1. Milwaukee Bucks. They lost the Big Three and the Big Mouth, that being Glenn Robinson, Sam Cassell, Ray Allen and George Karl. They were a basket away from the Finals two years ago. Now, it seems like they're just going to be basket cases. Not so fast. First, let's get out our cliches. There's addition by subtraction. And, of course, less being more. This was a team that just knew misery. And that was when they won. The players didn't care for one another or the coach, who couldn't stand the players. So not only gone is the coach and the stars, but also the burnouts like Anthony Mason and Jason Caffey. "All the egos," as Tim Thomas likes to say. But don't discount what's left. There's not much of anything in the middle, which would disqualify them in any league but the NBA's Eastern Conference. Michael Redd is a terrific shooter and scorer who could average 25 per game. With Redd, Thomas, tough-minded Desmond Mason, underrated and misunderstood Joe Smith and veteran Toni Kukoc, they've got a talented, hard-working, smart perimeter game, as good as any in the conference. New coach Terry Porter is inexperienced, but enthusiastic and understanding. Bucks players may actually enjoy playing for the first time in years. They've got a couple of big guys to bang around, like Brian Skinner. If rookie T.J. Ford can make the defenses come up at all by improving his shot, they really do have a shot at the playoffs. 2. Toronto Raptors. Vince Carter. Remember him? He's been injured, though you had the feeling he preferred that to playing. The belief now is Carter now prefers playing. And when he does he's awfully good. Who knows what's going to happen with Antonio Davis, who still doesn't understand Canada really isn't a foreign country. And remember Lamond Murray? He's back and can score on anyone. Sometimes it just takes a little motivation and hard work. New coach Kevin O'Neill isn't always the most pleasant fellow. But he is demanding and defensive-minded. He isn't quite Bill Parcells (take a look at his college record), but he could get himself in the team picture. He won't make friends, but he'll make them work. And it doesn't take much more than that to make a big jump in the East. They got a nice surprise in rookie Chris Bosh, who is highly skilled. And don't underestimate bringing in a guy like Michael Curry. He probably couldn't outscore Ben Wallace in an empty gym, but he's one of those inspirational teammates who seems to get everyone to give just a darn more. It's no coincidence his teams, like those in Detroit the last few years, usually are considered overachievers. Hard work and a heck of a closer in Carter can get it done. Read about the rest here http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2003/..._sam&id=1647323
yeah baby ! Finaly someone thinks that Raptors have a shot !! we go where Vince goes ... if he goes down .. we're down ... but I really think that he'll have a really good year .. I'm not too sure about the bucks and jazz tho
The Bucks still have no chance. It will be hard to convice me otherwise. Rookie TJ Ford will run the point for the Bucks. Redd, a player who comes off the bench will be a top option. Desmond Mason is a great player, but not good enough to bring them in the playoffs. Of course they are in the east which makes it easier, but their roster has taken a serious hit. Its just time to rebuild.
They are doing so, and "the bench player" will lead the way. Why do people call him that? This is his first chance as a starter and he has earned it and will play very well. Redd, Mason, Ford...sounds like the have started to rebuild, so you're late. But playoffs no.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Ice Breaker:</div><div class="quote_post">The Bucks still have no chance. It will be hard to convice me otherwise. Rookie TJ Ford will run the point for the Bucks. Redd, a player who comes off the bench will be a top option. Desmond Mason is a great player, but not good enough to bring them in the playoffs. Of course they are in the east which makes it easier, but their roster has taken a serious hit. Its just time to rebuild.</div> they should just tank and get a high draft pick. theres some great big young guys in the draft next year okafor, howard, podkolzine.
Redd will be a 20 point scorer this season he is no bench player....you can bet on that..So he will be their star..Mason can give them 15 and 5..TJ was one of my favourite college players last year...led Texas to the final four..and he has a great attuide..so he will never give up..I doubt they will make the post season but they have a chance ..but in the east everyone does....So it's not saying much
TJ's my pick for ROY, simply cos he'll get all the courttime he wants and could easily average 13, 5 and 8 if he gets the time to do so. I think the Bucks could surprise a few people, especially if Tim Thomas decides to pull his finger out. Redd, Dez and Kukoc are enough to stretch defenses, especially with TJ feeding it.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sir Desmond:</div><div class="quote_post">TJ's my pick for ROY, simply cos he'll get all the courttime he wants and could easily average 13, 5 and 8 if he gets the time to do so. I think the Bucks could surprise a few people, especially if Tim Thomas decides to pull his finger out. Redd, Dez and Kukoc are enough to stretch defenses, especially with TJ feeding it.</div> ford has great game, but not having a consistent shot is going to hurt him this year. i think hell get 10ppg 4 rebs and 7 apg plus 1.5 steals.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting lost_elephant:</div><div class="quote_post">ford has great game, but not having a consistent shot is going to hurt him this year. i think hell get 10ppg 4 rebs and 7 apg plus 1.5 steals.</div> Yep agreed his shot is poor, he'll get a lot of points tho just by slicing through the defense cos he's so quick (Earl Boykins style).
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting King James:</div><div class="quote_post">Ford for Rookie Of The Year? Anthony and James need to tear acl's for that to take place.</div>I don't think it is too far off of a prediction but Anthony and James are the front runners.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rudeezy:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think it is too far off of a prediction but Anthony and James are the front runners.</div> For Ford to win it, he will have to score at the least 12 points per game and have 7-9 assists, while leading the Bucks to a some wins to stand a shot. I can't see Ford doing that, I just can't. Anthony can score 17-20 while grabbing 5 boards, and James can pull off a 15, 5, and 7. I think Bosh will get more ROY votes than Ford as well.
Fair enough, I just think Ford is going to be getting the most minutes out of any Rookie and is more than capable of getting 8-9 apg. Carmelo and Bron are still the favourites no doubt, but don't discount TJ cos he'll be handed that team from day 1 (Like Bibby with Vancouver). I reckon the Bucks will win more games than the Nuggets and the Cavs anyway.
Nuggets will have problems with wins because they play in the West. The Cavs and the Bucks however, is a different story. I hate to sound biased, but the Cavs just have more talent to me and will have the better record. No tankin' this year folks, and a lot of credit will have to be given to Paul Silas. Lets get this season started, the race for the 7th and 8th seeds will be exciting for the Heat, Celtics, Cavs, Raptors, Wizards, and yeah, just for the heck of it I will throw the Bucks in there.
Lebron won't average 7 assists a game in his rookie season..that is too many assists for a rookie to hand out....Cavs have the talent yes but I don't think they are ready yet to be any more than a 10/11th seed team....
I'll remember that allnet Look at those teams, if you get to 35 wins you are right there in the playoff race, that is how sad it will be.
Don't get me wrong I want to see the Cavs do well and Lebron do great..but I just think 7 assists is just too high for a guy straight out of high school to get...Although he has great court vision...So I guess it is possible <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">if you get to 35 wins you are right there in the playoff race, that is how sad it will be.</div> Very true,last season the 8th seed in the east had 42 wins to make it...This year I feel it will be less.
