Re: dogma's (long) season preview With some powerhouses seeming falling behind, with some younger teams reaching for a chance at a title, this should definitely be interesting. Let's break it down by division:<div align="center">Atlantic Division:</div>1. New Jersey Nets. This is a pretty obvious choice. New Jersey has the best talent and camraderie, not to mention one of the best leaders you can have on a team in Jason Kidd. They play on both ends of the court, which is a rarity in the Atlantic division. They are seemingly the only team that even puts forth an effort on defense. They didn't really get better during the offseason, but they can afford to lose a few steps in the weakest division in basketball.Key additions: Marcus Williams, Josh Boone.Key losses: Clifford Robinson?2. Boston Celtics. They have arguably a top 10 player in the league surronded by tons of young athletic talent. I see the Celtics taking a big step forward this year. Albeit there were some injuries/surgeries that had to be dealt with in the summer, there has been undeniable progress. Al Jefferson has lost an un heard of 30 pounds this offseason and seems to be in excellent shape. Sebastian Telfair has received some praise and many think this oculd be his year to breakout, being in a system much more fitted for his style of play. Pierce is coming of his best individual season, not only scoring a career high in points, but doing it at a 48% clip, along with leading his team in points, rebounds, assists, and steals. The only player in the league to achieve that. I seem to be rambling, so I'll wrap it up here. The celtics have addressed their needs this summer: a point guard and defense. They have added on two great playmakers along with two nba level defensive specialists. If this team can stay healthy all year, they have a long shot at the division title.Key additions: Sebastian Telfair, Rajon Rondo, Theo Ratliff.Key losses: Raef LaFrentz, Dan Dickau.3. Philadelphia 76ers. This team has immense talent. It really is a shame that they can't put it together. This is mostly due to a great lack of defense. When you look ath this team on paper, you think automatic playoff team, but it's simply not the case. Chris Webber has been labelled the scapegoat, but it's not entirely his fault. His teammates are just as guilty as he is. nobody not named Iguodala or Ollie plays defense on that team, period. They over-anticipate, which leads to a high amount of turnovers forced, but also alot of points allowed. What was supposed to be the anchor, Samuel Dalembert, just can't put it together. If something clicks in his head this year, he could make a big difference and the sixers could skyrocket in the rankings, but I just don't see that happening. He'll continue to play without regard for foul trouble or the rules (goaltending). Depth has also been a problem. The only competent player coming off the bench, John Salmons, thinks he is Jordan. He really hurt the chemistry and teamwork last year. But now they don't have to worry about that, as Billy King not-so-surprisingly let him walk away. Looks like Philly is in for another season of discontent and disorder.Key additions: Rodney CarneyKey losses: John Salmons.4. Toronto Raptors. Man, Bryan Colangelo is a genius. He made the best deal of the offseason imo by acquiring TJ Ford, outside of Jerry Wests' acquisition of Rudy Gay. There is one problem in what he did; he didn't improve their defense very much. That should've beena priority. I know fred jones helps a little, but he can only defend one position, and he forces Mo Pete to guard the bigger wing player, which is his weakness on defense. I don't necessarily agree with the International fetish BC has, but I don't know enough about the players to make a real judgement. However, I can safely say that none will make a huge impact this year. Yes, the Raps gained alot of offensive talent, but the also lost alot too. Charlie Villanueva was a threat from everywhere, and although Mike James' ballhogging may have been pestering, he still made a positive impact on the team. Another thing.. I don't think the Raptors will ever be a playoff team with Sam Mitchell coaching. As long as he is on the sidelines, the Raps are in the lottery. He doesn't emphasize defense and his players don't really respect him. He's not a winner.Key additions: Andrea Bargnani, TJ Ford, Fred Jones.Key losses: Mike James, Charlie Villanueva.5. New York Knicks. Albeit I have the Knicks finishing last in a weak division, I do not think as lowly of the knicks as the popular opinion does. I believe they will make an improvement, but a small one. there is too much disarray in New York, too much drama. This paired with a bunch of overpaid me-first players does not add up to success. Thomas looked to improve the defense by acquiring Jarred Jeffries, but he once again overpaid a mediocre player that will make a minimal contribution in the horrible logjam New York has thrown together. It's the saddest, yet funniest thing in the league today. I mean, who really wants to see the Knicks to succeed other than their fans? not many. And don't get me started on Stephon Marbury. The guy simply can't lead a winning team, period. He's one of those talents that just can't get it done. As long as Marbury's leading the way, I can't see the Knicks even sniffing a playoff appearance.Key additions: Jarred Jeffries.Key losses: Jackie Butler, Qyntel Woods?<div align="center">Central Division:</div>1. Detroit Pistons. The loss of Ben Wallace is a tiny bit overrated to me. People think that this makes Detroit fall off the face of the earth, but it really doesn't. People see the 4 DPOY's Ben Wallace won, but not all of them were necessarily deservant. Once they see the 2 blocks and 2 steals, they assume he's leaps and bounds the best. But it's simply not true. Rasheed Wallace was just as effective at protecting the basket than Ben was. There would have been no doubt in my mind that the Pistons would have won the division this year IF they had signed Bonzi Wells, but instead they settled for Nazr Mohammed right before Bonzi's price tag dropped. This hurts, but Nazr is still an effective player down low. I can see him getting close to double-double numbers (9 and 8 sounds about right), and he will be solid no doubt. Flip Murray is an underrated signing as well. The guy can flat out shoot. He adds some needed depth to the backcourt in Detroit. He should be able to come in and hit a few 3s everyonce in a while. With this new talent coming in, I still think Tayshaun Prince is the reason Detroit succeeds this year. A year old, a year more mature, a year more developed. Tayshaun was mainly a spot-up guy last year in an offense dominated by the frount court, but I see him being more effective now as the pistons downsize a bit and run more. Chauncey will continue his Nash-esque numbers, only I see him scoring a little more this year.Key additions: Nazr Mohammed, Flip Murray.Key losses: Ben Wallace.2. Cleveland Cavaliers. two words: LeBron James. I'm thinking by next year, James will be the most dominating offensive force in the league. Not only does he have an amazing scoring ability, but his unselfish mindset and extraordinary passing ability and vision make him a duel threat on offense. Not to mention his ideal build and athletic ability. This guy was simply born to play basketball. I see Donyell Marshall and Damon Jones playing with better efficiency this year as things become more stable. There are two things holding Cleveland back. First off, Larry Hughes needs to go. He has only played 70+ games twice in his career, the last time being the 01-02 season with Golden State. And now the baby is complaining about his role on the team and wants to go elsewhere. Ferry, I want to wish you look in finding a home for an overpaid, under motivated injury proned wing that can't shoot. The second fallacy in the Cavaliers organization is the lack of a back-up Center. They traded the only body capable of playing center not named ilgauskas (Martynas Aundriwhatever) for Eddie Basden. This will hurt them, especially if Z goes down. Size is an important factor in defense and rebounding, so I can see the cavs struggling in that aspect this year.Key additions: Shannon Brown, Daniel Gibson.Key losses: none.3. Chicago Bulls. Their offseason has been a little overrated in my eyes. I always thought they were a great defensive team, but what really held them back last year was their lack of offense. THey improved on their defense yes, but if they still don't have a guy that they can consistently go to for 20 ppg, they'll continue to struggle. If they would've spent some money on, say, bonzi wells and/or al harrington, the situation could've been a little different. They still don't have an inside threat, at all. Sure, it's useful to be able to stop the other team, but when you can't score, you can't win. I've said this before and I'll say it again, offense without defense is nothing. defense without offense is nothing. in order to be successful, you have to have an effective mix of both. The bulls just don't have that right now, which is why they won't contend for a championship next year.Key additions: Ben Wallace, Tyrus Thomas, PJ Brown.Key losses: Tyson Chandler.4. Milwaukee Bucks. I think the loss of TJ Ford will come back to bite them. I mean, yes, Bogut/CV will be deadly, but they lost a gem. It seems kind of weird that t eam this talented could be so close to the bottom, but that's just how good this division is. I see the Bucks finishing around .500, with an outside shot at the playoffs. They will struggle with the celtics, sixers, and magic for the last spot or two. In order for the bucks to really make a jump, tho, I think Michael Redd has to be more of a complete player next year. He's a great scorer, but he needs to work on rebounding, passing, and defense. He did improve his ballhandling greatly last year, so atleast he is making an effort. He may even play some time at the 1 this year. Alot of this also depends on Bogut. He is the x-factor on this team. If he can prove that he can be dominant -- not just solid, then I think the bucks play very well this season.Key additions: Charlie Villanueva, Ruben Patterson.Key losses: TJ Ford, Joe Smith, Jamaal Magloire.5. Indiana Pacers:. Seriously, I think God hates the Pacers. This team has been screwed every year for the past few years. From the brawl, to Ron Artest being a bonehead, to JO getting injured, nothing seems to go right for this team. Unfortunately for Indiana, I don't see that changing next year. JO is a year older and still has injury problems. He says he has been working hard, but he cna't contribute when he's wearing a suit on the sidelines. They added Harrington, which is a great move, butthey also lost Peja. the Anthony Johnson loss is underrated. dumb move by indiana. Johnson filled in very nicely, he even scored 40 in the playoffs if I remember right. they traded him for Darrell Armstrong, who won't do a thing but cheer for his teammates. The Shawne Williams pick was a waste, especially if they want to win now. Rajon Rondo or Marcus Williams would've been a much more logical pick. Williams was picked purely on potential, and to be honest, I don't see much in him. Just a good nba body that won't turn out.Key additions: Al Harrington, Shawne Williams.Key losses: Peja Stojakovic, Anthony Johnson.<div align="center">Southeast Division:</div>1. Miami Heat. Obvious choice. Returning nba champs, almost undefeated in the division last year. People say Shaq is on the downfall, which he is, but they fail to mention that they guy is still good for about 18/9, which is still top 5 center in the league type of numbers. A weak, old, worn down shaq is still one of the most dominant in the league. Not to mention, Dwyane Wade is just a beast, simply put. He's becoming more of a complete player than almost anyone thought possible. He's a better rebounder and defender than I thought he'd be. But the thing that seperates Dwyane from the rest; he is a winner. everywhere he goes, he wins. taking an undermanned marquette team to the final 4 was a feat in itself, then he helps take a miami heat team to the playoffs in his rookie year, taking them to the second round. then, two years later, he is nba finals mvp. that really tells you something about him.key additions: none.Key losses: none.2. Washington Wizards. Gilbert Arenas to me is the most underrated guard in the league. I think he'll get some whispers in the mvp race this year. He does alot for his team. Scores 30 ppg, dishes out aournd 6 or 7 assists, and has huge fourth quarters. He is also one of the most versatile scorers in the league, albeit he can be inconsistent. He is one of the fastest players in the league, and he can hit the 3-ball. Has all the offensive tools in the world. Ont to Jamison.. He's gotta be the softest 20/9 guy to ever play basketball. He can't play inside, period. It shocks me when I look at his rebounding numbers, I still haven't put it together. As for Caron Butler, I think he is a GREAT 3rd option for a team, one of the best. He's consistent, he attacks the basket, he has a great midrange shot, and he hustles everywhere. Also, he's a very good defender. If Washington can gain some inside strength, some rebounding, and some defense, I can see them making a big jump, but until that happens, I still think they are just a step behind all the contenders in the east.Key additions: Darius Songalia.Key losses: Jared Jeffries.3. Orlando Magic. With a duo of Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson, it's tough to look past these guys. This team has the right mindset now that Francis is gone, too. They know the importance of teamwork and defense. a very mature team for being so young. Dwight Howard: is there anything bad to say about this guy? I mean, seriously, second in the league at rebounding at age 20? He is a double-double machine. He will continue to be a beast on the boards for about a decade. That's just scary. This paired with Jameer Nelson' incredible speed, shooting, and playmaking ability makes for a deadly duo. In a few years they could be looked at as the best inside/outside combo in the league, in rivalry with Bosh/Ford. It's a shame Grant HIll can't stay healthy, otherwise this team would be a shoe-in for the playoffs.Key additions: JJ Redick.Key losses: DeShawn Stevenson.4. Atlanta Hawks. This team could really make an impact this year, even within shouting distance of the playoffs. They had a great offseason, filling their two biggest voids at PG and C. It would've been much, much easier if they would've have just picked Chris Paul, but that's in the past. Joe Johnson will improve his efficiency while maintaining high ppg and apg numbers. Atlanta's defense will improve greatly with Lorenzen Wright and Shelden Williams on the blocks now. They've been missing a player like that in the past few years. But I think the best thing the hawks will take out of this season is, the explosion of Josh Smith. His outburst at the end of last season is just a sneak peek at what we will see next year. He has greatly improved his shot and his attitude, which were his two biggest knocks when being drafted. His freak athleticism allows him to rebound and block shots surprisingly well. I'm expecting a huge year for him, and possibly a MIP award.Key additions: Speedy Claxton, Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright.Key losses: Al Harrington.5. Charlotte Bobcats. Wow, this team is simply stacked with young talent. Raymond Felton, Adam Morrison, Emeka Okafor, Sean May. If they can stay healthy, they could make some noise, but they still lack alot of depth. I think they have a great coaching staff and front office, so their problems should be solved in a few years. But right now, they will struggle a little bit. scratch that, they will struggle alot. However, they will make some strides in the process. I think Raymond Felton makes a huge progression this year, to where at the end of the season people are talking about him being an all-star for a long time. He broke out in the second half of the year, averaging about 15/7, which is phenomenol for a rookie pg, I don't care how bad your team is. Adam Morrison will make an instant impact, but I think he will really contribute a year down the line. I think this is the year where everything starts falling into place for Charlotte.Key additions: Adam Morrison.key losses: none.I will do the west and award preditions/conclusion later on.
Re: dogma's (long) season preview The Bobcats they lost a key player melvin Ely. Ely is an undrrated player and can out up double figures
Re: dogma's (long) season preview Last time I checked, Melvin Ely is still on the roster.I could be wrong.
Re: dogma's (long) season preview <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>gor the Bobcats they lost a key player melvin Ely. Ely is an undrrated player and can out up double figures</div> They still have a qualifying offer on him, and can sign and trade him if they wish. I'd give them a incomplete right now in case this Bonzi thing goes through. But good write up dogma, Clifford Robinson I believe is resigned or supposed to resign with the Nets.
Re: dogma's (long) season preview oh, I heard something about getting suspended by the league, am I right? (cocaine posession I think)
Re: dogma's (long) season preview Oh no! You seem to have forgotten the important half of the NBA. Nice write-up/article/thread. :shifty2:
Re: dogma's (long) season preview Dogma have u seen mo pete? his speciality is guardign SG's! from time to time he did that last year and was very good at it btw. Plus I think u have a general fan bias towards your favourite team, Boston did add some athletic talent, but not that much, Pierce still needs a serious reinforcement backing him up.Sebastian Telfair, Rajon Rondo, Theo Ratliff. is "not stacking your team with young talent"
Re: dogma's (long) season preview <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RaptorFan#1 @ Sep 20 2006, 10:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Dogma have u seen mo pete? his speciality is guardign SG's! from time to time he did that last year and was very good at it btw. Plus I think u have a general fan bias towards your favourite team, Boston did add some athletic talent, but not that much, Pierce still needs a serious reinforcement backing him up.</div>that's why I said he couldn't guard BIGGER PLAYERS. sg's aren't 'bigger players'.
Re: dogma's (long) season preview huh?? Mo pete wont gaurd the bigger wing players, if anything he will get the PG or the SF, chris bosh has the C and Rasho will probably have the PF
Re: dogma's (long) season preview Geez, I meant he would have to guard SF's which are typically bigger and stronger than Mo pete. can you read? Mo Pete won't be guarding pg's. any stronger player can just dominate Mo Pete, I've seen it plenty of times.
Re: dogma's (long) season preview I can disagree to that, this guy is a solid defender period. The Sf's in the league may have size on him, but as afar strength I think its about even, Normally id agree, but this guy is the one of or not the best defender in the raptors.
Re: dogma's (long) season preview I've seen plenty times, guys like Paul Pierce, Bonzi Wells, Gerald Wallace play very wel against him. He is easyto post up. He is not very strong at all.
Re: dogma's (long) season preview as you said he will be gaurding Sf's, therye main job is not to post up its to put the ball on the floor
Re: dogma's (long) season preview Come on guys, Lets get back on topic rather than having 2 members exchange comments.
Re: dogma's (long) season preview I liked it... obviously took some effort on your part.It's hard though to put Chicago in a spot when you don't really see their roster in action, because I think that they can maybe grab the #2 division spot if not the top. Although they are in a tough division.
Re: dogma's (long) season preview <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (RaptorFan#1 @ Sep 20 2006, 11:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>as you said he will be gaurding Sf's, therye main job is not to post up its to put the ball on the floor</div>haha, their job is to take advantage of what they've been given. If Mo pete is guarding them, and they are stronger, they will obviously take advantage of that. there are plenty of guys who can/do take advantage of that.
Re: dogma's (long) season preview <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (nba dogmatist @ Sep 21 2006, 12:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>haha, their job is to take advantage of what they've been given. If Mo pete is guarding them, and they are stronger, they will obviously take advantage of that. there are plenty of guys who can/do take advantage of that.</div>small forward: often primarily responsible for scoring points via cuts to the basket and dribble penetration; on defense seeks rebounds and steals, but sometimes plays more actively
Re: dogma's (long) season preview people seem to forget that the bulls averaged 97pts per game so they do have an offense its just spread around instead of having one or two scorers
Re: dogma's (long) season preview That doesn't make a differance, the toronto raptors average 101 pts a game, yet gave up 104 pts, meaning it doesn't matter if u score 2 pts a game. You cant win a game if u played only offense, but you can win a game if you play only defense. Btw, the bulls also gave up 97 pts a game.
