I'm interested to see what everyone thinks that the standings will look like when the playoffs begin in 06. It seems like every year there are some surprises (Suns, Sonics) that come out of nowhere. With the rise and demise of a lot of teams this past offseason it looks to be an interesting year. In my opinion, teams like Memphis, and to some degree Seattle, have fallen off while Denver and Golden State are really headed in the right direction and could potentially go far in the playoffs. My thoughts are not substantiated but I think that the Spurs will finish #1, thus putting the Rox at #4 b/c of the playoff seeding. I think Dallas will be #5. The battle between Phoenix and Sacramento will be interesting w/ Stoudamire out for the #2/3 spot. Denver will probably pick up whatever position that Sac/Phoe doesn't and from there on it's anyone's guess. Anyways, just wanted to get some thoughts and maybe at the end of the season look back to see how we all did.
someone that has the Grizzlies even close to the playoffs, could you please explain your reasoning? I just don't see them winning much more than 30 games.
Spurs Rockets The Rest of the Pack The polls that have the Nuggets and the Suns ahead of the Rockets are obviously not ready for the 05-06 Rockets. This team has some scary potential. They could fall flat, but I seriously doubt that they will do any less than terrify the rest of the league, especially if Ming responds like I think he will to having Swift along side. Plus, the Rocket's guard play is in for a serious upgrade, and they have one of the strongest benches in the NBA. By the All Star break, no one is going to want to play the Rockets. JVG has more talent to work with than he has had for years, perhaps since the mid-nineties.
Mark these down boys because this is how they'll finish! West 1. Spurs...Loaded team that added Van Exel and Michael Finley, it's not fair 2. Nuggets...George Karl + bad division= Division Champs 3. Kings...They'll be medicore, but w/ the Suns hurt, they'll win the Pacific 4. Rockets...predicting 53-29, damn top spots for div. winners!! 5. Mavericks...Mavs vs. Rockets part 2, bring it on!!!! 6. Sonics...Allen and Lewis what a combo 7. Suns...Can they recover from losing 3 out of 5 of last years starters? 8. Warriors...Davis+Richardson+Diogu=Sneaking Into the Playoffs East 1. Heat...Last years best team got deeper 2. Pacers...If there isn't another brawl, they'll cruise 3. Nets...Exciting up-tempo game wins atlantic 4. Pistons...Defending eastern champs slip w/ out larry brown 5. Cavaliers...LeBron has some help, they're playoff bound 6. 76ers...A.I. likes his coach, maybe he'll practice 7. Bulls...will miss curry's low post scoring, will have to rely on jumpers 8. Wizards...wouldn't make it in the west, but, it's the east Brian
In order of record, not seeding Spurs - Best record AND well rested going into the playoffs Rockets - The ONLY team with enough balance to play with the Spurs Nuggets - Athletic, hard working, not enough shooters Kings - Starting 5 is pretty good; weak bench Mavericks - Talent drain will be evident this year Phoenix - will finish the year making up ground & be the 3rd best team Golden State - What started last season continues Wolves - After a 2 year hiatus, Garnett returns to his natual position (8th seed)
Exactly what "talent drain" are you referring. If you are referring to Finley remember the Mavs cut him. He didn't leave. The Mavs didn't want him anymore. And if Finley is so great why isn't he in the Spur's starting linup? Now the Mavs might finish 5th like you predicted but it won't be because of Finley leaving.
I think they actually impoved by subtraction. Eddie Jones and Damon Stoudemire will give them an improved backcourt and with less players crowding the bench there will be more minutes for their better players. Overall, I think their chemistry, and the fact that they've made the playoffs the last few years gives them the edge over less talented teams (Minnesota) or teams that havent' been there before (Clippers). As for the Lakers, well, I'll be damned if I pick them to make the playoffs anytime soon, simply on principle.
