Which Bottom Feeder gets good first?

Discussion in 'Portland Trail Blazers' started by Nikolokolus, Apr 12, 2009.

?

Which Western Conference team is most likely to threaten for a playoff spot in 2010

  1. Grizzlies

    7 vote(s)
    13.7%

  2. Thunder

    29 vote(s)
    56.9%

  3. Timberwolves

    4 vote(s)
    7.8%

  4. Clippers

    4 vote(s)
    7.8%

  5. Warriors

    7 vote(s)
    13.7%
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  1. gambitnut

    gambitnut Freek

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    The Clippers are the most veteran team in the poll, so they probably have the best chance of getting in the playoffs in the next year or two. If they don't make it though, they will probably fall off first. I agree with andalusian that the Warriors look good on paper, but I have no idea what the front office and owners are thinking right now. Any of the other three teams could be a team to watch in the next few years.
     
    gambitnut, Apr 12, 2009
    #21
  2. Further

    Further Guy

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    I think the Thunder have the highest ceiling, but they are also not close to realizing their potential. First will be Grizz, perhaps GS or Twolves, but 3 years from now, I think Thunder will be the better one.
     
    Further, Apr 12, 2009
    #22
  3. oldmangrouch

    oldmangrouch persona non grata

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    Ah yes....vote in haste - repent at leisure.

    I voted for OKC, because I believe they have the highest ceiling......but upon reflection, I doubt they will have the best record *next* season!
     
    oldmangrouch, Apr 12, 2009
    #23
  4. LittleAlex

    LittleAlex Well-Known Member

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    Memphis has all of the pieces to be a quality team. Connely is coming along. Mayo is the real deal. Gay is good. Gasol is a beast. They already have a post presence that OKC does not currently have and will have a hard time getting.

    The Timberwolves will be dangerous if Al Jefferson can come back 100% from his injury.

    I don't think any of the listed teams will seriously challenge for the playoffs though. Too many holes to fill and very little depth on any of those teams.
     
    LittleAlex, Apr 12, 2009
    #24
  5. crandc

    crandc Well-Known Member

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    I also vote Memphis. They have the most talent, and more important, pieces that fit. OKC has talent but too many similar players.
     
    crandc, Apr 13, 2009
    #25
  6. BrianFromWA

    BrianFromWA Editor in Chief Staff Member Editor in Chief

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    LAC for most of the reasons posted. Z-Bo's and Boom Dizzle aren't going anywhere, they'll have a high lotto pick to go with Gordon and Thornton...they're well into the realm of going after BPA, which says things about their roster.

    Maybe they've tuned Dunleavy out. Maybe the injuries just got into their heads. OKC may be better longer. But if someone's going to steal a spot next year, I think it's going to be LAC instead of any of the others.
     
    BrianFromWA, Apr 13, 2009
    #26
  7. Nikolokolus

    Nikolokolus There's always next year

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    I was tempted to vote for the Clips next year myself and then I realized they have Donald Sterling for an owner, and are relying on B Diddy to stay healthy and motivated for a whole season when he's not in a contract year -- oh yeah, plus they have Z-Bo.
     
    Nikolokolus, Apr 13, 2009
    #27
  8. LittleAlex

    LittleAlex Well-Known Member

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    This flies in the face of nearly the entire history of that "team". Betting on the Clippers is like kicking yourself in the balls. You can count on one hand the number of times the Clippers have been the playoffs in the last 20 years. Honestly, this is a team that must hate their fan base.

    Z-Bo is a selfish pile of everything wrong about the NBA. Boom-Dizzle won't try hard for a bad team. Thornton is almost the defender that Z-Bo is.

    Of all of the teams listed, I would have to believe that the Clippers have the absolute worst chance of making the Playoffs any time soon.
     
    LittleAlex, Apr 13, 2009
    #28
  9. STOMP

    STOMP mere fan

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    the W's had a winning season with Monta in their lineup and he never looked (to my eye) to be fully recovered from his severe ankle sprain... hopefully for them their best player is 100% next year. Anthony Randolph and Anthony Morrow had impressive rookie seasons. They lack a low post scorer, but they've got good size and depth. With better health I could see them making the playoffs next year.

    STOMP
     
    STOMP, Apr 13, 2009
    #29
  10. BlazersBlood

    BlazersBlood It's flowing within me.

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    I voted OKC. If they can get a solid big that can play D and rebound consistently, I think they are close to being a .500 ballclub. Durant, Westbrook, & Green are a nice core.
     
    BlazersBlood, Apr 13, 2009
    #30
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