The Nuggets arent going to be a playoff team, but they seem to be pretty set at the foward positon. Anthony, Hilario and Skita. Is Skita the real deal? He had an ok rookie campaign to me considering his role. He's a 7 footer that can fill it up. If he shows improvements like Dirk did between his 1st and 2nd seasons, I'd play melo at the 2. I dont think the Rockets need any major changes. They're role players away from being in the top 6 in the west. With the Jazz seemingly falling out of the playoff picture before the season even starts, thats leaves room for a new team. Golden State will be improved Seattle will be improved, and even Phoenix. They all have young talented cores. Alot of teams in the West are a couple of pieces away from making the playoffs. It should be interesting once again. Adding the Hornets to the west next year wont make it any better for any of the bottom seeds in the west. Put Minnesota in the East!! Fair Trade!
Clippers can be dangerous with a new coach and if they sign some of their core players to a long term deal, watch out!
Denver would not make the playoffs if they traded for Kobe and Shaq. Why? Well....because its Denver damnit! Denver! LOL! Good one!
I read that Maggette will sign with the Jazz and not the Nuggetts. "Corey Maggette, a four-year veteran who averaged 16.8 points in 64 games for L.A. last season, has informed the Jazz he will sign an offer sheet with Utah on Wednesday, several NBA sources confirmed Sunday. Maggette's decision comes one day after his backcourt mate with the Clippers, Andre Miller, chose Denver over Utah." Salt Lake Tribune
Exactly! This is not the same old Denver team and organization. With Kiki in charge, they have shed their bad contracts, had their crash and burn year and have started stocking up on young talent. This is a team that has turned the corner and is also on the way up. Folks on this BBS have absolutely no reason to turn their nose up any team in this division. The West will be harder than ever after last week. The Rockets will go into the season with essentially the same cast of suspects. It would not surprise me one iota to see Houston, Denver, GS & Seattle fighting for the eighth playoff spot next year.
This seems to be the crux of our disagreement. I don't think they underachieved, because I don't think they were ever that good.
Steve Francis > Andre Miller I think Posey can stop Carmelo. Hilario's crazy...but Cato or Badiane or Griffin can all contain him hopefully. Yao owns Marcus Camby. We also have Mobley and Taylor... They have a good team......but won't make the playoffs.
well, it will be though because they have a new quarterback and --wait--you nean the NUGGETS?! oh, yeah, uh...we'll "watch out" for those guys (sigh).
You make an interesting observation in that Denver is making serious moves in improving their team. They have the $$$. They won't be playoff contenders soon, BUT they will be spoilers. They won't be an easy win any more. Rockets have to keep pace with other teams in the West and includes teams like Denver. B/c if we don't improve then they will cath up or pass us by on the standings in the near distant future. Rockets need to improve by having a strong bench and be denfesive minded to say the least.
As stated before, Maggette will sign with the Jazz and Howard has committed to the Magic. If the T-Wolves lose Nesterovic, they are a worse team than last year. Without Nesterovic and Joe Smith, who's suppose to help KG inside? Hudson was playing great at the end of last year, Cassell might end up as a 6th man.
camby is always hurt nene is good but is still developing because hes young carmelo is young and wont help much until 2-3 years andre miller will be their only improvement i woulda agreed with you if they still had mcdyes...but having ryan bowen as your center isnt gonna get you anywhere in a big man based west.
