The "Talk Up Your Pick 2 Draft Team" Thread

[slamtheking]

I really like that Jazz lineup too.

Thanks.  I definitely think it's a top contender after looking at everyone else's rosters.

Good to contend now and for a few years.  Fortunately, even though I'm in taxland, everyone's earning their paycheck so the owners have no problem ponying up the cash to contend.

My best players are still young or coming into their prime years.  I think this team is well positioned.

The only other team I'm seeing that's in a position to challenge in future years in OKC where Roy has built a very nice young core of talent.

[Roy Hobbs]

I really like that Jazz lineup too.

Thanks.  I definitely think it's a top contender after looking at everyone else's rosters.

Good to contend now and for a few years.  Fortunately, even though I'm in taxland, everyone's earning their paycheck so the owners have no problem ponying up the cash to contend.

My best players are still young or coming into their prime years.  I think this team is well positioned.

The only other team I'm seeing that's in a position to challenge in future years in OKC where Roy has built a very nice young core of talent.

Thanks for the kind words.  From what I've seen, Utah is probably the best in the west.  As of right now, I have them and Orlando as the two co-favorites, although both of those teams have some question marks on the bench.

Washington has the most raw talent; that would be an interesting team to watch play, to see if they meshed.

[wdleehi]

UPDATE:

The "New Look" Los Angeles Pigs  :
Wdleehi - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Marcin Gortat	3.4	$  5,854,000.00	3.8	0.2	+  6.14
PF  -	Pau Gasol	17.1	$16,452,000.00	11.0	3.5	+24.97
SF  -	Hedo Turkoglu	12.4	$  9,000,000.00	4.5	4.3	+13.96
SG -	Kobe Bryant	28.0	$23,034,375.00	5.3	4.6	+23.49
PG -	J.J. Redick	9.6	$  2,839,408.00	1.8	1.9	+  8.81
C    -	Josh Boone	4.2	$  2,056,968.00	5.1	0.6	+  7.79
PF  -	Tyler Hansbrough	8.5	$  1,859,160.00	4.8	1.0	+  8.38
SF  -	Jamario Moon	5.0	$  3,000,000.00	3.5	0.8	+  7.48
SG -	Keith Bogans	4.7	$     825,497.00	2.7	1.2	+  6.18
PG -	Randy Foye	10.2	$  3,575,761.00	1.8	2.7	+  9.10
SF -	Reggie Evans	2.0	$  4,960,000.00	3.0	1.0	+  4.00
SF -	Wally Scerbiak	7.0	$13,775,000.00	3.1	1.1	+  8.14

           Total budget so far:                                     $87,232,169.00


** This update should be complete, (with what info I have) ... let me know if I've mixed anything up. Thanks for your patience!









The Lakers gave up so much talent in this draft.  I had to build with the triangle in mind which is where Turk comes in.  I think his style of play would fit well into the triangle. 

I am starting Reddick at PG because he can knock down that three pointer (like a Kerr, Paxson, Armstrong, Fisher...) and has improved a lot defensively.  I don't expect him to defend the speedy PGs.  That's where Kobe can come in and Reddick, being SG size, can swap who they defend. 

I am expecting to see the Gortat we see when he has started.  (the 10pts, 11 rebound guy)

My bench is loaded with roll players.  The only guy on there that can go go off and score in bunches is Foye.  Ther rest, smart players that can play roles.

My other bench key is the Bird rights to Wally World.  As we learned from this deadline, you can add a godd player with a big contract in the last year, draft picks and a young talent. 



The Pigs have the best Trio in the game (Kobe, Gasol and Turk).  They have deep playofff and championship experience.  They are all still in their prime.  I see the Pigs being able to raise the title.

[Roy Hobbs]

UPDATE:

The "New Look" Los Angeles Pigs  :
Wdleehi - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Marcin Gortat	3.4	$  5,854,000.00	3.8	0.2	+  6.14
PF  -	Pau Gasol	17.1	$16,452,000.00	11.0	3.5	+24.97
SF  -	Hedo Turkoglu	12.4	$  9,000,000.00	4.5	4.3	+13.96
SG -	Kobe Bryant	28.0	$23,034,375.00	5.3	4.6	+23.49
PG -	J.J. Redick	9.6	$  2,839,408.00	1.8	1.9	+  8.81
C    -	Josh Boone	4.2	$  2,056,968.00	5.1	0.6	+  7.79
PF  -	Tyler Hansbrough	8.5	$  1,859,160.00	4.8	1.0	+  8.38
SF  -	Jamario Moon	5.0	$  3,000,000.00	3.5	0.8	+  7.48
SG -	Keith Bogans	4.7	$     825,497.00	2.7	1.2	+  6.18
PG -	Randy Foye	10.2	$  3,575,761.00	1.8	2.7	+  9.10
SF -	Reggie Evans	2.0	$  4,960,000.00	3.0	1.0	+  4.00
SF -	Wally Scerbiak	7.0	$13,775,000.00	3.1	1.1	+  8.14

           Total budget so far:                                     $87,232,169.00


** This update should be complete, (with what info I have) ... let me know if I've mixed anything up. Thanks for your patience!









The Lakers gave up so much talent in this draft.  I had to build with the triangle in mind which is where Turk comes in.  I think his style of play would fit well into the triangle. 

I am starting Reddick at PG because he can knock down that three pointer (like a Kerr, Paxson, Armstrong, Fisher...) and has improved a lot defensively.  I don't expect him to defend the speedy PGs.  That's where Kobe can come in and Reddick, being SG size, can swap who they defend. 

I am expecting to see the Gortat we see when he has started.  (the 10pts, 11 rebound guy)

My bench is loaded with roll players.  The only guy on there that can go go off and score in bunches is Foye.  Ther rest, smart players that can play roles.

My other bench key is the Bird rights to Wally World.  As we learned from this deadline, you can add a godd player with a big contract in the last year, draft picks and a young talent. 



The Pigs have the best Trio in the game (Kobe, Gasol and Turk).  They have deep playofff and championship experience.  They are all still in their prime.  I see the Pigs being able to raise the title.

I hate this team, but can't help but acknowledge their talent.  The only question mark I have is Gortat; he's looked okay in short minutes, but I wonder if he can play starters' minutes.  If he can, you're right up there with Utah in the West.

[PLamb]

UPDATE:

The "New Look" Los Angeles Pigs  :
Wdleehi - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Marcin Gortat	3.4	$  5,854,000.00	3.8	0.2	+  6.14
PF  -	Pau Gasol	17.1	$16,452,000.00	11.0	3.5	+24.97
SF  -	Hedo Turkoglu	12.4	$  9,000,000.00	4.5	4.3	+13.96
SG -	Kobe Bryant	28.0	$23,034,375.00	5.3	4.6	+23.49
PG -	J.J. Redick	9.6	$  2,839,408.00	1.8	1.9	+  8.81
C    -	Josh Boone	4.2	$  2,056,968.00	5.1	0.6	+  7.79
PF  -	Tyler Hansbrough	8.5	$  1,859,160.00	4.8	1.0	+  8.38
SF  -	Jamario Moon	5.0	$  3,000,000.00	3.5	0.8	+  7.48
SG -	Keith Bogans	4.7	$     825,497.00	2.7	1.2	+  6.18
PG -	Randy Foye	10.2	$  3,575,761.00	1.8	2.7	+  9.10
SF -	Reggie Evans	2.0	$  4,960,000.00	3.0	1.0	+  4.00
SF -	Wally Scerbiak	7.0	$13,775,000.00	3.1	1.1	+  8.14

           Total budget so far:                                     $87,232,169.00


** This update should be complete, (with what info I have) ... let me know if I've mixed anything up. Thanks for your patience!









The Lakers gave up so much talent in this draft.  I had to build with the triangle in mind which is where Turk comes in.  I think his style of play would fit well into the triangle. 

I am starting Reddick at PG because he can knock down that three pointer (like a Kerr, Paxson, Armstrong, Fisher...) and has improved a lot defensively.  I don't expect him to defend the speedy PGs.  That's where Kobe can come in and Reddick, being SG size, can swap who they defend. 

I am expecting to see the Gortat we see when he has started.  (the 10pts, 11 rebound guy)

My bench is loaded with roll players.  The only guy on there that can go go off and score in bunches is Foye.  Ther rest, smart players that can play roles.

My other bench key is the Bird rights to Wally World.  As we learned from this deadline, you can add a godd player with a big contract in the last year, draft picks and a young talent. 



The Pigs have the best Trio in the game (Kobe, Gasol and Turk).  They have deep playofff and championship experience.  They are all still in their prime.  I see the Pigs being able to raise the title.

I've been saying it all along, this is one of the best two teams out west

The Hedo addition to Kobe and Gasol is brilliant and JJ Reddick is a prototypical Triangle Offense PG

I have faith that Gortat can give you starters minutes and think though the bench isn't great with the way Phil Jackson does his substitution patterns, they will be fine

This team isn't as good as the current Lakers but these Pigs can fly and I see WCF all over this team

[slamtheking]

UPDATE:

The "New Look" Los Angeles Pigs  :
Wdleehi - General Manager

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Marcin Gortat	3.4	$  5,854,000.00	3.8	0.2	+  6.14
PF  -	Pau Gasol	17.1	$16,452,000.00	11.0	3.5	+24.97
SF  -	Hedo Turkoglu	12.4	$  9,000,000.00	4.5	4.3	+13.96
SG -	Kobe Bryant	28.0	$23,034,375.00	5.3	4.6	+23.49
PG -	J.J. Redick	9.6	$  2,839,408.00	1.8	1.9	+  8.81
C    -	Josh Boone	4.2	$  2,056,968.00	5.1	0.6	+  7.79
PF  -	Tyler Hansbrough	8.5	$  1,859,160.00	4.8	1.0	+  8.38
SF  -	Jamario Moon	5.0	$  3,000,000.00	3.5	0.8	+  7.48
SG -	Keith Bogans	4.7	$     825,497.00	2.7	1.2	+  6.18
PG -	Randy Foye	10.2	$  3,575,761.00	1.8	2.7	+  9.10
SF -	Reggie Evans	2.0	$  4,960,000.00	3.0	1.0	+  4.00
SF -	Wally Scerbiak	7.0	$13,775,000.00	3.1	1.1	+  8.14

           Total budget so far:                                     $87,232,169.00


** This update should be complete, (with what info I have) ... let me know if I've mixed anything up. Thanks for your patience!









The Lakers gave up so much talent in this draft.  I had to build with the triangle in mind which is where Turk comes in.  I think his style of play would fit well into the triangle. 

I am starting Reddick at PG because he can knock down that three pointer (like a Kerr, Paxson, Armstrong, Fisher...) and has improved a lot defensively.  I don't expect him to defend the speedy PGs.  That's where Kobe can come in and Reddick, being SG size, can swap who they defend. 

I am expecting to see the Gortat we see when he has started.  (the 10pts, 11 rebound guy)

My bench is loaded with roll players.  The only guy on there that can go go off and score in bunches is Foye.  Ther rest, smart players that can play roles.

My other bench key is the Bird rights to Wally World.  As we learned from this deadline, you can add a godd player with a big contract in the last year, draft picks and a young talent. 



The Pigs have the best Trio in the game (Kobe, Gasol and Turk).  They have deep playofff and championship experience.  They are all still in their prime.  I see the Pigs being able to raise the title.

A tough lineup to be sure but I think my Jazz/Salties can take your Pigs/Fakers.

Hibbert's more raw than Gortat but he's got decent offense.  Gortat seems better
on defense.  I'll give the edge to Gortat but not by a large margin. 
Gortat's not good enough to put your team on his back and carry them.

Boozer and Gasol are a wash-->both all-star calibur players that'll make
each other work on both ends.  Gasol's got the height advantage but
Boozer can really rebound.

Battier neutralizes Hedo with his defense.  Hedo won't do the same to
Battier.  Edge battier. 

As good as Granger is, kobe's better ([dang] him!!!)  Redick is nowhere
close to Deron.  Here's the thing, no matter which one Kobe defends,
the other will abuse Redick.  Not speculate about abusing Redick like
we thought Ray would do in last year's playoffs, but actually light
him up.

If Granger has trouble guarding Kobe, I slide Battier over and that'll
work just fine.  Granger and handle Hedo and if Hedo sticks with him
on defense, Granger will light him up.

I can bring in 2 good wing defenders to cover Kobe as well in Bell and
Weems. 

Foye's the closest thing you have to offense off the bench and that's
not much.  Too up and down.  Sheed, Maxiell and Daye are a better
big man bench brigade than Boone and Hansbrough.  Neither can bother
Sheed in the post and Maxiell's a good energy rebounder.  Moon and
Bogans are decent defenders off the bench but not a lot of offense.
Ford gives a starter-quality PG off the bench that can also score.

I'll take Utah over LA.

[Evantime34]

UPDATE:

The "New Look" WASHINGTON WIZARDS
  :
Evantime 34 - General Manager





Pos.      Starting Five                     PPG              Salary      RB/G      APG      Efficiency
C    - Tyson Chandler     6.2 $  12,300,000.00        6.6       0.4        +  9.54
PF  - Andrei Kirilenko   12.3 $  16,452,000.00        4.8       2.8        +15.84
SF  - Vince Carter   16.6 $  16,123,250.00        4.4       2.8        +13.96
SG  - Manu Ginobili   13.3 $  10,728,130.00        3.4       4.5        +14.49
PG  - Steve Nash   18.4 $  13,125,000.00        3.3     11.1        +23.21
             
 
C    - Amir Johnson    5.1 $    3,941,667.00        4.8       0.4        +  8.59
PF  - Tracy McGrady    6.4 $  22,483,124.00        1.3       1.6        +  5.86
SF  - C.J. Miles    8.7 $    3,700,000.00        2.0       1.2        +  6.43
SG  - Willie Green    8.7 $    3,682,000.00        1.8       2.3        +  8.34
PG  - Sergio Rodriguez    6.0 $    1,892,035.00        1.3       3.2        +  6.58
             
 
C    - Hasheem Thabeet    2.7 $    4,458,840.00        3.1       0.1        +  5.70
SF  -  Kyle Korver    5.5 $    5,263,636.00        1.2       1.3        +  5.92




           Total budget so far:                                     $114,149,582.00





** This update should be complete, (with what info I have) ... let me know if I've mixed anything up. Thanks for your patience!


Let me be the first to say my team is stacked (and it should be with how high my payroll is). I have veterans at every position starting and a 6th man who dropped 26 in the first game he got legit run this year. Between Green, T-Mac and Korver I have good back ups in case Ginobili and/or Carter get hurt.

My team is stocked with scorers and the best passing pg in the league to distribute the ball. We will run, and we will score. With a normal team that had this many vets you would think they have a window that is quickly closing. The Wiz good young players in Rodriguez, Miles, Johnson and Thabeet who will learn quickly for a very good team.

Watching the Celtics I have realized that the best way to develop players is to bring them along with vets while contending (see Rondo and Perk). I expect my four youngsters to be able to step up and fill the void of the older players as they start to decline.

I know people have injury concerns but I feel like good youth and some decent wing veterans should offset them to a degree. Although my payroll is huge I expect that to be offset by sell out after sell out and large playoff revenue. Not to mention with the international players on my team the following of the wizards should be huge.

Thoughts?

[PLamb]

UPDATE:

The "New Look" WASHINGTON WIZARDS
  :
Evantime 34 - General Manager





Pos.      Starting Five                     PPG              Salary      RB/G      APG      Efficiency
C    - Tyson Chandler     6.2 $  12,300,000.00        6.6       0.4        +  9.54
PF  - Andrei Kirilenko   12.3 $  16,452,000.00        4.8       2.8        +15.84
SF  - Vince Carter   16.6 $  16,123,250.00        4.4       2.8        +13.96
SG  - Manu Ginobili   13.3 $  10,728,130.00        3.4       4.5        +14.49
PG  - Steve Nash   18.4 $  13,125,000.00        3.3     11.1        +23.21
             
 
C    - Amir Johnson    5.1 $    3,941,667.00        4.8       0.4        +  8.59
PF  - Tracy McGrady    6.4 $  22,483,124.00        1.3       1.6        +  5.86
SF  - C.J. Miles    8.7 $    3,700,000.00        2.0       1.2        +  6.43
SG  - Willie Green    8.7 $    3,682,000.00        1.8       2.3        +  8.34
PG  - Sergio Rodriguez    6.0 $    1,892,035.00        1.3       3.2        +  6.58
             
 
C    - Hasheem Thabeet    2.7 $    4,458,840.00        3.1       0.1        +  5.70
SF  -  Kyle Korver    5.5 $    5,263,636.00        1.2       1.3        +  5.92




           Total budget so far:                                     $114,149,582.00





** This update should be complete, (with what info I have) ... let me know if I've mixed anything up. Thanks for your patience!


Let me be the first to say my team is stacked (and it should be with how high my payroll is). I have veterans at every position starting and a 6th man who dropped 26 in the first game he got legit run this year. Between Green, T-Mac and Korver I have good back ups in case Ginobili and/or Carter get hurt.

My team is stocked with scorers and the best passing pg in the league to distribute the ball. We will run, and we will score. With a normal team that had this many vets you would think they have a window that is quickly closing. The Wiz good young players in Rodriguez, Miles, Johnson and Thabeet who will learn quickly for a very good team.

Watching the Celtics I have realized that the best way to develop players is to bring them along with vets while contending (see Rondo and Perk). I expect my four youngsters to be able to step up and fill the void of the older players as they start to decline.

I know people have injury concerns but I feel like good youth and some decent wing veterans should offset them to a degree. Although my payroll is huge I expect that to be offset by sell out after sell out and large playoff revenue. Not to mention with the international players on my team the following of the wizards should be huge.

Thoughts?

This is the Phoenix Suns east

Great offensive firepower, not a clue as to what it takes defensively to win important games

I think you are better off with a starting lineup of Nash at PG, Carter at SG, McGrady at SF, AK47 at PF and Chandler in the middle while bringing Manu off the bench in his most accustomed role

The problem with this team for me is the lack of tough defensive minded big men

Kirilenko plays best against mobile PFs but would have major problems guarding bigs under the basket and I think Chandler is vastly over rated and a giant disappointment

Definitely an EC playoff team but like Chicago lots of scoring little defense

[indeedproceed]

The "New Look" Los Angeles Pigs  :

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Marcin Gortat	3.4	$  5,854,000.00	3.8	0.2	+  6.14
PF  -	Pau Gasol	17.1	$16,452,000.00	11.0	3.5	+24.97
SF  -	Hedo Turkoglu	12.4	$  9,000,000.00	4.5	4.3	+13.96
SG -	Kobe Bryant	28.0	$23,034,375.00	5.3	4.6	+23.49
PG -	J.J. Redick	9.6	$  2,839,408.00	1.8	1.9	+  8.81
C    -	Josh Boone	4.2	$  2,056,968.00	5.1	0.6	+  7.79
PF  -	Tyler Hansbrough	8.5	$  1,859,160.00	4.8	1.0	+  8.38
SF  -	Jamario Moon	5.0	$  3,000,000.00	3.5	0.8	+  7.48
SG -	Keith Bogans	4.7	$     825,497.00	2.7	1.2	+  6.18
PG -	Randy Foye	10.2	$  3,575,761.00	1.8	2.7	+  9.10
SF -	Reggie Evans	2.0	$  4,960,000.00	3.0	1.0	+  4.00
SF -	Wally Scerbiak	7.0	$13,775,000.00	3.1	1.1	+  8.14

           Total budget so far:                                     $87,232,169.00

A tough lineup to be sure but I think my Jazz/Salties can take your Pigs/Fakers.

Hibbert's more raw than Gortat but he's got decent offense.  Gortat seems better
on defense.  I'll give the edge to Gortat but not by a large margin. 
Gortat's not good enough to put your team on his back and carry them.

Boozer and Gasol are a wash-->both all-star calibur players that'll make
each other work on both ends.  Gasol's got the height advantage but
Boozer can really rebound.

Battier neutralizes Hedo with his defense.  Hedo won't do the same to
Battier.  Edge battier. 

As good as Granger is, kobe's better ([dang] him!!!)  Redick is nowhere
close to Deron.  Here's the thing, no matter which one Kobe defends,
the other will abuse Redick.  Not speculate about abusing Redick like
we thought Ray would do in last year's playoffs, but actually light
him up.

If Granger has trouble guarding Kobe, I slide Battier over and that'll
work just fine.  Granger and handle Hedo and if Hedo sticks with him
on defense, Granger will light him up.

I can bring in 2 good wing defenders to cover Kobe as well in Bell and
Weems. 

Foye's the closest thing you have to offense off the bench and that's
not much.  Too up and down.  Sheed, Maxiell and Daye are a better
big man bench brigade than Boone and Hansbrough.  Neither can bother
Sheed in the post and Maxiell's a good energy rebounder.  Moon and
Bogans are decent defenders off the bench but not a lot of offense.
Ford gives a starter-quality PG off the bench that can also score.

I'll take Utah over LA.

I see it more like this:

Reddick   V Deron Williams
-Williams has a big edge here, but it's almost completely when he has the ball. Williams won't stop Reddick from playing his game on defense, but Reddick won't be able to slow down Williams much either. Utah advantage, large one.

Kobe V Granger
-Kobe is simply one of the best players in basketball, and is a two way player on the wing, probably the best in the league. He'll frustrate and bully Granger while he's on defense, and he'll get him in foul trouble on offense. Granger is a heck of a talent for sure, but he's not experienced enough to deal with Kobe, so this is a huge advantage for LA.

Battier V Turkoglu
-Battier is one of the better (but no longer the best) defenders in the league, and also a fantastic team leader. His (Battier's) strengths, his quick feet, cerebral style of play, won't be that much help against Turkoglu though. Turk is nearly 7ft tall, and will have no problem getting his shot over Battier. He's also a very skilled ball handler and passer, and shouldn't turn the ball over too much because with Turkoglu's shot, Battier can't gamble too much. I give the advantage to Turk here.

Gasol V Boozer
-Boozer is a force in the paint, but he's not Pau Gasol. Boozer might put up bigger numbers, but he's giving up 3 inches and he's not the player Gasol is. Gasol is the better defender, and he's going to outplay boozer in a 7 game series.

Gortat V Hibbert
-Hibbert is slower, Gortat is shorter, they're both good young physical players. Neither one will have much of an advantage over the other, and neither one is a huge part of their teams' respective game plan. Push.

Bench:
Boone, Hansborough, Moon, Bogans, Foye, Evans, Szerbs (if he ever suits up)
V
Rasheed Wallace, Raja Bell, TJ Ford, Jason Maxiell, Austin Daye, Sonny Weems; DJ White

I'm not going to get into individual matchups, but Utah's got the superior bench by a significant margin. Bell can be brought in to play cheap, dirty, scandalous defense against Kobe Bryant. Wallace can guard Gasol (probably better than Boozer), Ford will work Reddick and Foye both, and Maxiell, the second best bench player for Utah is better than anyone on LA's bench.

Big Advantage Utah


I'd say in the end that I like LA, just because I'm not sold on Utah's bench being able to compensate for LA's starters advantages. Both good teams but I like LA.

[Roy Hobbs]

UPDATE:

The "New Look" WASHINGTON WIZARDS
  :
Evantime 34 - General Manager





Pos.      Starting Five                     PPG              Salary      RB/G      APG      Efficiency
C    - Tyson Chandler     6.2 $  12,300,000.00        6.6       0.4        +  9.54
PF  - Andrei Kirilenko   12.3 $  16,452,000.00        4.8       2.8        +15.84
SF  - Vince Carter   16.6 $  16,123,250.00        4.4       2.8        +13.96
SG  - Manu Ginobili   13.3 $  10,728,130.00        3.4       4.5        +14.49
PG  - Steve Nash   18.4 $  13,125,000.00        3.3     11.1        +23.21
             
 
C    - Amir Johnson    5.1 $    3,941,667.00        4.8       0.4        +  8.59
PF  - Tracy McGrady    6.4 $  22,483,124.00        1.3       1.6        +  5.86
SF  - C.J. Miles    8.7 $    3,700,000.00        2.0       1.2        +  6.43
SG  - Willie Green    8.7 $    3,682,000.00        1.8       2.3        +  8.34
PG  - Sergio Rodriguez    6.0 $    1,892,035.00        1.3       3.2        +  6.58
             
 
C    - Hasheem Thabeet    2.7 $    4,458,840.00        3.1       0.1        +  5.70
SF  -  Kyle Korver    5.5 $    5,263,636.00        1.2       1.3        +  5.92




           Total budget so far:                                     $114,149,582.00





** This update should be complete, (with what info I have) ... let me know if I've mixed anything up. Thanks for your patience!


Let me be the first to say my team is stacked (and it should be with how high my payroll is). I have veterans at every position starting and a 6th man who dropped 26 in the first game he got legit run this year. Between Green, T-Mac and Korver I have good back ups in case Ginobili and/or Carter get hurt.

My team is stocked with scorers and the best passing pg in the league to distribute the ball. We will run, and we will score. With a normal team that had this many vets you would think they have a window that is quickly closing. The Wiz good young players in Rodriguez, Miles, Johnson and Thabeet who will learn quickly for a very good team.

Watching the Celtics I have realized that the best way to develop players is to bring them along with vets while contending (see Rondo and Perk). I expect my four youngsters to be able to step up and fill the void of the older players as they start to decline.

I know people have injury concerns but I feel like good youth and some decent wing veterans should offset them to a degree. Although my payroll is huge I expect that to be offset by sell out after sell out and large playoff revenue. Not to mention with the international players on my team the following of the wizards should be huge.

Thoughts?

I think you probably have the most raw talent in the league.  I'm worried a bit about your team's age, the personalities, and to some extent, the defense.  Also, as you know, I just don't like AK47 as a player, and Chandler has been a disappointment.

This team is a mystery to me.  I could see them playing in the Conference Finals, or I could see them missing the playoffs.

[PLamb]

The "New Look" Los Angeles Pigs  :

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Marcin Gortat	3.4	$  5,854,000.00	3.8	0.2	+  6.14
PF  -	Pau Gasol	17.1	$16,452,000.00	11.0	3.5	+24.97
SF  -	Hedo Turkoglu	12.4	$  9,000,000.00	4.5	4.3	+13.96
SG -	Kobe Bryant	28.0	$23,034,375.00	5.3	4.6	+23.49
PG -	J.J. Redick	9.6	$  2,839,408.00	1.8	1.9	+  8.81
C    -	Josh Boone	4.2	$  2,056,968.00	5.1	0.6	+  7.79
PF  -	Tyler Hansbrough	8.5	$  1,859,160.00	4.8	1.0	+  8.38
SF  -	Jamario Moon	5.0	$  3,000,000.00	3.5	0.8	+  7.48
SG -	Keith Bogans	4.7	$     825,497.00	2.7	1.2	+  6.18
PG -	Randy Foye	10.2	$  3,575,761.00	1.8	2.7	+  9.10
SF -	Reggie Evans	2.0	$  4,960,000.00	3.0	1.0	+  4.00
SF -	Wally Scerbiak	7.0	$13,775,000.00	3.1	1.1	+  8.14

           Total budget so far:                                     $87,232,169.00

A tough lineup to be sure but I think my Jazz/Salties can take your Pigs/Fakers.

Hibbert's more raw than Gortat but he's got decent offense.  Gortat seems better
on defense.  I'll give the edge to Gortat but not by a large margin. 
Gortat's not good enough to put your team on his back and carry them.

Boozer and Gasol are a wash-->both all-star calibur players that'll make
each other work on both ends.  Gasol's got the height advantage but
Boozer can really rebound.

Battier neutralizes Hedo with his defense.  Hedo won't do the same to
Battier.  Edge battier. 

As good as Granger is, kobe's better ([dang] him!!!)  Redick is nowhere
close to Deron.  Here's the thing, no matter which one Kobe defends,
the other will abuse Redick.  Not speculate about abusing Redick like
we thought Ray would do in last year's playoffs, but actually light
him up.

If Granger has trouble guarding Kobe, I slide Battier over and that'll
work just fine.  Granger and handle Hedo and if Hedo sticks with him
on defense, Granger will light him up.

I can bring in 2 good wing defenders to cover Kobe as well in Bell and
Weems. 

Foye's the closest thing you have to offense off the bench and that's
not much.  Too up and down.  Sheed, Maxiell and Daye are a better
big man bench brigade than Boone and Hansbrough.  Neither can bother
Sheed in the post and Maxiell's a good energy rebounder.  Moon and
Bogans are decent defenders off the bench but not a lot of offense.
Ford gives a starter-quality PG off the bench that can also score.

I'll take Utah over LA.

I see it more like this:

Reddick   V Deron Williams
-Williams has a big edge here, but it's almost completely when he has the ball. Williams won't stop Reddick from playing his game on defense, but Reddick won't be able to slow down Williams much either. Utah advantage, large one.

Kobe V Granger
-Kobe is simply one of the best players in basketball, and is a two way player on the wing, probably the best in the league. He'll frustrate and bully Granger while he's on defense, and he'll get him in foul trouble on offense. Granger is a heck of a talent for sure, but he's not experienced enough to deal with Kobe, so this is a huge advantage for LA.

Battier V Turkoglu
-Battier is one of the better (but no longer the best) defenders in the league, and also a fantastic team leader. His (Battier's) strengths, his quick feet, cerebral style of play, won't be that much help against Turkoglu though. Turk is nearly 7ft tall, and will have no problem getting his shot over Battier. He's also a very skilled ball handler and passer, and shouldn't turn the ball over too much because with Turkoglu's shot, Battier can't gamble too much. I give the advantage to Turk here.

Gasol V Boozer
-Boozer is a force in the paint, but he's not Pau Gasol. Boozer might put up bigger numbers, but he's giving up 3 inches and he's not the player Gasol is. Gasol is the better defender, and he's going to outplay boozer in a 7 game series.

Gortat V Hibbert
-Hibbert is slower, Gortat is shorter, they're both good young physical players. Neither one will have much of an advantage over the other, and neither one is a huge part of their teams' respective game plan. Push.

Bench:
Boone, Hansborough, Moon, Bogans, Foye, Evans, Szerbs (if he ever suits up)
V
Rasheed Wallace, Raja Bell, TJ Ford, Jason Maxiell, Austin Daye, Sonny Weems; DJ White

I'm not going to get into individual matchups, but Utah's got the superior bench by a significant margin. Bell can be brought in to play cheap, dirty, scandalous defense against Kobe Bryant. Wallace can guard Gasol (probably better than Boozer), Ford will work Reddick and Foye both, and Maxiell, the second best bench player for Utah is better than anyone on LA's bench.

Big Advantage Utah


I'd say in the end that I like LA, just because I'm not sold on Utah's bench being able to compensate for LA's starters advantages. Both good teams but I like LA.

I give the edge to LA as well for all the reasons you gave but also because I completely disagree with your assessment of the player formerly known as Jason Maxiell

Have you seen him recently

He's huge, slower, and is starting to get Glen Davis like

His shooting percentage's have dropped and his turnovers have skyrocketed

Maxiell is not the player you might remember from last year or two years ago

He has regressed

And with that the Utah bench suddenly isn't all that much better than LA's

Pigs fly in 6 games in this matchup in my book and take the West

[indeedproceed]

I give the edge to LA as well for all the reasons you gave but also because I completely disagree with your assessment of the player formerly known as Jason Maxiell

Have you seen him recently

He's huge, slower, and is starting to get Glen Davis like

His shooting percentage's have dropped and his turnovers have skyrocketed

Maxiell is not the player you might remember from last year or two years ago

He has regressed

And with that the Utah bench suddenly isn't all that much better than LA's

Pigs fly in 6 games in this matchup in my book and take the West

I only saw Maxiell in his game against us and he looked good there. He had like 15 points I think and made some nice athletic plays.

[slamtheking]

The "New Look" Los Angeles Pigs  :

Pos.	Starting Five	PPG	Salary	RB/G	APG	Efficiency
C    -	Marcin Gortat	3.4	$  5,854,000.00	3.8	0.2	+  6.14
PF  -	Pau Gasol	17.1	$16,452,000.00	11.0	3.5	+24.97
SF  -	Hedo Turkoglu	12.4	$  9,000,000.00	4.5	4.3	+13.96
SG -	Kobe Bryant	28.0	$23,034,375.00	5.3	4.6	+23.49
PG -	J.J. Redick	9.6	$  2,839,408.00	1.8	1.9	+  8.81
C    -	Josh Boone	4.2	$  2,056,968.00	5.1	0.6	+  7.79
PF  -	Tyler Hansbrough	8.5	$  1,859,160.00	4.8	1.0	+  8.38
SF  -	Jamario Moon	5.0	$  3,000,000.00	3.5	0.8	+  7.48
SG -	Keith Bogans	4.7	$     825,497.00	2.7	1.2	+  6.18
PG -	Randy Foye	10.2	$  3,575,761.00	1.8	2.7	+  9.10
SF -	Reggie Evans	2.0	$  4,960,000.00	3.0	1.0	+  4.00
SF -	Wally Scerbiak	7.0	$13,775,000.00	3.1	1.1	+  8.14

           Total budget so far:                                     $87,232,169.00

A tough lineup to be sure but I think my Jazz/Salties can take your Pigs/Fakers.

Hibbert's more raw than Gortat but he's got decent offense.  Gortat seems better
on defense.  I'll give the edge to Gortat but not by a large margin. 
Gortat's not good enough to put your team on his back and carry them.

Boozer and Gasol are a wash-->both all-star calibur players that'll make
each other work on both ends.  Gasol's got the height advantage but
Boozer can really rebound.

Battier neutralizes Hedo with his defense.  Hedo won't do the same to
Battier.  Edge battier. 

As good as Granger is, kobe's better ([dang] him!!!)  Redick is nowhere
close to Deron.  Here's the thing, no matter which one Kobe defends,
the other will abuse Redick.  Not speculate about abusing Redick like
we thought Ray would do in last year's playoffs, but actually light
him up.

If Granger has trouble guarding Kobe, I slide Battier over and that'll
work just fine.  Granger and handle Hedo and if Hedo sticks with him
on defense, Granger will light him up.

I can bring in 2 good wing defenders to cover Kobe as well in Bell and
Weems. 

Foye's the closest thing you have to offense off the bench and that's
not much.  Too up and down.  Sheed, Maxiell and Daye are a better
big man bench brigade than Boone and Hansbrough.  Neither can bother
Sheed in the post and Maxiell's a good energy rebounder.  Moon and
Bogans are decent defenders off the bench but not a lot of offense.
Ford gives a starter-quality PG off the bench that can also score.

I'll take Utah over LA.

I see it more like this:

Reddick   V Deron Williams
-Williams has a big edge here, but it's almost completely when he has the ball. Williams won't stop Reddick from playing his game on defense, but Reddick won't be able to slow down Williams much either. Utah advantage, large one.

Kobe V Granger
-Kobe is simply one of the best players in basketball, and is a two way player on the wing, probably the best in the league. He'll frustrate and bully Granger while he's on defense, and he'll get him in foul trouble on offense. Granger is a heck of a talent for sure, but he's not experienced enough to deal with Kobe, so this is a huge advantage for LA.

Battier V Turkoglu
-Battier is one of the better (but no longer the best) defenders in the league, and also a fantastic team leader. His (Battier's) strengths, his quick feet, cerebral style of play, won't be that much help against Turkoglu though. Turk is nearly 7ft tall, and will have no problem getting his shot over Battier. He's also a very skilled ball handler and passer, and shouldn't turn the ball over too much because with Turkoglu's shot, Battier can't gamble too much. I give the advantage to Turk here.

Gasol V Boozer
-Boozer is a force in the paint, but he's not Pau Gasol. Boozer might put up bigger numbers, but he's giving up 3 inches and he's not the player Gasol is. Gasol is the better defender, and he's going to outplay boozer in a 7 game series.

Gortat V Hibbert
-Hibbert is slower, Gortat is shorter, they're both good young physical players. Neither one will have much of an advantage over the other, and neither one is a huge part of their teams' respective game plan. Push.

Bench:
Boone, Hansborough, Moon, Bogans, Foye, Evans, Szerbs (if he ever suits up)
V
Rasheed Wallace, Raja Bell, TJ Ford, Jason Maxiell, Austin Daye, Sonny Weems; DJ White

I'm not going to get into individual matchups, but Utah's got the superior bench by a significant margin. Bell can be brought in to play cheap, dirty, scandalous defense against Kobe Bryant. Wallace can guard Gasol (probably better than Boozer), Ford will work Reddick and Foye both, and Maxiell, the second best bench player for Utah is better than anyone on LA's bench.

Big Advantage Utah


I'd say in the end that I like LA, just because I'm not sold on Utah's bench being able to compensate for LA's starters advantages. Both good teams but I like LA.

interesting take on the match up--thanks for an impartial view.  I think the bench will be a big factor---the ability to throw 4 defenders in a rotation against Kobe will help and having Sheed to match up against Gasol will be bing.    I feel my advantage is in my team's versatility.  Most can play more than 1 position and the Lakers are thin---not a trong enough bench

[Evantime34]

UPDATE:

The "New Look" WASHINGTON WIZARDS
  :
Evantime 34 - General Manager





Pos.      Starting Five                     PPG              Salary      RB/G      APG      Efficiency
C    - Tyson Chandler     6.2 $  12,300,000.00        6.6       0.4        +  9.54
PF  - Andrei Kirilenko   12.3 $  16,452,000.00        4.8       2.8        +15.84
SF  - Vince Carter   16.6 $  16,123,250.00        4.4       2.8        +13.96
SG  - Manu Ginobili   13.3 $  10,728,130.00        3.4       4.5        +14.49
PG  - Steve Nash   18.4 $  13,125,000.00        3.3     11.1        +23.21
             
 
C    - Amir Johnson    5.1 $    3,941,667.00        4.8       0.4        +  8.59
PF  - Tracy McGrady    6.4 $  22,483,124.00        1.3       1.6        +  5.86
SF  - C.J. Miles    8.7 $    3,700,000.00        2.0       1.2        +  6.43
SG  - Willie Green    8.7 $    3,682,000.00        1.8       2.3        +  8.34
PG  - Sergio Rodriguez    6.0 $    1,892,035.00        1.3       3.2        +  6.58
             
 
C    - Hasheem Thabeet    2.7 $    4,458,840.00        3.1       0.1        +  5.70
SF  -  Kyle Korver    5.5 $    5,263,636.00        1.2       1.3        +  5.92




           Total budget so far:                                     $114,149,582.00





** This update should be complete, (with what info I have) ... let me know if I've mixed anything up. Thanks for your patience!


Let me be the first to say my team is stacked (and it should be with how high my payroll is). I have veterans at every position starting and a 6th man who dropped 26 in the first game he got legit run this year. Between Green, T-Mac and Korver I have good back ups in case Ginobili and/or Carter get hurt.

My team is stocked with scorers and the best passing pg in the league to distribute the ball. We will run, and we will score. With a normal team that had this many vets you would think they have a window that is quickly closing. The Wiz good young players in Rodriguez, Miles, Johnson and Thabeet who will learn quickly for a very good team.

Watching the Celtics I have realized that the best way to develop players is to bring them along with vets while contending (see Rondo and Perk). I expect my four youngsters to be able to step up and fill the void of the older players as they start to decline.

I know people have injury concerns but I feel like good youth and some decent wing veterans should offset them to a degree. Although my payroll is huge I expect that to be offset by sell out after sell out and large playoff revenue. Not to mention with the international players on my team the following of the wizards should be huge.

Thoughts?

This is the Phoenix Suns east

Great offensive firepower, not a clue as to what it takes defensively to win important games

I think you are better off with a starting lineup of Nash at PG, Carter at SG, McGrady at SF, AK47 at PF and Chandler in the middle while bringing Manu off the bench in his most accustomed role

The problem with this team for me is the lack of tough defensive minded big men

Kirilenko plays best against mobile PFs but would have major problems guarding bigs under the basket and I think Chandler is vastly over rated and a giant disappointment

Definitely an EC playoff team but like Chicago lots of scoring little defense

First off I consider Ak47, Chandler and Ginobili to all be very good defenders. As far as being the Phoenix suns east, Nash has never been surrounded by wing players the likes of T-Mac, Carter and Ginobili.

I agree AK47 might have trouble against the larger 4's in the league, however those larger fours won't be able to run with him which should lead to a lot of fast break points for AK47.

I think age is a legit concern but I have four very young players who has huge ceilings that are waiting to pick up the slack.

[Evantime34]

Also Kirilenko hasn't ever played in the uptempo system that he is made for. T-Mac and Ginobili have never played with a pg the likes of Nash. Carter's best years were with Kidd and I expect him to play very well with Nash. Chandler showed that he is very useful as a running mate to a good pg (Cp3), I expect Nash will be able to get him the ball for Alleys and dunks just like cp3.