Post by 78 on Mar 15, 2014 12:18:51 GMT -6
With the draft, free agency, and training camp out of the way, preseason is among us. Where does Mr. Uter rank the current teams according to the draft preview?
**This list was made before the trades of 3/14//14**
1. Celtics - Reigning Eastern Conferernce Champs now appear to be the favorites to win it all, especially with strong depth in the frontcourt. They upgraded with Hot Rod Williams and Toni Kukoc to add to Rookie of the Year Alonzo Mourning and arguably the second best wing duo in the league in Clyde Drexler and Mitch Richmond. With Bimbo Coles running the point, the only real concern is depth at the guard spot. Otherwise, this could be the year of Beantown.
2. Rockets - While the Mavs may be the most talked about team in the state of Texas, the Rockets could be the surprise team this season. Shaq O' Neal is primed to be a MVP candidate as the premier inside force in this league. To help spread the floor for Shaq, Detlef Schrempf and Brian Shaw were added with Hersey Hawkins. Dino Radja was drafted to help with depth in the frontcourt and Chris Morris, Sedale Threatt and Keith Jennings should give strong minutes off the bench. But this team goes as far as Shaq takes them.
3. Pistons - Top seed in the East last season appear to be in the mix again. Best wing duo with Reggie Miller and Steve Smith with either guy capable of scoring 30 on any given night. Michael Adams was re-signed and will be among the league's best running the point. Dudley and Laettner are solid starters. Frontcourt depth is weak and the team will have to rely on both Miller and Smith carrying the load.
4. Heat - Surprise team here mainly due to the excess in the backcourt and wings. Gary Payton is one of the best PG in the leagues and is being backed up by Sam Cassell who could start on most teams. Rex Chapman and Jim Jackson provide a strong duo at the wing and Mutombo is an inside presence defensively. They have a big whole in the frontcourt overall and no frontcourt scorers. Interesting to see if we will see a lineup of Mutombo, Jackson, Chapman, Payton, and Cassell at times.
5. Knicks - Whoever inherits this team will have a top 5 caliber team. David Robinson is among the league's best. Roy Tarpley is very strong at PF and George McCloud, John Starks, and Michael Williams are all capable starters to complete a strong starting lineup. Depth is a question mark as well as ownership. The 3rd team from the Atlantic in the top 10.
6. Mavs - Everyone's favorite to win the West at this time with maybe the best perimeter in the league with Penny, Blaylock, Peeler, and Russell. Seikaly and Horace Grant in the frontcourt round out a very strong starting lineup. However an injury to a frontcourt player will force Penny into a power forward slot since the rest of the frontcourt is average at best. Expect some small ball with this elite perimeter team.
7. Jazz - Michael Jordan may be the best overall player in the game. He does it all. Sherman Douglas is a very good point guard while Will Pedue is a solid center who brings defense and rebounding. Very little after that other than yellow-yellows. Still having a purple-purple is rare in this league and they may have the best one. The 3rd team from the Midwest in the top 10.
8. Bucks - This team was one game away from the ECFs and got little respect from its rival along the way. They did trade away Dell Curry which may drop them lower on the list once the trade is processed but they still have greens and blues across the board with Terry Porter, Kevin Willis, Robert Horry and Johhny Dawkins. They have potential with Antonio Davis, Mike Iuzzo, and Anthony Mason. Question will be which guy will score on the perimeter, but this team has the look of a 50 win team and a tough out in the playoffs.
9. Lakers - Reigning champs and league agitator/instigator, the Lakers are always in the mix and always wheeling and dealing. They created a hole in the frontcourt for the short-term by trading Benoit Benjamin for long-term cap space, but still have Larry Johnson and Clarence Weatherspoon who will produce. The perimeter is very strong Ceballos, Mark Macon, Alvin Robertson, and Kevin Johnson. Bruce Boweb, Brent Price, and Jayson Williams have potential long-term. Center is the only question mark on this team, but lots of greens and blues across the board. The only Pacific team in the top 10.
10. Hawks - Two time champs look to come back to title contention. Elite perimeter with many blues such as Rod Strickland, Johnny Newman, Mario Elie, and Reggie Williams. Rik Smits is the only frontcourt player who stands out and and everyone else on the roster is a yellow. The Hawks are the 4th team from the Central to make the top 10 which is the most from any division.
11. Raptors - They make it the 5th Central team in the top 11 of the league. Stealing Pervis Ellison from divisional Hawks forms a strong duo with Derrick Coleman. The backcourt is strong with Magic, Jon Barry, and Greg Antony while Rick Fox gives the team a viable wing starter. Expect to see Magic play multiple positions while Barry and Anthony handle frontcourt duties. Health will be a concern since everyone outside of the top 6 players are either yellow or orange.
12. Clippers - The 2nd team from the Pacific to make the list. All 5 starters can shoot from threes so expect a high 3-point usage, but with a balanced attack since they have guys who can score on the inside. Spreewell is on his way to becoming an elite player, Hornacek is an elite shooter who can score. Van Exel is very quick on the perimeter while Terry Mills and Cliff Robinson can create matchup problems for opposing frontcourt players. Defense and depth are question marks, but when healthy, this team will light it up.
13. Wizards - Veteran team with elite defenders in Rodman and Scottie Pippen. Nick Anderson can score while Doc Rivers and Jay Humphries are strong overall point guards. Center and overall depth is a question mark, but this team will grind out and be menace to face every night on the floor. Everyone else is a yellow though Haywood Workman has potential and eventually looks to be a replacement for Doc and Humphries.
14. Warriors - This team appears to be taking a step back this season, but have two elite players long-term in Shawn Kemp and Dennis Scott. Ricky Pierce and Eric Murdock are solid pieces to fill in short term, but no one else on the roster really stands out. Losing Ron Harper, Johnny Newman, and Mugsy Bogues will eliminate any title chances for this season, but Kemp and Scott will keep this team relevant for the next 10 years as the team adds pieces around them.
15. Bulls - Three blues on the perimeter with John Stockton, Derek Harper, and Chris Mullins. Trades the only blue on the frontcourt in Rony Seikaly to Dallas and no one else on the roster is even a green. Plus, the three blue guys are 30+ in age so injuries is a risk factor. Calbert Cheaney has a miserable training camp which really hurts the depth on this team. The Seikaly loss hurts any chance of them contending in the Central.
16. Sonics - Added two blues in C Benoit Benjamin and wing player Kevin Gamble to go along with Doug Christie and Terrell Brandon. Tracey Murray provides good depth on the wing, but this team will need Vin Baker to grow up quickly to help them compete in the Pacific. Overall, the look of a solid playoff contender.
17. Blazers - While everyone jokes about the number of PGs they brought it, they also added Shawn Bradley and Jamal Mashburn in the draft and have two blues in Kenny Smith and Mark Jackson and a green/blue in Bryant Stith. Smith and Jackson can play well together on the floor. This list was made before the Dell Curry trade. Power forward and frontcourt depth are the only holes on this team.
18. Suns - Superstar center in Hakeem Olajuwon and a blue PG in Scottie Skiles. They added PF Ken Norman who's potential fell to a green, but is still a versatile player overall who can score on the inside and perimeter and adds rebounding with solid perimeter and post defense. No one else on the roster stands out and will need good health with Olajuwon to become a playoff contender. Need drastic help on the wings this season.
19. Nets - This ranking appears to be too low and should go higher once the roster is filled up. They're set at all 5 positions with Nate McMillan at the point, J.R. Rider at the two, Reggie Lewis at SF, Tyrone Hill at PF, and Elden Campbell at center. Gerald Wilkins is a strong wing backup. They don't have a great player which may hurt when facing the elite teams, but they have 5-6 good to very good players.
20. 76ers - Another issue where the roster needs to be filled out, but they four blues in Euro pussy Divac, Ron Harper, Bobby Phils, and Tim Hardaway. PJ Brown is a green in the frontcourt with his defense. Once the roster is filled out, they can contend for a playoff spot.
21. Pacers - Surprising ranking from the computer since they have two great players in Ewing and Stacey Augmon, and very good player in Larry Bird and Dee Brown being an upgrade at the point. No one else on the roster stands out, but those 4 players alone will win plenty of games. Depth is an obvious issue and an injury will be a blow.
22. Spurs - Maybe a roster issue, but this team has 4 blues in Dale Davis, Todd Day, Drazen Petrovic, and Mark Price. Danny Manning is a green who can score and defend decently. Lucious Harris has upside on the perimeter. Danny Manning will get some minutes at the PF to help have Day and Petro on the floor together. Difficult team to defend due to the number of scorers they have.
23. Kings - Karl Malone is an absolute beast as a blue and Pooh Richardson is another blue at the point. Everyone else on the roster is a yellow especially Vern Fleming who fell from a green-green after training camp. This team has solid yellow pieces aroundf Malone who can score 50 on any given night.
24. Hornets -Low ranking with the number of green players surround a franchise blue star in Googs who had a great training camp. No great players to join Googs, but solid greens in Sean Elliott, Vernon Maxwell, Tim Legler, Kevin Edwards, and Spud Webb. Frontcourt is weak outside of Googs since the green players are either on the wing or in the backcourt.
25. Cavs - Resigned 'Nique to a long-term contract who promptly regressed in training camp falling to a green/green. Barkley is an elite PF, Bogues is a very good PG and Sarunas is a good shooting guard. Duane Causewell improved in training camp to a green and brings defense and rebounding. Depth will be an issue as well as well since Barkely and 'Nique are older players.
26. Magic - Lost Detlef Schrempf, Horace Grant, and Magic in the offseason. Hubert Davis and Glen Rice are two blue players who provide excellent shooting. Gary Grant is a steady green at the point with his jumpshooting, ball-handling, and perimeter defense. Everyone else on the roster is a yellow although Grant Long is a solid PF with his rebounding and ability to get steals.
27. Grizzlies - Three blues in Brad Daughtery, Chris Gatling and Willie Anderson. No great players on the roster and everyone else are average at best. Need to find a strong perimeter scorer to compete in the Midwest.
28. T-Wolves - Chris Webber was added and will be an elite PF in time and a very good one now. Robert Pack has potential to be a very good PG in this league. Ervin Johnson at center and Walt Williams at SF can start right away as solid greens. Depth and a wing scorer are future priortities.
29. Nuggets - They have two solid greens in center Sam Bowie and PF/SF Derrick McKey. Allan Houston will be a very good shooting guard one day. No one else on the roster stands out at this team.
**This list was made before the trades of 3/14//14**
1. Celtics - Reigning Eastern Conferernce Champs now appear to be the favorites to win it all, especially with strong depth in the frontcourt. They upgraded with Hot Rod Williams and Toni Kukoc to add to Rookie of the Year Alonzo Mourning and arguably the second best wing duo in the league in Clyde Drexler and Mitch Richmond. With Bimbo Coles running the point, the only real concern is depth at the guard spot. Otherwise, this could be the year of Beantown.
2. Rockets - While the Mavs may be the most talked about team in the state of Texas, the Rockets could be the surprise team this season. Shaq O' Neal is primed to be a MVP candidate as the premier inside force in this league. To help spread the floor for Shaq, Detlef Schrempf and Brian Shaw were added with Hersey Hawkins. Dino Radja was drafted to help with depth in the frontcourt and Chris Morris, Sedale Threatt and Keith Jennings should give strong minutes off the bench. But this team goes as far as Shaq takes them.
3. Pistons - Top seed in the East last season appear to be in the mix again. Best wing duo with Reggie Miller and Steve Smith with either guy capable of scoring 30 on any given night. Michael Adams was re-signed and will be among the league's best running the point. Dudley and Laettner are solid starters. Frontcourt depth is weak and the team will have to rely on both Miller and Smith carrying the load.
4. Heat - Surprise team here mainly due to the excess in the backcourt and wings. Gary Payton is one of the best PG in the leagues and is being backed up by Sam Cassell who could start on most teams. Rex Chapman and Jim Jackson provide a strong duo at the wing and Mutombo is an inside presence defensively. They have a big whole in the frontcourt overall and no frontcourt scorers. Interesting to see if we will see a lineup of Mutombo, Jackson, Chapman, Payton, and Cassell at times.
5. Knicks - Whoever inherits this team will have a top 5 caliber team. David Robinson is among the league's best. Roy Tarpley is very strong at PF and George McCloud, John Starks, and Michael Williams are all capable starters to complete a strong starting lineup. Depth is a question mark as well as ownership. The 3rd team from the Atlantic in the top 10.
6. Mavs - Everyone's favorite to win the West at this time with maybe the best perimeter in the league with Penny, Blaylock, Peeler, and Russell. Seikaly and Horace Grant in the frontcourt round out a very strong starting lineup. However an injury to a frontcourt player will force Penny into a power forward slot since the rest of the frontcourt is average at best. Expect some small ball with this elite perimeter team.
7. Jazz - Michael Jordan may be the best overall player in the game. He does it all. Sherman Douglas is a very good point guard while Will Pedue is a solid center who brings defense and rebounding. Very little after that other than yellow-yellows. Still having a purple-purple is rare in this league and they may have the best one. The 3rd team from the Midwest in the top 10.
8. Bucks - This team was one game away from the ECFs and got little respect from its rival along the way. They did trade away Dell Curry which may drop them lower on the list once the trade is processed but they still have greens and blues across the board with Terry Porter, Kevin Willis, Robert Horry and Johhny Dawkins. They have potential with Antonio Davis, Mike Iuzzo, and Anthony Mason. Question will be which guy will score on the perimeter, but this team has the look of a 50 win team and a tough out in the playoffs.
9. Lakers - Reigning champs and league agitator/instigator, the Lakers are always in the mix and always wheeling and dealing. They created a hole in the frontcourt for the short-term by trading Benoit Benjamin for long-term cap space, but still have Larry Johnson and Clarence Weatherspoon who will produce. The perimeter is very strong Ceballos, Mark Macon, Alvin Robertson, and Kevin Johnson. Bruce Boweb, Brent Price, and Jayson Williams have potential long-term. Center is the only question mark on this team, but lots of greens and blues across the board. The only Pacific team in the top 10.
10. Hawks - Two time champs look to come back to title contention. Elite perimeter with many blues such as Rod Strickland, Johnny Newman, Mario Elie, and Reggie Williams. Rik Smits is the only frontcourt player who stands out and and everyone else on the roster is a yellow. The Hawks are the 4th team from the Central to make the top 10 which is the most from any division.
11. Raptors - They make it the 5th Central team in the top 11 of the league. Stealing Pervis Ellison from divisional Hawks forms a strong duo with Derrick Coleman. The backcourt is strong with Magic, Jon Barry, and Greg Antony while Rick Fox gives the team a viable wing starter. Expect to see Magic play multiple positions while Barry and Anthony handle frontcourt duties. Health will be a concern since everyone outside of the top 6 players are either yellow or orange.
12. Clippers - The 2nd team from the Pacific to make the list. All 5 starters can shoot from threes so expect a high 3-point usage, but with a balanced attack since they have guys who can score on the inside. Spreewell is on his way to becoming an elite player, Hornacek is an elite shooter who can score. Van Exel is very quick on the perimeter while Terry Mills and Cliff Robinson can create matchup problems for opposing frontcourt players. Defense and depth are question marks, but when healthy, this team will light it up.
13. Wizards - Veteran team with elite defenders in Rodman and Scottie Pippen. Nick Anderson can score while Doc Rivers and Jay Humphries are strong overall point guards. Center and overall depth is a question mark, but this team will grind out and be menace to face every night on the floor. Everyone else is a yellow though Haywood Workman has potential and eventually looks to be a replacement for Doc and Humphries.
14. Warriors - This team appears to be taking a step back this season, but have two elite players long-term in Shawn Kemp and Dennis Scott. Ricky Pierce and Eric Murdock are solid pieces to fill in short term, but no one else on the roster really stands out. Losing Ron Harper, Johnny Newman, and Mugsy Bogues will eliminate any title chances for this season, but Kemp and Scott will keep this team relevant for the next 10 years as the team adds pieces around them.
15. Bulls - Three blues on the perimeter with John Stockton, Derek Harper, and Chris Mullins. Trades the only blue on the frontcourt in Rony Seikaly to Dallas and no one else on the roster is even a green. Plus, the three blue guys are 30+ in age so injuries is a risk factor. Calbert Cheaney has a miserable training camp which really hurts the depth on this team. The Seikaly loss hurts any chance of them contending in the Central.
16. Sonics - Added two blues in C Benoit Benjamin and wing player Kevin Gamble to go along with Doug Christie and Terrell Brandon. Tracey Murray provides good depth on the wing, but this team will need Vin Baker to grow up quickly to help them compete in the Pacific. Overall, the look of a solid playoff contender.
17. Blazers - While everyone jokes about the number of PGs they brought it, they also added Shawn Bradley and Jamal Mashburn in the draft and have two blues in Kenny Smith and Mark Jackson and a green/blue in Bryant Stith. Smith and Jackson can play well together on the floor. This list was made before the Dell Curry trade. Power forward and frontcourt depth are the only holes on this team.
18. Suns - Superstar center in Hakeem Olajuwon and a blue PG in Scottie Skiles. They added PF Ken Norman who's potential fell to a green, but is still a versatile player overall who can score on the inside and perimeter and adds rebounding with solid perimeter and post defense. No one else on the roster stands out and will need good health with Olajuwon to become a playoff contender. Need drastic help on the wings this season.
19. Nets - This ranking appears to be too low and should go higher once the roster is filled up. They're set at all 5 positions with Nate McMillan at the point, J.R. Rider at the two, Reggie Lewis at SF, Tyrone Hill at PF, and Elden Campbell at center. Gerald Wilkins is a strong wing backup. They don't have a great player which may hurt when facing the elite teams, but they have 5-6 good to very good players.
20. 76ers - Another issue where the roster needs to be filled out, but they four blues in Euro pussy Divac, Ron Harper, Bobby Phils, and Tim Hardaway. PJ Brown is a green in the frontcourt with his defense. Once the roster is filled out, they can contend for a playoff spot.
21. Pacers - Surprising ranking from the computer since they have two great players in Ewing and Stacey Augmon, and very good player in Larry Bird and Dee Brown being an upgrade at the point. No one else on the roster stands out, but those 4 players alone will win plenty of games. Depth is an obvious issue and an injury will be a blow.
22. Spurs - Maybe a roster issue, but this team has 4 blues in Dale Davis, Todd Day, Drazen Petrovic, and Mark Price. Danny Manning is a green who can score and defend decently. Lucious Harris has upside on the perimeter. Danny Manning will get some minutes at the PF to help have Day and Petro on the floor together. Difficult team to defend due to the number of scorers they have.
23. Kings - Karl Malone is an absolute beast as a blue and Pooh Richardson is another blue at the point. Everyone else on the roster is a yellow especially Vern Fleming who fell from a green-green after training camp. This team has solid yellow pieces aroundf Malone who can score 50 on any given night.
24. Hornets -Low ranking with the number of green players surround a franchise blue star in Googs who had a great training camp. No great players to join Googs, but solid greens in Sean Elliott, Vernon Maxwell, Tim Legler, Kevin Edwards, and Spud Webb. Frontcourt is weak outside of Googs since the green players are either on the wing or in the backcourt.
25. Cavs - Resigned 'Nique to a long-term contract who promptly regressed in training camp falling to a green/green. Barkley is an elite PF, Bogues is a very good PG and Sarunas is a good shooting guard. Duane Causewell improved in training camp to a green and brings defense and rebounding. Depth will be an issue as well as well since Barkely and 'Nique are older players.
26. Magic - Lost Detlef Schrempf, Horace Grant, and Magic in the offseason. Hubert Davis and Glen Rice are two blue players who provide excellent shooting. Gary Grant is a steady green at the point with his jumpshooting, ball-handling, and perimeter defense. Everyone else on the roster is a yellow although Grant Long is a solid PF with his rebounding and ability to get steals.
27. Grizzlies - Three blues in Brad Daughtery, Chris Gatling and Willie Anderson. No great players on the roster and everyone else are average at best. Need to find a strong perimeter scorer to compete in the Midwest.
28. T-Wolves - Chris Webber was added and will be an elite PF in time and a very good one now. Robert Pack has potential to be a very good PG in this league. Ervin Johnson at center and Walt Williams at SF can start right away as solid greens. Depth and a wing scorer are future priortities.
29. Nuggets - They have two solid greens in center Sam Bowie and PF/SF Derrick McKey. Allan Houston will be a very good shooting guard one day. No one else on the roster stands out at this team.
