For teams like Miami, Dallas, San Antonio, Phoenix, and maybe Detroit/Chicago, you could come in an expect nothing but a championship. For other teams you could expect a 2nd round appearance. For some you could expect a bottom playoff seed. For some you may just want the team to improve.As a Celtics fan, I say I expect a playoff appearance. Now, with this roster at this time, it's crazy to expect a 2nd round appearance. But if we don't make the playoffs this year it will be an unsuccessful season. I understand we are very young, but we have a lot of talent, and we have about 3 young players who should be ready to come out of their shells this year (Al Jefferson, Sebastian Telfair, and maybe Tony Allen). I don't just want, but I EXPECT at least 2 of them to do so, preferably Al Jefferson being the one guy that really has a big year. No, I am not expecting Big Al to come in and put up 16/10. But I expect improvement, and I expect him to earn that starting PF spot by the All-Star break.But enough about player expectations, as a team I expect a .500 or above record to go along with 7th or 8th seed in the East. Barring any injuries, this team is definitely worthy of a playoff spot. We brought in some new players that give us a whole new look at their positions (Telfair/Rondo at the 1, plus Ratliff to protect the paint). We also have 1 extra year of maturity for all of our young players, plus Wally Szczerbiak got to have a full offseason and training camp as a Celtic. Last year when he was traded here, he was just thrown into a new system. Now, he gets to learn how to play with his new teammates and learn the Celtics playbook. I think that will help this team more than most people would think.So, if we fall under .500 or out of the playoffs, I will definitely consider this an unsuccessful season. What about you, and your thoughts/expectations on your team?
As a Rocket fan, if healthy, I expect to be the surprise of the league, and get to the semi's. This team is shaping up to look R-E-A-L good, with 2 all stars, 2 fantastic role player, a good PG, and a very solid bench.As a Nets fan, I expect to get into semi's again, and depending on the matchup possibly a ECF appearence. Not much more than that, though (assuming they don't pick up a big player at trade deadline).
Also a Nets fan: I hope for a 50 win season, division champs, and Eastern Conference Finals appearance.
Another WCF loss. Maybe this year we'll reach 7 games. :brickwall: I'm going to be very careful to not jinx anything this year. I'll be mister pessimistic.
I expect the Raptors to grab 7th or 8th seed in the playoffs. They have a completely different looking team. No key losses and a lot of great additions like Garbajosa, Fred Jones, TJ Ford and Bargnani. If Bargnani develops quickly, then the Raptors could grab a playoff spot.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (wolverine30 @ Oct 9 2006, 04:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I expect the Raptors to grab 7th or 8th seed in the playoffs. They have a completely different looking team. No key losses and a lot of great additions like Garbajosa, Fred Jones, TJ Ford and Bargnani. If Bargnani develops quickly, then the Raptors could grab a playoff spot.</div>I know they got TJ Ford, and that makes them a better team, but you have to be crazy to not consider Charlie Villanueva a key loss, no matter if you got a PG and two international bigs. It's still a key loss.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>Also a Nets fan: I hope for a 50 win season, division champs, and Eastern Conference Finals appearance.</div>That's great, and the ECF apprearance is a long shot, but this isn't what you are hoping for. Yeah, I'm hoping Gerald Green tears it up, I'm hoping Al Jefferson averages 15/9, I'm hoping Telfair excells - but you have to be realistic. It's what you EXPECT from the Nets this year.
I expect the Raps to either make the playoffs, or be in the Race. I dont want another 27 win finish. 37-42 wins would make me happy.
Oh yeah Villanueva I forgot about him Anyways he may be the only key loss for the Raptors.Losses: Aaron Williams, Charlie V, Alvin Williams, Matt Bonner, Mike James, Loren Woods, Eric Williams, HoffaAdditions: Bargnani, Tucker, Ford, Rasho, Garbajosa, Humphries, Anthony ParkerThe additions as a whole are better than the losses. I don't think Charlie Villanueva was needed on this team as much as a true point guard like TJ Ford because they already have Bosh and they drafted Bargnani.*And we got Colangelo. He will make keep making good moves for us*
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32 @ Oct 9 2006, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I know they got TJ Ford, and that makes them a better team, but you have to be crazy to not consider Charlie Villanueva a key loss, no matter if you got a PG and two international bigs. It's still a key loss.That's great, and the ECF apprearance is a long shot, but this isn't what you are hoping for. Yeah, I'm hoping Gerald Green tears it up, I'm hoping Al Jefferson averages 15/9, I'm hoping Telfair excells - but you have to be realistic. It's what you EXPECT from the Nets this year.</div>That is what he expects and he'll debate it for days. He's in for a big surprise me thinks.
I am expecting playoffs for the Magic, to get in as a 6,7 or 8 seed, more likely the 7 or 8 seed. Along with that, I am expecting them to play very competitively in the first round and take the Heat, Cavs, Nets, Pistons, whoever they face, to 6 or 7 games hard fought games.
I expect the Mavericks to make it to the NBA finals and win a championship. I expect them to grab the number 1 seed in the west. I also like the Blazers, so I expect them to be in the lottery and probably be in the bottom five team in the league and a top five pick in the next upcoming draft.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ASUFan22 @ Oct 9 2006, 05:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Another WCF loss. Maybe this year we'll reach 7 games. :brickwall: I'm going to be very careful to not jinx anything this year. I'll be mister pessimistic.</div>Your in for a big surprise me thinks.
Putting up a fight in the second round. Giblert to average 30+ ppg antawn 12+ rebounds. Improved defense. Possible 50 wins.
As a Knicks Fan, I expect us to do better than last year. Isiah got the players he wanted to win we have almost the same group except we got better defense by adding Balkman,Collins and Jeffries. Maybe a little run towards the end of the season for 8th seed like the Magic last year.My thought on the record 33-49
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CB4AllStar @ Oct 9 2006, 05:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Your in for a big surprise me thinks.</div>A bad big surprise?
I 100% expect this team to make the playoffs and not get swept out of the first round. That is all. Anything less is a lost season. These kids need some playoff experience.I 100% expect this team to make the playoffs and not get swept out of the first round. That is all. Anything less is a lost season. These kids need some playoff experience.
