Celticsblog Mock GM Press Conferences: Northwest Division

[Roy Hobbs]

Very nicely done, Roy. I think your frontcourt will terrorize the league well into the next decade.

Kw and KC have already raised a couple questions I would pose, so I won't repeat them. Instead, I'll ask some others:

1. Many of your bench players seem to belong to one of two extremes: veterans on their last legs/returning from serious injuries (Battie, Mourning, Atkins) or unproven young players who have yet to reach anywhere close to their potential (Wright, Webster, Ukic). Are you at all concerned about getting consistent production from your bench over the course of an 82-game season, and beyond?

Good question.  I think you're correct about a certain aspect of the bench.  However, I think Blake-Mobley-Webster-Haslem are a very, very consistent 6 through 9.  Looking at recent championship rosters, I think our top nine is as strong as any team in recent memory.  Also, I want to stress that Coach Dale will be mixing his bench with his starters; he does *not* believe in wholesale "line changes" or four- or five-man bench units.  To the extent that Webster, et. al., are making youthful mistakes, those will be masked by the fact that he's playing next to guys like Iguodala and Amare.

2. Which 3 of your 15 players will you sit on a night-by-night basis? [Fair warning to the rest of the league: this is a question I'll ask of virtually everyone.] How will minutes be divided?

To start the season, Mourning, of course, and Ukic.  Quinton Ross will probably be sitting most nights, as well, but could be activated for games where we need to shut down an opposing wing (at which point we probably sit Chucky and have Iggy take over some of the PG responsibilities).  Once Mourning is healthy, B. Wright probably sits, although he's going to get every opportunity to shine.

Minutes haven't been determined yet, but the plan is to ideally get most of the starters around 32 to 36 minutes, with the bench seeing time as needed.  Blake, Haslem, and Webster will be in the top eight.

3. Whom do you feel is your team's most important player?

Ooh...  neat question.  I think the obvious answer is Ford, because of the perception that he can't stay healthy.  However, I don't buy that.  I say my most important guy is Amare.  If he commits himself defensively and really buys into a team concept, this team has the potential to be unstoppable.  He's already the best offensive big man in the NBA, and he has the potential to be better.  If he fulfills his potential this season, Portland *will* win the championship, there's not a doubt in my mind.  In terms of talent, there's no way this kid should have been available to me at #9.  He just needs to up his commitment on D (which will be helped by sliding over to the 4) and focus entirely on basketball.  There's little doubt in my mind that Coach Dale will get through to him.

[Roy Hobbs]

My question: How much of STAT's well...'stats' are a product of a one a decade talent at the point guard in Steve Nash? TJ Ford is a lot of things with the ball in his hand but he's not within the same tier of offensive player as Steve Nash. He might as well not even be playing the same game. How effective will Amare be without a Hall of Fame PG feeding him the ball?

Amare is a beast.  I think the Steve Nash argument is a bit overblown.  Roughly the same percentage of Amare's shots (both inside and outside) were assisted last season as were Kevin Garnett's.  The Phoenix offense was certainly fueled by moving the ball around and was point guard driven, but I don't think there's any indication that Amare can't score one-on-one.  You don't score 25+ points per game just because you have a great point guard.

Horford: He fouls too much, he's a little undersized at the 5, and he's a more natural 4. He's a leader yes, but how would he deal with known ego men like Amare and TJ Ford? There are 4 leaders on the starting lineup for you. Whos gonna be the man? Will there be a man?

Amare is "the man" for 90% of the game, and in crunch time, Rudy Gay is the default "go to guy", although as stated above, how we play in crunch time will be determined by matchups.  As for Horford (and really, every player on this team), they've all shown that they can defer to teammates, while also showing the ability to step up and take charge.  Every guy on this team has arguably been the second or third best player on his squad at one point in his career; I don't think it will be a major issue.

As for Horford, I'd take "skilled, tough, and slightly undersized" over "big stiff" any day.  There just aren't a lot of great centers in the league, and both Horford and Amare played extremely well at that position last season.

Thats all I got. I don't think this squad is invincible, and Im far from convinced they're a Finals shoe-in, but talent-wise its probably the best there is out there right now.

I'd agree with that.  This team isn't unbeatable, by any stretch.  I do like its chances, though.

[Scribbles]

<a href="http://media.photobucket.com/image/utah%20jazz/TheGreatRyanED/uth_2.gif?o=17" target="_blank">[img width= height=]http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg68/TheGreatRyanED/uth_2.gif[/img][/url]

Depth Chart:

PG: Udrih/Bell/Barea      
SG: Johnson/Bellineli/Weaver    
SF: McGrady/Kapono  
PF: Aldrige/Diaw/Garrity/Simmons  
 C: Diop/Nesterovic/Sene

GM: Scribbles
Head Coach: Jerry Soan
Assitant Coaches: whoever is on Sloan's staff.  

To be honest I hadn't a clue of what I was going to do come draft day.  I had the 27th pick and wasn't sure who going to be there.  Joe Johnson was there so I took him.  A young player who does it all for his team I figured I couldn't go wrong. Then in the next round Tmac fell to me.  I now had two all star players in my lineup.  However my team switched from being built around JJ to Tmac.  I felt JJ was a do it all type of player, Tmac the pure scorer. I next needed a big man and a PG. I always believe that guards will be there but big men are rare. I set my targets on Horford, however when the Trailblazers picked him I had to go with my fall back option, a good one I might add, in LaMarcus.  He had a solid season last year and is just 23. Next I think I found another steal in Beno Udrih.  He really surprised me with the numbers he put up last season and has championship experience.  I thought he'd be good enough to run my show even though I'm not sure how great a defensive player he is.  Finally I looked at my 4 starters and saw I needed some defense and went with Diop.  I thought he'd provide energy, rebounding, and shot blocking.  Plus I can't wait to play this at the games..

http://www.youtube.com/v/7sK9-hEIsG4&hl=en&fs=1

For the bench I figured I'd need to get some shooters and shore up some of my more weaker positions.  Evidently I found the do it all forward Boris Diaw, who could see time at the 3 spot, though mainly will be used in small ball lineups when I move LaMarcus over to the center spot, Diaw at the 4.  Next I added shooting and instant offense with Jason Kapono.  He could also be in end game lineups if I were to switch JJ to PG, Kapono to the 2, Tmac 3, etc.  I was hoping to have alot of versitility with the team. I also added vetran big Rasho Nesterovic.  The rest of my bench really isn't anything special.  I have a few players that could devolp into good players,(Belinelli, Simmons, Sene, Barea.  That's really all I have to put.  Not as fancy as Roy's post but he's the head of the class so his standards should be held with a high regard.    


I'll be happy to answer all questions so fire away.

[Roy Hobbs]

Nicely done, Scribbles.  A few questions:

1) Where do you see yourself in our division?  In our Conference?

2) What do you see as your team's biggest weakness?

3) Any concern about Tmac's health?  What about his failure to win a playoff series in his career?  Will that hold you back?

4) Are you worried that you don't have a more traditional post presence on offense, with Aldridge having an offensive game that tends to drift away from the basket?

(Btw, I edited your youtube video so that it displayed properly; I didn't think you'd mind.)

[kw10]

4) Are you worried that you don't have a more traditional post presence on offense, with Aldridge having an offensive game that tends to drift away from the basket?

I'd like to further this point, not just the post presence on offence, but apart from Diop, this team lacks some physicality across the board, do you agree? If so, how will you look to make up for that weakness?

[celticmaestro]

Scribbles, any worry about playing the oft-injured McGrady at the 3? I mean, wouldn't he be better off at the 2 where he has a mismatch near enough every night? That would enable you to ship Joe Johnson out for an adequate and healthy SF.

[Kwhit10]

Roy and Scribbles Nice job on your drafts!

I have a question for both of you (Also for the rest of the division when you guys make your posts, and I will ask this to every team basically).

Which team(s) in the Western Conference do you see giving your team the most trouble. Can be based on a particular talent, a defensive team or based on match ups?

[Roy Hobbs]

Which team(s) in the Western Conference do you see giving your team the most trouble. Can be based on a particular talent, a defensive team or based on match ups?

For this season, I'll say Houston.  They're one of the few teams in the West that can match the Blazers in terms of depth.  I like my talent a little bit better, but if my big men get in foul trouble, Houston could give me some issues.  I also really respect the job the Warriors have done, in bringing in Dwight Howard and Steve Nash.  Any time you're looking at two legit stars, there's at least a matchup concern.  Ultimately, I like my team's chancing against either of those two, but they're the two that I have the most present concerns with.

In the future, I'm most concerned with Las Vegas.  The Bosh / Durant / Mayo tandem could be scary good.  I'm not in love with the rest of the team, but with those three guys, they're going to be getting the majority of the shots and the touches anyway.  I do expect Durant to continue his develop and Mayo to pan out (and Bosh to stay where he is), meaning I'm projecting a lot of playoff duals with these guys.

The other "team of the future" in my conference that I worry about is of course my division rival, the Twolves.  Lebron is the best player in the world, bar none.  If some of the young talent blossoms around him, that team will be excellent.  I don't like Amir Johnson as well as Big Ticket does, and I think Biedrins is a bit overrated.  However, assuming they're as good as Twolves' management thinks they are, that team will cause matchup problems for anybody.

[wdleehi]

Questions for Portland:

1) Outside the PG, you have 4 guys that are among the top options on their team.  They are still young.  How will you deal with the guys that are the third and forth option?  How do you keep them happy so they do not bolt (think Joe Johnson and the Suns)

2) How do you see the offense running?  Who is the 1st option and how do you plan to set them up? 

3) If your team is close, but there is one team giving you major match up problems, are you prepared to trade some of that youth depth for a veteran player that can give you the edge for this years title?




Questions for Jazz

1) Who do you lean on in the playoffs?   Johnson or T-Mac? 

[Roy Hobbs]

Questions for Portland:

1) Outside the PG, you have 4 guys that are among the top options on their team.  They are still young.  How will you deal with the guys that are the third and forth option?  How do you keep them happy so they do not bolt (think Joe Johnson and the Suns)

I think we do a couple of things.  First, we emphasize a team concept.  Coach Dale is going to instill that from day one of training camp.  Secondly, we're going to make it clear that Amare is the number one option, so that there's no confusion.  Third, we're going to run a high-paced offense, which means *everyone* is going to get touches, and score a lot of points.  This team is going to be on national television the maximum number of times allowed, and the team will be waging a very public, very expensive all-star campaign for each of our guys.  They won't lack for star power or attention, but at the same time, the focus is going to be on team.

Since the league was nice enough to revoke the salary cap, Blazers owner Paul Allen has also instituted a salary system where each player gets a $5 million bonus every season this team wins a championship.  In addition to the healthy salaries the players are already getting, that ought to keep players motivated and happy.

2) How do you see the offense running?  Who is the 1st option and how do you plan to set them up? 

I've mentioned this elsewhere, but Amare is the primary option in a half-court set.  However, we'll be running a lot of screens, cuts, and motion, and of course we'll be taken advantage of transition opportunities as much as possible.

3) If your team is close, but there is one team giving you major match up problems, are you prepared to trade some of that youth depth for a veteran player that can give you the edge for this years title?

I think my team is good enough to win "as is", but should a glaring hole become apparent, we're certainly in a position to make some adjustments.  I would add, however, that although my team is young, it is full of young *veterans*.  All of these guys have proven they can play in the league, and four of the five starters have legitimate playoff experience.  The bench only adds to the experience factor.

[Big Ticket]

Minnesota Timberwolves

PG - Jose Calderon
SG - Ronnie Brewer
SF - LeBron "The King" James
PF - Reggie Evans
C  - Andris Biedrins

Reserves:

PG - Keyon Dooling
SG - Anthony Parker
SF - Nicolas Batum
PF - Amir Johnson / Joey Dorsey
C - Aaron Gray / Javale McGee

Inactive:

PG - Ronnie Price
SG - Sonny Weems
SF - Mickael Gelabale

Overseas:

PG - Air Bud
C - Leonid Stadnik (8'6" and still growing.... and rumor has it he has a sweet face up J.  Yao, eat your heart out.)


This has quickly turned into a team of the future with young prospects like Amir Johnson, Nicolas Batum, Aaron Gray, Javale McGee, Joey Dorsey, Sonny Weems, Ronnie Price, and Mickael Gelabale, as well as our team's flagship players - LeBron James, Andris Biedrins, Jose Calderon, and Ronnie Brewer.  We are confident, however, that while young, 3 of our starters around LeBron are each poised for breakout years.

Jose Calderon will benefit from being given the co-reigns of the offense along with LeBron, and in his past has proven to be one of the most efficient points in the league when given the responsibility.  Andris Biedrins has focused his early years on cleaning up around the basket and being a beast on the boards.  In this offense, he'll continue to do more of the same, while also being a prime dump off target for the basket crashing Calderon and James.  We expect him to set career marks in PPG without suffering a drop in his league best FG%.  Ronnie Brewer was one of the most improved player from his rookie to sophomore seasons, and we expect more improvement going into his third campaign.  While remaining his teams 4th option on offense, he will benefit from several open looks created by LeBron and Jose Ole, and be able to give maximum effort on both ends of he court, as he will be spelled by the Wolves' best and most well rounded reserve - Anthony Parker.

Reggie Evans has gracially accepted a short term starters role while the freak-on-training Amir Johnson gets a few more months of NBA experience under his belt.  Evans has vowed to work harder than ever on the boards and on the defensive side.  He has acknowledged that having rebounding around LeBron is key, because the more possessions you give to the best player in the world, the better.  As you can imagine, we are ecstatic to have clearly two of the league's top rebounders on our frontline.

Aaron Gray will provide tireless effort, great size, and promising skills while building upon his 19 point, 22 rebound rookie season finale performance.  Calderon will be spelled by one of the 3 best defensive point guards in the game, and a player who knows his role, distributes, and will knock down open shots when necessary.

LeBron's backup is the supremely young, supremely athletic Nicolas Batum.  His one major weakness is creating for himself, but he will mostly be called upon to finish on the break, hit open shots, and stretch the defense.  Early workouts leave us fully confident that he can achieve those goals in his 8-10 MPG.

Our last two men off the bench include Joey Dorsey, a mature bull that will specialize in hustle, rebounding, and physical defense and rebounding.  He will never be an all star, but he knows his strengths and utilizes them to the fullest.  Our third center is the young Javale McGee, a player bursting with potential and skills.  At 7'0", 250 lbs and with room for another 20 pounds of muscle, McGee is a great shooter, athletic finisher, and big man that can beat most guards up and down the court.  With a couple years of strength and post skills training, McGee could become a bonafide star in the pivot.

Mickael Gelabale is rehabbing his knee in the NBDL, and currently building upon his NBA experience to lead the developmental league in scoring.  Sonny Weems and Ronnie Price are both working with Mark Price on their jumpers and decision making skills to compliment their already robust aerial skills. 

Toughest Decision

First toughie was Ronnie Brewer or Anthony Parker in the 4th round.  I went with Brewer, and was rewarded when I was able to pick up Parker, who I feel is one of the most underrated players around, in the 6th round.  From their I usually sided with youth and potential over experience and depreciating skills.  Taking Amir Johnson in the 5th was also tough.  He was hard for me to gauge because I know he has a devoted underground following of people that feel he's one of the next great PF.  The 5th was probably too early, but I liked his PF prospects and was able to get veteran Reggie Evans as insurance.

Best Move

I can't really consider a no brainer like taking LeBron my 'best' move.  I'm hoping it was taking Calderon with the 59th pick, because I have him slated as my 2nd all star that is so necessary for a title team.  I also like where I got Aaron Gray, Joey Dorsey, and Mickael Gelabale.

Looking Ahead

It is rumored that the Wolves are working with a 1-2 year window of mid playoff spots, 3-7 year championship window, and are more than ready to pull a major trade in a later offseason if and when their young reserves develop into players of starter potential.  Early rumors have them planning on making a major move after Chris Bosh if and when Amir Johnson, Nicolas Batum, and/or Javale McGee develop as valuable trade bait.

We are also confident that enough of our projects (Johnson, Batum, McGee, Gray, Price, Weems) will turn into solid players that a trade will not be imperative to our title hopes.  Getting 2-3 solid rotation players out of this crop, to pair with The King, 2-3 player poised for breakouts (Calderon, Biedrins, Brewer), and 2-3 solid veterans (Parker, Evans, Dooling) should be more than enough to make an annual threat.

Questions and criticisms... let's hear 'em!

[jgod213]

Question for the T-Wolves:

I don't see this team as being structured all that differently than the current (real life) Cavs team - except for a much better option at point guard.  Now although i don't mean that in a critical way (cavs have been one of the most successfull and best defensive teams over the past few years), Bron Bron has not done anything in terms of silencing the rumors that suggest he wants to play in a big money market and surrounded by more talent. 

So my questions to you are: How long will LeBron be willing to wait for guys like Amir Johnson to turn the corner while freezing his butt off in 'Sota? What will keep teams from suffocating LeBron in double and triple teams when no one outside of him and calderon in the starting 5 can hit a jump shot?  Why not start Anthony Parker to alleviate this issue?

[Roy Hobbs]

Question for the Twolves: how do you match up with Portland and Las Vegas on a going forward basis?

[Redz]

Oklahoma City Angry Pickles (aka Thunder/former Sonics)

The Thunder management would like to humbly apologize for their half assed effort on this press conference, but Coach Scals and Media Rep Pollard have been busy coming up with new hair styles for the upcoming season.

Roster

C  - Marcus Camby, Francisco Elson, Scot Pollard (media rep)
PF - Michael Beasley, Craig Smith,  Brian Scalabrine (player/coach)
SF - John Salmons, Antoine Walker, J.R. Giddens
SG - Jamal Crawford, Ricky Davis, Quincy Douby
PG - Stephon Marbury, Marcus Williams, Sam Cassell

Philosophy
We didn't really have much of a draft plan and it showed. The Angry Pickles first time through the draft may have left a bit of a sour taste in the fans mouths but we feel we still have a dilly of a roster.  Our big mistake was not understanding the value of the late first rounder we traded.

That said, we were pleased to have our first pick be the pick of the litter in this years rookie class.  Beasley is going to be an animal.  After that we  somehow we started to end up with some knuckleheads and rather than run from it we decided to embrace it.  Enter Marbury, Ricky Davis, Antoine & friends.

The key to the Angry Pickles having some semblance of respectability in this thing was the acquisition of Marcus Camby to fill the center spot.  A proven vet who has been more healthy the past couple season's Camby will swat whatever comes his way. 

The only other player trade we made was to acquire PF Craig Smith to come in with some muscle off the bench.  We think he'll add a bit of mental stability to our squad as well.

We should be able to score in bunches if we can find enough balls to go around.  Crawford should flourish in our system.

The Staff
From the outset is was our aim was to appoint Brian Scalabrine as our player/coach.  We feel he embodies the true spirit of the Angry Pickle and will be the vinegar that brings the tang to the Oklahoma fans palettes.  To ensure we did not miss out on our main man we traded 2 14th rounders and a 15th rounder to move up and draft Scals in the 13th round.



"This really showed the kind of intangible commitment I look for in management.  I'm [dang] proud to be an Angry Pickle."

Rounding out the coaching staff, OKC hired Scot Pollard as Media Rep and occasional hobbled center action, as well as Ubuntu Master Sam Cassell to offer hugs and smiles for all (and an occasional unnecessary shot).

Conclusion

We're not that great, but I think we'd win some games.  We'd certainly be entertaining.  Never, ever, undestimate the heart of an Angry Pickle

 

[Gainesville Celtic]

Coaching staff -- Come on.  It's Norman Dale. "I've seen you guys can shoot but there's more to the game than shooting. There's fundamentals and defense"; "Stick with your man. Think of him as chewing gum. By the end of the game, I want you to know what flavor he is."; "My team is on the floor".  If Norman Dale can get Jimmy Chitwood and six scrubs to beat Oscar Robertson, I think he can handle the Orlando Magics.  Seriously, if he can't get these guys to buy into a team concept, nobody can.

"GM Hobbs, Coach Dale? Uh... over here," says a small woman in her early 50s from the back of the assembled media.  She stands quietly and takes a tattered newspaper clipping out of her pocket.  Clearly a bit nervous, the woman finally collects herself.

"Myra Feener, The Oregonian and Hickory Post Gazette Online. A man your age comes to a place like this, either he's running away from something or he has nowhere else to go."

After collecting herself and letting the gravity of her statement sink in she continues, glaring at a now fidgetting Coach Dale.  "You've had problems in the past getting physical with your players and your coaching staff. This isn't Class A high school ball. Are you sure you're ready for the NBA? How are you going to deal with young "veteran all-stars" like Stoudemire without decking them?"