I am thinking both our picks are going to be 18-25

[xmuscularghandix]

One of the guys I think could really flourish as a part of the future is Khris Middleton out of Texas A&M. He's a sophmore SG/SF, 6'7" with a 6'10" wingspan, 210 lbs.

NBADraft.net compares him to Michael Redd and Gordan Haywood.

Strengths: Middleton is a late blooming prospect with solid size for a SG/SF at 6’7 210, and he’s still growing into his body … An underrated athlete ... Silky smooth operator on offense, and can score effectively at all 3 levels … Has a sweet jump shot … Soft touch, and is consistent out to about 22 feet, and shows raw NBA range … Able to make shots off screens, spotting up or off the dribble … Functional in the triple threat … Likes to operate in the mid-range area, most comfortable from 15-18 feet, and utilizes a nice pull-up game and an interesting blend of runners in his arsenal … Middleton can stick the 3 ball with his feet set, and he has the release speed and form to get his shot off against contests effectively … Plays the game at his own pace, and has a very unique and unorthodox style of play … Very unselfish and won’t go outside of the offense to get his own shots or production very often, which will benefit his eventual transition to the pros … Doesn’t need to dominate the ball at all to make his presence felt on the court … Nice passing skills … Will contribute some on the glass … Appears to be very coachable, team player, and he still has upside remaining as he get stronger and fills out his frame …

Weaknesses: Middleton right now needs to work on getting stronger to maximize his athleticism and ability to withstand tough defense … There are times when he can get pushed around on both ends by physical play … Middleton also would be well-served to continue to work on his ball-handling some more, were he’s currently mediocre … He does sporadically make moves with the ball that show his potential, but he’s not consistent with it yet and he’s not a guy who operates all that effectively in pure isolation sets … Doesn’t handle double-teams or extra defensive attention all that well … Can struggle to finish around the rim at times due to a lack of explosiveness and strength ... Could stand to get more aggressive and play with more urgency … Middleton is a middle-of-the-road defensive player, and he can struggle with on-ball defense at times … A bit upright in his stance and middling lateral quickness …

Overall: Middleton’s late blooming status and promising Soph. season making him a prospect worth keeping an eye on … He’s a good shooter with a smooth, unselfish floor game and the tools that project well to the next level as a complementary piece … He isn’t the best defender, but as he grows into his body he can be an even better player and prospect, as it looks like he hasn’t peaked physically or athletically yet … He’s be a shortlist Big XII Player of the Year candidate and a possible 2012 lottery pick ...

[ctrey]

RyNye,


The bench has the back up 5,3 and 2 positions covered? Please tell me you are not serious.

As to the bet I will gladly bet you. I will get back at the end of the season with either a mea culpa or a quick note to you regarding your blind faith in team that will by then be in rebuild mode.

Other than Brandon Bass, who I admit was a brilliant move, where are we better on our bench compared to last year? (Ok, perhaps Dooling abcking up the 1)

Better at the 5? Nope. Better at the 3? Negative. Better at the 2? Incorrect.

I just do not feel good about things this year. Things are not breaking our way. I think you would agree that luck is a part of winning a title and so far we have not had any.

[pearljammer10]

The Clippers may end up having a better record than we will. Man, our luck has been awful this year.

what's with all the negativity? let's see how the season goes.

Yeah I really dont understand... Our team looks much better than what we ended the season with last year. Starting Line up is the same and we have significant upgrade at all of our bench positions. Yes, we loose Green, but I feel that Daniels fits the role of 6th man swingman better anyway.

At the end of last year our rotation was Rondo, Allen, Pierce, KG, JO and Arroyo, Wafer, Green, Davis...

This year Our nine man rotation should be. Rondo, Allen, Pierce, KG, JO with Dooling, Daniels, Bass, and Wilcox... Thats a significant bench upgrade. Im optimistic about this season.

[RyNye]

The bench has the back up 5,3 and 2 positions covered? Please tell me you are not serious.

You really think Travis Leslie is a good bench player? Seriously? How do you feel about him STARTING? Considering the high probability of a Caron Butler injury? Hell, we don't even know how well Butler will be. Ryan Gomes is bleh. Randy Foye is a good backup SG. Honestly, the back-court is the only place they have any decent depth.

a quick note to you regarding your blind faith in team that will by then be in rebuild mode.

Why is my faith in the Celtics blind, and your faith in the Clippers not? At least the Celtics are proven winners. Besides, I like how you ignored all of the reasons I gave as to WHY the Clippers need to improve to be taken seriously.

Other than Brandon Bass, who I admit was a brilliant move, where are we better on our bench compared to last year? (Ok, perhaps Dooling abcking up the 1)

Better at the 5? Nope.  Better at the 3? Negative. Better at the 2? Incorrect.

Daniels is presumably healthy. Chris Wilcox is a great pick-up. Moore has showed some skill. Jermaine O'Neal is healthier than he has been in years. KG said this is the healthiest he has been since 2008. I could go on, but I won't, because I have a feeling you will ignore me, anyway.

[guava_wrench]

The Clippers may end up having a better record than we will. Man, our luck has been awful this year.

what's with all the negativity? let's see how the season goes.

Yeah I really dont understand... Our team looks much better than what we ended the season with last year. Starting Line up is the same and we have significant upgrade at all of our bench positions. Yes, we loose Green, but I feel that Daniels fits the role of 6th man swingman better anyway.

At the end of last year our rotation was Rondo, Allen, Pierce, KG, JO and Arroyo, Wafer, Green, Davis...

This year Our nine man rotation should be. Rondo, Allen, Pierce, KG, JO with Dooling, Daniels, Bass, and Wilcox... Thats a significant bench upgrade. Im optimistic about this season.

On the other hand, our rotation looked pretty darn good in preseason last season. We have no idea what our rotation will look like at the end of the season.

[RyNye]

Pacific Division:

LA Clippers
Golden State
Phoenix
Sacramento
LA Lakers

You telling me the Clippers aren't neck and neck with the Lakers for that Division right now?

So? It's a horrible division. The Golden State Warriors MIGHT improve. Phoenix and Sacramento are going to be horrible. 3/5 teams in the Southwest Division are better than the Clippers; ditto the Northwest. Clippers will be fighting for the 7 or 8 spot with the Rockets and Blazers.

[guava_wrench]

The bench has the back up 5,3 and 2 positions covered? Please tell me you are not serious.

You really think Travis Leslie is a good bench player? Seriously? How do you feel about him STARTING? Considering the high probability of a Caron Butler injury? Hell, we don't even know how well Butler will be. Ryan Gomes is bleh. Randy Foye is a good backup SG. Honestly, the back-court is the only place they have any decent depth.

a quick note to you regarding your blind faith in team that will by then be in rebuild mode.

Why is my faith in the Celtics blind, and your faith in the Clippers not? At least the Celtics are proven winners. Besides, I like how you ignored all of the reasons I gave as to WHY the Clippers need to improve to be taken seriously.

Other than Brandon Bass, who I admit was a brilliant move, where are we better on our bench compared to last year? (Ok, perhaps Dooling abcking up the 1)

Better at the 5? Nope.  Better at the 3? Negative. Better at the 2? Incorrect.

Daniels is presumably healthy. Chris Wilcox is a great pick-up. Moore has showed some skill. Jermaine O'Neal is healthier than he has been in years. KG said this is the healthiest he has been since 2008. I could go on, but I won't, because I have a feeling you will ignore me, anyway.

How do we know KG is healthier? KG hides his injuries all the time. Let's see how he feels in 2 months.

Pierce isn't looking healthier. Green surely isn't. Daniels starts every season healthy, but doesn't stay that way. Daniels played a bunch last season. Moore has shown us a 2-6 shooting performance in a single preseason game. Ray was ridiculous last season so it is probably safe to say he can't be any better and regression to the mean is likely.

It is easy for JO to be healthy before he starts banging in meaningful games. Shaq versus Wilcox at the 5 is not even close.

Hopefully we can overperform and get lucky on the health front.

[guava_wrench]

Pacific Division:

LA Clippers
Golden State
Phoenix
Sacramento
LA Lakers

You telling me the Clippers aren't neck and neck with the Lakers for that Division right now?

So? It's a horrible division. The Golden State Warriors MIGHT improve. Phoenix and Sacramento are going to be horrible. 3/5 teams in the Southwest Division are better than the Clippers; ditto the Northwest. Clippers will be fighting for the 7 or 8 spot with the Rockets and Blazers.

Which 3 teams in the SW do you think are better. I assume Dallas. I am guessing San Ant, though they don't seem to have much gas left in the tank. After that, Memphis? I want to see more before I believe they are more than a one and done team.

I am pretty down on San Antonio at the moment. Just as mention question marks as the clips and they don't have anyone from whom we can expect a big improvement, unlike Griffin and Jordan.

[Moranis]

They have plenty of backcourt depth.  They are a bit light up front, but they are plenty talented.  I'd say they would be a 45-50 win team (over 82), which is probably what the Celtics are as well.

They are talented, but still raw. Jordan has a LOT of potential, but still has never managed better than a 7-for-7 season. All last year he never took a shot from outside of 10 feet! Griffin has never been a force on defense. Ever. Sometimes I think that they sneakily sub him out between possessions and nobody notices (jk). Billups is great, but has to adjust to a new role. Caron Butler ... who knows? Big unknown there with age and injury.

Their bench ... bleh.

They are definitely a good team, but they all need to show a lot of improvement. And Hollinger's take on Paul's assist totals are ... a bit concerning.

Perkins has only been a 7/7 player twice in his career and the first time wasn't until year 6.  He seemed to do just fine as the starting center of a title team without ever averaging 7/7 to that point.  Jordan will be just fine (for the record his per 36 he has never averaged below a double double - the man just needs minutes).

[RyNye]

Pierce isn't looking healthier.

What makes you say that? Just because of the sore heel? Seems just precautionary to me.

Daniels starts every season healthy, but doesn't stay that way.

According to the doctors, Daniels' previous injuries were a SYMPTOM of the spinal disorder he had corrected. So there is a good medical reason to believe he won't be injury prone this year.

It is easy for JO to be healthy before he starts banging in meaningful games. Shaq versus Wilcox at the 5 is not even close.

Healthy Wilcox > Shaq out for season. It is disingenuous to say that our bench was better last year based on the promise of Shaq not being injured.

Hopefully we can overperform and get lucky on the health front.

I don't think we really need to overperform, just get lucky on the health front. That said, cross our fingers about the health thing.

Which 3 teams in the SW do you think are better. I assume Dallas. I am guessing San Ant, though they don't seem to have much gas left in the tank. After that, Memphis? I want to see more before I believe they are more than a one and done team.

Fair enough. Still, Memphis has playoff experience, which is more important than people may think. Even a losing playoff series is better for a player than going into the playoffs cold.

I am pretty down on San Antonio at the moment.

I've been down on the Spurs since their last title. I don't think they at all have what it takes to go all the way. That said, they can still tear up the regular season and make things hard for other Western Conference teams.

[jgod213]

Pacific Division:

LA Clippers
Golden State
Phoenix
Sacramento
LA Lakers

You telling me the Clippers aren't neck and neck with the Lakers for that Division right now?

So? It's a horrible division. The Golden State Warriors MIGHT improve. Phoenix and Sacramento are going to be horrible. 3/5 teams in the Southwest Division are better than the Clippers; ditto the Northwest. Clippers will be fighting for the 7 or 8 spot with the Rockets and Blazers.

Which 3 teams in the SW do you think are better. I assume Dallas. I am guessing San Ant, though they don't seem to have much gas left in the tank. After that, Memphis? I want to see more before I believe they are more than a one and done team.

I am pretty down on San Antonio at the moment. Just as mention question marks as the clips and they don't have anyone from whom we can expect a big improvement, unlike Griffin and Jordan.

Clearly Dallas and OKC are the class of the West, but outside of those two i don't see how you could argue that the Clips can't compete for a 4 seed.

I think i like the Spurs a bit more than Guava and can see them taking that 3rd seed, but i can't see the Clips not making a strong run for the 4.

A log jam between the Clips/Nuggs/Lakers/Rockets/Blazers.  Personally i'd probably slot the Clips in at 5 behind the 3 mentioned as well as the Nuggets (really high on them).  Injury issues in Portland prevent me from slotting them too high.

[BballTim]

RyNye,


The bench has the back up 5,3 and 2 positions covered? Please tell me you are not serious.

As to the bet I will gladly bet you. I will get back at the end of the season with either a mea culpa or a quick note to you regarding your blind faith in team that will by then be in rebuild mode.

Other than Brandon Bass, who I admit was a brilliant move, where are we better on our bench compared to last year? (Ok, perhaps Dooling abcking up the 1)

Better at the 5? Nope. Better at the 3? Negative. Better at the 2? Incorrect.

I just do not feel good about things this year. Things are not breaking our way. I think you would agree that luck is a part of winning a title and so far we have not had any.

  What was our bench at the beginning of last year? Delonte, Wafer, Daniels, Baby and JO (who was recovering from an injury, I believe) and Erden? Nate getting the occasional (ineffective) minutes? I'd say were probably well better than that right now.

[RyNye]

Perkins has only been a 7/7 player twice in his career and the first time wasn't until year 6.  He seemed to do just fine as the starting center of a title team without ever averaging 7/7 to that point.  Jordan will be just fine (for the record his per 36 he has never averaged below a double double - the man just needs minutes).

Perkins, however, was never meant to be a primary scoring option, or really do anything other than look scary in the paint so KG can do his thing.

Jordan, however, needs to pick up the slack from Griffin's lack of defensive presence, as well as contribute offensively. I think he has a different role than Perkins, which requires more of an active presence offensively.

That said, I didn't know that about his per 36. Thanks.

[Celtics18]

RyNye,


The bench has the back up 5,3 and 2 positions covered? Please tell me you are not serious.

As to the bet I will gladly bet you. I will get back at the end of the season with either a mea culpa or a quick note to you regarding your blind faith in team that will by then be in rebuild mode.

Other than Brandon Bass, who I admit was a brilliant move, where are we better on our bench compared to last year? (Ok, perhaps Dooling abcking up the 1)

Better at the 5? Nope. Better at the 3? Negative. Better at the 2? Incorrect.

I just do not feel good about things this year. Things are not breaking our way. I think you would agree that luck is a part of winning a title and so far we have not had any.

  What was our bench at the beginning of last year? Delonte, Wafer, Daniels, Baby and JO (who was recovering from an injury, I believe) and Erden? Nate getting the occasional (ineffective) minutes? I'd say were probably well better than that right now.

I'd say our bench definitely looks better right now than at this point last season.  JO actually got re-injured 2 games into the regular season last year and Semih became our primary back up center.  Delonte didn't play to start the season.  I forget if that was an injury or a suspension. 

So our bench was basically Nate, Wafer, Daniels, Baby and Erden to start last season. 

[snively]

I have the Clippers (best offense in the league, mediocre defense) even with the Celtics (top 3 defense, mediocre offense) and the Lakers (top 10 offense, top 10 defense) for the 6th-8th best records in the league.  So I expect both picks to be in the low 20s. 

It sure would have been nice to get in the teens.  Ever since the West trade fell through, the C's have been behind the eight-ball.