Pick 2 Draft Roster Write-Ups

[KCattheStripe]

I think Crawford is useful to have as a second ball handler next to Rose whereas next to McGrady he's redundant. That's why I had him as a starter.

[indeedproceed]

I think Crawford is useful to have as a second ball handler next to Rose whereas next to McGrady he's redundant. That's why I had him as a starter.

Why is Crawford better next to Rose (who uses more possessions in the league than any point guard, and is second only to Kobe) than McGrady?

[KCattheStripe]

I think Crawford is useful to have as a second ball handler next to Rose whereas next to McGrady he's redundant. That's why I had him as a starter.

Why is Crawford better next to Rose (who uses more possessions in the league than any point guard, and is second only to Kobe) than McGrady?

Because McGrady is worse than Crawford at this point.

[indeedproceed]

I think Crawford is useful to have as a second ball handler next to Rose whereas next to McGrady he's redundant. That's why I had him as a starter.

Why is Crawford better next to Rose (who uses more possessions in the league than any point guard, and is second only to Kobe) than McGrady?

Because McGrady is worse than Crawford at this point.

I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

Crawford/McGrady provide a viable and dangerous second unit, and playing Crawford and McGrady as splitting time as the primary ball-handler (like Doc does with Delonte/Nate) at least tries to optimize both players' flawed skill sets..but playing Crawford next to Rose turns him into a complementary piece and a bit of a set shooter..and that to me turns him from a net plus as a roster addition to a neutral or even negative addition.

[Fafnir]

I think Crawford is useful to have as a second ball handler next to Rose whereas next to McGrady he's redundant. That's why I had him as a starter.

Why is Crawford better next to Rose (who uses more possessions in the league than any point guard, and is second only to Kobe) than McGrady?

Because McGrady is worse than Crawford at this point.

I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

Crawford/McGrady provide a viable and dangerous second unit, and playing Crawford and McGrady as splitting time as the primary ball-handler (like Doc does with Delonte/Nate) at least tries to optimize both players' flawed skill sets..but playing Crawford next to Rose turns him into a complementary piece and a bit of a set shooter..and that to me turns him from a net plus as a roster addition to a neutral or even negative addition.

Defensively they'd be among the worst back court combinations out there.

[indeedproceed]

I think Crawford is useful to have as a second ball handler next to Rose whereas next to McGrady he's redundant. That's why I had him as a starter.

Why is Crawford better next to Rose (who uses more possessions in the league than any point guard, and is second only to Kobe) than McGrady?

Because McGrady is worse than Crawford at this point.

I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

Crawford/McGrady provide a viable and dangerous second unit, and playing Crawford and McGrady as splitting time as the primary ball-handler (like Doc does with Delonte/Nate) at least tries to optimize both players' flawed skill sets..but playing Crawford next to Rose turns him into a complementary piece and a bit of a set shooter..and that to me turns him from a net plus as a roster addition to a neutral or even negative addition.

Defensively they'd be among the worst back court combinations out there.

Agree with that, but Chicago doesn't really have a good defensive back court option anyways.

[KCattheStripe]

I think Crawford is useful to have as a second ball handler next to Rose whereas next to McGrady he's redundant. That's why I had him as a starter.

Why is Crawford better next to Rose (who uses more possessions in the league than any point guard, and is second only to Kobe) than McGrady?

Because McGrady is worse than Crawford at this point.

I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

Crawford/McGrady provide a viable and dangerous second unit, and playing Crawford and McGrady as splitting time as the primary ball-handler (like Doc does with Delonte/Nate) at least tries to optimize both players' flawed skill sets..but playing Crawford next to Rose turns him into a complementary piece and a bit of a set shooter..and that to me turns him from a net plus as a roster addition to a neutral or even negative addition.

Defensively they'd be among the worst back court combinations out there.

Agree with that, but Chicago doesn't really have a good defensive back court option anyways.

Right, but I wouldn't make it worse with Bellinelli. I think Crawford can play off the ball considering how much time he plays with Joe Johnson.

[indeedproceed]

I think Crawford is useful to have as a second ball handler next to Rose whereas next to McGrady he's redundant. That's why I had him as a starter.

Why is Crawford better next to Rose (who uses more possessions in the league than any point guard, and is second only to Kobe) than McGrady?

Because McGrady is worse than Crawford at this point.

I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

Crawford/McGrady provide a viable and dangerous second unit, and playing Crawford and McGrady as splitting time as the primary ball-handler (like Doc does with Delonte/Nate) at least tries to optimize both players' flawed skill sets..but playing Crawford next to Rose turns him into a complementary piece and a bit of a set shooter..and that to me turns him from a net plus as a roster addition to a neutral or even negative addition.

Defensively they'd be among the worst back court combinations out there.

Agree with that, but Chicago doesn't really have a good defensive back court option anyways.

Right, but I wouldn't make it worse with Bellinelli. I think Crawford can play off the ball considering how much time he plays with Joe Johnson.

Right, but although Joe Johnson is at times Atlanta's primary facilitator, he's never a ball dominating player like Rose is, or say LeBron James. Playing off the ball with Joe Johnson is a lot like playing off the ball with Mo Williams or Stephen Jackson..guys who have the ball in their hands a lot, but don't need to dominate it.

[KCattheStripe]

I think Crawford is useful to have as a second ball handler next to Rose whereas next to McGrady he's redundant. That's why I had him as a starter.

Why is Crawford better next to Rose (who uses more possessions in the league than any point guard, and is second only to Kobe) than McGrady?

Because McGrady is worse than Crawford at this point.

I don't know if that has anything to do with it.

Crawford/McGrady provide a viable and dangerous second unit, and playing Crawford and McGrady as splitting time as the primary ball-handler (like Doc does with Delonte/Nate) at least tries to optimize both players' flawed skill sets..but playing Crawford next to Rose turns him into a complementary piece and a bit of a set shooter..and that to me turns him from a net plus as a roster addition to a neutral or even negative addition.

Defensively they'd be among the worst back court combinations out there.

Agree with that, but Chicago doesn't really have a good defensive back court option anyways.

Right, but I wouldn't make it worse with Bellinelli. I think Crawford can play off the ball considering how much time he plays with Joe Johnson.

Right, but although Joe Johnson is at times Atlanta's primary facilitator, he's never a ball dominating player like Rose is, or say LeBron James. Playing off the ball with Joe Johnson is a lot like playing off the ball with Mo Williams or Stephen Jackson..guys who have the ball in their hands a lot, but don't need to dominate it.

OK, but when I hear the names thrown around for who Chicago is looking to put next to Rose, they're not spot up shooters ( or they'd be starting Kyle Korver ) but they're guys who can play off the ball but also create off the dribble ( OJ Mayo, Ray Allen this off season and smart brain JR Smith). It sounds to me like they think Rose needs someone to take some of pressure off.

[indeedproceed]

OK, but when I hear the names thrown around for who Chicago is looking to put next to Rose, they're not spot up shooters ( or they'd be starting Kyle Korver ) but they're guys who can play off the ball but also create off the dribble ( OJ Mayo, Ray Allen this off season and smart brain JR Smith). It sounds to me like they think Rose needs someone to take some of pressure off.

Well with Mayo and JR Smith you're right, but Ray Allen isn't exactly a high usage player that facilitates the offense off the ball.

Honestly, I don't really know what Chicago is doing looking at OJ Mayo and JR Smith..I guess they're just the BPA at the 2, but you'd think that guys like Courtney Lee, or Aaron Afflalo or something.

EDIT: not as in this CHicago..I'm talking about actual real chicago.

[Who]

If anyone wants to take a stab at presenting my team in a positive light, fire away.  I don't foresee having the energy to do a decent write up myself.

Chicago Bulls: Derrick Rose, Carlos Boozer, Marcin Gortat, Jamal Crawford, Corey Maggette, Mike Miller, Ronny Turiaf, Tracy McGrady, Marco Belinelli, Michael Redd, Brian Scalabrine, Francisco Elson

What do you guys think is his starting lineup/rotation?

Jamal Crawford is my favourite option as a sixth man. I think he is best used in that in role.

Mike Miller should have one of the starting positions because his shooting, ball-handling and passing ability will be a very nice fit alongside Derrick Rose. Help facilitate the offense.

I don't like Maggette on this team as a starter or a bench player. I think the Bulls would be better off with a stronger defensive presence and lesser offensive player in this role. Chicago should look to trade Maggette (solid player, dodgy situation).

Starting Belinelli and giving him 16-20 minutes a night is probably the best idea. If the Bulls trade Maggette for a starting caliber wing, then Belinelli should not be a rotation player for this club. Crawford and McGrady should split the backup minutes on the perimeter with Belinelli as a third stringer.

[KCattheStripe]

OK, but when I hear the names thrown around for who Chicago is looking to put next to Rose, they're not spot up shooters ( or they'd be starting Kyle Korver ) but they're guys who can play off the ball but also create off the dribble ( OJ Mayo, Ray Allen this off season and smart brain JR Smith). It sounds to me like they think Rose needs someone to take some of pressure off.

Well with Mayo and JR Smith you're right, but Ray Allen isn't exactly a high usage player that facilitates the offense off the ball.

Honestly, I don't really know what Chicago is doing looking at OJ Mayo and JR Smith..I guess they're just the BPA at the 2, but you'd think that guys like Courtney Lee, or Aaron Afflalo or something.

EDIT: not as in this CHicago..I'm talking about actual real chicago.

You give the ball to Ray, he can still make a play off the bounce, Not like a mid level pg, but he still can make a play, which is what I think Chicago is looking for. And what Crawford could give this chicago.

[KCattheStripe]

THe Memphis Grizzlies:

C:Marc Gasol, Javale McGee,
PF: Brandon Bass, Darrell Arthur, Louis Amundson
Wings:Rudy Gay, Luol Deng, Courtney Lee,  Terrence Williams
PG: Jose Calderon, Eric Bledsoe,  Luther Head

Did the Pick Two Format Hurt the Grizz: A little. With a 3 top tier players it was a little difficult to choose whom to keep. But the ability to greatly improve the depth on The Grizz balanced out the talent dropoff at the starting PF spot.

Toughest Challenge: I'll be honest, I was able to go on auto-pilot for this draft. I had my sights on 3-4 players every round and almost always they dropped to me. I'd say my toughest challenge was convincing myself that Jose Calderon was the right choice despite my distaste for him.

Best Move: The Deng and Bass picks. Deng fits well next to Rudy and can be an effective scorer off the ball while Bass allowed me to slide McGee to the bench and greatly enhance my depth. Also, the McGee move worked exactly how I thought it might. I wanted Ibaka, but was pretty sure he'd be gone and thought McGee might be too so I was happy with that.

Toughest Draft Pick: Jose Calderon, because I'm not enamored with him but I think his deficiencies are masked on this team.

Team Strengths: Athleticism, wing and post defense, and potential.

Team Weakness: PG defense, the fact that the potential may not turn into results.

Outlook: Playoff team now, Contender if Bledsoe develops into an above average starter. We have a big window, we can wait.

Did I improve the Grizz: I think so, but I can see arguments to the contrary.

Thoughts?

[indeedproceed]

THe Memphis Grizzlies:

C:Marc Gasol, Javale McGee,
PF: Brandon Bass, Darrell Arthur, Louis Amundson
Wings:Rudy Gay, Luol Deng, Courtney Lee,  Terrence Williams
PG: Jose Calderon, Eric Bledsoe,  Luther Head

Did the Pick Two Format Hurt the Grizz: A little. With a 3 top tier players it was a little difficult to choose whom to keep. But the ability to greatly improve the depth on The Grizz balanced out the talent dropoff at the starting PF spot.

Toughest Challenge: I'll be honest, I was able to go on auto-pilot for this draft. I had my sights on 3-4 players every round and almost always they dropped to me. I'd say my toughest challenge was convincing myself that Jose Calderon was the right choice despite my distaste for him.

Best Move: The Deng and Bass picks. Deng fits well next to Rudy and can be an effective scorer off the ball while Bass allowed me to slide McGee to the bench and greatly enhance my depth. Also, the McGee move worked exactly how I thought it might. I wanted Ibaka, but was pretty sure he'd be gone and thought McGee might be too so I was happy with that.

Toughest Draft Pick: Jose Calderon, because I'm not enamored with him but I think his deficiencies are masked on this team.

Team Strengths: Athleticism, wing and post defense, and potential.

Team Weakness: PG defense, the fact that the potential may not turn into results.

Outlook: Playoff team now, Contender if Bledsoe develops into an above average starter. We have a big window, we can wait.

Did I improve the Grizz: I think so, but I can see arguments to the contrary.

Thoughts?

I'll say somethign about this rag-tag band of grifters and scallywags later.

[KCattheStripe]

THe Memphis Grizzlies:

C:Marc Gasol, Javale McGee,
PF: Brandon Bass, Darrell Arthur, Louis Amundson
Wings:Rudy Gay, Luol Deng, Courtney Lee,  Terrence Williams
PG: Jose Calderon, Eric Bledsoe,  Luther Head

Did the Pick Two Format Hurt the Grizz: A little. With a 3 top tier players it was a little difficult to choose whom to keep. But the ability to greatly improve the depth on The Grizz balanced out the talent dropoff at the starting PF spot.

Toughest Challenge: I'll be honest, I was able to go on auto-pilot for this draft. I had my sights on 3-4 players every round and almost always they dropped to me. I'd say my toughest challenge was convincing myself that Jose Calderon was the right choice despite my distaste for him.

Best Move: The Deng and Bass picks. Deng fits well next to Rudy and can be an effective scorer off the ball while Bass allowed me to slide McGee to the bench and greatly enhance my depth. Also, the McGee move worked exactly how I thought it might. I wanted Ibaka, but was pretty sure he'd be gone and thought McGee might be too so I was happy with that.

Toughest Draft Pick: Jose Calderon, because I'm not enamored with him but I think his deficiencies are masked on this team.

Team Strengths: Athleticism, wing and post defense, and potential.

Team Weakness: PG defense, the fact that the potential may not turn into results.

Outlook: Playoff team now, Contender if Bledsoe develops into an above average starter. We have a big window, we can wait.

Did I improve the Grizz: I think so, but I can see arguments to the contrary.

Thoughts?

I'll say somethign about this rag-tag band of grifters and scallywags later.

Our intro music is Scott Joplin's " The Entertainer."