2016-17 In Depth Season Preview
Posted: July 12th, 2024, 2:25 pm
We’re bored again on a plane. Feels like a common sentiment with my articles. Wes came up with the idea for me to type a season preview and here we are.
Boston Celtics
Projected Record: 45-37
Key Players: Crawford, George, Beasley
Assets to Improve: Gary Harris, 5 of next 6 BOS FRP
Idea for a Move: Trading Okafor and a FRP for Gortat
Breakdown:
Much of the same from last year. Seemed like bigs took a little bit of a dip so unless Joe addresses this soon, could see that being the Achilles heel of the squad and preventing them from winning the Atlantic
Miami Heat
Projected Record: 35-47
Key Players: Harris, Klay, Wade, Bogut
Assets to Improve: 2018-22 FRPs
Idea for a Move: Wade for MKG, Middleton, DWill and a DAL FRP
Breakdown:
Scoops has unfortunately been MIA this offseason so nothing has literally changed outside of a few departures. The roster is getting expensive and tied up into a few really good players. Probably need to break one guy up into a few pieces and Wade is probably the best non-Klay guy to do it with
New Jersey Nets
Projected Record: 52-30
Key Players: Kemba, AD, Gobert, Lou Will, Ersan
Assets to Improve: 18-22 FRPs, Fred VanVleet
Idea for a Move: None right now
Breakdown:
Steven returns the entirety of a team that made it to the finals and got some organic improvement. At some point he very likely needs to turn Lou Will into more manageable salary in an effort to keep Ersan, THJ, and Rudy but I wouldn’t jump to do that now. My favorite for the Atlantic as of now.
New York Knicks
Projected Record: W/ Embiid 48-34, w/o 42-40
Key Players: Embiid, Turner, Burke, Gay, Oladipo
Assets to Improve: 17-22 FRPs (lesser of GSW 19 swap), Emmanuel Mudiay
Idea for a Move: JRich and 2020 FRP for Cory Joseph and Psycho T
Breakdown:
A lot of this hinges on if Embiid plays. If he does, I’m sure the Knicks will be very good. They signed Rudy Gay and acquired JJ to help scoring. I think they’re betting a lot on Trey Burke which seems ambitious to me. Could be a little light on defense and turnover prone but they’ll be solid.
Orlando Magic
Projected Record: 48-34
Key Players: Kawhi, Horford, Randle, Darko, OJ
Assets to Improve: 5 of next 6 FRPs, DET 19/21, Prospects
Idea for a Move: Don’t
Breakdown:
Very interested to see how this plays out. PG is the obvious weak spot but hoping for elite defense and game managing. Think my bigs are elite and Randle/OJ/Book will score. Turnovers will likely make or break the roster.
Philadelphia 76ers
Projected Record: 38-44
Key Players: LeBron, Dahntay, Kobe
Assets to Improve: None
Ideas for a Move: Use RP to get birds
Breakdown:
Hard to bet against LeBron but this team got screwed with retirings and resignings into not having tradeable salary. Very much is what it is. Dahntay will be really high turnover but the best scorer LeBron has played with since Dirk (yea, remember that?). Think they lack the depth and front court in a tough East
Washington Bullets
Projected Record: 17-65
Key Players: Siakam, Wood
Assets to Improve: John Henson
Idea for a Move: John Henson for BOS 20, Solomon Jones, and Andris Biedrins
Breakdown:
Tanking. 2 interesting guys. Not much to say
Atlanta Hawks
Projected Record: 50-32
Key Players: KD, Russ, Tyreke, Noah
Assets to Improve: 22 FRP
Idea for a Move: None, no moveable salary
Breakdown:
Amazing backcourt. KD looks to have taken an even further step forward. He and Tyreke can outscore anyone. I think depth is a weak spot, particularly in the front court. Need Russ to stay mildly efficient without a ton of turnovers. Feels like this team is locked into this iteration if Noah or Jonas are diversified.
Charlotte Hornets
Projected Record: 20-62
Key Players: Goran, Jamal Murray, Pau, AK47
Assets to Improve: AK47
Idea for a Move: AK47 for Ryan Anderson, Mudiay, NYK 17 FRP
Breakdown:
Tanking. Need to move AK47, probably stuck with the others. Maybe someone comes calling for Goran midseason for small RP
Chicago Bulls
Projected Record: 42-40
Key Players: Conley, McCants, Diop, Batum, Tobias
Assets to Improve: PHI 17/20, CHI 17, CHI 20-22
Idea for a Move: Diop, Harkless, and Pryzbilla, PHI 17/20, CHI 17/21 for Eddy Curry
Breakdown:
Rough TC for Matt and lost OJ in FA. The rest of the team has a really good shot of making the playoffs. Think he probably needs to add a big but lacks the salary to really deal. McCants would be the chip but there’s probably a “chasm in value” between how Matt perceives him and others perceive his contract, even though Rashad has been incredible.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Projected Record: 30-52
Key Players: Jennings, LaVine, Granger, Noel, Gortat
Assets to Improve: SAS 17, CHI 19/20, CLE 17/18/19/22
Idea for a Move: Marcin Gortat for Diop, Filler and CHI 21
Breakdown:
Probably kind of in between now after losing Barnes and how last year finished. Manty will probably compete for a bit then sell some down the stretch for a better pick in a great draft. Interesting pieces, curious to see what DLo looks like.
Detroit Pistons
Projected Record: 45-37
Key Players: Kyrie, Humpman, Hayward, Kwame
Assets to Improve: None
Idea for a Move: Millsap and 400 RP for Gerald Wallace
Breakdown:
This is the Kyrie show. If he plays, they’re in the playoffs. If not, probably a 30 win team. Liked his move to pick up Hayward and Kwame despite the long term cost. Should be a solid team when everyone plays.
Indiana Pacers
Projected Record: 47-35
Key Players: Deron, Jimmy, Drummond, Bosh
Assets to Improve: 17-22 FRPs
Idea for a Move: Jamal Sampson, Terrence Jones, and 500 RP for Josh Childress and Earl Clark
Breakdown:
Silence. Just meditate about them, only then will you see.
Milwaukee Bucks
Projected Record: 26-56
Key Players: Arenas and Beal
Assets to Improve: Beal
Idea for a Move: Jeff Green for Arsalan Kazemi and 800 RP
Breakdown:
On the way to tanking but the roster hasn’t been completely stripped clean. Expect some moves coming, but doubt he can get off Arenas. Can see them being annoyingly decent for the Central
Toronto Raptors
Projected Record: 53-19
Key Players: Livingston, Porter, Gordon, Jordan
Assets to Improve: NJ 17 Protected, LAC 18, PHI 19 swap, PHI 21, TOR 17-22, Prospects
Idea for a Move: Tony Allen, Glen Rice, Kevon Looney, LAC 18, PHI 21, TOR 17-19 for DeMarcus Cousins
Breakdown:
They’re very good and only got stronger in the offseason. Probably still lack a touch of punch but a really good greater than the sum of its parts roster. A lot depends on AG taking a leap to truly take a step forward. Otherwise, this arsenal of picks has to be used to acquire a star.
Dallas Mavericks
Projected Record: 49-33
Key Players: Jrue, Lin, MKG, Whiteside
Assets to Improve: DAL 17-22
Idea for a Move: Jordan Clarkson, PJ Hairston, and DAL 17-19 for Shabazz Muhammad
Breakdown:
Jrue is a top 3-5 PG in SLN and Linsanity is coming. I think Dallas will be a lot of fun. Didn’t love the Barnes move but at least it was cheap.
Denver Nuggets
Projected Record: 54-28
Key Players: Steph, Monta, Melo
Assets to Improve: DEN 17-22 (Kipke having all his picks and this roster, hats off)
Idea for a Move: Ibaka and DEN 19 for Henson
Breakdown:
They lost Thabo but everything else returns, just more expensive. I think they’ll be disgusting still this year. I’m sure Kipke is going to explore moves with Monta but not sure he’ll find enough return to make it worth it. Feels like a fuck it, let’s try to go back to back and figure out tomorrow’s problems tomorrow kind of thing.
Houston Rockets
Projected Record: 48-34
Key Players: CP3, Roy, Rudy, Blake, Curry
Assets to Improve: HOU 21/22 FRP
Idea for a Move: David Lee and 1200 RP for Roberson, Earl Clark, and Lowry
Breakdown:
The Rockets are about what they’ve always been, big stars and no depth. This is probably the most balanced starting 5 they’ve had in years. They’re coming up on a monumental offseason with Blake and Eddy being FAs and not having their picks. Nolan won’t be able to offer Blake more than 17.5 I believe. Will be interesting to monitor to see if he moves Blake to mitigate the risk.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 56-36
Key Players: Harden, Giannis, Ben Gordon, KAT
Assets to Improve: 5 of next 6 FRPs
Idea for a Move: Greg Monroe, Sergio Llull, and MIN 17 for Nic Batum and Tyson Chandler
Breakdown:
I think the Wolves are pretty sick and are ripe to make some serious moves. The only thing to watch out for is adding major salary with Giannis and Bledsoe becoming FAs this offseason. Could make Bledsoe pretty expendable as a trade chip. Giannis still has 8 in camps! KAT is going to be awesome. I buy Wolves stock
San Antonio Spurs
Projected Record: 44-38
Key Players: Tony Parker, Perk, Love
Assets to Improve: SAS 19/22
Idea for a Move: Perk for Biedrins, Solo Jones, WCS, BOS 22
Breakdown:
Spurs are happy to compete and happy to sell, which is a great spot to be in as a seller. Parker can carry this team to the 8th seed. Tyus Jones and Jaylen Brown are fun acquisitions. Love going to A outside could lead to a renaissance back to his 2014 form.
Utah Jazz
Projected Record: 51-31
Key Players: Jameer, Marvin, Al, and Oden
Assets to Improve: UTA 17
Idea for a Move: Cop out, but I think re-eval Midseason. Jameer was my move
Breakdown:
Jazz have their best PG since Nash and are arguably better than last year. Marvin should get to shoot more which is a net positive. Oden has his warts but is the best big butt in the league now. Good luck to people trying to win in the Delta Center. Jazz are nice
Vancouver Grizzlies
Projected Record: 36-46
Key Players: Scary Terry, CJ Kilometres (He’s in Canada now), Porzingis, Pierce
Assets to Improve: 17-22 FRPs, Prospects
Idea for a Move: Stay patient and let the season come to you
Breakdown:
Grizz might be trying to be competitive a tad early. I’m less bullish on Terry than most. Feels like a good year to just let thing lie and go as far as they take you. If you get to day 80 and want to sell Pierce etc to get a better pick, that could make sense.
Golden State
Projected Record: 14-68
Key Players: Jabari, Sabonis, Nance
Assets to Improve: None
Idea for a Move: None
Breakdown:
Tanking. Doing a good job. Team was terrible last year, should be worse after trading Tobias. Sabonis is a great talent grab.
LA Clippers
Projected Record: 30-52
Key Players: Rose, DeRozan, Cousins
Assets to Improve: LAC 17, 19-22
Idea for a Move: see Toronto, get your pick back and likely back into the tank
Breakdown:
Unfortunately it seems like these guys just haven’t really panned out into a great team. Don’t think it makes sense to lever further out for this group. Could go for Dwight, but don’t think it’s worth it. Feels like a team that has run its course and DMC/Rose have some value
LA Lakers
Projected Record: 24-58
Key Players: Rubio, McCollum, Wiggins, Poeltl
Assets to Improve: Boozer, Brand
Idea for a Move: Boozer or Brand for 400 RP somewhere
Breakdown:
Think this team needs one more tank year. Hopefully Wiggins takes a nice jump. Watch out for the Xtractor. He’s coming
Phoenix Suns
Projected Record: 36-46
Key Players: Jokic, Shabazz, Justise
Assets to Improve: Everything for sale but Jokic
Idea for a Move: Patience
Breakdown:
Have a hard time figuring out Tyler’s next moves. Don’t think he’s bad enough to be bad. Trading some of the young guys only makes sense if you do it for insane return. Think Tyler just drafts a couple nice fellas and gets back after it in a year.
Portland Trail Blazers
Projected Record: 18-54
Key Players: Dwightmare
Assets to Improve: Gerald Wallace
Idea for a Move: Gerald Wallace to a contender for 500 RP
Breakdown:
Tanking, praying for someone to take Dwight.
Sacramento Kings
Projected record: 50-32
Key Players: Yao, Boban, LMA, Cory Joseph (Star)
Assets to Improve: SAC 19/21
Idea for a Move: see Cory Joseph move above
Breakdown:
Jesse has assembled a full inside roster and it looks kinda fun. He’s gonna absolutely wreck the Pacific by default. Yaoban should be an absolute blast.
Seattle SuperSonics
Projected Record: 24-58
Key Players: John Wall, Simmons, Iggy, Crowder
Assets to Improve: John Wall and Iguodala?
Idea for a Move: I got nothing for Iggy. Maybe Crowder for Kazemi and a MIN 17 FRP
Breakdown:
Simmons and Wall in the same backcourt is going to be electric. You will only be able to score against them off turnovers, but there will probably be a lot of them. Nick is tanking in search of the next Dirk in his heart.
Boston Celtics
Projected Record: 45-37
Key Players: Crawford, George, Beasley
Assets to Improve: Gary Harris, 5 of next 6 BOS FRP
Idea for a Move: Trading Okafor and a FRP for Gortat
Breakdown:
Much of the same from last year. Seemed like bigs took a little bit of a dip so unless Joe addresses this soon, could see that being the Achilles heel of the squad and preventing them from winning the Atlantic
Miami Heat
Projected Record: 35-47
Key Players: Harris, Klay, Wade, Bogut
Assets to Improve: 2018-22 FRPs
Idea for a Move: Wade for MKG, Middleton, DWill and a DAL FRP
Breakdown:
Scoops has unfortunately been MIA this offseason so nothing has literally changed outside of a few departures. The roster is getting expensive and tied up into a few really good players. Probably need to break one guy up into a few pieces and Wade is probably the best non-Klay guy to do it with
New Jersey Nets
Projected Record: 52-30
Key Players: Kemba, AD, Gobert, Lou Will, Ersan
Assets to Improve: 18-22 FRPs, Fred VanVleet
Idea for a Move: None right now
Breakdown:
Steven returns the entirety of a team that made it to the finals and got some organic improvement. At some point he very likely needs to turn Lou Will into more manageable salary in an effort to keep Ersan, THJ, and Rudy but I wouldn’t jump to do that now. My favorite for the Atlantic as of now.
New York Knicks
Projected Record: W/ Embiid 48-34, w/o 42-40
Key Players: Embiid, Turner, Burke, Gay, Oladipo
Assets to Improve: 17-22 FRPs (lesser of GSW 19 swap), Emmanuel Mudiay
Idea for a Move: JRich and 2020 FRP for Cory Joseph and Psycho T
Breakdown:
A lot of this hinges on if Embiid plays. If he does, I’m sure the Knicks will be very good. They signed Rudy Gay and acquired JJ to help scoring. I think they’re betting a lot on Trey Burke which seems ambitious to me. Could be a little light on defense and turnover prone but they’ll be solid.
Orlando Magic
Projected Record: 48-34
Key Players: Kawhi, Horford, Randle, Darko, OJ
Assets to Improve: 5 of next 6 FRPs, DET 19/21, Prospects
Idea for a Move: Don’t
Breakdown:
Very interested to see how this plays out. PG is the obvious weak spot but hoping for elite defense and game managing. Think my bigs are elite and Randle/OJ/Book will score. Turnovers will likely make or break the roster.
Philadelphia 76ers
Projected Record: 38-44
Key Players: LeBron, Dahntay, Kobe
Assets to Improve: None
Ideas for a Move: Use RP to get birds
Breakdown:
Hard to bet against LeBron but this team got screwed with retirings and resignings into not having tradeable salary. Very much is what it is. Dahntay will be really high turnover but the best scorer LeBron has played with since Dirk (yea, remember that?). Think they lack the depth and front court in a tough East
Washington Bullets
Projected Record: 17-65
Key Players: Siakam, Wood
Assets to Improve: John Henson
Idea for a Move: John Henson for BOS 20, Solomon Jones, and Andris Biedrins
Breakdown:
Tanking. 2 interesting guys. Not much to say
Atlanta Hawks
Projected Record: 50-32
Key Players: KD, Russ, Tyreke, Noah
Assets to Improve: 22 FRP
Idea for a Move: None, no moveable salary
Breakdown:
Amazing backcourt. KD looks to have taken an even further step forward. He and Tyreke can outscore anyone. I think depth is a weak spot, particularly in the front court. Need Russ to stay mildly efficient without a ton of turnovers. Feels like this team is locked into this iteration if Noah or Jonas are diversified.
Charlotte Hornets
Projected Record: 20-62
Key Players: Goran, Jamal Murray, Pau, AK47
Assets to Improve: AK47
Idea for a Move: AK47 for Ryan Anderson, Mudiay, NYK 17 FRP
Breakdown:
Tanking. Need to move AK47, probably stuck with the others. Maybe someone comes calling for Goran midseason for small RP
Chicago Bulls
Projected Record: 42-40
Key Players: Conley, McCants, Diop, Batum, Tobias
Assets to Improve: PHI 17/20, CHI 17, CHI 20-22
Idea for a Move: Diop, Harkless, and Pryzbilla, PHI 17/20, CHI 17/21 for Eddy Curry
Breakdown:
Rough TC for Matt and lost OJ in FA. The rest of the team has a really good shot of making the playoffs. Think he probably needs to add a big but lacks the salary to really deal. McCants would be the chip but there’s probably a “chasm in value” between how Matt perceives him and others perceive his contract, even though Rashad has been incredible.
Cleveland Cavaliers
Projected Record: 30-52
Key Players: Jennings, LaVine, Granger, Noel, Gortat
Assets to Improve: SAS 17, CHI 19/20, CLE 17/18/19/22
Idea for a Move: Marcin Gortat for Diop, Filler and CHI 21
Breakdown:
Probably kind of in between now after losing Barnes and how last year finished. Manty will probably compete for a bit then sell some down the stretch for a better pick in a great draft. Interesting pieces, curious to see what DLo looks like.
Detroit Pistons
Projected Record: 45-37
Key Players: Kyrie, Humpman, Hayward, Kwame
Assets to Improve: None
Idea for a Move: Millsap and 400 RP for Gerald Wallace
Breakdown:
This is the Kyrie show. If he plays, they’re in the playoffs. If not, probably a 30 win team. Liked his move to pick up Hayward and Kwame despite the long term cost. Should be a solid team when everyone plays.
Indiana Pacers
Projected Record: 47-35
Key Players: Deron, Jimmy, Drummond, Bosh
Assets to Improve: 17-22 FRPs
Idea for a Move: Jamal Sampson, Terrence Jones, and 500 RP for Josh Childress and Earl Clark
Breakdown:
Silence. Just meditate about them, only then will you see.
Milwaukee Bucks
Projected Record: 26-56
Key Players: Arenas and Beal
Assets to Improve: Beal
Idea for a Move: Jeff Green for Arsalan Kazemi and 800 RP
Breakdown:
On the way to tanking but the roster hasn’t been completely stripped clean. Expect some moves coming, but doubt he can get off Arenas. Can see them being annoyingly decent for the Central
Toronto Raptors
Projected Record: 53-19
Key Players: Livingston, Porter, Gordon, Jordan
Assets to Improve: NJ 17 Protected, LAC 18, PHI 19 swap, PHI 21, TOR 17-22, Prospects
Idea for a Move: Tony Allen, Glen Rice, Kevon Looney, LAC 18, PHI 21, TOR 17-19 for DeMarcus Cousins
Breakdown:
They’re very good and only got stronger in the offseason. Probably still lack a touch of punch but a really good greater than the sum of its parts roster. A lot depends on AG taking a leap to truly take a step forward. Otherwise, this arsenal of picks has to be used to acquire a star.
Dallas Mavericks
Projected Record: 49-33
Key Players: Jrue, Lin, MKG, Whiteside
Assets to Improve: DAL 17-22
Idea for a Move: Jordan Clarkson, PJ Hairston, and DAL 17-19 for Shabazz Muhammad
Breakdown:
Jrue is a top 3-5 PG in SLN and Linsanity is coming. I think Dallas will be a lot of fun. Didn’t love the Barnes move but at least it was cheap.
Denver Nuggets
Projected Record: 54-28
Key Players: Steph, Monta, Melo
Assets to Improve: DEN 17-22 (Kipke having all his picks and this roster, hats off)
Idea for a Move: Ibaka and DEN 19 for Henson
Breakdown:
They lost Thabo but everything else returns, just more expensive. I think they’ll be disgusting still this year. I’m sure Kipke is going to explore moves with Monta but not sure he’ll find enough return to make it worth it. Feels like a fuck it, let’s try to go back to back and figure out tomorrow’s problems tomorrow kind of thing.
Houston Rockets
Projected Record: 48-34
Key Players: CP3, Roy, Rudy, Blake, Curry
Assets to Improve: HOU 21/22 FRP
Idea for a Move: David Lee and 1200 RP for Roberson, Earl Clark, and Lowry
Breakdown:
The Rockets are about what they’ve always been, big stars and no depth. This is probably the most balanced starting 5 they’ve had in years. They’re coming up on a monumental offseason with Blake and Eddy being FAs and not having their picks. Nolan won’t be able to offer Blake more than 17.5 I believe. Will be interesting to monitor to see if he moves Blake to mitigate the risk.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Record: 56-36
Key Players: Harden, Giannis, Ben Gordon, KAT
Assets to Improve: 5 of next 6 FRPs
Idea for a Move: Greg Monroe, Sergio Llull, and MIN 17 for Nic Batum and Tyson Chandler
Breakdown:
I think the Wolves are pretty sick and are ripe to make some serious moves. The only thing to watch out for is adding major salary with Giannis and Bledsoe becoming FAs this offseason. Could make Bledsoe pretty expendable as a trade chip. Giannis still has 8 in camps! KAT is going to be awesome. I buy Wolves stock
San Antonio Spurs
Projected Record: 44-38
Key Players: Tony Parker, Perk, Love
Assets to Improve: SAS 19/22
Idea for a Move: Perk for Biedrins, Solo Jones, WCS, BOS 22
Breakdown:
Spurs are happy to compete and happy to sell, which is a great spot to be in as a seller. Parker can carry this team to the 8th seed. Tyus Jones and Jaylen Brown are fun acquisitions. Love going to A outside could lead to a renaissance back to his 2014 form.
Utah Jazz
Projected Record: 51-31
Key Players: Jameer, Marvin, Al, and Oden
Assets to Improve: UTA 17
Idea for a Move: Cop out, but I think re-eval Midseason. Jameer was my move
Breakdown:
Jazz have their best PG since Nash and are arguably better than last year. Marvin should get to shoot more which is a net positive. Oden has his warts but is the best big butt in the league now. Good luck to people trying to win in the Delta Center. Jazz are nice
Vancouver Grizzlies
Projected Record: 36-46
Key Players: Scary Terry, CJ Kilometres (He’s in Canada now), Porzingis, Pierce
Assets to Improve: 17-22 FRPs, Prospects
Idea for a Move: Stay patient and let the season come to you
Breakdown:
Grizz might be trying to be competitive a tad early. I’m less bullish on Terry than most. Feels like a good year to just let thing lie and go as far as they take you. If you get to day 80 and want to sell Pierce etc to get a better pick, that could make sense.
Golden State
Projected Record: 14-68
Key Players: Jabari, Sabonis, Nance
Assets to Improve: None
Idea for a Move: None
Breakdown:
Tanking. Doing a good job. Team was terrible last year, should be worse after trading Tobias. Sabonis is a great talent grab.
LA Clippers
Projected Record: 30-52
Key Players: Rose, DeRozan, Cousins
Assets to Improve: LAC 17, 19-22
Idea for a Move: see Toronto, get your pick back and likely back into the tank
Breakdown:
Unfortunately it seems like these guys just haven’t really panned out into a great team. Don’t think it makes sense to lever further out for this group. Could go for Dwight, but don’t think it’s worth it. Feels like a team that has run its course and DMC/Rose have some value
LA Lakers
Projected Record: 24-58
Key Players: Rubio, McCollum, Wiggins, Poeltl
Assets to Improve: Boozer, Brand
Idea for a Move: Boozer or Brand for 400 RP somewhere
Breakdown:
Think this team needs one more tank year. Hopefully Wiggins takes a nice jump. Watch out for the Xtractor. He’s coming
Phoenix Suns
Projected Record: 36-46
Key Players: Jokic, Shabazz, Justise
Assets to Improve: Everything for sale but Jokic
Idea for a Move: Patience
Breakdown:
Have a hard time figuring out Tyler’s next moves. Don’t think he’s bad enough to be bad. Trading some of the young guys only makes sense if you do it for insane return. Think Tyler just drafts a couple nice fellas and gets back after it in a year.
Portland Trail Blazers
Projected Record: 18-54
Key Players: Dwightmare
Assets to Improve: Gerald Wallace
Idea for a Move: Gerald Wallace to a contender for 500 RP
Breakdown:
Tanking, praying for someone to take Dwight.
Sacramento Kings
Projected record: 50-32
Key Players: Yao, Boban, LMA, Cory Joseph (Star)
Assets to Improve: SAC 19/21
Idea for a Move: see Cory Joseph move above
Breakdown:
Jesse has assembled a full inside roster and it looks kinda fun. He’s gonna absolutely wreck the Pacific by default. Yaoban should be an absolute blast.
Seattle SuperSonics
Projected Record: 24-58
Key Players: John Wall, Simmons, Iggy, Crowder
Assets to Improve: John Wall and Iguodala?
Idea for a Move: I got nothing for Iggy. Maybe Crowder for Kazemi and a MIN 17 FRP
Breakdown:
Simmons and Wall in the same backcourt is going to be electric. You will only be able to score against them off turnovers, but there will probably be a lot of them. Nick is tanking in search of the next Dirk in his heart.