How's My Pick 2 Team?

[Bahku]

My playoff teams for each conference

(1) Orlando Magic
(2) New York Knicks
(3) Miami Heat
(4) Boston Celtics
(5) Cleveland Cavaliers
(6) Indiana Pacers
(7) New Jersey Nets
[8] Washington Wizards

(1) San Antonio Spurs
(2) LA Lakers
(3) Memphis Grizzlies
(4) Golden State Warriors
(5) Oklahoma City Thunder
(6) Houston Rockets
(7) Dallas Mavericks
[8] Minnesota Timberwolves

** I left New Orleans Hornets out due to injuries. They ranked 5th otherwise.

** I am very uncertain about what to do with Atlanta. I rate a lot of their individual pieces highly but I am concerned about how well they will fit together. Open to putting them in the playoffs as a bottom two seed. Not sure though.

I'm truly amazed that the Clips do not make this list ... I know I'm not around much to take part in the running discussions, but how can a team with the talent, depth, chemistry, and explosiveness of LAC not even make the playoffs, let alone not near the top of the conference? It may not seem like it, but I put a lot of thought into my picks and team-building, and while I may be rather new at this fantasy stuff, I think I have a decent grasp on the players and game of basketball, and what it takes to succeed at the NBA level. Wow ... this is a major head-scratcher.

[Who]

My playoff teams for each conference

(1) Orlando Magic
(2) New York Knicks
(3) Miami Heat
(4) Boston Celtics
(5) Cleveland Cavaliers
(6) Indiana Pacers
(7) New Jersey Nets
[8] Washington Wizards

(1) San Antonio Spurs
(2) LA Lakers
(3) Memphis Grizzlies
(4) Golden State Warriors
(5) Oklahoma City Thunder
(6) Houston Rockets
(7) Dallas Mavericks
[8] Minnesota Timberwolves

** I left New Orleans Hornets out due to injuries. They ranked 5th otherwise.

** I am very uncertain about what to do with Atlanta. I rate a lot of their individual pieces highly but I am concerned about how well they will fit together. Open to putting them in the playoffs as a bottom two seed. Not sure though.

I'm truly amazed that the Clips do not make this list ... I know I'm not around much to take part in the running discussions, but how can a team with the talent, depth, chemistry, and explosiveness of LAC not even make the playoffs, let alone not near the top of the conference? It may not seem like it, but I put a lot of thought into my picks and team-building, and while I may be rather new at this fantasy stuff, I think I have a decent grasp on the players and game of basketball, and what it takes to succeed at the NBA level. Wow ... this is a major head-scratcher.

These are only my rankings (opinions).

I am sure a lot of other people will agree with you and have your team in the playoffs. So I wouldn't read too much into it as to others view your team.

Anyway, to explain the reason why I didn't include the Clippers in the playoff picture, it was because it had a lot of players in it's supporting cast that I didn't rank highly (for their respective positions).

The starters

• Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are obviously two of the finest players in the league.
• I rate Zaza Pachulia as a very good backup center and Anthony Morrow as an average backup two guard. As starters, I ranked both of these players amongst the weakest in the league at their respective positions.
• Danny Green still establishing himself but based on what I have seen so far ... I think he is close to an average starter at the two guard position. However, I don't rate him nearly as high as a small forward and I think he loses a lot of value in that positional switch. So again, I ranked him as a low level starter.

Bench

• DJ Augustin is a decent backup PG. Slightly below average. Jonas Jerebko is a nice utility player as an 8th or 9th man (average backup SF).
• I think Memo Okur has been absolutely dreadful for New Jersey and also for Utah at the tail end of last season. Until he proves otherwise, I no longer consider him a rotation worthy player anymore.
• Ditto for Antawn Jamison (probably the biggest difference in opinion between the two of us). I think he is a very weak defender/rebounder and only a marginal offensive player at this stage of his career, and is overall, a net negative. I rate him as a third string PF at this stage in his career. So, same with Memo, a low level backup big man.
• Bill Walker is a backup wing I do not like. Very unhappy with his play throughout his stay with the Knicks. One of the weakest backup twos in the league.
• Third string guys -- didn't figure into my rankings -- but I like your third string players. Toney Douglas is a high level backup combo guard. Shawne Williams is a very good third string PF (personally, I'd play him ahead of Jamison but again Shawne would be a low level backup PF, only marginal gains there). And Wayne Ellington is a quality third string two guard (again, I'd play him ahead of B.Walker but he would be firmly below average as a backup two, marginal gains).

I don't expect any of that to change your views on your own players or team. We clearly just disagree (widely) on the value of certain players. It's just an explanation of what I saw and why I ended up not putting your team in the playoffs.

[Bahku]

My playoff teams for each conference

(1) Orlando Magic
(2) New York Knicks
(3) Miami Heat
(4) Boston Celtics
(5) Cleveland Cavaliers
(6) Indiana Pacers
(7) New Jersey Nets
[8] Washington Wizards

(1) San Antonio Spurs
(2) LA Lakers
(3) Memphis Grizzlies
(4) Golden State Warriors
(5) Oklahoma City Thunder
(6) Houston Rockets
(7) Dallas Mavericks
[8] Minnesota Timberwolves

** I left New Orleans Hornets out due to injuries. They ranked 5th otherwise.

** I am very uncertain about what to do with Atlanta. I rate a lot of their individual pieces highly but I am concerned about how well they will fit together. Open to putting them in the playoffs as a bottom two seed. Not sure though.

I'm truly amazed that the Clips do not make this list ... I know I'm not around much to take part in the running discussions, but how can a team with the talent, depth, chemistry, and explosiveness of LAC not even make the playoffs, let alone not near the top of the conference? It may not seem like it, but I put a lot of thought into my picks and team-building, and while I may be rather new at this fantasy stuff, I think I have a decent grasp on the players and game of basketball, and what it takes to succeed at the NBA level. Wow ... this is a major head-scratcher.

These are only my rankings (opinions).

I am sure a lot of other people will agree with you and have your team in the playoffs. So I wouldn't read too much into it as to others view your team.

Anyway, to explain the reason why I didn't include the Clippers in the playoff picture, it was because it had a lot of players in it's supporting cast that I didn't rank highly (for their respective positions).

The starters

• Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are obviously two of the finest players in the league.
• I rate Zaza Pachulia as a very good backup center and Anthony Morrow as an average backup two guard. As starters, I ranked both of these players amongst the weakest in the league at their respective positions.
• Danny Green still establishing himself but based on what I have seen so far ... I think he is close to an average starter at the two guard position. However, I don't rate him nearly as high as a small forward and I think he loses a lot of value in that positional switch. So again, I ranked him as a low level starter.

Bench

• DJ Augustin is a decent backup PG. Slightly below average. Jonas Jerebko is a nice utility player as an 8th or 9th man (average backup SF).
• I think Memo Okur has been absolutely dreadful for New Jersey and also for Utah at the tail end of last season. Until he proves otherwise, I no longer consider him a rotation worthy player anymore.
• Ditto for Antawn Jamison (probably the biggest difference in opinion between the two of us). I think he is a very weak defender/rebounder and only a marginal offensive player at this stage of his career, and is overall, a net negative. I rate him as a third string PF at this stage in his career. So, same with Memo, a low level backup big man.
• Bill Walker is a backup wing I do not like. Very unhappy with his play throughout his stay with the Knicks. One of the weakest backup twos in the league.
• Third string guys -- didn't figure into my rankings -- but I like your third string players. Toney Douglas is a high level backup combo guard. Shawne Williams is a very good third string PF (personally, I'd play him ahead of Jamison but again Shawne would be a low level backup PF, only marginal gains there). And Wayne Ellington is a quality third string two guard (again, I'd play him ahead of B.Walker but he would be firmly below average as a backup two, marginal gains).

I don't expect any of that to change your views on your own players or team. We clearly just disagree (widely) on the value of certain players. It's just an explanation of what I saw and why I ended up not putting your team in the playoffs.

Thanks for your time and assessment, Who ... while I still don't see how this team doesn't make it deep into the playoffs, your opinion is always appreciated and respected. (TP)

[Who]

My playoff teams for each conference

(1) Orlando Magic
(2) New York Knicks
(3) Miami Heat
(4) Boston Celtics
(5) Cleveland Cavaliers
(6) Indiana Pacers
(7) New Jersey Nets
[8] Washington Wizards

(1) San Antonio Spurs
(2) LA Lakers
(3) Memphis Grizzlies
(4) Golden State Warriors
(5) Oklahoma City Thunder
(6) Houston Rockets
(7) Dallas Mavericks
[8] Minnesota Timberwolves

** I left New Orleans Hornets out due to injuries. They ranked 5th otherwise.

** I am very uncertain about what to do with Atlanta. I rate a lot of their individual pieces highly but I am concerned about how well they will fit together. Open to putting them in the playoffs as a bottom two seed. Not sure though.

I'm truly amazed that the Clips do not make this list ... I know I'm not around much to take part in the running discussions, but how can a team with the talent, depth, chemistry, and explosiveness of LAC not even make the playoffs, let alone not near the top of the conference? It may not seem like it, but I put a lot of thought into my picks and team-building, and while I may be rather new at this fantasy stuff, I think I have a decent grasp on the players and game of basketball, and what it takes to succeed at the NBA level. Wow ... this is a major head-scratcher.

These are only my rankings (opinions).

I am sure a lot of other people will agree with you and have your team in the playoffs. So I wouldn't read too much into it as to others view your team.

Anyway, to explain the reason why I didn't include the Clippers in the playoff picture, it was because it had a lot of players in it's supporting cast that I didn't rank highly (for their respective positions).

The starters

• Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are obviously two of the finest players in the league.
• I rate Zaza Pachulia as a very good backup center and Anthony Morrow as an average backup two guard. As starters, I ranked both of these players amongst the weakest in the league at their respective positions.
• Danny Green still establishing himself but based on what I have seen so far ... I think he is close to an average starter at the two guard position. However, I don't rate him nearly as high as a small forward and I think he loses a lot of value in that positional switch. So again, I ranked him as a low level starter.

Bench

• DJ Augustin is a decent backup PG. Slightly below average. Jonas Jerebko is a nice utility player as an 8th or 9th man (average backup SF).
• I think Memo Okur has been absolutely dreadful for New Jersey and also for Utah at the tail end of last season. Until he proves otherwise, I no longer consider him a rotation worthy player anymore.
• Ditto for Antawn Jamison (probably the biggest difference in opinion between the two of us). I think he is a very weak defender/rebounder and only a marginal offensive player at this stage of his career, and is overall, a net negative. I rate him as a third string PF at this stage in his career. So, same with Memo, a low level backup big man.
• Bill Walker is a backup wing I do not like. Very unhappy with his play throughout his stay with the Knicks. One of the weakest backup twos in the league.
• Third string guys -- didn't figure into my rankings -- but I like your third string players. Toney Douglas is a high level backup combo guard. Shawne Williams is a very good third string PF (personally, I'd play him ahead of Jamison but again Shawne would be a low level backup PF, only marginal gains there). And Wayne Ellington is a quality third string two guard (again, I'd play him ahead of B.Walker but he would be firmly below average as a backup two, marginal gains).

I don't expect any of that to change your views on your own players or team. We clearly just disagree (widely) on the value of certain players. It's just an explanation of what I saw and why I ended up not putting your team in the playoffs.

I would have loved to have seen your team:

(1) Start Danny Green at the two and move Anthony Morrow to the backup two spot.
(2) Acquired a small forward with legitimate size who can shoot + defend and rebound his position. Someone like a Tayshaun Price or a Marvin Williams.
(3) Added someone like a Brandan Haywood and platoon Haywood + Zaza at the center position.
(4) Try to add a backup SF that can create a bit (if possible, if not, take a shooter) since the team lacks a bit of creativity on the perimeter when Chris Paul rests. Maybe a Tracy McGrady or Dorell Wright type.

LA Clippers

PG - Chris Paul, DJ Augustin
SG - Danny Green, Anthony Morrow
SF - Marvin Williams, Tracy McGrady
PF - Blake Griffin, Shawne Williams
C  - Brendan Haywood, Zaza Pachulia

I would rate that team as one of the best starting units in the league with a well above average but unexceptional bench. Title contender.

[mgent]

Chalmers(30) / Terry(30)
Ray(30) / Belinelli(16)
Hedo(30) / Novak(8.)
Dirk(30) / Diaw(25)
Perk(25) / JO(16)

Hakim Warrick, TJ Ford, Chairman Yi


Sorry I haven't had the time to rank everyone's teams or to partake in the discussions but hopefully I can get around to that if anybody still cares.

[Redz]

My playoff teams for each conference

(1) Orlando Magic
(2) New York Knicks
(3) Miami Heat
(4) Boston Celtics
(5) Cleveland Cavaliers
(6) Indiana Pacers
(7) New Jersey Nets
[8] Washington Wizards

(1) San Antonio Spurs
(2) LA Lakers
(3) Memphis Grizzlies
(4) Golden State Warriors
(5) Oklahoma City Thunder
(6) Houston Rockets
(7) Dallas Mavericks
[8] Minnesota Timberwolves

** I left New Orleans Hornets out due to injuries. They ranked 5th otherwise.

** I am very uncertain about what to do with Atlanta. I rate a lot of their individual pieces highly but I am concerned about how well they will fit together. Open to putting them in the playoffs as a bottom two seed. Not sure though.

I'm truly amazed that the Clips do not make this list ... I know I'm not around much to take part in the running discussions, but how can a team with the talent, depth, chemistry, and explosiveness of LAC not even make the playoffs, let alone not near the top of the conference? It may not seem like it, but I put a lot of thought into my picks and team-building, and while I may be rather new at this fantasy stuff, I think I have a decent grasp on the players and game of basketball, and what it takes to succeed at the NBA level. Wow ... this is a major head-scratcher.

These are only my rankings (opinions).

I am sure a lot of other people will agree with you and have your team in the playoffs. So I wouldn't read too much into it as to others view your team.

Anyway, to explain the reason why I didn't include the Clippers in the playoff picture, it was because it had a lot of players in it's supporting cast that I didn't rank highly (for their respective positions).

The starters

• Chris Paul and Blake Griffin are obviously two of the finest players in the league.
• I rate Zaza Pachulia as a very good backup center and Anthony Morrow as an average backup two guard. As starters, I ranked both of these players amongst the weakest in the league at their respective positions.
• Danny Green still establishing himself but based on what I have seen so far ... I think he is close to an average starter at the two guard position. However, I don't rate him nearly as high as a small forward and I think he loses a lot of value in that positional switch. So again, I ranked him as a low level starter.

Bench

• DJ Augustin is a decent backup PG. Slightly below average. Jonas Jerebko is a nice utility player as an 8th or 9th man (average backup SF).
• I think Memo Okur has been absolutely dreadful for New Jersey and also for Utah at the tail end of last season. Until he proves otherwise, I no longer consider him a rotation worthy player anymore.
• Ditto for Antawn Jamison (probably the biggest difference in opinion between the two of us). I think he is a very weak defender/rebounder and only a marginal offensive player at this stage of his career, and is overall, a net negative. I rate him as a third string PF at this stage in his career. So, same with Memo, a low level backup big man.
• Bill Walker is a backup wing I do not like. Very unhappy with his play throughout his stay with the Knicks. One of the weakest backup twos in the league.
• Third string guys -- didn't figure into my rankings -- but I like your third string players. Toney Douglas is a high level backup combo guard. Shawne Williams is a very good third string PF (personally, I'd play him ahead of Jamison but again Shawne would be a low level backup PF, only marginal gains there). And Wayne Ellington is a quality third string two guard (again, I'd play him ahead of B.Walker but he would be firmly below average as a backup two, marginal gains).

I don't expect any of that to change your views on your own players or team. We clearly just disagree (widely) on the value of certain players. It's just an explanation of what I saw and why I ended up not putting your team in the playoffs.

Thanks for your time and assessment, Who ... while I still don't see how this team doesn't make it deep into the playoffs, your opinion is always appreciated and respected. (TP)

I like coffee heath bar ice cream, and no amt. of explanation coiod ever convince me it's not the best ice cream out there.

[indeedproceed]

I like coffee heath bar ice cream, and no amt. of explanation coiod ever convince me it's not the best ice cream out there.

I disagree, Coffee-heath-bar ice cream is a good ice cream, but I think half-baked by Ben and Jerry's is the best ice cream ever. 

[Yoki_IsTheName]

2nd year in a row my team has failed (or atleast people thinks it did) to make the playoffs.

Maybe I'll get the no.1 overall pick in the CB draft this summer?

[Rondo2287]

I like coffee heath bar ice cream, and no amt. of explanation coiod ever convince me it's not the best ice cream out there.

I disagree, Coffee-heath-bar ice cream is a good ice cream, but I think half-baked by Ben and Jerry's is the best ice cream ever. 

Peppermint stick

[ChampKind]

New England Ninjas 2012 Roster

General Manager: Bahku

Pos	Starting Five	HT	WT	MPG	FG%	3PT%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	Efficiency
PG -	Chris Paul	6-0	175	36	.480	.442	.859	3.7	8.6	2.3	0.0	18.5	+22.88
SG -	Anthony Morrow	6-5	210	29	.429	.412	.949	2.6	1.0	0.8	0.2	13.3	+10.06
SF -	Danny Green	6-6	210	22	.395	.379	.788	3.6	1.5	0.8	0.8	7.6	+  8.73
PF -	Blake Griffin	6-10	251	37	.536	.333	.541	11.3	2.9	0.8	0.8	21.2	+23.73
C   -	Zaza Pachulia	6-11	275	25	.530	.000	.719	6.3	1.2	0.8	0.5	7.0	+11.44
Pos	Bench Five	HT	WT	MPG	FG%	3PT%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	Efficiency
PG -	D.J. Augustin	6-0	180	32	.400	.341	.825	3.0	6.5	0.7	0.0	13.1	+13.25
SG -	Bill Walker	6-6	235	20	.398	.321	.842	2.7	1.2	0.6	0.2	6.1	+  6.30
SF -	Jonas Jerebko	6-10	231	24	.472	.295	.778	5.2	0.7	0.7	0.4	9.6	+10.97
PF -	Antawn Jamison	6-9	235	32	.423	.361	.605	6.3	1.9	1.1	0.8	17.2	+15.53
C   -	Mehmet Okur	6-11	260	26	.374	.319	.600	4.8	1.8	0.5	0.3	7.6	+  8.29
Pos	Alternates	HT	WT	MPG	FG%	3PT%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	Efficiency
PG -	Toney Douglas	6-2	185	20	.318	.235	.857	2.0	2.2	0.9	0.0	7.6	+  4.46
PF -	Shawne Williams	6-9	230	20	.286	.241	.727	2.7	0.6	0.4	0.4	4.5	+  3.88
SG -	Wayne Ellington	6-4	200	17	.387	.356	.778	1.5	0.5	0.5	0.2	5.2	+  4.27

Total Budget To Date: $ 71,614,239.00
 
** Minutes are not splits but maximum if needed, starters are more concrete, bench much more fluid, depending on match-ups. I apologize that my commitments don't leave me with much time to be in the daily ongoing discussions, but I enjoy these drafts as much as anyone, and thank you for your patience ... doing my best. **

I can understand how others don't see this as a playoff team. Paul and Griffin are both great but they're surrounded by sub-par guys in the rest of the starting five. I think last year's Clippers squad had more overall talent and they ended up going 32-50. You're well set at PG and PF in terms of star power and depth, but the rest of the lineup looks a bit grim - or at least stocked with guys that I don't like (beauty, eye of the beholder, etc).

It was slim pickings at #26, but I think you could have found some guys who were a bit more established rather than complimentary. You've got a very nice and athletic team, but I imagine that teams that gameplan to shut down Paul/Griffin and have depth would win often against the Clips.

[Bahku]

I like coffee heath bar ice cream, and no amt. of explanation coiod ever convince me it's not the best ice cream out there.

I disagree, Coffee-heath-bar ice cream is a good ice cream, but I think half-baked by Ben and Jerry's is the best ice cream ever. 

Peppermint stick

Haagen Dazs Dulce de Leche ... not even close. (Interesting progression of topics ... I still like my team in the playoffs).

[Bahku]

New England Ninjas 2012 Roster

General Manager: Bahku

Pos	Starting Five	HT	WT	MPG	FG%	3PT%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	Efficiency
PG -	Chris Paul	6-0	175	36	.480	.442	.859	3.7	8.6	2.3	0.0	18.5	+22.88
SG -	Anthony Morrow	6-5	210	29	.429	.412	.949	2.6	1.0	0.8	0.2	13.3	+10.06
SF -	Danny Green	6-6	210	22	.395	.379	.788	3.6	1.5	0.8	0.8	7.6	+  8.73
PF -	Blake Griffin	6-10	251	37	.536	.333	.541	11.3	2.9	0.8	0.8	21.2	+23.73
C   -	Zaza Pachulia	6-11	275	25	.530	.000	.719	6.3	1.2	0.8	0.5	7.0	+11.44
Pos	Bench Five	HT	WT	MPG	FG%	3PT%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	Efficiency
PG -	D.J. Augustin	6-0	180	32	.400	.341	.825	3.0	6.5	0.7	0.0	13.1	+13.25
SG -	Bill Walker	6-6	235	20	.398	.321	.842	2.7	1.2	0.6	0.2	6.1	+  6.30
SF -	Jonas Jerebko	6-10	231	24	.472	.295	.778	5.2	0.7	0.7	0.4	9.6	+10.97
PF -	Antawn Jamison	6-9	235	32	.423	.361	.605	6.3	1.9	1.1	0.8	17.2	+15.53
C   -	Mehmet Okur	6-11	260	26	.374	.319	.600	4.8	1.8	0.5	0.3	7.6	+  8.29
Pos	Alternates	HT	WT	MPG	FG%	3PT%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	Efficiency
PG -	Toney Douglas	6-2	185	20	.318	.235	.857	2.0	2.2	0.9	0.0	7.6	+  4.46
PF -	Shawne Williams	6-9	230	20	.286	.241	.727	2.7	0.6	0.4	0.4	4.5	+  3.88
SG -	Wayne Ellington	6-4	200	17	.387	.356	.778	1.5	0.5	0.5	0.2	5.2	+  4.27

Total Budget To Date: $ 71,614,239.00
 
** Minutes are not splits but maximum if needed, starters are more concrete, bench much more fluid, depending on match-ups. I apologize that my commitments don't leave me with much time to be in the daily ongoing discussions, but I enjoy these drafts as much as anyone, and thank you for your patience ... doing my best. **

I can understand how others don't see this as a playoff team. Paul and Griffin are both great but they're surrounded by sub-par guys in the rest of the starting five. I think last year's Clippers squad had more overall talent and they ended up going 32-50. You're well set at PG and PF in terms of star power and depth, but the rest of the lineup looks a bit grim - or at least stocked with guys that I don't like (beauty, eye of the beholder, etc).

It was slim pickings at #26, but I think you could have found some guys who were a bit more established rather than complimentary. You've got a very nice and athletic team, but I imagine that teams that gameplan to shut down Paul/Griffin and have depth would win often against the Clips.

Last year's Clips had more talent ... really?!? Don't see that at all. Morrow, Jamison, Green, Pachulia, Jerebko, Douglas, all a good deal more than "sub-par".

This was a team that had to be complimentary to the core in every way ... the thrust is coming from Paul and Griffin, and any more "stars" or attitudes just would not work ... they had to be guys who could fill limited complimentary roles and do so with athleticism and competence.

I think the chemistry and balance is almost exactly what Griffin and Paul need to maximize their impact ... and good luck to ANY team who can "shut them down" with the guys I've surrounded them with. As far as established players, I think I've got plenty of those, so I'm not sure what you mean by that.

No way this team doesn't make the playoffs ... seriously.

Thanks for your input.

[indeedproceed]

Champ, youre going to love the write-up I'm doing for the Nugs right now. Just gonna love it.

[ChampKind]

New England Ninjas 2012 Roster

General Manager: Bahku

Pos	Starting Five	HT	WT	MPG	FG%	3PT%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	Efficiency
PG -	Chris Paul	6-0	175	36	.480	.442	.859	3.7	8.6	2.3	0.0	18.5	+22.88
SG -	Anthony Morrow	6-5	210	29	.429	.412	.949	2.6	1.0	0.8	0.2	13.3	+10.06
SF -	Danny Green	6-6	210	22	.395	.379	.788	3.6	1.5	0.8	0.8	7.6	+  8.73
PF -	Blake Griffin	6-10	251	37	.536	.333	.541	11.3	2.9	0.8	0.8	21.2	+23.73
C   -	Zaza Pachulia	6-11	275	25	.530	.000	.719	6.3	1.2	0.8	0.5	7.0	+11.44
Pos	Bench Five	HT	WT	MPG	FG%	3PT%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	Efficiency
PG -	D.J. Augustin	6-0	180	32	.400	.341	.825	3.0	6.5	0.7	0.0	13.1	+13.25
SG -	Bill Walker	6-6	235	20	.398	.321	.842	2.7	1.2	0.6	0.2	6.1	+  6.30
SF -	Jonas Jerebko	6-10	231	24	.472	.295	.778	5.2	0.7	0.7	0.4	9.6	+10.97
PF -	Antawn Jamison	6-9	235	32	.423	.361	.605	6.3	1.9	1.1	0.8	17.2	+15.53
C   -	Mehmet Okur	6-11	260	26	.374	.319	.600	4.8	1.8	0.5	0.3	7.6	+  8.29
Pos	Alternates	HT	WT	MPG	FG%	3PT%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG	Efficiency
PG -	Toney Douglas	6-2	185	20	.318	.235	.857	2.0	2.2	0.9	0.0	7.6	+  4.46
PF -	Shawne Williams	6-9	230	20	.286	.241	.727	2.7	0.6	0.4	0.4	4.5	+  3.88
SG -	Wayne Ellington	6-4	200	17	.387	.356	.778	1.5	0.5	0.5	0.2	5.2	+  4.27

Total Budget To Date: $ 71,614,239.00
 
** Minutes are not splits but maximum if needed, starters are more concrete, bench much more fluid, depending on match-ups. I apologize that my commitments don't leave me with much time to be in the daily ongoing discussions, but I enjoy these drafts as much as anyone, and thank you for your patience ... doing my best. **

I can understand how others don't see this as a playoff team. Paul and Griffin are both great but they're surrounded by sub-par guys in the rest of the starting five. I think last year's Clippers squad had more overall talent and they ended up going 32-50. You're well set at PG and PF in terms of star power and depth, but the rest of the lineup looks a bit grim - or at least stocked with guys that I don't like (beauty, eye of the beholder, etc).

It was slim pickings at #26, but I think you could have found some guys who were a bit more established rather than complimentary. You've got a very nice and athletic team, but I imagine that teams that gameplan to shut down Paul/Griffin and have depth would win often against the Clips.

Last year's Clips had more talent ... really?!? Don't see that at all. Morrow, Jamison, Green, Pachulia, Jerebko, Douglas, all a good deal more than "sub-par".

This was a team that had to be complimentary to the core in every way ... the thrust is coming from Paul and Griffin, and any more "stars" or attitudes just would not work ... they had to be guys who could fill limited complimentary roles and do so with athleticism and competence.

I think the chemistry and balance is almost exactly what Griffin and Paul need to maximize their impact ... and good luck to ANY team who can "shut them down" with the guys I've surrounded them with. As far as established players, I think I've got plenty of those, so I'm not sure what you mean by that.

No way this team doesn't make the playoffs ... seriously.

Thanks for your input.

Well here's what I'm thinking. 2011 vs. Bakhu's Clips:

PG: Chris Paul vs. Mo Williams/Baron Davis

Paul wins big.

PG2: DJ Augustin vs. Mo Williams/Eric Bledsoe

Edge to Williams/Bledsoe, who each served as primary backup that season.

SG: Anthony Morrow vs. Eric Gordon

Big advantage to Gordon

SG2: Bill Walker vs. Randy Foye

Advantage to Foye

SF: Danny Green vs. Ryan Gomes

2011 Gomes vs. 2012 Green is a slight edge to Green - but this is the weakest spot amongst starters for both teams.

SF2: Jonas Jerebko vs. Al-Farouq Aminu

Advantage to the Swede.

PF: Blake Griffin vs. Blake Griffin

The world explodes when Griffin somehow posterizes himself.

PF2: Antawn Jamison vs. Craig Smith/Ryan Gomes

Antawn's got this one.

C: DeAndre Jordan vs. Zaza Pachulia

Big win for DeAndre

C2: Chris Kaman vs. Mehmet Okur

Kaman finally meets someone who's missed more games than him at center the past few years. Strong advantage to Kaman.

So, you've made major upgrades at PG and backup PF. You have slight upgrades at both SF slots. You have a significant downgrade at SG and both center spots. You have a slight downgrade at your backup guard spots.

The addition of Paul is significant, but you also lost a lot of ground on a 32 win team. Sorry Bakhu, I guess we have to agree to disagree here. Appreciate the discussion, though.

[ChampKind]

Champ, youre going to love the write-up I'm doing for the Nugs right now. Just gonna love it.

I will put on some Phil Collins in anticipation.