CB Draft '09 Mock Press Conference: Central Division

[Gainesville Celtic]

I find it a bit amazing we're even  "debating" this bench question since it, IMO, cost this year's Cs 5-7 wins and the series vs. Orlando.

 With a capable SG/SF to spell Pierce and Ray over the last month after KG went down and a 5th big better than Mikki Moore I truly believe we see a BOS/LA finals rematch -- talent at the top is that close in both the fake and real NBA.

[StartOrien]

Indy -- it will be interesting to see where you end up in the midseason vote.

The 2 issues I see are uncertainty at PG (u could be great or you could be starting quincy douby) and your frontcourt.

Thomas and Magliore are 10 mpg guys at best now ( I like the idea of covering for that by playing frye/aldridge together rather than simply insisting it KTs age won't be an issue...

But that's a small, offensively challenged front court.

I also like the gamble on arenas -- again as opposed to just sayin curry was gonna be a star.

Slightly small, but I don't think all that offensively challenged. Aldridge has got a great midrange game and a continuously growing post.

As I've mentioned before, I see Frye as a Diet Aldridge. Similar, just not as good

[The Walker Wiggle]

Appreciate the kind words. After reading through this thread and further deliberating I do realize my team right now is probably closer to the bottom of the division than the top but that's life.

Ahaha, well we'll have to agree to disagree then!? But I'd argue that beyond the Buck's frontcourt advantage, no team in the division, other than Cleveland, has the same depth, and no team other than Indiana has the swing defenders to put the Durantula off his game.

What do you say to that Milwaukee? Hm?

[Gainesville Celtic]

Appreciate the kind words. After reading through this thread and further deliberating I do realize my team right now is probably closer to the bottom of the division than the top but that's life.

Ahaha, well we'll have to agree to disagree then!? But I'd argue that beyond the Buck's frontcourt advantage, no team in the division, other than Cleveland, has the same depth, and no team other than Indiana has the swing defenders to put the Durantula off his game.

What do you say to that Milwaukee? Hm?

Have to agree with Wiggle here Buckners, "sorry"

I have the Bucks battling for the 7th/8th spot with CLE, BOS, NJ, and maybe ATL (FWIW, i won't be voting for NY since they've been totally absent).

[Roy Hobbs]

Appreciate the kind words. After reading through this thread and further deliberating I do realize my team right now is probably closer to the bottom of the division than the top but that's life.

Ahaha, well we'll have to agree to disagree then!? But I'd argue that beyond the Buck's frontcourt advantage, no team in the division, other than Cleveland, has the same depth, and no team other than Indiana has the swing defenders to put the Durantula off his game.

What do you say to that Milwaukee? Hm?

Have to agree with Wiggle here Buckners, "sorry"

I have the Bucks battling for the 7th/8th spot with CLE, BOS, NJ, and maybe ATL (FWIW, i won't be voting for NY since they've been totally absent).

Firmly in the playoffs are Toronto, Philly, Chicago, Detroit, Orlando, Washington?

[Gainesville Celtic]

Appreciate the kind words. After reading through this thread and further deliberating I do realize my team right now is probably closer to the bottom of the division than the top but that's life.

Ahaha, well we'll have to agree to disagree then!? But I'd argue that beyond the Buck's frontcourt advantage, no team in the division, other than Cleveland, has the same depth, and no team other than Indiana has the swing defenders to put the Durantula off his game.

What do you say to that Milwaukee? Hm?

Have to agree with Wiggle here Buckners, "sorry"

I have the Bucks battling for the 7th/8th spot with CLE, BOS, NJ, and maybe ATL (FWIW, i won't be voting for NY since they've been totally absent).

Firmly in the playoffs are Toronto, Philly, Chicago, Detroit, Orlando, Washington?

not in that order but yeah TOR, PHI, CHI, DET, WAS are in; ORL it hinges on what we can get out of Joel Anthony.

[nickagneta]

One GM's view of the Central, for what it's worth:

1.) Cleveland - tough decision but I believe in a physical division Cleveland's size, depth, shooting ability and quality 1-10 trumps Chicago's and Detroit's excellent starting fives and weak benches.

2.) Chicago - best starting five in game but if a neophyte like me can figure out you consistently head to the basket all day and draw contact to get the starters in foul trouble, then real coaches will figure it out too. Get two starters in foul trouble on this team and a win is all but guaranteed. But that's easier said than done, but not impossible.

3.) Detroit - the questions at center and point guard are just too great to overcome. If Chandler and Watson don't come in with stellar performances this team falls down in the standings very quickly.

4.) Milwaukee - an early favorite of mine for Future Team of the Year they will win games now as well. Durant growing up before our eyes is almost enough to get this team out of the basement by himself. Adding Millsap, Smith, Moon, and McCants make them young and dangerous.

5.) Indiana - if Gilbert Arenas plays like an All-Star this year then Indiana is not a good team. If he plays like he has or doesn't play like he has been not playing, and this is one of the worst teams in the conference. Little to no offense and no one beside Arenas who can get their own shot off. Disappointing.


I see two playoff teams from this division.

[bucknersrevenge]

Appreciate the kind words. After reading through this thread and further deliberating I do realize my team right now is probably closer to the bottom of the division than the top but that's life.

Ahaha, well we'll have to agree to disagree then!? But I'd argue that beyond the Buck's frontcourt advantage, no team in the division, other than Cleveland, has the same depth, and no team other than Indiana has the swing defenders to put the Durantula off his game.

What do you say to that Milwaukee? Hm?

Have to agree with Wiggle here Buckners, "sorry"

I have the Bucks battling for the 7th/8th spot with CLE, BOS, NJ, and maybe ATL (FWIW, i won't be voting for NY since they've been totally absent).

Well who am I to argue with that. 3 of my starters did see time in the playoffs last year. And I do love Moon as my 6th man. When he comes in Durant will occasionally slide up to the 4 and help create mismatches. Since we lack the overall size and length at the 4 we're gonna use Durant there with his length in a similar fashion to the was Rashard Lewis was used this last year.

[StartOrien]

One GM's view of the Central, for what it's worth:

1.) Cleveland - tough decision but I believe in a physical division Cleveland's size, depth, shooting ability and quality 1-10 trumps Chicago's and Detroit's excellent starting fives and weak benches.

2.) Chicago - best starting five in game but if a neophyte like me can figure out you consistently head to the basket all day and draw contact to get the starters in foul trouble, then real coaches will figure it out too. Get two starters in foul trouble on this team and a win is all but guaranteed. But that's easier said than done, but not impossible.

3.) Detroit - the questions at center and point guard are just too great to overcome. If Chandler and Watson don't come in with stellar performances this team falls down in the standings very quickly.

4.) Milwaukee - an early favorite of mine for Future Team of the Year they will win games now as well. Durant growing up before our eyes is almost enough to get this team out of the basement by himself. Adding Millsap, Smith, Moon, and McCants make them young and dangerous.

5.) Indiana - if Gilbert Arenas plays like an All-Star this year then Indiana is not a good team. If he plays like he has or doesn't play like he has been not playing, and this is one of the worst teams in the conference. Little to no offense and no one beside Arenas who can get their own shot off. Disappointing.


I see two playoff teams from this division.

Nick, are you saying that even if Gilbert plays well, this team is STILL bad?

[Donoghus]

Here's how I have the Central:

1)Chicago
2)Detroit
3)Cleveland
4)Indiana
5)Milwaukee

[jgod213]

CHampkind and Cleveland seem to be getting a lot of support here.  Frankly, i just don't see it...

David West is the only guy in that starting group that knows what it takes to win, and it seems like defenses will be focusing on him more then he's used to.  I know if the Mavs matched up against the Cavs we'd be forcing Bogut and Luc-Richard to beat us.  Not saying they're not good players, but we'll take our chances with those two.  I'm also not a big fan of jamal crawford.  he knows how to put on a show but i don't think he has the veteran leadership capabilities that you'd hope for with a team like this.

I think the Pacers are a much better team.  A lot of questions about Arenas, but if he is anything close to his old self that's a very dynamic and well constructed starting 5.  only problem is i think Indiana is stuck inbetween a good win now team and a good future team, making it tough for them to win in either category.


Question for Champkind:  I know a lot of people have and maybe already have asked this question, but who is responsible for taking the important/last second shots on your team? Why?

Question for StartOrien: How will Arenas's precense effect Rubio? Do you believe there will be a mentor relationship there?

[ChampKind]

Question for Champkind:  I know a lot of people have and maybe already have asked this question, but who is responsible for taking the important/last second shots on your team? Why?

It depends on the situation. West is reliable, Harris is a strong shooter and can drive inside the arc, and Jamal Crawford, despite his propensity to be on losing teams, actually has a strong history of coming through in the clutch - hoopshype even notes this on his player profile.  As option 4, we have the sweet shooting Mike Miller.

As far as losing breeding losing, it's a concern, but the only player on this team that really carries that stigma in my opinion is Crawford.  He's been on losing teams where he's had to be the focal point of an offense.  By shifting him to the bench we can maximize his offensive potential while decreasing the impact he has on our defense.  He can go out, get his, lift the 2nd team offense, and then come out when we need a stop.  We can ride his hot hand without relying on him like other teams have, and that's been the problem with his teams in the past.

Bringing together a solid core of young, talented, and experienced players is great, but when they're all solid locker room presences and there is no one who can be labeled as a "destructive," I believe it will breed an atmosphere of winning.  These guys are young and hungry, and while a lack of championship experience hurts this year, it will grow into a positive in the future as this team wins more games.

[StartOrien]

Question for StartOrien: How will Arenas's precense effect Rubio? Do you believe there will be a mentor relationship there?

As far as a mentorship, I don't see it. They're two different beasts at the Point Guard position. His effect though, should be pretty strong as I believe Arenas would really benefit from a pure point guard like Rubio

[Rondo2287]

Chicago: How does the fact that Jason Williams not getting an offer from the Knicks change your strategy?

[indeedproceed]

I would also like to know this. Is Javaris Crittenden now your only backup pg?