Triboy, I try my best not to reach conclusions rashly. I've studied the rosters of all these teams, moves and signings they've made and short and long term injuries. Based on these factors, IMO, I believe that AS CURRENTLY CONSTRUCTED the C's will fall short of the playoffs....barely. Right now they have three really good players, and very little else, especially in the way of solid veteran players.
You mentioned how we without 4 KEY players last nite. While I'll give you 3, I would hardly consider RLangford a key player! Someday, maybe, but right now that's a whole lotta "green" opinion. He only played 369 minutes last year and didn't prove he can even stay on the court. DTheis IS solid. TT, when he finally gets healthy and in game shape is as well, but that could be awhile. Kemba will be down for a good portion of the season, and probably sits every other game once he's "back".
As I mentioned we are hideously undersized, especially bigs and backcourt. Our veteran presence pales to the other teams I put in front of them, although the Raps are a little thin, too.
As I mentioned in another post a couple weeks ago, I'm really high on PP. Kid has some of the best handles in the league already. Had watched so much tape of him, and couldn't believe we got him that late. Said in that post that he would be our PG of the future, and I'm stickin with it. Can get anywhere on the court, anytime he wants. Last nite was no surprise, to me. Expect more!
Anyway, if you can tell me why these other teams won't squeeze us out (other than cause I'm a C's fan, wear green tinted glasses, and want to believe it), lets hear it. If you have already in another post, apologies. Just didn't want to read thru 10 more pages of posts.
Go C's....and hope I'm proven wrong!