The "resign Love" and the "coaches next to fall" thread got me thinking about which franchises are in the worst states right now. I've been wondering which franchise is in the worst spot. There's a lot of trouble, the Kings are a mess, Golden State hasn't been to the playoffs since '06 (if you think we're on the mediocrity treadmill- just look at them, they've been glued to it), the Nets and Timberwolves are in big trouble if their stars leave, as I don't think either fan base can withstand another decade of losing. Howard's out of Orlando, but if they can get a decent return on him and/or dump Hedo's contract, they'll be alright. Detroit's in a weird area, between the aging veterans (Wallace, Prince) the overpaid (Villanueva, Gordon, Stuckey) and the decent young players (Monroe, Knight). I'm tempted to put Charlotte, but I think Kemba and Biyombo can help lead them to the right track, and the franchise is still young. The Raptors have never been good, and have trouble keeping their star players, but as with Charlotte, they're a relatively new franchise and have the benefit of being Canada's only basketball team. Who do you think is in the worst spot?
Toronto looks hopeless from all angles. Roster, Front Office, Box Office...it's time the Canada experiment got shut down. Joe Dumars built a championship team....and now has them locked in as garbage for years. I don't know what he's been thinking - he's been as bad as Isiah Thomas. The Gordon/Villaneuva contracts (on the heels of the Iverson disaster) remain the worst attempt at revitalizing a franchise in decades.
New Orleans. Sure, they got a return on Chris Paul, but they obviously don't want to be there. David Stern destroyed the credibility of their GM. And the team will have to have to pay a lease penalty to leave the city or else stay there and lose money. Of course, Charlotte is also in terrible shape. It's a toss-up.
I still think Toronto has some hope, if they can get a competent management they might be able to build a strong team. I think there's a lot of untapped potential there for players, Toronto's a big city, and Canada is a market wide open for endorsements. I meant to put New Orleans there too, I'll add them now. I think, if the Hornets are too have any chance at success, it's in a new city.
I think toronto's destined to be a mediocre team. What star wants to cross the border dozens of times a year? But financially their sustainability has got to be better then NO or OK or Charlotte.
Seems like they are always in a bad state. I like Brandon Jennings but outside of that, they don't seem like a good team. Their roster is turrible.
Toronto are off to a good start this season with Dwane Casey. Adding Jonas next year will make them that much better too.
Why no Wizards option? That team is a complete mess; Flip will surely be the first coach canned at this rate.
Two years ago, I would have definitely labeled them as being in the worst spot. But, they're in a big metropolitan area, they have John Wall, Vessly's coming, and they still have their amnesty clause, which they could use on Lewis. I agree that they're far from being perfect, but they're nowhere near as bad as some of the other teams I mentioned.
Detroit Outlook for future - Monroe, Knight, Daye and Jerebo are a nice young core. Holding back Stucky - not a clear cut PG or SG, Gordon and Prince do not belong on this team. Maxiel and Vilanueva were horrible signings. Verdict - They need to get rid of Gordon, Prince, Maxiel and Vilanueva. Sactown Outlook for future - Nice young talent in Jimmer, Evans, Thronton, Cousins Holding back bad coach and management crowded backcourt with Jimmer, Evans and Thornton. Cousins causing headaches Thompson and Hickson are scrubs Verdict - They need to unclog the back-court and make sure the offense flows through Cousins. Jimmer plays better off the ball then Evans. Time to ship out Evans. Nets Outlook for future - Owner willing to spend in big market. Brook Lopez Holding back Future of D.Will uncertain Farmar, Petro, Morrow, Outlaw, Shawne and Shelden Williams are horrible players and way overpaid. Verdict - They need to get rid of current support cast and get better ones. Shore up D.Will and Lopez. Bobcats Outlook on future - Good guards in Augustin, Walker and Henderson. Biyombo and Thomas provide solid defense up front. Holding back Carrol and Diop have ridiculous contracts. Weak support cast. Verdict - They just need a scoring big and better support cast. They dont look too bad at all. Toronto isnt all that bad - They got DeRozan, Bargnani and Jonas and Ed Davis. Casey will make them focus on defense.
