2009 Celticsblog Draft: Voting Analysis : Team of the Future

[KCattheStripe]

Memphis's self-assessment may be the best I've ever come across. Worth at least one Tommy Point.

Thank you, thank you.

[BandwagonFan]

Okay, one more for tonight - from the West this time

---FWOOSH---
It's time for... Tom and Steve's CELTICSBLOG FANTASY DRAFT ANALYSIS: NORTHWEST DIVISION

TOM: Now it's time for us to take on the Northwest Division. There's an awful lot to like here.

STEVE: You said it, Tom. I heart the Nuggets. A year or two down the road, they're going to have a frontcourt rotation of Greg Oden, Kevin Love, and Yao Ming. By the time 2012 rolls around, they're not just going to beat teams - it's going to crush skulls and devour souls. How do you say "I'm going to destroy you forever" in Chinese?

TOM: It would be whatever the opposite of "Yi Jianlian" is. Your unhealthy man-crush on Yao aside, how do you like the rest of their team?

STEVE: Green and Foye are already very good, and Conley is a rising star. This team is just a little too young to win now, but they're going to dominate very, very soon. Maybe sooner than you think, given that a reputable Chinese newspaper is reporting that Yao's injury might not be as bad as believed: http://www.theonion.com/content/news/yao_ming

TOM: Um... You... may want to check your sources, there, Steve. Also, this is assuming that everyone develops into the best player they can possibly be - no one's a sure thing in this league.

STEVE: No one? Tim Duncan says hi. With Ben Gordon raining down threes at will and TJ Ford doing a better job of sharing the rock as he develops, the Sonics may be the team to beat in this division.

TOM: Sure, if the Blazers didn't exist.

STEVE: I said "may be". With Lewis, the O'Neals (Shaq and Jermaine), Michael Redd and Ginobili, Portland is guaranteed to have multiple All-Stars and does pretty much everything well. For all the talk of Shaq's age, he is still worth 20 and 10 every night, and didn't miss much time at all last year, despite his advanced years. This has got to be the best team in the division.

TOM: The Blazers should be the team to beat - if injuries don't beat them first. Between Redd, Ginobili, and the O'Neals, someone is going to miss a serious number of games, if not multiple someones.

STEVE: The Jazz look solid as well. Nowitski is still putting up a million points a game, and Billups may be the most underrated star in the league - he single-handedly transformed last year's Nuggets from also-rans to championship contenders. Combine these guys with a healthy Kaman and Dunleavy and you've got a very good playoff team.

TOM: On the other hand, I think the Wolves look pretty strong - particularly for a team that didn't make a first round pick. Jameer Nelson and David Lee are young and keep getting better, while Richard Jefferson and John Salmons give them some veteran offense with playoff experience.

STEVE: Without a legitimate superstar, though, I just can't put them in the same category as some of the other teams here.

TOM: Zach Randolph says hi.

STEVE: Zach Randolph is a jerk.

STEVE'S PICKS:

1. Portland Trailblazers (incredibly talented - Shaq pickup puts them over the top)
2. Seattle Supersonics (Duncan and Gordon make this team a threat to beat anyone)
3. Utah Jazz (Billups is like Duncan - any team he is on immediately becomes more dangerous)
4. Denver Nuggets (growing pains now, championships later)
5. Minnesota Timberwolves (complete lack of superstars makes new GM a sad panda)

TOM'S PICKS:

1. Seattle Supersonics (Duncan is a proven winner, although starting Thabeet makes me worry)
2. Portland Trailblazers (injury concerns - their playoffs depend on how healthy they are at the end)
3. Utah Jazz (health is a concern, but not for their two best players)
4. Minnesota Timberwolves (I want to put them higher, but I can't quite see them overcoming Nowitski or Duncan)
5. Denver Nuggets (way too young, way too unproven)

Edit: No profanity
-IP

[Roy Hobbs]

We'll take an average 1.5 rating.  We do love how we match up with Seattle, although we understand we're going to carry the "if healthy" tag this entire off-season.

[Rondo2287]

Well, plenty of people have given their analysis already, and I feel like a lot of them did so better than I can. Still, I just can't help myself

---FWOOSH---
It's time for... Tom and Steve's CELTICSBLOG FANTASY DRAFT ANALYSIS: ATLANTIC DIVISION

TOM: Tonight we're breaking down the Atlantic Division, and I have to say, Steve, there are a lot of teams to like here.

STEVE: You're right, Tom. Now that most of the quality guys are in uniform, the division races are really starting to shape up. Particularly here in the Atlantic. I love what Toronto has put together...

TOM: Toronto? They traded away their best scoring option in Arenas! Counting on Artest to lead you sounds like a bad idea for a reality show, let alone a basketball team.

STEVE: Andre Miller is a much better fit for this team at the point. And he's no slouch in the scoring department himself, averaging 16.3 points last season. He's also a far better distributer than Arenas is or ever will be, averaging 7.6 assists per game. For those keeping track at home, that puts him at 13th in NBA history in assists-per-game.

TOM: Isn't KG a big question mark from an injury standpoint?

STEVE: Not really. This is a guy who never had any sort of major injury issues until last year. I expect him to settle in fine once he knocks the rust off. Between him, Camby, and Artest, this is going to be a scary team on defense, and if we've learned anything it's this: Defense. Wins. Championships.

TOM: Thanks. The unnecessary over-punctuation really sold that one. Those of us who think scoring is kind of important, on the other hand, are really looking at the Celtics. This team looks like it could be one of the most talented teams in the league right now, with Dwayne Wade, Leandro Barbosa, and Lamar Odom carrying the load offensively.

STEVE: What? The Sixers look just as talented, if not more so, and their players actually fit well together. They won't be trying to find a way to play three bigs at the same time for the entire game.

TOM: Odom has put in plenty of time at SF over the years; while he's a bit of a liability there defensively, his offensive game isn't as ill-suited for the position as you seem to think.

STEVE: And what about the Knicks? Vince Carter is an unstoppable force on offense, Deron Williams is the best young point guard not named Chris Paul, and Perkins is a defensive beast in the paint.

TOM: He'll also lead the league in technicals without KG to babysit him. I really like New York, but I have to admit that they're pretty thin past those three players. They're strong enough on defense that I think they'll be in it until the end, though, even in a division as tough as this one.

STEVE: Let's go back to Philly for a minute. You've got Carmelo Anthony, Andrew Bynum, Baron Davis, Emeka Okafor, and Ronnie Brewer. Their worst starter averaged over 13 points a game last year!

TOM: And outside of Davis, not a single starter is over 26 years old. They're pretty good, but I like them better a couple of years down the road than I do right now.

STEVE: So it looks like the odd man out in this division is...

TOM AND STEVE TOGETHER: The Nets.

STEVE: And I feel bad about it, too. They've got some great talent and tons of experience. They're not quite talented enough to win now, and are simply too old to win later.

TOM: With the age of those players, you've got to expect that they finish this season in the Atlantic basement.

STEVE: That's going way too far. They can still play with the best of them - this team would probably win the Southeast. Still, it'll be tough playing in a division like this one.

STEVE'S PICKS:
1. Toronto Raptors (Defense. Wins. Championships.)
2. Philadelphia 76ers (tons of talent that can actually be on the court at the same time)
3. Boston Celtics (players don't mesh well, Odom out of position)
4. New Jersey Nets (just a bit too old)
5. New York Knicks (lack of depth ends up killing them)

TOM'S PICKS:
1. Boston Celtics (most talented by far)
2. Philadelphia 76ers (great talent, slightly too young)
3. New York Knicks (well-balanced, though depth is a concern)
4. Toronto Raptors (KG and Camby will both miss time, possible Artest meltdown)
5. New Jersey Nets (not enough left in the tank to hang around)

I really cant believe they have me in 4th

[Roy Hobbs]

I really cant believe they have me in 4th

This "Tom" guy has a skewed view of the world.

[JSD]

My quick review after 7

Central Division

Winner:

Chicago Bulls - Chris Paul, Al Horford, Pau Gasol, Luis Scola, Wilson Chandler, Rudy Fernandez, Raja Bell

I’m not terribly high on Wilson Chandler or Rudy Fernandez but I like the combination of Horford and Gasol in the front court and love Chris Paul. Gasol rid himself of the soft tag last season and with Horford behind him could excel even more defensively.

Team of the future in the league:

Milwaukee Bucks (bucknersrevenge) - Kevin Durant, Paul Millsap, J.R. Smith, Rodney Stuckey, Brendan Haywood, Jamario Moon

The Central has the team of the future. There is a reason the Jazz are willing to lose Booz and keep Milly. Strong, long, can play tough D, box you out and hit a jump shot I love him as Durants #2 guy and the sharp-shooting JR as #3. I’m not in love with Stuckey but he will be a force once he develops a more consistent jump shot. Maybe on this team he becomes more of a distributing PG?

[celticinorlando]

sad panda?

[Rondo2287]

Southwest Analysis

Dallas - Very balanced team offensively.  Can expect between 12-17 points from Smith, Kidd, Murphy, Terry, Marion.   Weird team in that they are not young enough to expect any real growth, and they aren't good enough to seriously contend for a title.  Feel like they are a squad that could compete for a 5-6 seed, be competitive, but never get past the 1st/2nd round of the playoffs.  No real prime time player.  Also, defense is a major issue with this team

Houston  NIce 1-2 combo with Bosh and Joe Johnson.  I'm not sold on Monta Ellis, but as a 3rd wheel he is more than serviceable.  Randolph and Hill are a nice ying/yang at the SF spot.  RIght now they are very small, but are by far the most talented team in the division.

Memphis Tony Parker is an absolute stud, however I'm not sure how all these pieces mesh together.  Gay seems to be destined to be a high volume shooter/scorer.  Not sure how he will respond to sharing the rock. A lot of size with Bargnani, Lopez, Diaw.  By far the biggest team in the division.  Not sure if you can play Bargnani and Diaw together at all.  Seem like very repetative players.  Need a shooter and wing depth.  Again I can see this team being a 4-5 seed, without serious potential of emerging as a title contender.  Key hinges on development of Rudy Gay.  Needs to become a more efficient scorer.

New Orleans Kobe is clearly the center piece. I am working on the assumption that he has 2-3 more years in his prime + 2-3 more years of being wiley yet effective veteran.  I think in that 2-3 year window  Westbrook evolves into a legitimate PG and second wheel.  In Noah and BBD have a nice 1-2 combo inside.  Need more length and another big body.  Big time void in shooters.  Amir Johnson is real raw.  Team is very young overall.  Think 2-3 year timeframe and team can be competitive if right pieces are added.

San Antonio  Great backcourt.  Rose and Mayo will be the foundation of this team in the short and long term.  Need a low post scorer.  WIll undoubtedly struggle in short term.  Great upside and long term potential.

Now
1) Houston
2) New Orleans
3) Dallas
4) Memphis
5) San Antonio

3-5 Years
1) Houston
2) New Orleans
3) San Antonio
4) Memphis
5) Dallas

I think New Orleans is 4th or 5th in this division

[JSD]

Southeast Division

Winner:

Orlando Magic (GainsvilleCeltic/Lucky17) - Lebron James, Jason Richardson, Marc Gasol, Kirk Hinrich, Charlie Villanueva, Francisco Garcia, Chris Wilcox

No legit #2? I don't know... Villanueva is a great match-up against a perimeter oriented PF ( Rashard Lewis Types) but needs to toughen up on the block. Hinrich is solid on both ends of the floor and really embraced his role as an effective 6th man last season. I thought it might have been his calling. Gasol was a solid rookie last season on one of the worst teams in the league. He will be a solid NBA player; I’m just not sure that he’s there yet.


Washington Boxers (nickagneta)- Kevin Martin, Stephen Jackson, Andris Biedrins, Raymond Felton, Darrell Arthur

I’m Curious what the Artest trade translated into? In my eyes replacing Jackson with a “Bronstoper” Washington win’s the division.

[jgod213]

Southeast Division

Winner:

Orlando Magic (GainsvilleCeltic/Lucky17) - Lebron James, Jason Richardson, Marc Gasol, Kirk Hinrich, Charlie Villanueva, Francisco Garcia, Chris Wilcox

No legit #2? I don't know... Villanueva is a great match-up against a perimeter oriented PF ( Rashard Lewis Types) but needs to toughen up on the block. Hinrich is solid on both ends of the floor and really embraced his role as an effective 6th man last season. I thought it might have been his calling. Gasol was a solid rookie last season on one of the worst teams in the league. He will be a solid NBA player; I’m just not sure that he’s there yet.


Washington Boxers (nickagneta)- Kevin Martin, Stephen Jackson, Andris Biedrins, Raymond Felton, Darrell Arthur

I’m Curious what the Artest trade translated into? In my eyes replacing Jackson with a “Bronstoper” Washington win’s the division.

i like nick's team but i can't see a team winning a division with darrell arthur starting at the 4.

[KCattheStripe]

Southeast Division



 Gasol was a solid rookie last season on one of the worst teams in the league. He will be a solid NBA player; I’m just not sure that he’s there yet.

He's there enough for LeBron's purposes.

[Edgar]

We'll take an average 1.5 rating.  We do love how we match up with Seattle, although we understand we're going to carry the "if healthy" tag this entire off-season.

And IMHO theyre underestimating deepness
specially after round 8t

[wdleehi]

Southeast Division

Winner:

Orlando Magic (GainsvilleCeltic/Lucky17) - Lebron James, Jason Richardson, Marc Gasol, Kirk Hinrich, Charlie Villanueva, Francisco Garcia, Chris Wilcox

No legit #2? I don't know... Villanueva is a great match-up against a perimeter oriented PF ( Rashard Lewis Types) but needs to toughen up on the block. Hinrich is solid on both ends of the floor and really embraced his role as an effective 6th man last season. I thought it might have been his calling. Gasol was a solid rookie last season on one of the worst teams in the league. He will be a solid NBA player; I’m just not sure that he’s there yet.


Washington Boxers (nickagneta)- Kevin Martin, Stephen Jackson, Andris Biedrins, Raymond Felton, Darrell Arthur

I’m Curious what the Artest trade translated into? In my eyes replacing Jackson with a “Bronstoper” Washington win’s the division.

i like nick's team but i can't see a team winning a division with darrell arthur starting at the 4.

Didn't this argument happen last year with Arthur?   I remember someone saying that he will be better then Lewis. 

[nickagneta]

Just so everyone knows, Darrell Arthur will be coming off the bench in a Leon Powe-style role and Ryan Anderson will be starting. Anderson allows the starting five better spacing as he can extend the defense with his outside shooting and is a very good 3 point shooter. This will allow for some pick and pop high post offense with Felton as well as opening lanes for the super quick Felton and slashers Stephen Jackson and Kevin Martin.

Honestly love the way the offense has set up on this team.

[wdleehi]

Now that I finally have 10 players that will play next year.


PG Conley    Foye
SG Pietrus   Azubuike
SF Green     Wright
PF Haslem    Love
C  Oden      Boone


INJ/Future trade bait for big time scorer: Ming



Only the C position is set as who is the starter.  All other positions are battles for minutes.