Atlantic Division
Philadelphia 76ers
PG CJ Watson
An underrated player who sits behind one of the best young PG's in the game in Chicago, CJ will start at point guard for the 76ers. As an above average defender I expect a solid showing from Watson on defense while not expecting him to carry a huge load offensively. Has shown tremendous quickness and ability to adapt, having gotten better each of the three years he's been in the league with Golden State.
SG Jamal Crawford
The quality of Jamal's offensive game is in the top 10 of all shooting guards in the NBA, he will provide this young team with an experienced and dynamic offensive threat, who has proven to be a solid 20ppg scorer. His defense while weak, should be helped when he is motivated by George Karl. Has shown the ability when motivated at times with other teams to be a solid defender.
SF Jeff Green
An average scorer and defender for his first three seasons, Green was solid last year. His role on this team will be to provide a 3rd scoring option behind Blake Griffin and Jamal Crawford. His rebounding has been solid especially on the offensive end, and he should help add length on defense, on what is a fairly small unit.
PF Blake Griffin
The stud of this squad should provide a legitimate post scoring threat and solid defensive energy and presence. Another great quality of this kid, is his already seemingly beyond his years leadership. He will be a huge glue guy in the locker room and should encourage positive habits on and off the floor. Rookie of the year candidate who will not disappoint.
C David Anderson
An unproven risk, Anderson has had a solid showing this summer in FIBA, showed flashes of post scoring and solid rebounding. His defense is average and will not provide many blocked shots. However, his rebounding is consistent and heart is never a question with him. Should be a consistent double double threat on a nightly basis.
George Karl has shown an uncanny knack for being a great motivator and a very solid coach over the years. Logging 900+ wins is a rare feat in the NBA and he certainly fits the bill of a top flight coach, who is an inspiration to his players due to his ongoing fights with cancer.
Bench
F Leon Powe- As we all know a very energetic presence who can rebound and provide some low post pop on a night in/night out basis.
PG Mario Chalmers
Effective PG who has shown that he can indeed run an offense, he will split time with CJ Watson at PG and is certainly capable of starting at PG anytime.
PG Eric Bledsoe
Underrated player who fell in the draft should be a very solid PG option as he at times ouplayed John Wall in the summer league, shows potential to be a talented and starting pg in the future.
G Charlie Bell
An above average defender will be able to come off the bench and shut down opposing threats at SG. Quick feet and active hands will allow him to stay in front and provide tenacity on the defensive end.
F Luke Harangody
The latest coup in the Danny Ainge era, will provide a solid scoring threat off the bench as his offensive officiency is tremendous. A common criticism about his uncanny shooting style shouldn't be an issue, as he just seems to show a knack for putting the ball in the hoop. Incredible stamina and also the ability to produce rebounds at a solid rate make him a legit rotation guy.
F Tyler Hansbrough
A tough to back down defender and incredibly hard to get in the air, Hansbrough can be a defensive machine down low against opposing PF's. His expanding range on the offensive end should help provide yet another scoring threat either down low or in the mid range.
Sonny Weems
Providing a slasher type threat for some instant offense and additional depth at SG.
Greivis Vasquez
A very solid scoring threat who if he can figure out a way to make the transition physically and show the ability to distribute on offense can be a valuable piece.
I expect this team to compete on a nightly basis, and to provide solid competition in the east. I am eying one of the last playoff spots and with solid seasons from Blake Griffin and Jeff Green key to the quest.
My toughest decision was to trade away Carlos Boozer. I am a big boozer fan, but I have always shied away from players with big injury risks, and Boozer has a history of injuries.
My best move was acquiring Blake Griffin via trade. This guy has all the tools to become a superstar. While many of you may think that I am contradicting myself by taking him, after his injury last season, he has is young and has plenty of gas left in his tank. Could be a top 10 guy in 2-3 seasons.
Thoughts/Questions/and Comments?
Philly:
1. Is it fair to say that you moved away from being a "win now" team to a team of the future?
2. What is Jeff Green's upside?
3. Right now, you have Powe, Harangody, and Hansborough, all of whom are undersized PFs. Can they all co-exist?
1. I didn't like the look of that squad, with Parker and Boozer. To many health ?'s. Had I had control of my top two picks I would have gone much differently. However, I feel I have three legitmate scoring options on my starting 5, lots of gritty defenders off the bench and I think I could make some noise.
2. Jeff Green is my binky, and people that had him at some point this draft know this. That being said, When I watch him play I see flashes of brilliance in his game, I think especially this year, you are going to see a bump in scoring, and watch him become a double double threat every night. If OKC can find a guy to teach him defensive play, he could be a tremendous player in this league.
3. Powe provides me with grit and spark, Hansbrough brings toughness down low and rebounding. Harangody is a renaisssance man who brings a lot to the table...besides unshakable defense. But the way he can stretch the floor plays into my hands in many situations, ala Rasheed Wallace. While they may be undersized, Powe and Hansbrough are tough players and won't be pushed around down low. You will see hansbrough play center soon, and in my opinion with his incredible toughness he can turn into a Kendrick Perkins type center, who can shoot a little. I like that. So yes, I do see spots for all these players on my roster.
Topic: 2010 CelticsBlog Draft: Atlantic Division Press Conferences (Read 67984 times)