Uncategorized

Detroit Pistons Team Preview

My thoughts exactly Andre Drummond.

Last Seasons Record – 39-43 (9th)

This Seasons Record – 42-40

detriot.jpg

I have absolutely no idea how this season is going to play out for the Detroit Pistons. Like zero, they could make the playoffs, or they could win 25 games. What’s their identity? Who do they wanna be? How do they wanna play? All of these things will hopefully be answered sooner rather than later because if not, I feel so bad for my dear friend Dwayne Casey. Are we sure Blake Griffin is good? Well, we will find out this season, if Blake can return to form and if he wants to even be in Detroit.

Key Additions and Subtractions 

Sheesh! What an ugly roster. Seriously I don’t think the Pistons made any significant moves this offseason. Wait, I lied. They added Zaza Pachulia! Just what a bunch of misfits, we all know they acquired Blake Griffin and shipped of Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Boban Marjanovic. This was halfway through the season, so Pistons fans haven’t even gotten the full Blake Griffin experience yet. Whether that’s a good thing or not still remains undecided. The NBA is going small, fast and if you can’t shoot it, take a hike. Well, it seems the Pistons are doing the exact opposite. Their identity is “big,” with Andre Drummond and Griffin being the focal points. Drummond says that he has added an outside shot to his repertoire, but I simply need to see this in games to believe it.

Year Long Question – Will Blake Griffin be a Monstar? 

So here’s the thing. I honestly think Blake Griffin wants to quit basketball and become a comedian, I’m not joking. Blake was born for Hollywood, and now he lives in Detroit. He is the reverse 8 Mile. So now that Space Jam 2 is a go, we need to decide who is going to be our new Monstars. Blake is chomping at the bit for this role. This season for the Pistons isn’t going to be exciting (sorry) so if they have a Monstar, they could really use this to their advantage. As a fan of the NBA, we all want the Detroit Pistons to return to form, but this just isn’t the roster for the job.

Fan Mindset

Like I said in the opening. Who are they? I feel like they are a bunch of big dudes, pretending to be small dudes disguised as big dudes. The makeup of this roster is just a disguise and Dwayne Casey needs to figure out how it works. I’m not even sure fans of this team know what to expect. They wanna play big, but the league is going small. They don’t really have any standout long-range shooters, yet the league relies more on the 3 point shot than ever. The more I think about it, the more I’m leaning to this just being a disastrous season for the Pistons. Blake Griffin will just not fit with this organization.

Bold Predictions, Sponsored By Nate – Blake gets “injured” and wants out.

I’m telling you this right now. Detroit fans, you can hate me all you want. Blake Griffin does not want to play for your team and he certainly does not want to live in your city. Nothing against Motor City, but it’s just not Blake’s style. He is so used to being an LA boy, and that lifestyle is something that latched itself onto him like a symbiote. Now if things get off to a rocky start, and Blake is unhappy, I can see him going down with an “injury” and asks for a trade. Maybe I’m wrong about this Blake situation, but I don’t see this marriage lasting very long. Yes, he is owed so much money, but it’s time to piss or get off the pot if your the Detriot Pistons.

Uncategorized

Trust The Podcast: Power Rankings

Man the Grizz did Fizdale wrong. How’s that for data?

Power_Rankings_HandsetBranding_Title_xxxhdpi_0

10.) Portland Trail Blazers (12-8). PPG: 103.2(20h) ORtg: 106.1 (18th) DRtg: 101.9 (3rd). This Week: @NYK Vs MIL Vs NOP

What a shootout Friday afternoon between the Trail Blazers and the Nets. It was nice to see them scrape away that victory, 3-1 on their current road trip which ends tonight in New York. Portland remains to be one the best defensive teams in the league, and when they score 120 plus points should be really hard to beat. Big game against New Orleans who they are battling with for a playoff spot.

9.) Minnesota Timberwolves (12-8) PPG: 108.1 (6th) ORtg: 110.4 (5th) DRtg: 110.5 (28th) This Week: Vs. WAS @NOP @OKC Vs.LAC

So a couple things about the Wolves. First of all, they can’t shoot threes. The perimeter game for the Wolves is getting torched by other teams. Jimmy Butler is finally coming into his own, and being ranked 6th in PPG and 5th in offensive rating, really makes you wonder, considering how bad they are from the outside. Ranked pretty much at the bottom of the league in defence is again startling, this being a coach Thibs team. KAT and Wiggins really need to start playing better two way basketball.

8.) Philadelphia Sixers (11-7). PPG: 109.6 (6th) ORtg: 106.6 (15th) DRtg: 104.5 (9th). This Week: Vs CLE Vs WAS @BOS Vs DET

Joel Embiid thinks he’s the best defensive player in the NBA right now. They rank in the top ten in defence. Maybe theres something here, it’s impressive because of how young this team is. What a tough week for the Sixers, I guess we will see how good they really are come Sunday night. A 2-2 split would be ideal for them.

7.) Toronto Raptors (12-7) PPG: 109.6 (5th) ORtg: 112.4 (3rd) DRtg: 105.2 (11th) This Week: Vs CHA Vs IND

I’m dipping the Raptors a little more than I maybe should. But with a 28-0 run against the Knicks last week, and followed up with a terrible outting in Indiana, I felt this was necessary. The Raptors currently have the leagues best bench aggregate NetRtg at 12.1 The bench is a mob, and when they come in they continue to out work the other team. Van Fleet has been filling in well for Delon Wright in his absences. Maybe he should be getting a few more minutes a game, they need to rebound this week and walk away 2-0 on the week.

6.) San Antonio Spurs (12-7) PPG: 100.9 (25th) ORtg: 106.0 (20th) DRtg: 103.0 (4th) This Week: Vs Dal Vs MEM @MEM @OKC

Good news Spurs fans. Tony Parker is making his season debut against the Mavs this week. Bad news, it’s not Kawhi Leonard. Parker should at least help some of their offensive woes, before Kawhi comes back fully healthy. Still boosting an impressive defensive rating, the Spurs are sitting pretty in the West. Brandon Paul looks to be like a diamond in the rough for Pop. Still on pace for another 50 win season!

5.) Detroit Pistons (12-6) PPG: 103.7 (18th) ORtg: 107.9 (10th) DRtg: 105.9 (13th) This Week: @BOS Vs PHX @WAS @PHI

The Positive Pistons! That’s what I’m dubbing them. Drummond is new and improved, tweeting the most positive things known to mankind. It’s almost 20 games into the season, and they haven’t collapsed yet. I think these Pistons could be for real. Had a really great win in OKC last week. And that improved them to 6-1 against the West this season, this Pistons team is full of energy and really fun to watch.

4.) Cleveland Cavaliers (12-7) PPG 110.8 (3rd) ORtg: 111.9 (4th) DRtg: 111.2 (29th) This Week: @PHI Vs MIA @ATL Vs MEM

Winners of 7 in a row. LeBron James is on a mission. Boy he had some impressive games last week, and the Cavaliers are rolling. Their defence still stinks, and Derick Rose could be done with basketball. Now more than ever do the Cavs need IT back. The defence has been getting better, obviously with winning 7 straight it has to be. Can’t wait for IT to come back and see what this team can truly be.

3.) Houston Rockets (15-4) PPG: 113.5 (2nd) ORtg: 114.3 (2nd) DRtg: 104.1 (8th) This Week: Vs BKN Vs IND @LAL

Chris Paul is back and the Rockets are still rolling. Putting up monster numbers on the offensive end. James Harden is battling LeBron for MVP right now, getting to another level this year. He is taking over the “Steph Curry” Award which is pretty much who hits the most threes in a season. If Paul stays healthy and Harden keeps this pace up, Golden State will have a tough foe come May.

2.) Golden State Warriors (15-5) PPG: 117.4 (1st) ORtg: 114.8 (1st) DRtg: 103.9 (6th) This Week vs Sac @LAL @ORL @MIA

Oh boy. Like lambs to the slaughter. What a schedule for the leagues best offence this week. Here’s the crazy thing. During the month of November, the Warriors have had the leagues best defence……Let that sink in for a second, because they are already the odds on favourite to win the title. The season started and people were questioning their defence, and look at them now. Warriors are just too good.

1.) Boston Celtics (18-3) PPG: 103.9 (19th) ORtg: 107.0 (13th) DRtg: (98.9 (1st) This Week: vs DET vs PHI vs PHX

They finally lost. Didn’t see that coming, especially against the Heat. Kyrie’s play down the stretch in close games is truly something special. He was at one point +40 in games within 5 points with under 5 minutes left. Boston’s bench continues to improve and the two Jayson’s just keep getting better. Brad Stevens has a real winner on his hands.

Check ya later.

Uncategorized

Trust The Podcast: Power Rankings

Joel Embiid is really good at basketball, that is all

joel-embiid.jpg

10.) Cleveland Cavaliers (9-7). PPG: 110.6 (3rd) ORtg: 110.8 (4th). Drug: 112.4 (30th). This Week: @DET, vs. BKN, vs. CHA

Don’t look now, but the Cavs have won four straight games, and seem to be finding their groove. Yes they still rank dead last in defensive rating in the league, well which is not great, but if they keep winning, really that’s all that matters for now. They have a couple of revenge game this week against Brooklyn who beat them early on in the year. LeBron is quietly putting up monster numbers, with 28.9PPG, 7.8RPG and 8.6APG, he has logged the most minutes in the league so far, and I don’t know if that is sustainable, but it’s LeBron, I think he will be the first guy to defeat Father Time.

9.) Portland Trail Blazers (9-7). PPG: 103.0 (19th) ORtg: 106.6 (15th). DRtg: 100.9 (2nd) This Week: @MEM @PHI @BKN @WAS

Who knew going into this season Portland would be sporting the 2nd best defensive rating almost 20 games into the year. Well they do, and Lillard and McCollum are both still studs, and Terry Stots has done a great job figuring out his rotations. The bottom seeds in the West playoff picture will be up for grabs, so if Portland can keep up their defensive ways, I’m sure they will find themselves sitting pretty in a playoff spot come April.

8.) Washington Wizards (9-7). PPG: 108.1 (12th) ORtg: 109.3 (8th). DRtg: 105.0 (9th). This Week: @MIL, @CHA, vs. POR

Like usual John Wall has gotten off to a less than stellar start. And right now he is battling injuries, so the most important thing for the Wizards to do is get him healthy. Luckily, Otto Porter and Bradley Beal have been taking on the load, and doing so in spectacular fashion. Beal is probably the MVP for the Wizards so far, who face a tough road ahead, with a bunch of games on the road in the next two weeks.

7.) Minnesota Timberwolves (10-6) PPG: 107.5 (13th) ORtg: 109.5 (7th) DRtg: 109.0 (21st) This Week: @CHA vs ORL vs MIA vs PHX

Every week I’m still in disbelief that a coach Thibs team is ranked 21st in defence. Is it the players? Was Thibs just kind of an overrated defensive coach? I don’t think that is the case. A guy who needs to start stepping up for the Wolves on the defensive side of the ball is Townes. I needs to become a rim protector. They just don’t get stops, which is so vital for a long playoff run and team success. They are playing ,much better as of late winning 8 of their last 10 games, but it’s the defensive stuff that scares me with this team.

6.) San Antonio Spurs (10-6) PPG: 101.6 (21st) ORtg: 106.7 (14th) DRtg: 104.0 (5th) This Week: vs. ATL @NOP @CHA

Almost a quarter of the way through the season, and still no Kawhi Leonard. I don’t want to say this is going to be like an Andrew Luck scenario, but they are being awfully coy about his injury and when he is set to come back. I get it, Houston and Golden State have locked up 1st and 2nd in the West. So why rush him back right now, when they want a 100 percent healthy Kawhi. Still really impressive feat, that the Spurs have managed to win 10 games already without a top 5 player in the league.

5.) Toronto Raptors (11-5) PPG: 110.4 (8th) ORtg: 112.9 (3rd) DRtg: 105.8 (12th) This Week: @NYK @IND @ATL

Holy moly, what a difference a week can make. Seriously, what a week. Back to back wins against Houston and New Orleans (on the road) and then finishing up the week with wins against the Knicks and Wizards at the ACC. Lowry has seriously found his groove and played his best four games of the season last week. The turn around could point to OG Anouby, who started last week and provided a huge spark for the Raptors. They are ranked 8th in assists per game, which is such a turn around from last year, when they ranked dead last in the association.

4.) Detroit Pistons (11-5). PPG: 105.0 (16th) ORtg: 109.0 (9th) DRtg: 105 (9th) This Week vs CLE @OKC

One of the few teams to rank in the top ten in both offensive and defensive rating. The Pistons continue to impress the NBA community and more importantly keep winning games. Drummond is a beast, leading the league in rebounds, and is having his best season of his career. Credit to Stan Van Gundy who might of had one foot out the door, I thought this was going to be a write off season for Detroit, and they have proved myself, and many others wrong so far. Keep it up.

3.) Houston Rockets (13-4) PPG: 112.6 (2nd) ORtg: 113.6 (2nd) DRtg: 104.9 (7th) This Week: vs DEN vs NYK

Chris Paul is back, he’s healthy and Houston is still really good at basketball. The defence is still there, even James Harden has turned a new leaf. They had an awful game against the Raptors last week, but almost clawed back. So CP3 played one game with the Rockets and then has been sitting ever since. These next few weeks, I believe we will finally see the real Rockets. This is the CP3 send off tour, he certainly is far form retiring, but this Rockets team could have found some magic this season and this could be his chance to finally you know, do something in the playoffs….

2.) Golden State Warriors (13-4) PPG: 117.9 (1st) ORtg: 115.2 (1st) DRtg: 105.0 (10th) This Week: @OKC vs. CHI vs NOP

A showdown with the Thunder should be really fun to watch, but what is there to say about the Warriors, other than the loss to the all might Celtics last week. Look it’s the Warriors, I can only say so much. They have an unstoppable offence and are actually turning it around on the defensive side of the ball. There only weakness? The inside paint presence, that could potentially hurt them down the line if they get cold from the outside.

1.) Boston Celtics (15-2) PPG 102.5 (22nd) ORtg: 106.0 (18th) DRtg: 97.7 (1st) This Week: @DAL @MIA vs ORL @IND

They haven’t lost a game since October 20th, need I say more? Probably going to get to at least 19 wins…..

 

Check ya later.

 

Uncategorized

Trust The Podcast – Power Rankings

The start of our weekly top ten teams in the association!

Power_Rankings_HandsetBranding_Title_xxxhdpi_0.png
(NBA)

Things can change in a hurry in the NBA, one week you’re on top, the next, well, lets just say it doesn’t look so good. We are about 10 games into the NBA season, and it’s been a really fun ride so far. A ton of great games, more than a few surprise teams, and well the Mavs and the Kings are officially the worst teams in the NBA! (sorry Dirk) Are the Cavaliers in trouble? Are the Celtics going 80-2? I’m breaking down the top ten teams, so here we go!

10.) Washington Wizards (5-4). PPG: 112.8 (3rd) ORtg: 111.3 (2nd) DRtg 107.8 (19th)

It was a tough week for Washington going 2-1 with losses against the Suns and Cavaliers. Thanks to a monster game from LeBron he had 57 against the Wiz, they had a much needed victory Sunday night against the Raptors, without all-star John Wall. No Wall no problem as Bradley Beal stepped up and dropped 38 big ones on the Dino’s. Have the Wizards never watched Goodfellas? Number one rule, “always keep your month shut, and never rat on your friends.” Advice next time you play a big game and insult the best player in the world.

9.) Portland Trail Blazers (6-4). PPG: 107.2 (12th) ORtg: 108.6 (10th) DRtg: 102.2 (4th)

One thing that is impressing me with the Trail-Blazers this season in their defence. Ranking 4th in defensive rating is pretty impressive. They can score the ball with the best of them, and Dame Dollar is coming off a MONSTER week, where he averaged 34-PPG, 7-APG and 5-RPG, including a game winner against the Lakers. They ran into some trouble with the Raptors last Monday night, but all around Portland is solid basketball team, and if their defence can keep improving, they could be a really sneaky team to face in the first round of the playoffs this year.

8.) New York Knicks (5-4). PPG: 104.7 (18th) ORtg: 107.4 (13th) DRtg: 107.6 (18th) 

Okay I know, what you’re thinking, the Knicks? Well hear me out, they started off the season 0-3 and since then have gone a 5-1 stretch. Porzingis is playing out of his mind right now he dropped a career high 40 last night, and the Knicks team is really fun to watch. They are super young, full on energy and are playing hard on both ends of the court, so I thought they deserved a shoutout and some recognition in the power rankings. If Porzingis can keep playing this way, the Knicks will not be a complete dumpster fire, and that’s what we all wanted, an enjoyable Knicks season! They came back from 19 down with 10 minutes to go yesterday against a pretty good Indiana team, give the Knicks some credit.

7.) Memphis Grizzlies (6-4). PPG: 101.8 (25th) ORtg: 106.4 (18th) DRtg: 102.5 (5th)

Grit and grind might not be dead after all! Just like the good old days, Memphis is a grind it out basketball team, averaging some of the fewest points per game in the entire league, Yet are one of the 5 best defensive teams. They had a really tough loss to the Lakers last night. The LA life night must have gotten to the boys. Conley and Gasol remain a solid foundation for Memphis to work with and they are just an all around really good basketball team. They started off the season really hot with an impressive win against Golden State, you knew they would cool down eventually and lose a game or two.

6.) Orlando Magic (6-4) PPG: 109 (7th) ORtg: 106.7 (17th) DRtg: 104 (10th)

One of the surprise teams of the season thus far. Listen I know Orlando had a bad week, and their offence really struggled, but with a banged up back court. Both Payton and Augustine are out with injuries, their offence which took a tumble so far in the month of November. I still believe this team is pretty good, and when your entire back court is out, well I believe that will reflect on your offensive efficiency. Or maybe the Magic just got off to a magical start and are coming back down to Earth, only time will tell I guess.

5.) Detroit Pistons (7-3) PPG: 104.8 (17th) ORtgt: 108.8 (9th) DRtg: 105 (14th)

Going into this season, I thought the Pistons would have a really hard time scoring the basketball, but ranked in the top ten in offensive rating is really impressive. Guys like Avery Bradley have really brought a culture change to this roster, and that was something that was much needed. Again they had a terrible loss at the hands of the Lakers (again LA night life). The big thing for the Pistons right now is Andre Drummond and his free throw shooting, which is up to 75 percent this year. Considering he was shooting a mere 38% last season, well that’s a huge step up and something that is really nice to see. He’s ranked second only behind DeAndre Jordan in rebounds per game, and is just putting together a really nice season. Happy for the Pistons and Stan Van Gundy.

4.) Golden State Warriors (7-3) PPG 120.7 (1st) ORtg: 119 (1st) DRtg: 109.7 (22nd)

Yeah that’s right, I’m not putting the Warriors in the top spot. They are shaky on the defensive side of the ball right now but I guess when you can simply outscore your opponents every night, that makes it a whole lot easier. They are also leading the league in assists per game with 31.5 which is five more than the second best team, which is Philly. They love sharing the rock and spreading the floor to make the defence work. I just didn’t want to make them the top dogs because well, they don’t deserve that spot right now.

3.) Minnesota Timberwolves (7-3) PPG 109.4 (6th) ORtg: 110.3 (5th) DRtg: 110.7 (25th)

I simply don’t understand this. How is a Thibs coached team so bad on defence? Are guys just not buying in? It’s bugging me, because well the Wolves are an impressive 5-1 against the West right now. It’s a tough conference and they are playing with the best of them. They have a great showdown with the Warriors Wednesday night and that will be much watch television. It’s time for Wiggins and KAT to buy in to playing defence because if that happens, look out!

2.) Houston Rockets (8-3) PPG: 109.9 (5th) ORtg: 110.8 (4th) DRtg: 104.1 (12th)

Harden did his thing on Sunday night, scoring 56 points in just 20 minutes of play! I add in the fact that he dished out 13 assists as well. What a performance. Is it weird that they could be a better team without CP3? I know that’s not possible, but they are playing okay defence so far, and I know that will improve once he gets back from injury, or at least one would think it would. I’m really excited about this team, because I think Harden really is on another level, and watching what he did on Sunday was so marvellous, it made me realize that this team could really give the Warriors a go in the playoffs.

1.) Boston Celtics (8-2) PPG: 102.9 (23rd) ORtg: 107 (16th) DRtg: 96.9 (1st)

The only team with a defensive rating lower than 100, the Celtics are the best defensive team in basketball. They have won 8 straight, since dropping the first two games of the season, and are doing this without their second best player. The young guns, like Brown and Tatum are coming up big for them. I believe Jaylon Brown is a really special player, and this is his coming out party. He’s my pick right now for most improved player. I’m shocked that they are doing so well on the defensive side of the ball, considering they have Kyrie on the team, who has been known to be a poor defender. I’m happy for the Celtics so far, they needed this and I think they are by far the best team in the East.

Uncategorized

NBA Season Preview 2017/2018

No word of a lie, every time I get a haircut now, I just show them a picture of Gordon Hayward.

Al-Horford.jpg

Boy, does Tom Brady have some competition for being the most handsome white dude in Boston. The Eastern Conference, or as people like to call it, LeBron’s Conference. I know people think the West is stacked, and all the good players are over in the West, but I also think the East is going to be really fun. Yes, a ton of these teams are complete and utter dumpster fires. About 5 or 6 teams in the East could win less than 30 games. This is the last season for tanking and I think a lot of East teams will take full advantage of that. Obviously until he is dead or out of the league, the Cavs or whatever team LeBron belongs too is the odds on favourite to make it out of the East. Boston hopes to say otherwise, and maybe even the Wizards, and hey, the Bucks with Greek Freak could really make some noise this season. I wouldn’t write the East off completely, but yeah, they have the worst teams in the league, but also some of the best.

Brooklyn Nets: 2017: 20-62 Prediction: 19-63

OH MY GOD, THE NETS ARE SO BAD! Don’t you almost feel bad for the Nets at this point? It’s like they are living in a Groundhog Day type scenario, where they are just god awful every season, but get nothing to show for it. Seeing how they traded all their draft picks away for KG and Paul “Friggin” Pierce ages ago. HOWS THAT WORKING OUT FOR YA? One bright side, Linsanity is back in New York baby! This roster is so bad, I don’t know how bad they will be. They will not win more games than last season. Again this year, they will finish dead last and not even get their first round draft pick. I think they should honestly close down shop and move to Seattle. Sorry Jay-Z, but this just isn’t working out. D’Aneglo Russell is a great young buck, who hopefully can be the start of a serious much needed culture change, but he can’t do it all himself, and it’s going to be a long year for him and his snap chats.

Philadelphia 76ers: 2017: 28-54 Prediction: 40-42

Trust the process!!!! This is just going to be a fun team to watch. Without doubt, a top 3 League Pass team. They are so young, and are going to play with so much energy. Kangaroo Jack, AKA Ben Simmons is finally going to make is NBA debut this season, along with first overall pick Markelle Fultz. Ben Simmons I think is being a little overlooked and forgotten about, because of how good and how deep this rookie draft class is. Could be one for the ages, and I think he wants to prove to everyone, that he was the number one pick for a reason. Please God, let Joel Embiid play around 70 games this season. I just want things to finally fall into place for this franchise, and I think everyone else does too. They are going to play fast, and shoot a ton I feel like, because they have some excellent shooters out on the wings. Brett Brown is a fantastic coach, and I can see him winning coach of the year, and getting these guys motivated and really bringing a winning culture back to Philly.

Orlando Magic: 2017: 29-53 Prediction: 20: 62

Holy shit, Rob Hennigan the former GM of the Magic, really left them with a pile of hot garbage. Like I don’t know what kind of weed that guy was smoking down in Orlando, but it must have been some powerful stuff. There isn’t another franchise that went through stranger roster changes in the last few seasons than Orlando. They really have nothing to show for it either. I think the Magic have SERIOUS potential to be the worst team in the NBA. They have more big men to shake a stick at, and I just don’t see any direction with this team. Jonathan Simmons the former Spur went there this off-season and I bet it takes him 10 games before he drunk dials coach Popovich crying and begging to come back to San Antonio. This team stinks……they STINK!

New York Knicks: 2017: 31-51 Prediction: 25-57

Cue up the Liam Neeson memes yelling “Unleash The Porizingis,” because that’s all they really have. He’s so great though, he’s a basketball unicorn and it’s just the best. We could be witnessing the next Dirk, and I’m so happy that there’s potential in that. No more Melo, no more Jackson, here’s to Dolan giving you dirty looks. The Knicks are still a complete dumpster fire. Will be for many years to come. But we finally get Porzingis doing his thing and no more triangle offence! Not to mention they botched another draft pick, so we can always count on the Knicks to screw things up. Again, just going to be awful, but will have 10 plus nationally televised games this season, so look forward to that. Recently Michael Beasley said on a talent level “he’s right there with LeBron and KD.” Him and Rob Hennigan must have the same weed dealer……..

Charolette Hornets: 2017: 36-46 Prediction: 39-43

This is an interesting team. Charlotte has been in a peculiar situation the last few years. I feel like they should always have a better record than they do. But for some reason they are always sitting in the 8-12 spot in the Eastern Conference. Kemba Walker is a stud, he’s one of the best scorers in the NBA, I just think he doesn’t really have much help. Some of the names on the roster look great on paper, Dwight Howard, Marvin Williams, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist but these pieces just don’t add up to many wins. I think they got lucky that ten teams passed on Malik Munk the rookie out of Kentucky. This is a kid who is out to prove those other 10 teams. This is a guy who will know who got drafted ahead of him and by what team. His offence game might not be NBA ready yet, but it will be fun and interesting to see him grow as a pro with Walker by his side. If Dwight got his shots and is no longer the Ebola virus he was in Atlanta and Houston and LA……well maybe this could work out. But I highly doubt that, so I look forward in watching Dwight inplode once again this season.

Detroit Pistons: 2017: 37-45 Prediction: 32-50

Boy this team is going to STRUGGLE to score the basketball. I think this is going to be a long and rough season for the Pistons. We won’t be hearing much DETROIT BASKETBALL from my man Jalen Rose. This is just a complete and total roster mess, with no real offensive threat. Drummond is probably one his last leg in Detroit I think, things just haven’t worked out and he needs a fresh new start. I will say I’m excited for Luke Kennard to play, and he could be that much needed fire power I just mentioned. I think he’s going to turn into a solid pro for them, so look for Kennard to have a great year for the Pistons.

Miami Heat: 2017: 41-41 Prediction: 41-41

What an interesting team. Waiters Island got paid this summer and that guy is going to be on some serious revenge type stuff this season. The Heat are a weird team, they have some good pieces, Whiteside, Waiters, Dragic and Winslow. They even have some quality young guys like Josh Richardson and their rookie, Bam Adebayo, looking forward to the “Wham Bam, thank you ma’am” after a nice dunk or something. At least that would be my go to Bam call, if I was announcing. But I just don’t think they have a overall veteran leadership on the team. They will play with a ton of energy and run the floor, and will compete on a nightly basis, but I just don’t see them having a better record than last year. Remember they had an incredible stretch of games, and I just don’t see that happening again.

Chicago Bulls: 2017: 41-41 Prediction: 21-61

The Bulls may very well be competing to be the worst team in the entire NBA. Bulls fans are dubbing their draft pick Lauri Markkanen to be Dirk of Finland. This is a really young and bad roster. At the start of last season they had Rondo, Jimmy Buckets and D-Wade. All three of them are gone and to show for it? Kris Dunn, who I actually like and Zach LaVine, who will miss most of the season with an injury and is a contract year. I don’t see him sticking around in this situation. They will be in full tank mode, they have nothing to play for, and quite frankly they just won’t win many games, based solely on the roster. The Bulls need a coaching, and culture change really bad, they need some sign of a future and its just not apart of their franchise right now.

Indiana Pacers: 2017: 42-40 Prediction: 35-47

I don’t think it’s in Larry Birds DNA to tank. He will not let that happen. He won’t let the fans of the Pacers and the great state of Indiana down. So that’s why I think they will stay a float all season long. Now they lost Paul George and it’s time for Myles Turner to spread his wings and fly. They aren’t terrible, they have some all round solid NBA players. Has Victor Oladipo ever really been in the right situation? Last year he just stood around until Westbrook want a position off, and in Orlando, well that was just Orlando. This could be the fresh start he needs and look for him to have a comeback year. Thad Young was hurt all last year and I like this guy. He’s a pro and works hard and a few years back in Brooklyn, he was really good. Look for him to come back to form and help Turner down low. Lance will still be making them dance and I never want that to go away, especially in the Hoosier state.

Milwaukee Bucks: 2017: 42-40 Prediction: 45-37

Giannis!!! The Freak! I want the world to drop the “Greek” and just go with “The Freak” Dark horse MVP candidate this up coming year, if he takes another step in his game. If he can figure out his jump shot, I think the sky really is the limit on his ceiling. Now for the Bucks themselves, they showed flashes last season, especially in their playoff series against the Toronto Raptors. Unfortunately, this is almost becoming such a common thing, it makes me sad, Jabari Parker will miss the start of this season. I think this could be the year they trade him away. They have a TON of pieces they could trade if things aren’t working out. But Middleton, and last years ROY Malcolm Brogdon are back and are two great complimentary players. If Thon Maker can break out too, the Bucks could win upwards of 50 games.

Atlanta Hawks: 2017: 43-39 Prediction: 28-54

Whoa boy. Talk about a free fall. The Atlanta Hawks had a good run. They had a 60 win season and made it to the ECF, and that’s saying something. Not too many NBA franchise can say they accomplished that in last 5 years. All those players that were part of those teams are gone, and they really don’t have the right guys to fill the slots. I don’t even know who their crunch time guys will be, and arguably their best player Dennis Schroder could be in some legal trouble, so that’s not good. I think 28 wins is too high for this team, but I can’t predict a 20 loss difference from last season, that would be some historical kind of stuff. On the bright side Atlanta, no more Dwight Howard!

Washington Wizards: 2017: 49-33 Prediction: 51-31

So apparently the Wizards have won 50 or more games in like 40 years, but I think this is the year it happens. Bradley Beal looked unstoppable in the playoffs, and just basketball fans in general want him to FINALLY BE HEALTHY this season. John Wall wants to be in the MVP conversation, and honestly I think he’s the best PG in the East. He’s got speed like no other and I think he’s really coming into his own, and maturing as a player and as a man on and off the court. Much like Portland they will rely heavily on those two guys, much like Lillard and CJ, but Washington has some other good pieces. Otto Porter finally came into his own, and looks to be a great NBA player. Washington took the Celtics to 7 games last year, and I think they will build on that experience.

Toronto Raptors: 2017: 51-31 Prediction: 46-36

My squad, my team, my guys. I’m not really sure how I feel about this team. At what point do we all start to feel bad for the Raptors? Seriously its the same thing every year, well for the last 4. Great regular season, always improving, and then facing LeBron in the playoffs and getting swept. It’s not a great feeling and it just sucks. They lost a lot of their identity, especially on the defensive end of the floor, PJ Tucker and Patrick Patterson will be missed dearly. I can live without Corey Joseph and I fairly confident there was a Weekend At Bernie’s thing going on with DeMaree Carrol last season, he will not be missed. I just think this is going to be a down year for the Raptors, and I don’t know what this team needs to do moving forward. I do think they got a late steal in the draft with OG Anunoby, and when he gets back from injury, I hope he can contribute right away. We will need it.

Boston Celtics: 2017: 53-29 Prediction: 57-25

So the Celtics are going to be really good this season. What an off-season for Danny Ainge, signing Gordon Hayward, trading for Kyrie Irving and they had the third pick in the draft and went with the all around stud Jayson Tatum. Look I know people were unhappy about them trading away IT after everything he did for the city and the franchise, but this is a business, and I think IT will be alright. I think it’s going to take along time for this team to really find its identity. Now they do have an incredible coach in President Stevens, but he really hasn’t coached a true “superstar” before, but one thing he knows how to do is bring new pieces together and figure out how they all can work cohesively. Coming from the college game, he is experienced with that aspect of a team. I really think the sky is the limit for Boston, and I know Golden State is the mother of all teams, but I do think they will be one of the best teams in the league when they figure out who they want to be. The real big question will be, is Kyrie Irving a franchise guy? I really want to watch him this year without LeBron, because remember when the Cavs were his team, they were the worst team in the league by far. Now he has a really good roster around him, but it will be interesting to see if he can be a true leader and the guy Boston thinks he is going to be.

Cleveland Cavaliers: 2017 51-31 Prediction: 56-26

So the Cavs signed everybody this off-season. They have the oldest roster in the league and if you blow hard enough someone might actually just turn to dust and blow away. The nickname for this team needs to be “Father Time” and for the first time in history, father time may not be undefeated. Just like the Celtics they have a ton of new pieces, D-Rose, D-Wade, and when he comes back IT. LeBron teams always take time to gel and mesh when new pieces are added. It happened in Miami and it happened when Kevin Love came to Cleveland. IT is the X-Factor for them. If he comes back 100 percent and is on a mission from god to destroy the NBA like he did last season, I personally think the Cavs will win the championship this season. They have enough talent and he can score just as well as Kyrie, and I think he will embrace playing with LeBron more than he did and just soak it all in. Wade will play 50-60 games and just be on cruise control until the finals and he wants another ring. Kevin Love is going to have a fantastic year playing at the 5 spot and it’s such a smart move to have TT come off the bench.

I CANT WAIT FOR BASKETBALL TO COME BACK! I’m going to do one last piece about who I think will win the NBA awards this season, so stay tuned!

Check ya later.