. With only one draft pick this year, look for this team to make a lot of noise in free agency. If the young players develop as hoped for, this team only needs to solidify the SF position in the starting lineup. However without any depth at any position, the Bulls need to find some backup pieces for those minutes off the bench.

Needs: Starting SF, depth at all positions
Cap Space: $19,208,480
Draft Picks: 6

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs are in an interesting place going into this draft. Undeveloped talent is keeping them from improving their team. Steve Nash's turnover rate last year was a disappointment, but look for him to improve this campaign. The glaring hole is at guard. Depending on how GM rr1582 decides to play Nash, the need is either at PG or SG. With some cap room, I expect the Cavs to bring back Eddie Jones, no matter the cost. Which means, this team might not have the cap room to solidify backups at other positions. 

Needs: Starting guard, resigning Eddie Jones, depth
Cap Space:$10,722,737
Draft Picks: 5, 44

Detroit Pistons

Possibly, the most versatile player in the league is Steve Smith. GM TrayWithAnA has the task of setting up a team around a player that is an all star at three different positions. With starting spots squared up at the 1, 4, and 5 spot, the Pistons have the choice of acquiring either a SG or SF to start. Steve Smith would fill in at the other position. other than that, look for this team to possibly make a push this year with an aging core, before looking to go young in the next few years. 

Needs: Starting SG or SF, depth, youth
Cap Space: $7,685,183
Draft Picks: 45

Indiana Pacers

This Pacers team is a different team than we are used to seeing. Normally, the pacers have always been seen as a potential contender no matter who they put around Stacey Augmon. With Augmon no longer on the team, the focus of this team is unclear. That focus changed with the simple luck that comes from a ping pong ball. Acquiring either Vince Carter, Paul Pierce, or Dirk Nowitzki can change a teams outlook immediately. This team, also, has the most cap room out of the entire league. Look for this team to have the immediate change of fortunes and make a push this year. A team that only spends one year outside of the playoffs is an impressive feat. 

Needs: Starting C and SF, depth, superstar scorer
Cap Space: $25,695,289
Draft Picks: 3, 19, 33

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks have lost very little since last year. With good starters and solid backups at almost every position, GM IamQuailMan has very little need to fill this offseason. A starting SG could push this team to another level and a good PF to backup Dino Radja would make it whole. A player that could be a game changer makes this team a championship contender with one simple move.

Needs: Starting SG, backup PF
Cap Space: $6,600,774
Draft Picks: 21, 24, 53

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets have a G/G player at 4/5 starting positions. They, also, have no one else on the books. If they plan to return fellow G/G player Juwon Howard, this team would be the new Green Machine. With that being said, does GM NickMalone77 go for a big name PF or bring back a system player. If they go for Howard, this team just needs depth. If this team has a solid core, they can make a real playoff push this upcoming campaign.

Needs: Starting PF, depth at all positions
Cap Space: $17,506,896
Draft Picks: 17

Toronto Raptors

Chauncey Billups. Michael Finley. Tim Thomas. All just steps away from playing together and making a dynasty. This team has talent at the 1, 2, 3 position now and in the future. The glaring hole is at big man. Both the Center and the Power Forward position needs a lot of work. Unfortunately for this team, the Raptors fell out of the top three picks this draft. If they could have gotten the number 2 pick, they could have paired Dirk next to that world of young talent. The Raptors might be looking to trade down as the next best big man in the draft should go around number ten. Otherwise, look for a big man from free agency to make a difference on this team. 

Needs: Starting PF and C, depth at PG PF and C
Cap Space: $11,534,408
Draft Picks: 4

This is probably the last one I am going to do tonight. Look for the West to come in pieces over the next two days. 

[thesyndicate]

Doesn't know what to do with his team until Logan tells him.

[LoCo89]

Dec 7, 2014 9:35:31 GMT -6 thesyndicate said:

Doesn't know what to do with his team until Logan tells him.

+1

Logan is the hero GMs need

[Inner_GI]

Gasp. Other Logan's exist in the world?!?!?

[logpmess]

Dallas Mavericks

What needs do the back to back champions need. A PG that is the best player on the court every night. Two Centers that could start for almost every other team in the league.  A top 5 PF in the league. As far as starting positions, the Mavs need a SF. As a team that is already over the salary cap, the best option is probably to resign Piatkowski. This team is set up for another run at the 'ship.

Needs: Starting SF, bench players
Cap Space: -$740,450
Draft Picks: 28,58

Denver Nuggets

This team has a good squad returning starting to get into their prime. Clarence Weatherspoon at PF, Mookie Blaylock at PG, and Brent Barry at SG will be the building blocks of this group. Without a starting caliber SF and C on the roster currently, that will be the focus of this team. Bringing back either David Robinson or Reggie Miller in an option for this team, but I don't see both returning as they will probably be looking for quite a bit of money. That being said, the Nuggets do have the cap space to pay those players if they decide to do so. 

Needs: Starting C and SF, depth at SF and PF
Cap Space: $14,365,297
Draft Picks: 48

Houston Rockets

This is Shaq's team. Everyting that GM Rockets_78 is doing revolves around Shaq. Currently on roster, the Rockets have starting caliber SF and PF. With lots of cap space, look for this team to load up at the guard positions in free agency to have another player to take some game planning away from Shaq.

Needs: Starting PG and SG, Outside scoring option, depth
Cap Space: $18,779,610
Draft Picks: 38

VanMemphis Grizzlies

This team is young and undeveloped. Right now, Byron Russell is the lone piece that has reached his potential. With development for Kurt Thomas and Peja, this team is ready to start making a push for the playoffs. Having won the draft lottery, GM Loco89 has already drafted Vince Carter. With those four players on the roster, this team just needs a PG and some bench players. With depth at that position in this draft, look for the Grizzlies to have one of the best young teams in the league at the end of this draft.

Needs: Starting SG and PG, depth
Cap Space: $9,252,569
Draft Picks: 1, 9, 15, 30, 52

Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota has a lot of good pieces on this team. Look for them to immediately resign Grant Hill as he is a valuable asset to this team. Should he decide to do so, a possible shift in positions may occur this year having the starting PF as Webber and starting SF as Hill. If this shift occurs, this team only needs backups at each position to complete this team. I could also see a possible sign and trade with Jordan this year. 

Needs: Resign Hill, depth at every position
Cap Space: $10,564,183
Draft Picks: 22, 32, 51

San Antonio Spurs

The glaring need for the Spurs is a starting PG. This team needs to develop a defensive identity. I expect this team to resign Glen Robinson at the Small Forward position. With plenty of cap space this offseason, look for some big signing from this team.

Needs: Starting SF and PG, depth, defensive stalwart.
Cap Space: $20,793,350
Draft Picks: 14, 42

Utah Jazz

With a wide array of young and old on this team, the Utah Jazz need players to develop more than anything. Karl Malone at PF is on the last few years of his career, so look for the Jazz to try to find his heir apparent at that position. Other than that, all they need is a backup SF.

Needs: Youth at PF, depth at PF and SF
Cap Space: $2,431,217
Draft Picks: 10, 39

Pacific division coming later tonight. 

[logpmess]

Golden State Warriors

We know that this team does not need a PF. Shawn Kemp is a top player in the league and has been for years. With solid players at every position except SG, this roster is poised to continue running the Pacific. If they choose to resign Mark Macon, the only hole is at backup positions. I am interested to see what they plan to do in free agency, resign Macon or go for a big named talent.

Needs: Starting SG, depth at all positions
Cap Space: $9,754,541
Draft Picks: 58

Los Angeles Clippers

With a franchise guy already established through Latrell Sprewell, the Clippers are set up at the moment. Nick Van Exel is one of the best young point guards in the league, and Willie Anderson is a solid role player on the wing. With a hopefully large leap during Training Camp for Scott Polard, the only starting position missing is at PF. GM aburns211 has to decide whether or not to resign 6th man Rex Chapman.

Needs: Starting PF, depth at every positions
Cap Space: $12,481,434
Draft Picks: 46

Los Angeles Lakers

Old faithful is under new management. In what could be seen as a rebuilding year, the Lakers are actually pretty set up at the moment. Building around a young Kevin Garnett is always ideal. The only starting position that is not currently on the roster is SF. Luckily, with a high pick and a deep draft, the lakers will have a talented young player joining the team. The only position that currently has a backup is at C. 

Needs: Starting SF, backup at every position but C
Cap Space: $11,761,369
Draft Picks: 8, 18, 35, 40

Seattle Supersonics

The Sonics might want to consider shifting Doug Christie to SG. Having been purple potential his whole career, Christie really needs a strong Training Camp to round out this team. Not having a first round pick and having one of the lowest cap spaces in the league, the Supersonics are going to have to figure out how to get backups to support a strong starting lineup.

Needs: Starting SG, depth 
Cap Space: $5,584,533
Draft Picks: 50

Phoenix Suns

We have a young team with solid veteran leadership. With starters at every position, this team needs player development more than anything else. Look for another backup position to be solidified in the draft. 

Needs: depth
Cap Space: $7,640,724
Draft Picks: 7, 37

Portland Trailblazers

The Blazers have a player in Shawn Bradley that most teams don't have: a big to build around. However, he really needs some help. With Sam Mack and Dontonio Wingfield needing to develop, this team is in dire need for another star to help out the big man. Having picked up Dirk in the draft, this team is going to be a nightmare matchup down low for the next few years. 

Needs: superstar player, starting PG and SF, depth
Cap Space: $19,676,466
Draft Picks: 2, 31

Sacramento Kings

The biggest turnaround team last year. The Kings are solid at every position, and quite solid at every backup spot as well. They need a starting PG to distribute to their scorers. Also a backup C would help as well. Look for this team to stay solid this year without much changes. 

Needs: Starting PG, backup C
Cap Space: $6,147,322
Draft Picks: 26,56

I hope y'all enjoyed this article. I've been trying to figure out new ways of being active on here. Let me know what you think. 

[J2]

Great job LogP, this is some good stuff!

[DarthVegito]

Great article man! Always cool to see what other GMs see from a different perspective. Keep it up!

[thesyndicate]

Awarded 5 points! Belated Thank You for your contribution!