How's My Pick 2 Team?

[justin_bobo]

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.

In my personal opinion, I do see this Clippers team as a playoff team, but not one that can truly be a contender yet. I think the bench is more solid than others are saying, but I feel a team that is putting that much faith in BOTH Danny Green and Anthony Morrow is cause for concern. I'd much rather see a proven starting SF acquired, giving Green less pressure and Morrow less minutes, and then you have to consider this squad a contender. So the fact that this team is only a starting SF away from contending, in my opinion at least, shouldn't knock them out of the playoffs completely.

But then again, I can't find a team I'd kick out yet.

[Redz]

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).

I guess my point is, it's all a matter of taste and as long as you're happy with your team that's ultimately all that matters in this thing.  To say that you put a lot of thought and effort into your team and really feel like it's a playoff team is great (you should feel that way), but every other owner in this thing (with the distinct exception of me  ) feels the same way about his team and his managing abilities.

Then again, I admittedly have a much more carefree approach to these drafts than most (if not all) I don'tlet the competitive juices flow for a joyful activity that is ultimately judged subjectively. 

Something like PAPOUG is much more concrete.

[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).

I guess my point is, it's all a matter of taste and as long as you're happy with your team that's ultimately all that matters in this thing.  To say that you put a lot of thought and effort into your team and really feel like it's a playoff team is great (you should feel that way), but every other owner in this thing (with the distinct exception of me  ) feels the same way about his team and his managing abilities.

Then again, I admittedly have a much more carefree approach to these drafts than most (if not all) I don'tlet the competitive juices flow for a joyful activity that is ultimately judged subjectively. 

Something like PAPOUG is much more concrete.

As I said,  Dulce de Leche ... not even close, (and Ninjas rule).

[dark_lord]

ok, i am not a gm, but i enjoy looking at the rosters and ranking them.  first, i have to say that there are very few teams that look like true contender, imo.  i think there are a lot of "good" and "solid" rosters, but few that would be dominate.  here is my input from an "outsider" (only listing the playoff order/teams):

West
1. OKC
2. Spurs
3. Golden State
4. Lakers
5. Clips
6. PHX
7. POR
8. MEM

East
1. MIA
2. NY
3. IND
4. ORL
5. BOS
6. ATL
7. Cavs
8. WASH

Best team in the draft and the one I think would win it all, if real.....OKC.  

[Redz]

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).

I guess my point is, it's all a matter of taste and as long as you're happy with your team that's ultimately all that matters in this thing.  To say that you put a lot of thought and effort into your team and really feel like it's a playoff team is great (you should feel that way), but every other owner in this thing (with the distinct exception of me  ) feels the same way about his team and his managing abilities.

Then again, I admittedly have a much more carefree approach to these drafts than most (if not all) I don'tlet the competitive juices flow for a joyful activity that is ultimately judged subjectively. 

Something like PAPOUG is much more concrete.

As I said,  Dulce de Leche ... not even close, (and Ninjas rule).

leche = milk, yes?

what's the flavor?

btw, my mother in law grew up in Cincinnati and has introduced me to the joys of Grader's ice cream.  Their mocha choc chip or raspberry chocolate chip are pretty spectacular.

[Rondo2287]

ok, i am not a gm, but i enjoy looking at the rosters and ranking them.  first, i have to say that there are very few teams that look like true contender, imo.  i think there are a lot of "good" and "solid" rosters, but few that would be dominate.  here is my input from an "outsider" (only listing the playoff order/teams):

West
1. OKC
2. Spurs
3. Golden State
4. Lakers
5. Clips
6. PHX
7. POR
8. MEM

East
1. MIA
2. NY
3. IND
4. ORL
5. BOS
6. ATL
7. Cavs
8. WASH

Best team in the draft and the one I think would win it all, if real.....OKC.  

I keep re-reading it but I can't find the rockets anywhere

[dark_lord]

ok, i am not a gm, but i enjoy looking at the rosters and ranking them.  first, i have to say that there are very few teams that look like true contender, imo.  i think there are a lot of "good" and "solid" rosters, but few that would be dominate.  here is my input from an "outsider" (only listing the playoff order/teams):

West
1. OKC
2. Spurs
3. Golden State
4. Lakers
5. Clips
6. PHX
7. POR
8. MEM

East
1. MIA
2. NY
3. IND
4. ORL
5. BOS
6. ATL
7. Cavs
8. WASH

Best team in the draft and the one I think would win it all, if real.....OKC.  

I keep re-reading it but I can't find the rockets anywhere

if you said the other texas team off the list (dallas), i would understand.  it was tough leaving dirk and that team out.  houston was pretty good, but not playoff worthy imo

[Roy H.]

The best ice cream in the world is the gelato found at the Geletaria Valentino in Rome.  One scoop lemon, one scoop raspberry. Mind-blowingly good.

[Yoki_IsTheName]

Monta and Gallo will shoot Philadelphia on it's way to the playoffs. You have @DrayBlatche and Aaron Brooks (will be back from China) coming off the bench too to form a starting lineup quality 2nd unit. It will at least make the 7th seed.

And oh, the best ice cream is in San Francisco Creamery Co. Order the kitchen sink.


http://www.sanfranciscocreameryco.com/kitchen_sink.html

HELL YEAH.

[indeedproceed]

The best ice cream in the world is the gelato found at the Geletaria Valentino in Rome.  One scoop lemon, one scoop raspberry. Mind-blowingly good.

That's like when I tell people the best orange juice I've ever had was at Pepe's in Key West. But really, the sun, the hot, and the bikinis didn't hurt.

[Roy H.]

The best ice cream in the world is the gelato found at the Geletaria Valentino in Rome.  One scoop lemon, one scoop raspberry. Mind-blowingly good.

That's like when I tell people the best orange juice I've ever had was at Pepe's in Key West. But really, the sun, the hot, and the bikinis didn't hurt.

Haha, yeah.  But seriously, Rome is amazing, but gelato at that one particular place stands out over anything I've had in Italy or over here.  (Surprisingly disappointing?  Roman pizza.  Well, except for the bizarro pizza with chicken and roasted potatoes on it.  That was amazing.  But the traditional pizza?  Not as good.)

[The Walker Wiggle]

• 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.

Antawn Jamison is officially underrated here - where most are rating Derrick Favors as a starting caliber power forward...

I don't know why I suddenly feel so defensive of Antawn, but I do. For the month of February he's averaging 22 points on .442 FG%, 9.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.0 turnover. Hardly middling numbers. He remains a solid floor spacer, and underrated without the ball - ranks 46th in PPP as a cutter, 60th in the pick and roll, 67th in transition.

He's still one of the top-15 starting power forwards, a group which includes a number of poor defenders.

[Roy H.]

I've got a feeling that Edgar just signed Rasheed Wallace to a lucrative multi-year contract.

[The Walker Wiggle]

I've got a feeling that Edgar just signed Rasheed Wallace to a lucrative multi-year contract.

Wild news. Can Arenas be far behind?

It'll be interesting to see what sort of shape Sheedy is in.

[nickagneta]

• 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.

Antawn Jamison is officially underrated here - where most are rating Derrick Favors as a starting caliber power forward...

I don't know why I suddenly feel so defensive of Antawn, but I do. For the month of February he's averaging 22 points on .442 FG%, 9.0 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.0 steal and 1.0 turnover. Hardly middling numbers. He remains a solid floor spacer, and underrated without the ball - ranks 46th in PPP as a cutter, 60th in the pick and roll, 67th in transition.

He's still one of the top-15 starting power forwards, a group which includes a number of poor defenders.

I have to agree with this. I think in many ways the younger players that flash potential every once in a while are wildly over rated in these endeavors and that the vets who just start to show age or are aging are wildly under rated.

For instance, which team you want:

John Wall, Evan Turner, Derrick Williams, Derrick Favors, Enes Kanter, Ekpe Udoh, DeMar DeRozan, DeMarcus Cousins

or

Andre Miller, Ray Allen, Shawn Marion, Antawn Jamison, Elton Brand, Tim Duncan, Richard Hamilton, Jeff Foster.

Three years from now the first team could be good, they could suck. But they will probably still be playing.

But the second team in a seven game series would kick that first team's butt even if they won't be around in a year or two.

That said. My guess is there are a lot of people in this draft that would probably prefer the first team.