we'll see if they play any defense... I would be shocked if they have a better record than we do and floored if they make the playoffs. Durant has proven to be a fantastic scorer and nothing else, though at some point he's going to be great.... maybe it's this season.
Likewise. I do not think they have enough firepower to make the playoffs. Adding a big guy would change things but I do not see them obtaining one.
I think that rockets and suns are in the same group. They could make the playoff or just miss it without much distance. The idea case is that you either win it all or go to the bottom for a high pick, but the rockets are not this kind of team.
I think there's a great chance OKC will pass us up. They are the team to watch next year to sneak into the playoffs.
I thought Artest only signed a three year deal, but I see that some sites are saying he signed a 5 year deal. Can someone confirm?
Compare starting line-ups. Compare rotation. Can you really say what you did dispassionately? However, and this is a big however, Rox have character guys, a coach who 'gets it', a solid front office and an owner who wants to win. So, at some point McG will be turned into an asset. If it is by February then, who knows? Think Valentine's Day 1995. Until the McG chip plays itself all the way out I am loathe to feel anything premature about the Rox' season.
I'm not sure that is what the article is neccessarily suggesting. Think about it, there is a good chance that KD has a break out year and leads OKC to its best season yet. Or, furthermore, the Clippers new addition of Blake Griffin makes their lineup possibly the most formidable in years. With that said, there is a lot more "Mystery Meat" in the compositions of OKC and the Clips vs. what the Rockets have to offer. If you get served up 2 broken all-stars, you are going to want to "send your plate back" Face it guys...when you have your 2 franchise all-stars sucking up the payroll and sitting on the bench due to injuries, you are going to get no love. So, stop looking for it. -Garner
Definitely the two key's to the seasons are: Aaron Brooks developing into a star in this league. And Tracy McGrady's return to stardom. Anything less or more is just a slight adjustment.
I agree 100%, I see all these posters coming out of the wood works saying that if we get Tracy back by mid season we can possibly make the playoffs. I've said it once & I'll keep saying it again Tracy does not need to be on this team. I have no problem with him playing for us to increase his trade value and become a better tradeable asset, but for him to take us to the playoffs is a joke. IMO, he'll be too selfish and want to prove everyone wrong that he cannot come back and be the scorer he once was. So, in other words, NO VIDEOS OF MCGRADY PASSING!
Apparently they didn't actually watch Artest defend. His reputation got him ejected twice, but his reputation also gets him defensive credit from last year that he no longer deserves. He's good only for defending physical guys like LeBron James, but on a quick wing like Kobe or Wade? Not a chance. I don't know why people keep harping on Artest's defense. All I saw last season was him lunging for the steal and getting blown by for a lay-up.
He verbally committed to a 3-year deal then signed a 5-year deal according to his agent so it seems. http://wjz.com/sports/ron.artest.los.2.1069910.htmlhttp:// http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=4303679
He picked the worst franchise in sports history with the crappiest owner in the business to finish ahead of the Rockets? Ouch. I like Griffin and think he'll be a good NBA player despite the Clips best efforts, but he's only a rookie and his game involved a lot of dunking over physically overmatched defenders in college, so I'm not sure why they're being mentioned in group 3. Plus, will Baron Davis really be playing all out again? He certainly didn't look like it last year... OK, Clippers suck rant is over. Phew, that's always fun.
IMO: Clippers are going nowhere until they find a way to dump Baron Davis. Griffin's going to be good, but he's not a franchise savior - just a solid starting F/C. If OKC finds a half decent big, they're making the jump. As it stands, they should at least tease the #8 seed - the Suns never played defense either. As constructed, we are only going to be in the hunt for the last playoff spot...until the end of March. My guess - close to 40 wins, #10. I expect a major feud within the Memphis roster.
