Stephon Marbury may be in shape physically to join the Knicks on the court, but the Knicks might finally be ready mentally to part ways with their chaotic point guard.
The Knicks are preparing to put Marbury on waivers by the end of the week, several sources with knowledge of the situation told Newsday. The team must await the go-ahead from Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan, however, because it would involve eating another large chunk of money in a buyout, Newsday reported.
Marbury is entering the final year of his contract, worth $21.9 million.
Once Marbury clears waivers and a buyout is agreed upon, he would be free to sign with any team. Reports in Newsday and the South Florida media have mentioned the Miami Heat, which is in need of a point guard, as having interest.
The Knicks are preparing to put Marbury on waivers by the end of the week, several sources with knowledge of the situation told Newsday. The team must await the go-ahead from Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan, however, because it would involve eating another large chunk of money in a buyout, Newsday reported.
Marbury is entering the final year of his contract, worth $21.9 million.
Once Marbury clears waivers and a buyout is agreed upon, he would be free to sign with any team. Reports in Newsday and the South Florida media have mentioned the Miami Heat, which is in need of a point guard, as having interest.
Phoenix Suns
Guards
Steve Nash – Though he is getting older, Steve Nash remains one of the best point guards in the league. His ability to get the ball to shooters in rhythm along with his ability to get the ball to people in the post in good position is unparalleled in the league. The issues with Steve Nash are blatantly obvious on the other hand. Steve Nash cannot play the type of minutes or games that he has the last couple years if the Suns hope to make a run in the playoffs this year. His balky back simply cannot endure the type of pounding that it takes over a 82 games season. Nash has struggled to contain PGs like Tony Parker and Chris Paul (Quick penetrators) and the problem has only gotten worse as these players have evolved their game. Nashs inability to stay in front of his opposition has caused many instances where Amare and Shaq have gotten into early foul trouble. Another thing that the Suns cannot afford. Fading the Suns in spots against teams that can highlight Nash’s flaws on the defensive end is always one worth looking at. In order to remedy this problem, the Suns will need to find a solid back-up PG that can give the Suns ample minutes without becoming a liability themselves.
Goran Dragic – Some people think he will be the next Manu Ginobli, and others think he will become the next Bellinelli. Everything I have seen and heard from the Suns in the papers tends to think he will be the former. The question has been with Dragic whether or not he can hit enough jump-shots that the defenders will have to challenge him. If he cannot hit his jumpers, Dragic will struggle to get by defenders with his inferior foot-speed not allowing himself to create shots for other teammates. This was Dragic’s strength in Europe. He as constantly able to get himself to the basket and dish the ball off with his superior vision and court generalship. Dragic is a major question mark on the defensive end also. After finalizing his deal with the Suns on Tuesday, he is now able to participate in scrimmages. He played decent defense in Europe, but we all know that the players over there do not possess the same off the dribble speed of those in the United States. The jury is out with Dragic. He could be the saving grace for this team in backing up Nash, or he will be another player buried on the bench making god money off his potential.
Leandro Barbosa – This guy needs to make some major changes if he is going to help this Suns team. Barbosa is a below average defender for someone with his size and quickness, and his poor decisions on the offensive end have only hurt the team in getting into their offense and creating good shots for his teammates. Barbosa bought in D’Antonis system more than any other player, and it ended up causing a major regression in his game and overall value to the Suns. Barbosa took too many shots and shot at a very low percentage for a guard. He shies away from contact so he infrequently gets to the line and normally ends up forcing a pass into traffic or taking an off balance jumper. The Suns gave this guy too much money for what he is able to do, so unloading him seems very unlikely. If Barbosa is going to max out under Porter, then he is going to have to focus on playing better defense and making better decisions with the ball. Reigning in Barbosa could be very good for both him and the Suns in the long run.
Sean Singletary – I do not know much of Singletary, as I didn’t watch him play much at Virginia, but I found some interesting things on the internet when I researched him a bit. Singletary entered the draft as a junior, but pulled his name out after he didn’t like where he was projected to go. Once primarily a scorer, Singletary took over many of the PG responsibilities his senior year hoping to round his game for the L. He continued to score quite a bit, and with Renolyds now off Virginia, he boosted his totals to 13th in the nation in assists. Coupled with this though, he also was 13th in the nation in turning the ball over. This is something the Suns cannot afford to add to their team. If he turned it over too much in college, how can we expect him to play point in the league. He was also described as a very quick defender with fast hands, but ad a hard time staying in front of defenders due to his constant gabling in the passing lanes. This guy sounds like a Barbosa knock-off, and unless the Suns can find a way to move Barbosa, I don’t imagine the Suns carrying 4 point guards. I think Singletray’s time is limited before he is moved to the D—League.
Raja Bell – Once a lockdown defender, Bell has fallen off on that side of the ball the last two seasons. Whether it is him losing his foot-speed or the new hand-checking rules being called tighter, he has not been the player he was 3 or 4 years ago. Raja has also struggled shooting the ball in large stretches the last couple seasons. What was once a consistent outside jump shooter has now turned into a very streaky player that can score in bunches at times, but lacks the consistency. Bell may be more successful in stints that Shaquille is on the court in Porters slower version of his offense. Bell was hurt constantly on the defensive end against opponents that pushed the ball. Raja Bell is in no way a liability, but he is no longer the asset that he once was on the defensive end. Raja could be a valuable aspect for this team if he can stay healthy and can play sound defense. He will also need to hit his jumper more constantly if this team has plans of reaching their ultimate goal.
Forwards
Matt Barnes – I love what Matt Barnes is going to bring to this team. Barnes wont shoot the 36% from 3 point land that he did two seasons ago, but he will bring much more depth to the range the Suns feature at the 3 position. He can and will also play the 2 and 4 when the Suns put certain line-ups on the court. Grant Hill gave the Suns a very nice season last year, but to depend on him staying healthy another season is just something they cannot afford to do. Barnes is great in the passing lane, and will give the Suns the up the court type threat in the running game that made them so dangerous when Shawn Marion was one the team. Shaq did a great job out letting the ball last season, and I trust that Nash will be able to get Barnes numerous chances to finish out on the break. I think Barnes athleticism went much unnoticed the last couple years with all the super freaks that the Warriors featured. I think he will be a very valuable asset on both ends of the court and will do a better job rebounding than the Suns got last season out of this position.
Grant Hill – Grant had a good season for the Suns last year. He stayed healthy and played a large role in terms of the chemistry of this team. He hurt the Suns with his inability to shoot from the perimeter, but we saw much more of the dribble penetration that he once used to make himself as an elite player in the League. Grant will never again be a great defender in one on one situation, but the thing he does so well is play a very quality team defense. With a team like the Suns that have numerous players who do not know nor care to play at the defensive end, a solid team defender that makes the right choices at that end of the court is a very valuable asset. I like the veteran leadership that Grant brings to the team, and barring injuries I expect him to have another productive season out in the valley of the sun.
Boris Diaw – Where to start with this guy? Diaw is not what the Suns need, nor is he what they want to move to in the future. Diaw can have productive games when the ball runs through him, but if he is not the one initiating the offense then he is pretty much worthless. Boris is a bad defender, bad rebounder, and he can’t extend his offensive game past 15 feet. He tends to sit underneath the basket and clog the lane only causing a lack of space for penetration or the big men to operate. At times, Boris can take over the game and be a valuable asset creating offense from the top of the key against bigger defenders. I don’t see this being much of the Suns plans this year, and I expect another season of Diaw and Barbosa trying to “get theirs” off the bench by forcing bad shots in bad situations that eventually lead to break outs on the other end. This guy is one of the most overrated players in the league in my opinion and someone that the Suns should have tried to unload in the off season with Barbosa.
Louis Amundson - Everything I have read about Louis is that he is a hustle guy. With the addition of guys like him and Robin Lopez, the Suns are trying to get a little more physical. I don’t expect to see him much this season, and I think he will be inactive much of the year. He supposedly is athletic and one of the type of players that will give you tough minutes against physical teams. Ive not seen much from him, but I do not expect much at all. If we see much of Amundson, it will mean the Suns have suffered some bad injuries and the season is in trouble.
Robin Lopez – On draft night, this guy was the goofy other brother that everyone thought had no offensive game. He was going to be the guy that did all the dirty things that nobody else would and was going to help the Suns on the boards when players like Shaq and Amare were tired or in foul trouble. I still expect him to do those things, but Lopez is much more than what meets the eye. The Suns became enamored with this kid when they interviewed before the draft. They asked what he would bring to their team, and he went off on a 10 minute stagnant about how he would help them defend the pick and roll. This is something that has haunted the Suns for years, and just the knowledge this kid had about their team knocked the Suns off their feet. In summer league, Lopez showed exactly why the Suns drafted him. He was giving them tough minutes and really doing a nice job defending both on the interior and the exterior. He has shown much more offense than was ever expected off him also. He could give the Suns a bunch of energy off the bench, and I expect him to remind a lot of people of Anderson Varejo by the middle of the season. This kid is going to bring a physical presence to the Suns inside, and in a couple years will be known as the better Lopez. I like this kid, and I cant wait to see him get out there and leave it all on the floor.
Alando Tucker – If he gets the chance, Tucker will put up points for the Suns. Built in the Michael Finley mold all the way back to the school they came from, Tucker has the ability to put up points. He is not a great defender by any means, but Suns assistants said he was making major progress in the offseason and D-league to where he might find some time on the court this year. While his game lacks the range that most 3s now possess in the league, Tuckers strength and court savy have allowed him to get to the bucket and to get himself to the line. I don’t expect to get much contribution out of him this year, but I do expect him to get some minutes. Tucker will play a larger role in years to come, and Porter will want to see what he has with his young players. Especially with a Suns team that has played so many minutes over the last 5 seasons under D’Antonis strange system.
STAT - Amare put up an amazing season last year on the offensive end. He did just about anything and everything that people could ask from him. He shot well from the field, crashed the boards, and shot extremely well from the line. It would be pointless to discuss anything about him offensively, because since the big man came over Amare was the single most dominating player in the league at the offensive end. The issues with Amare have always been at the other end of the court. His lack of interest, poor court knowledge, and getting himself in foul trouble has haunted Amare for his entire professional career. Amare claims that he is finally 100% from micro fracture surgery, and that is just a scary thought to anyone that tried to defend him last year. Recently, the Arizona Republic did and article on him where he discussed his desire to be better at the defensive end of the court. Below is some of that article….
He is talking about and working on his defense. He declares his passion for the game to be at an all-time high, bringing him to the court morning and night most weekdays. He is raving about his new coach, Terry Porter, and teammates.
He is worry-free about his surgically repaired knees. And his good effort has extended off the court, having just returned from a week in Sierra Leone to be part of a project to rehabilitate water wells that he helped fund.
'I feel fit and fierce,' he said. 'My health is tremendous. I have no worries about extra work. Before, I never wanted to overwork. I always wanted to do more, but I was coming back from injuries. I can do whatever I want on the court without second-guessing now.'"
If this is true, the NBA better watch out for which might be the most dominant player in the entire League. Yes, that includes EVERYBODY.
Center
Shaq – Shaq was a great addition to the Suns roster last season. What he brought to the team was a fierce interior presence that opened this up for Amare. He brought the outlet pass to a new level for the Suns helping to trigger the fast break. With the addition of Barnes, this will be an even more impressive part of the Suns arsenal this season. Shaq not only brought his big body to Phoenix, but he brought a new attitude. No longer were the Suns going to be pushed around by opponents. He has added much to the team that will not be seen on stat sheets. Shaq knows his time is coming to an end, and I hope that helps him come to camp in shape this year. If Shaq comes in shape and can stay healthy, the Suns will be a factor in the West this year. If he doesn’t, the future looks grim for this team.
Suns Keys To Success
1) Health
2) Adapting to Terry Porter
3) Porter adapting to his roster
4) Back-up Point guard
5) Health
If all the right things happen for this Suns team, they could be a very dangerous team come the summer. If things don’t happen the right way for them, it could be a long season. The Suns are in need of an energy boost from a new coach and also need the stars to align for them to have a healthy season. If this all happens, the Suns will be playing in June.
Guards
Steve Nash – Though he is getting older, Steve Nash remains one of the best point guards in the league. His ability to get the ball to shooters in rhythm along with his ability to get the ball to people in the post in good position is unparalleled in the league. The issues with Steve Nash are blatantly obvious on the other hand. Steve Nash cannot play the type of minutes or games that he has the last couple years if the Suns hope to make a run in the playoffs this year. His balky back simply cannot endure the type of pounding that it takes over a 82 games season. Nash has struggled to contain PGs like Tony Parker and Chris Paul (Quick penetrators) and the problem has only gotten worse as these players have evolved their game. Nashs inability to stay in front of his opposition has caused many instances where Amare and Shaq have gotten into early foul trouble. Another thing that the Suns cannot afford. Fading the Suns in spots against teams that can highlight Nash’s flaws on the defensive end is always one worth looking at. In order to remedy this problem, the Suns will need to find a solid back-up PG that can give the Suns ample minutes without becoming a liability themselves.
Goran Dragic – Some people think he will be the next Manu Ginobli, and others think he will become the next Bellinelli. Everything I have seen and heard from the Suns in the papers tends to think he will be the former. The question has been with Dragic whether or not he can hit enough jump-shots that the defenders will have to challenge him. If he cannot hit his jumpers, Dragic will struggle to get by defenders with his inferior foot-speed not allowing himself to create shots for other teammates. This was Dragic’s strength in Europe. He as constantly able to get himself to the basket and dish the ball off with his superior vision and court generalship. Dragic is a major question mark on the defensive end also. After finalizing his deal with the Suns on Tuesday, he is now able to participate in scrimmages. He played decent defense in Europe, but we all know that the players over there do not possess the same off the dribble speed of those in the United States. The jury is out with Dragic. He could be the saving grace for this team in backing up Nash, or he will be another player buried on the bench making god money off his potential.
Leandro Barbosa – This guy needs to make some major changes if he is going to help this Suns team. Barbosa is a below average defender for someone with his size and quickness, and his poor decisions on the offensive end have only hurt the team in getting into their offense and creating good shots for his teammates. Barbosa bought in D’Antonis system more than any other player, and it ended up causing a major regression in his game and overall value to the Suns. Barbosa took too many shots and shot at a very low percentage for a guard. He shies away from contact so he infrequently gets to the line and normally ends up forcing a pass into traffic or taking an off balance jumper. The Suns gave this guy too much money for what he is able to do, so unloading him seems very unlikely. If Barbosa is going to max out under Porter, then he is going to have to focus on playing better defense and making better decisions with the ball. Reigning in Barbosa could be very good for both him and the Suns in the long run.
Sean Singletary – I do not know much of Singletary, as I didn’t watch him play much at Virginia, but I found some interesting things on the internet when I researched him a bit. Singletary entered the draft as a junior, but pulled his name out after he didn’t like where he was projected to go. Once primarily a scorer, Singletary took over many of the PG responsibilities his senior year hoping to round his game for the L. He continued to score quite a bit, and with Renolyds now off Virginia, he boosted his totals to 13th in the nation in assists. Coupled with this though, he also was 13th in the nation in turning the ball over. This is something the Suns cannot afford to add to their team. If he turned it over too much in college, how can we expect him to play point in the league. He was also described as a very quick defender with fast hands, but ad a hard time staying in front of defenders due to his constant gabling in the passing lanes. This guy sounds like a Barbosa knock-off, and unless the Suns can find a way to move Barbosa, I don’t imagine the Suns carrying 4 point guards. I think Singletray’s time is limited before he is moved to the D—League.
Raja Bell – Once a lockdown defender, Bell has fallen off on that side of the ball the last two seasons. Whether it is him losing his foot-speed or the new hand-checking rules being called tighter, he has not been the player he was 3 or 4 years ago. Raja has also struggled shooting the ball in large stretches the last couple seasons. What was once a consistent outside jump shooter has now turned into a very streaky player that can score in bunches at times, but lacks the consistency. Bell may be more successful in stints that Shaquille is on the court in Porters slower version of his offense. Bell was hurt constantly on the defensive end against opponents that pushed the ball. Raja Bell is in no way a liability, but he is no longer the asset that he once was on the defensive end. Raja could be a valuable aspect for this team if he can stay healthy and can play sound defense. He will also need to hit his jumper more constantly if this team has plans of reaching their ultimate goal.
Forwards
Matt Barnes – I love what Matt Barnes is going to bring to this team. Barnes wont shoot the 36% from 3 point land that he did two seasons ago, but he will bring much more depth to the range the Suns feature at the 3 position. He can and will also play the 2 and 4 when the Suns put certain line-ups on the court. Grant Hill gave the Suns a very nice season last year, but to depend on him staying healthy another season is just something they cannot afford to do. Barnes is great in the passing lane, and will give the Suns the up the court type threat in the running game that made them so dangerous when Shawn Marion was one the team. Shaq did a great job out letting the ball last season, and I trust that Nash will be able to get Barnes numerous chances to finish out on the break. I think Barnes athleticism went much unnoticed the last couple years with all the super freaks that the Warriors featured. I think he will be a very valuable asset on both ends of the court and will do a better job rebounding than the Suns got last season out of this position.
Grant Hill – Grant had a good season for the Suns last year. He stayed healthy and played a large role in terms of the chemistry of this team. He hurt the Suns with his inability to shoot from the perimeter, but we saw much more of the dribble penetration that he once used to make himself as an elite player in the League. Grant will never again be a great defender in one on one situation, but the thing he does so well is play a very quality team defense. With a team like the Suns that have numerous players who do not know nor care to play at the defensive end, a solid team defender that makes the right choices at that end of the court is a very valuable asset. I like the veteran leadership that Grant brings to the team, and barring injuries I expect him to have another productive season out in the valley of the sun.
Boris Diaw – Where to start with this guy? Diaw is not what the Suns need, nor is he what they want to move to in the future. Diaw can have productive games when the ball runs through him, but if he is not the one initiating the offense then he is pretty much worthless. Boris is a bad defender, bad rebounder, and he can’t extend his offensive game past 15 feet. He tends to sit underneath the basket and clog the lane only causing a lack of space for penetration or the big men to operate. At times, Boris can take over the game and be a valuable asset creating offense from the top of the key against bigger defenders. I don’t see this being much of the Suns plans this year, and I expect another season of Diaw and Barbosa trying to “get theirs” off the bench by forcing bad shots in bad situations that eventually lead to break outs on the other end. This guy is one of the most overrated players in the league in my opinion and someone that the Suns should have tried to unload in the off season with Barbosa.
Louis Amundson - Everything I have read about Louis is that he is a hustle guy. With the addition of guys like him and Robin Lopez, the Suns are trying to get a little more physical. I don’t expect to see him much this season, and I think he will be inactive much of the year. He supposedly is athletic and one of the type of players that will give you tough minutes against physical teams. Ive not seen much from him, but I do not expect much at all. If we see much of Amundson, it will mean the Suns have suffered some bad injuries and the season is in trouble.
Robin Lopez – On draft night, this guy was the goofy other brother that everyone thought had no offensive game. He was going to be the guy that did all the dirty things that nobody else would and was going to help the Suns on the boards when players like Shaq and Amare were tired or in foul trouble. I still expect him to do those things, but Lopez is much more than what meets the eye. The Suns became enamored with this kid when they interviewed before the draft. They asked what he would bring to their team, and he went off on a 10 minute stagnant about how he would help them defend the pick and roll. This is something that has haunted the Suns for years, and just the knowledge this kid had about their team knocked the Suns off their feet. In summer league, Lopez showed exactly why the Suns drafted him. He was giving them tough minutes and really doing a nice job defending both on the interior and the exterior. He has shown much more offense than was ever expected off him also. He could give the Suns a bunch of energy off the bench, and I expect him to remind a lot of people of Anderson Varejo by the middle of the season. This kid is going to bring a physical presence to the Suns inside, and in a couple years will be known as the better Lopez. I like this kid, and I cant wait to see him get out there and leave it all on the floor.
Alando Tucker – If he gets the chance, Tucker will put up points for the Suns. Built in the Michael Finley mold all the way back to the school they came from, Tucker has the ability to put up points. He is not a great defender by any means, but Suns assistants said he was making major progress in the offseason and D-league to where he might find some time on the court this year. While his game lacks the range that most 3s now possess in the league, Tuckers strength and court savy have allowed him to get to the bucket and to get himself to the line. I don’t expect to get much contribution out of him this year, but I do expect him to get some minutes. Tucker will play a larger role in years to come, and Porter will want to see what he has with his young players. Especially with a Suns team that has played so many minutes over the last 5 seasons under D’Antonis strange system.
STAT - Amare put up an amazing season last year on the offensive end. He did just about anything and everything that people could ask from him. He shot well from the field, crashed the boards, and shot extremely well from the line. It would be pointless to discuss anything about him offensively, because since the big man came over Amare was the single most dominating player in the league at the offensive end. The issues with Amare have always been at the other end of the court. His lack of interest, poor court knowledge, and getting himself in foul trouble has haunted Amare for his entire professional career. Amare claims that he is finally 100% from micro fracture surgery, and that is just a scary thought to anyone that tried to defend him last year. Recently, the Arizona Republic did and article on him where he discussed his desire to be better at the defensive end of the court. Below is some of that article….
He is talking about and working on his defense. He declares his passion for the game to be at an all-time high, bringing him to the court morning and night most weekdays. He is raving about his new coach, Terry Porter, and teammates.
He is worry-free about his surgically repaired knees. And his good effort has extended off the court, having just returned from a week in Sierra Leone to be part of a project to rehabilitate water wells that he helped fund.
'I feel fit and fierce,' he said. 'My health is tremendous. I have no worries about extra work. Before, I never wanted to overwork. I always wanted to do more, but I was coming back from injuries. I can do whatever I want on the court without second-guessing now.'"
If this is true, the NBA better watch out for which might be the most dominant player in the entire League. Yes, that includes EVERYBODY.
Center
Shaq – Shaq was a great addition to the Suns roster last season. What he brought to the team was a fierce interior presence that opened this up for Amare. He brought the outlet pass to a new level for the Suns helping to trigger the fast break. With the addition of Barnes, this will be an even more impressive part of the Suns arsenal this season. Shaq not only brought his big body to Phoenix, but he brought a new attitude. No longer were the Suns going to be pushed around by opponents. He has added much to the team that will not be seen on stat sheets. Shaq knows his time is coming to an end, and I hope that helps him come to camp in shape this year. If Shaq comes in shape and can stay healthy, the Suns will be a factor in the West this year. If he doesn’t, the future looks grim for this team.
Suns Keys To Success
1) Health
2) Adapting to Terry Porter
3) Porter adapting to his roster
4) Back-up Point guard
5) Health
If all the right things happen for this Suns team, they could be a very dangerous team come the summer. If things don’t happen the right way for them, it could be a long season. The Suns are in need of an energy boost from a new coach and also need the stars to align for them to have a healthy season. If this all happens, the Suns will be playing in June.
yes I have no problems with you doing a write-up or two. Knowledge is power....the more we have the more money we will win. I'll probably do my own but I appreciate your input.
To whomever said I was leniant with the Bobcats it is because I feel they will move up in the east this year. They have great starters, a new coach and one of the best home court advantages in the league. the record might not show it year in and year out but they always put up a fight at home. ALWAYS. And as far as everyone saying the Heat is a shitty team I totally disagree. They will fight for a playoff spot this year. Wade is 100%, Beasley is gonna get 15-10 at absolute worst and Marion has had time to gel with this team. I look for the Heat to surprise a lot of people this year....
To whomever said I was leniant with the Bobcats it is because I feel they will move up in the east this year. They have great starters, a new coach and one of the best home court advantages in the league. the record might not show it year in and year out but they always put up a fight at home. ALWAYS. And as far as everyone saying the Heat is a shitty team I totally disagree. They will fight for a playoff spot this year. Wade is 100%, Beasley is gonna get 15-10 at absolute worst and Marion has had time to gel with this team. I look for the Heat to surprise a lot of people this year....
CHICAGO BULLS TEAM PREVIEW
Projected Starting Lineup
This is the most jumbled starting lineup in the NBA and we won't know what the starting 5 is until 40 seconds before opening tip I'm guessing...Here is what I would do if I was Vinny and this is with me guessing Gordon is gonna elsewhere.
C-Joakim Noah
PF-Drew Gooden
SF-Luol Deng
SG-Derrick Rose/Larry Hughes
PG-Kirk Heinrich/Derrick Rose
I highly doubt this will reflect the opening day starting lineup but this is their best starting 5 IMO...Maybe just rotate Rose and Heinrich but I can't see wasting Rose' talent on the bench for 20+ minutes a game because of Heinrich and vice versa.
Key Reserves
Andrew Gray
Thabo Sefolosha
Tyrus Thomas
Oh my baby Bulls. The team I grew up with and the team that I will always pull for no matter what. I'll try to keep my bias for them being my team out of this write-up, which shouldn't be hard as I don't think they are a playoff team and they are going to finish in the basement of the east without Gordon. First things first, contract negotiations are still Grim with Gordon and I don't see them getting fixed any time soon. I see him in another jersey some time very soon. My guess....The Miami Heat. Last trade I heard involved the Bucks and Heat and would put Gordon, Noah and Larry Hughes in different uniforms and would bring Marcus Banks and Marion to the Bulls. Ehhhhh...not sure as a fan how I feel about this trade. As much as I don't like Noah I don't think now is the time to trade him. I will proceed with this writeup assuming Ben Gordon is no longer a Bull. Soooo you go 33-49 and your answer is to not give your leading scorer a decent contract?:think2: I know he isn't the best player on the team but he is the guy I want with the ball at the end of the game. He was tops in the league (or very close to it) in ppg in the 4th quarter and he makes big shot after big shot night in and night out. Anyways enough about a guy that might not even be playing come October. The Bulls got beyond lucky and landed Rose with the first pick and he will do nothing but help this young team but they are still going to have growing pains this year. I am not a fan of Noah/Gray...Gooden's numbers slipped when he switched uniforms, Deng avg'd 17 a game but is still underperforming big time IMO and Heinrich has to do better than 11 and 6 a game. That's just not gonna get it done in the NBA. His assist/to ratio is decent 6/2.09 but couple that with shooting 41% from the field and he makes me cringe. Everyone that played for the Bulls last year had a drop off from the previous year and it showed in the loss column. Predicting what this team will do with a rookie PG (he will be starting sooner than later) and a new coach is a crap shoot. They had growing pains last year and they only got younger. It saddens me to say that this team will be bottom feeders in the east but thats just the way the cookie crumbles. I may come back to this team and do a new write-up in a week or maybe even a month because this teams roster is going to change dramatically IMO over the next few weeks. With that said I leave you with this...even with Gordon this team finishes not even close to the playoffs
Season Prediction: 35-47
Projected Starting Lineup
This is the most jumbled starting lineup in the NBA and we won't know what the starting 5 is until 40 seconds before opening tip I'm guessing...Here is what I would do if I was Vinny and this is with me guessing Gordon is gonna elsewhere.
C-Joakim Noah
PF-Drew Gooden
SF-Luol Deng
SG-Derrick Rose/Larry Hughes
PG-Kirk Heinrich/Derrick Rose
I highly doubt this will reflect the opening day starting lineup but this is their best starting 5 IMO...Maybe just rotate Rose and Heinrich but I can't see wasting Rose' talent on the bench for 20+ minutes a game because of Heinrich and vice versa.
Key Reserves
Andrew Gray
Thabo Sefolosha
Tyrus Thomas
Oh my baby Bulls. The team I grew up with and the team that I will always pull for no matter what. I'll try to keep my bias for them being my team out of this write-up, which shouldn't be hard as I don't think they are a playoff team and they are going to finish in the basement of the east without Gordon. First things first, contract negotiations are still Grim with Gordon and I don't see them getting fixed any time soon. I see him in another jersey some time very soon. My guess....The Miami Heat. Last trade I heard involved the Bucks and Heat and would put Gordon, Noah and Larry Hughes in different uniforms and would bring Marcus Banks and Marion to the Bulls. Ehhhhh...not sure as a fan how I feel about this trade. As much as I don't like Noah I don't think now is the time to trade him. I will proceed with this writeup assuming Ben Gordon is no longer a Bull. Soooo you go 33-49 and your answer is to not give your leading scorer a decent contract?:think2: I know he isn't the best player on the team but he is the guy I want with the ball at the end of the game. He was tops in the league (or very close to it) in ppg in the 4th quarter and he makes big shot after big shot night in and night out. Anyways enough about a guy that might not even be playing come October. The Bulls got beyond lucky and landed Rose with the first pick and he will do nothing but help this young team but they are still going to have growing pains this year. I am not a fan of Noah/Gray...Gooden's numbers slipped when he switched uniforms, Deng avg'd 17 a game but is still underperforming big time IMO and Heinrich has to do better than 11 and 6 a game. That's just not gonna get it done in the NBA. His assist/to ratio is decent 6/2.09 but couple that with shooting 41% from the field and he makes me cringe. Everyone that played for the Bulls last year had a drop off from the previous year and it showed in the loss column. Predicting what this team will do with a rookie PG (he will be starting sooner than later) and a new coach is a crap shoot. They had growing pains last year and they only got younger. It saddens me to say that this team will be bottom feeders in the east but thats just the way the cookie crumbles. I may come back to this team and do a new write-up in a week or maybe even a month because this teams roster is going to change dramatically IMO over the next few weeks. With that said I leave you with this...even with Gordon this team finishes not even close to the playoffs
Season Prediction: 35-47
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
Projected Starting Lineup
C-Zydrunaus Ilgauskus
PF-Ben Wallace
SF-Lebron James
SG-Wally Szerbiak
G-Mo Williams
Key Reserves
Sasha Pavlovich
Anderson Varejao
Delonte West
Daniel Gibson
Eric Snow (maybe)
Starting with the Cavs....Mo Williams is the best PG the Cavs have had since Andre Miller led the NBA in assists in 2002 and I believe this was the piece they have been missing in the past couple of years. Although they don't have a solid backup (Gibson--ehhhh) is an outstanding shooter but he's not a true PG. At off-gaurd im interested in seeing who earns the starting role wether it be Pavlovich or Szerbiak. It will be earned by one of the two and I believe this is something that is good for the Cavs..Unlike in other sports a little competiton usually brings out the best in your players. Move onto the best player in the NBA (maybe Kobe...thats a whole other topic), LeBron James. Not much needs to be said about the heart of this team. Led the NBA in scoring 30 was eight in assists and 10th in steals. What else can you ask for from your best player??? How about a championship Lebron. Wallace is getting a little older and so is Big Z but this is still a solid frontcourt and they can bang with anyone in the east. The Cavs season will be determined by their defense and rebounding, something they take pride in and something that can carry this team deep into the playoffs and IMO most likely into the NBA championship, that is, if they can take out Boston. With the Pistons getting older I see CLE running away with the Central and going into the playoffs at worst a 3 seed and most likely the 1 or 2 seed battling it out with Boston, Philly and Orlando. With two years left on his contract Cleveland needs to convince LeBron that he can win a title in Cleveland if they want to re-sign him...IMO this is there last chance to prove this to LeBron. Only time will tell.
Season Prediction: 54-28 and battling for that number one spot in the east
Projected Starting Lineup
C-Zydrunaus Ilgauskus
PF-Ben Wallace
SF-Lebron James
SG-Wally Szerbiak
G-Mo Williams
Key Reserves
Sasha Pavlovich
Anderson Varejao
Delonte West
Daniel Gibson
Eric Snow (maybe)
Starting with the Cavs....Mo Williams is the best PG the Cavs have had since Andre Miller led the NBA in assists in 2002 and I believe this was the piece they have been missing in the past couple of years. Although they don't have a solid backup (Gibson--ehhhh) is an outstanding shooter but he's not a true PG. At off-gaurd im interested in seeing who earns the starting role wether it be Pavlovich or Szerbiak. It will be earned by one of the two and I believe this is something that is good for the Cavs..Unlike in other sports a little competiton usually brings out the best in your players. Move onto the best player in the NBA (maybe Kobe...thats a whole other topic), LeBron James. Not much needs to be said about the heart of this team. Led the NBA in scoring 30 was eight in assists and 10th in steals. What else can you ask for from your best player??? How about a championship Lebron. Wallace is getting a little older and so is Big Z but this is still a solid frontcourt and they can bang with anyone in the east. The Cavs season will be determined by their defense and rebounding, something they take pride in and something that can carry this team deep into the playoffs and IMO most likely into the NBA championship, that is, if they can take out Boston. With the Pistons getting older I see CLE running away with the Central and going into the playoffs at worst a 3 seed and most likely the 1 or 2 seed battling it out with Boston, Philly and Orlando. With two years left on his contract Cleveland needs to convince LeBron that he can win a title in Cleveland if they want to re-sign him...IMO this is there last chance to prove this to LeBron. Only time will tell.
Season Prediction: 54-28 and battling for that number one spot in the east
Gordon is probably the worst defender in the league, and IMO if they are lucky enough to get rid of him then they will be better. Shamefully, he will end up taking the deal with the Bulls and will hopefully be traded midseason. Nobody has interest in a small guard that cannot play point and cannot play defense. I think you are putting way too much stock in this character. Thats just my thoughts though.
Im also not a believer in the Cavs and Mo Williams. I think he is a shoot first point guard and has never made another player on his team better in his entire career. He is a very selfish player, and the players on the Cavs roster sans Lebron need help creating shots. I think Mo will actually hurt this team. I also think a mention of the Cavs having the WORST coach in the league should be mentioned too.
Thanks for writing these, its nice to get back to seeing the rosters.
Im also not a believer in the Cavs and Mo Williams. I think he is a shoot first point guard and has never made another player on his team better in his entire career. He is a very selfish player, and the players on the Cavs roster sans Lebron need help creating shots. I think Mo will actually hurt this team. I also think a mention of the Cavs having the WORST coach in the league should be mentioned too.
Thanks for writing these, its nice to get back to seeing the rosters.
no problem ICC...I just see Mo and LeBron meshing very well together. LeBron doesnt need anyone to make him look good as he does that very well and LeBron will only bring out the best in the ball hog in Williams....LeBron is the coach of this team. They do technically have the worst head coach in the league but Lebron is the real boss of this team...they go as he goes. And as for Gordon as much as I dont like him I think it is imperative to have a go to guy at the end of the game and you cant argue that he is not one of the best towards the ladder parts of NBA play. This is not a chore for me as I love the NBA and I just want everyone else to get a feel for whats gonna go down in the league this year as I like to think I already have a handle on my NBA. This is simply my gift to the forum. ICC and SALTY please feel free to do other write-ups as it is obvious you guys only bring positive reinforcement to this thread...
Weird....I had nocioni on all my notes...how did I miss that...yes he is a big part of team...not the biggest though (that would be Deng) Nocioni is a nice player...cant believe I missed it...hahah im staring at my notes and hes all over them...either way they are still in the basement of the central
Deng tore up the Eurobasket qualifiers earlier this month..
Luol Deng, Great Britain: The Chicago Bulls forward was, by far, the most dominant force in Group D.
After only two days of practice with the squad, he dropped 30 points as the Brits came within 0.5 seconds of upsetting Israel in Tel Aviv. His numbers of 24.2 points, 5.8 boards, 3.8 assists and 1.6 blocks a game reflected his value to the team.
Luol Deng, Great Britain: The Chicago Bulls forward was, by far, the most dominant force in Group D.
After only two days of practice with the squad, he dropped 30 points as the Brits came within 0.5 seconds of upsetting Israel in Tel Aviv. His numbers of 24.2 points, 5.8 boards, 3.8 assists and 1.6 blocks a game reflected his value to the team.
