Yes, but Embiid isn't (fully). Which is a true shame, because a healthy Embiid has been way better than healthy Oden ever was.
Philadelphia is like the Brandon Roy/Oden Blazers, in the BAD way. That must be why I'm inextricably drawn to them.
I'm not sure about this, but I kind of have the feeling that the Pacers might actually be a lot better this season than people expect. I think Myles Turner and Victor Oladipo are going to be 1 & 1A there, and are going to thrive being offensive focal points, especially with the steadying presence of Darren Collison running the point. All 3 are strong defensive players too, which will mix well with Nate's slow-down style. But they also have lots of outside shooting with those 3, plus Bogdanovic, Young, GR3, and even the rookie Leaf. And with Cory Joseph and Al Jefferson in the mix, they really have a pretty strong and experienced bench. I feel like Nate himself is probably their biggest liability, but if he can get out of his own way and let his players play to their strengths, they could remain a playoff team, despite PG13's departure.
Man, between this and insisting that Meyers can be our starting PF, you're really trying to tank any credibility you'd built up, huh?
We're looking for a potential surprise. That would be my pick. Thibs coached the Bulls to the league best record in 2010-11, even over that Bosh/Wade/LeBron super team, and with a worse roster (IMO). Certainly a worse starting 5 (it was DRose and not much else help). And again the next season with almost the same roster and the Heat with a season to add players to their core.
And yet it's likely that a team from the East will have the best record in the league. The Warriors look invincible on paper, but they have to play some really good teams in the West twice as many times as the Cavs, Bucks or Celtics will.
But back then he only had one team to compete against. Now that he's in the WC he has to compete against half the league! Eastern Conference accomplishments mean nothing to me. Don't get me wrong - I'd much rather have Thibs than Stotts. And I think they might have a better roster than we do. But best record in the NBA? I say we have just as good a chance as the Wolves to have the best record.
I will say this though; Dallas should be pretty good this year. Smith could make a Lillard type impact as a rookie. Good coach. Dirk has always been one of the most likeable "superstars." I miss Wes. Should be interesting to see how they play Noel given his contract situation.
We're talking about "team that will surprise," no? Seems like you'd be surprised if my suggestion comes true.
i assume OKC has talked about how this is all gonna work, if they have, and the key players are willing to play team bball, that team could be very enjoyable to watch. interested in how minny, pacers and pelicans will go
I wouldn't go that far, but I'm glad somebody finally sees the amount of talent they have built up and the quality coach they have to lead them.
I am not saying it is impossible - but I think this is very unlikely. In 2010 the average 3 point attempts per team in the league was 17. Last year, the T-Pups had the least amount of 3 point attempts per game at 21. They have lost 3-point shooting since. Just for reference - the teams that made the finals averaged more than 30 3 point attempts per game. I would say that the pups have the highest variance in my estimate. I have no idea if they will be really good because of all that talent they collected - or a lot worse than expected because they lost their best play-maker (Rubio) - and just about anyone that matters on this team other than Butler needs to be set-up - while also losing their floor spacers. Will be interesting.
