Celticsblog Fantasy Roster Review

[Big Ticket]

I'm not going to get into any arguments over it because I think the entire point of this thing was to kill time and have fun... but I am confident that, as of now, my team is full of better players, from both a talent and a fit perspectives, around LeBron James than either the 2008 or 2007 Cavaliers playoff teams.  He took one of those to the NBA Finals and the other to the brink of all brinks against the eventual World Champs.  I don't think my team is necessarily the best, and for where I drafted I had no belief that I would build the top team (the 1st pick (or 2nd) is brutal in these types of formats.... getting the 59th best player as our #2 option is tough), but the players I put around LeBron compared to those around him in real life tells me a lot about how competitive my team would be.

But, as I mentioned a few days ago, the collective record if all GMs were polled on their team would be like a 65% winning percentage instead of the required 50% if all 2,460 games were to be played... so I'm sure 2/3 of the league thinks their team is a contender as well.

Looking forward to the rest of the rounds.

I'm not sure the argument that Lebron made the Finals with lesser talent in real life holds up, though.  I think the talent you'd be playing against in our mock league is much stronger than Lebron had to face in the East (due to elite talent being consolidated on a few squads in our draft, and you playing in a stacked conference).

I anticipated this response from someone, but don't fully agree.  It's still the same number of teams, the same players, probably about the same percentage of win now vs. win later... sure, there are a couple teams like your own that took advantage of the pre-draft trades to create unfair talent-stacked rosters... but I don't know if I rate any of these fake teams above the 2007-2008 Celtics, and LeBron was a whisker from knocking them off.

I do agree about Amir Johnson though... a lot of my team's fortunes lie in his development this year.  I hope he gets PT.

I can't see Amir Johnson getting playing time in real life if they signed Brown to a contract offer.  Wallace, Brown, McDyess, Maxiell, Samb, and Plaisted are all better or just as good as Amir.  I can't see him getting much playing time unless theres a trade or injury. 

You think Plaisted is better than Amir?  I don't think I'd go that far.

I don't think Plaisted is better, but currently just as good.  Amire has more potential obviously as he's still early 20's but as of now its a close call.  Even if he's better than Plaisted, still isn't going to beat out Wallace, Brown, McDyess, or Maxiell for playing time. 

Come on with that... Samb?  Plaisted?  Kwame Brown?  Amir Johnson might not "beat out" Wallace, McDyess, or Maxiell... but he is higher up in their plans than those other guys.  You can't argue that he hasn't produced in his limited time... part of the reason he has a bit of an underground following is because of how touted he is by the Hollingers, Berris, and such.  I trust him to contribute 20 solid minutes this year and grow into a top 10-12 PF within a few... just in time to start LeBron's 6-peat.   

[Gainesville Celtic]

sure, there are a couple teams like your own that took advantage of the pre-draft trades to create unfair talent-stacked rosters

To respond to this particular criticism (since I've seen it repeated a couple of times):  the teams that have stacked rosters, or made several trades, or that made pre-draft trades didn't do anything "unfair".  They were on the same playing field as everyone else.  If some teams put themselves in a better draft position, I would tend to give them credit for it, rather than to suggest that they did something improper.

I'll use LarBrd33 as an example.  He PM'd literally ever manager in the league, several times.  He made a number of good deals for his team, mostly because he wouldn't settle for decent or average value.  He held out until he clearly won each trade he made.  This wasn't anything unfair, but rather was good negotiating on his part.  Now, we have a Commissioner in place to make sure that some trades don't get too crazy, but overall, this game rewards those who are the most active and the most talented at negotiating.

I didn't say the act was unfair, just meant for those that were dedicated to put in the time, they now have an unfair amount of talent on their roster for purposes of comparing them to other teams.  That's all. 

If by "unfair" you mean that it doesn't make much sense to compare Portland's or New Jersey's roster to a team that drafted in its assigned 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th round slots, I can buy that.  People who didn't follow the draft closely shouldn't think that it was possible (without trading) for every team to pick up two or three elite talents. 

However, I do want to emphasize (even if it wasn't your point) that a lot of effort goes into making trades.  For every trade that goes through, there are probably 15 that go nowhere.  The key is to know what good value is, and not make a trade until you're offered it.

Gives a kind of insight into what must happen with real NBA GMs.... lots of discussion/subterfuge/proposals, etc...

FWIW -- i kept track of my trades (spreadsheet geek alert!) and at one point had 11 picks in the top 6 rounds... a few more deals netted Duncan and AI, but i went back and looked at who i coulda (realistically) had with those 11 picks.  I almost like that team more....almost.

[celticmaestro]

My top teams after day 7.

Atlantic - Knicks.   I am a KG believer

Central - Detroit.  

Southeast - Magic


4th Team (though I think 2nd in the East right now) - Nets




Northwest - Portland

Pacific - Warriors

Southeast - Rockets

4th team (though I think 3rd in the East right now) - Timberwolves

fair enough, but what about the teams that are rebuilding? are you going to rank those, too?

[Roy Hobbs]

My top teams after day 7.

Atlantic - Knicks.   I am a KG believer

Central - Detroit.  

Southeast - Magic


4th Team (though I think 2nd in the East right now) - Nets




Northwest - Portland

Pacific - Warriors

Southeast - Rockets

4th team (though I think 3rd in the East right now) - Timberwolves

fair enough, but what about the teams that are rebuilding? are you going to rank those, too?

1. Portland
2a. Las Vegas
2b. Minnesota
3. Boston

The Spurs, Kings, and Warriors all have a good future foundation, as well.

[celticmaestro]

My top teams after day 7.

Atlantic - Knicks.   I am a KG believer

Central - Detroit.  

Southeast - Magic


4th Team (though I think 2nd in the East right now) - Nets




Northwest - Portland

Pacific - Warriors

Southeast - Rockets

4th team (though I think 3rd in the East right now) - Timberwolves

fair enough, but what about the teams that are rebuilding? are you going to rank those, too?

1. Portland
2a. Las Vegas
2b. Minnesota
3. Boston

and now for an impartial judge...

[Roy Hobbs]

fair enough, but what about the teams that are rebuilding? are you going to rank those, too?

1. Portland
2a. Las Vegas
2b. Minnesota
3. Boston

and now for an impartial judge...

Lol.  Well, whichever way you slice it, I think those are the top teams, with the Spurs, Warriors, and Kings getting some consideration, as well.  Minnesota has the best player (obviously), Portland has the best depth and the most NBA-ready roster.  Vegas is in good shape in both areas. 

[Evantime34]

fair enough, but what about the teams that are rebuilding? are you going to rank those, too?

1. Portland
2a. Las Vegas
2b. Minnesota
3. Boston

and now for an impartial judge...

Lol.  Well, whichever way you slice it, I think those are the top teams, with the Spurs, Warriors, and Kings getting some consideration, as well.  Minnesota has the best player (obviously), Portland has the best depth and the most NBA-ready roster.  Vegas is in good shape in both areas. 

Wait Roy are you talking about the best teams or the best young teams now? I assume it's best teams because my youth consists of Dwight Howard, Al Thornton and Eric Gordon.

[Roy Hobbs]

fair enough, but what about the teams that are rebuilding? are you going to rank those, too?

1. Portland
2a. Las Vegas
2b. Minnesota
3. Boston

and now for an impartial judge...

Lol.  Well, whichever way you slice it, I think those are the top teams, with the Spurs, Warriors, and Kings getting some consideration, as well.  Minnesota has the best player (obviously), Portland has the best depth and the most NBA-ready roster.  Vegas is in good shape in both areas. 

Wait Roy are you talking about the best teams or the best young teams now? I assume it's best teams because my youth consists of Dwight Howard, Al Thornton and Eric Gordon.

Best young teams.  I like the quality of your youth, it's just centered around three guys, rather than six or seven like the other squads listed above.  I really like Howard and Thornton, though, and Gordon was a good pick where you got him.

Basically, any team with Howard, CP3, Oden, or Durant has to get strong consideration in the "the future" category.  However, if you're trying to talk me out of it, and disagree that your team has a bright future, I won't argue.

[celticmaestro]

fair enough, but what about the teams that are rebuilding? are you going to rank those, too?

1. Portland
2a. Las Vegas
2b. Minnesota
3. Boston

and now for an impartial judge...

Lol.  Well, whichever way you slice it, I think those are the top teams, with the Spurs, Warriors, and Kings getting some consideration, as well.  Minnesota has the best player (obviously), Portland has the best depth and the most NBA-ready roster.  Vegas is in good shape in both areas. 

no that's very true i'd say those 4 are the best in terms of youth. can't really go wrong with ranking them, it's a tough call.

the west should have some intriguing battles in the years to come, with the eventual winner facing boston near enough every time - if that were a real life scenario, i'd love it.

[JSD]

I like The Nets and the Blazers but unfortunately neither team has a superstar. 

They will lose to Kobe and the Bulls and Lebron and the Timberwolves.

[Roy Hobbs]

I like The Nets and the Blazers but unfortunately neither team has a superstar. 

They will lose to Kobe and the Bulls and Lebron and the Timberwolves.

Haha.  It depends upon what's meant by "superstar", I think.  Amare could qualify, and perhaps Paul Pierce could, as well.

I appreciate the gentle sarcasm in defending your team, though.  I think you've put a good squad together.  I'm not in love with *all* of your players, but it's definitely a top-tier effort.  (I'll get into specific critiques if we do the "GM press conferences" thing.)  Your team will certainly be a contender annually for the next four or five years, though.

[wdleehi]

I like The Nets and the Blazers but unfortunately neither team has a superstar. 

They will lose to Kobe and the Bulls and Lebron and the Timberwolves.

Wow.  You would have thought I didn't put the Rockets on my quick list. 

[wdleehi]

My top teams after day 7.

Atlantic - Knicks.   I am a KG believer

Central - Detroit.  

Southeast - Magic


4th Team (though I think 2nd in the East right now) - Nets




Northwest - Portland

Pacific - Warriors

Southeast - Rockets

4th team (though I think 3rd in the East right now) - Timberwolves

fair enough, but what about the teams that are rebuilding? are you going to rank those, too?

I will take a look at them this morning. 

[Roy Hobbs]

My top teams after day 7.

Atlantic - Knicks.   I am a KG believer

Central - Detroit.  

Southeast - Magic


4th Team (though I think 2nd in the East right now) - Nets




Northwest - Portland

Pacific - Warriors

Southeast - Rockets

4th team (though I think 3rd in the East right now) - Timberwolves

fair enough, but what about the teams that are rebuilding? are you going to rank those, too?

I will take a look at them this morning. 

Just make sure you "anoint" my team.  This is a coronation. 

[Rondo2287]

Toronto
Pg- Chauncey Billups
Sg- Vince Carter
SF- Joe Alexander
Pf-Antawn Jamison
C-Big Z

Bench- Sean Williams, Shaun Livingston

Lead by an all-star experienced point guard who knows how to run a team in big games.  joined by 3 other very high caliber players and a rookie that we expect great things from and expect to be better then Michael Beasley.  Joe put on 20 pounds of muscle between his sophomore and junior seasons and is still a freak of an athlete.  He really exploded in the big east and NCAA tourneys and think he will be a great contributer this year and down the road. 

Bench.  We took arguably one of the best athletes in the NBA who is a real play maker on the defensive end.  We also selected Shaun Livingston who was really coming into his own before one of the worst injuries i have seen in a while.  We hope that he can come back to even be a shadow of his former self with his court vision and athleticism leading the fast break for our team in years to come