A LEGEND IS BORN III

[The X]

After what many would consider a successful Olympic campaign, New Zealand-born guard Andrew Watson let it be known that he was not overly happy with the direction the Denver Nuggets' franchise was heading. After two successful regular seasons that were followed by disappointing playoff runs, the Nuggets lost their heart and soul (Carmelo Anthony) and failed to make the playoffs last season. With Melo gone last season, the team was Watson, but it was an empty feeling knowing that the team was just going through it's motions. The addition of Randolph and new signing of Chris Kaman seemed like more boneheaded moves by the Nuggets' front office.

When word leaked to Watson late yesterday that he may be going to the Rockets in a deal involving Tracy McGrady, he did not seem happy nor sad, as he was overheard saying "that's the business world for you." Whilst a change of scenery might be just what Watson was after, the inside word is that he is definitely not happy to be heading to Houston and doesn't see where he fits into their rotation, and he instead would've preferred to be reunited with Tall Blacks' teammate Mark Moore in Charlotte.

The sharpshooting, undersized Watson is in the last year of his rookie deal and now in his early 30's, he is not stupid, he knows that his last decent payday is just around the corner and that there probably isn't that much interest in a 6'3" unathletic shooting guard in the NBA. Watson needs to put his best foot forward and the Rockets' situation probably is not best to demonstrates his talents.

It seems destined that Watson will leave the Rockets at season's end, if not earlier, whether it be to another team or even off abroad to Europe, where his game is probably better suited as he enters the twilight of his career. How effective he is in Houston will likely determine his eventual destination.

At the time of this story we had left messages with Watson, who does not have an agent and therefore acts on his own behalf, but he was still unavailable for comment.

[Fresh8]

Very very sad story about Andrew Watson.

[Fresh8]

September 20, 2012
Atlantic Division Preview
By Willard Smith

Division by division previews for all 30 NBA teams.


Ron Artest and Carmelo Anthony have helped make Knicks-Nets derbies relevant again

Boston Celtics

The Celtics are old and I mean very old. With most of their rotation over the age of 34, I’m left wondering whether these old dudes have the legs to play an 82 game season and then play in the playoffs – not that they’re going to make the playoffs. These guys are officially has-beens. Great players back in the day but now, they may still be good but not good enough to be leading teams.

No disrespect to Garnett and Pierce because they are still great competitors and players. After all - Pierce made the All-Star Game last season. But being a star and leading a team, being the go-to-guy every night, are different tasks. It’s unfortunate Boston does not have the youth or depth to cover for any injuries that may arise. (Note: high probability of injuries due to old age)

Garnett is 36, Pierce is 35, and Ray Allen is 37. These three guys are starters. Then you look at the bench where you have 40 year old Grant Hill, 34 year old Steve Francis, and 34 year old Eddie House. I guess Boston knew what they were getting themselves into when they traded for Garnett and Allen. They’ve come to the end of their expected championship window and now will fizzle back into obscurity. And did I mention that these guys are old?

Starting Five: Zaza Pachulia, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo
Key Reserves Gerald Green SG, Grant Hill SF, Eddie House PG, Kevin Murphy C (R)
2011-12 Team Record: 40-42
2012-2013 Prediction: 12th in the Eastern Conference, Third in the Division

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New Jersey Nets

Carmelo Anthony was just what the Nets needed when he signed on last season. With one season under his belt, the All-Star forward has liked what he has seen in New Jersey. “Playing with a young team like the Nets and winning in front of my family and friends,” Anthony said, “It doesn’t get much better than this.” Anthony was the mature All-Star and leader that the Nets needed. The young players needed guidance and a player with the experience and proven track record for close games down the stretch.

But the team is not a one-man team with Anthony at the helm. It is far from that. Barney Steele is still the crowd favorite with his propensity to fill up the stat sheet from left to right. Steele has always been the savior of the Nets franchise since he was picked as a rookie. The ‘second coming of Jason Kidd’ for the Nets is in his last year of his rookie deal and many are hoping he stays. As Melo says, “Barney is the best point guard I’ve ever played with on the same team. He’s amazing. I want him to stick around (after this season).”

The Nets have a stacked roster outside of their big two. Yi Jianlian and DJ Schmidt are a complimentary frontcourt with Yi the outside man and DJ the inside man. Aussie Jeremy Mason is a great shooter and an able NBA scorer. Travis Outlaw and Raymond Felton are talented players coming from off the bench and Brad Miller just signed with the Nets to help in the leadership and experience component I spoke of before.

It’s looking good for the Nets. Expect them to finish higher than they did last season and advance past the first round. These guys are future contenders, mark my words (Well, if they can keep everyone around that is).

Starting Five: DJ Schmidt, Yi Jianlian, Carmelo Anthony, Jeremy Mason, Barney Steele
Key Reserves Raymond Felton PG, Travis Outlaw SF, Aaron Flores PF, Brad Miller C
2011-12 Team Record: 41-41
2012-2013 Prediction: Eliminated in Second Round, 4th in the Eastern Conference, First in the Division

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New York Knicks

Who would have thought that Ron Artest would have sparked a Knicks run to the playoffs? The trade away from Houston definitely boosted the playing stock of the Knicks with Artest and Aaron Brooks planting themselves on the Knicks’ bench. I’ve got to say that the biggest surprise out of all of this is Ron Ron’s effectiveness coming off the bench for the Knicks.

Despite all the good feelings of making the playoffs again for the first time in… a long time… I don’t think the Knicks can make it back to the postseason. They have the talent to make it but the talent don’t fit together like puzzle pieces would form a picture. Aaron Brooks and an aging Allen Iverson in the same backcourt – how does that work? They have the always inconsistent Lamar Odom and Artest coming off the bench chucking shots. And while everyone has the ball in their hands, who’s going to feed the rock to Travis Ward? (Speaking of Ward, he’s turned out to be a serviceable big man for the Knicks after averaging 15 ppg, 7 rpg and 2 bpg in his rookie year)

The Knicks aren’t going in any direction. (Have they ever?) I am expecting a season of nearly’s. They’re nearly going to make the playoffs. Iverson is nearly going to retire. Odom is nearly going to share his candy with the rest of the team. Artest is nearly going to hit someone because he’s the sixth man instead of a starter. Ward is nearly going to make the All-Star Game. And yes – Sasha is nearly going to cut his damn hair.

Starting Five: Travis Ward, Marresse Speights, Lamar Odom, Allen Iverson, Aaron Brooks
Key Reserves Ron Artest SF, Thaddeus Young SF, Sasha Vujacic SG, Chris Duhon PG
2011-12 Team Record: 44-38
2012-2013 Prediction: Narrowly miss the Playoffs, 9th in the Eastern Conference, Fourth in the Division

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Philadelphia 76ers

It was a bit weird to see the Sixer pick up Vince Carter last season. It was even weirder that the team did not finish at .500. The Sixers have always had a talented roster but they never get the results. Since it’s been that way for many years now, I think it’s safe to say that they are not going to buck the trend this year. Expect another low seeding in the Eastern Conference and then a sweep in the first round against the Cleveland Cavaliers or Atlanta Hawks or Miami Heat.

The success or lack thereof has baffled many including Sixers’ star Andre Iguodala, “I don’t get how we can’t get a top seeding. Maybe we’re just not focused enough?” For me, I’d like to see a coaching change. The Sixers should change their style to a more uptempo one because they simply have the personnel to do so. Resurreccion is one of the best passers in the league and one of the most efficient ones too.

Iguodala has always been a great wing and even though Carter is old, he can still score. Brock may not be able to run that well but he is a bruising force down low who gets great position on rebounds. His blocking prowess should be the start of every fast break. Dump Elton Brand and start rookie Gus Webb because he can run the floor and is better than Brand. You have a 50 win team right here.

So as I said – fire the coach. All problems will be solved.

Starting Five: Byron Brock, Elton Brand, Vince Carter, Andre Iguodala, Zoilo Resurreccion
Key Reserves Corey Brewer SF, Mike Miller SG, Willie Green SG, Darrell Arthur PF, Gus Webb PF (R)
2011-12 Team Record: 37-45
2012-2013 Prediction: Eliminated in the First Round, 7th in the Eastern Conference, Second in the Division

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Toronto Raptors

After being left hung out to dry by the franchise, it’s amazing to see how Chris Bosh has played. Not long ago, Bosh was the subject of every trade rumor but nothing happened because his team’s management decided that they weren’t getting equal value in any trade offers. Bosh averaged a career high 26 ppg last season and added 10.6 rpg and 2.1 bpg to cement his place as one of the premier forwards in the game. But Bosh’s time in Toronto may be numbered.

Actually, I can’t say that for sure because the franchise doesn’t look like it is headed in any one direction.

Toronto has a mix of young and old. The problem is that the old are too old or on the decline. The young are too young and not developed enough to win. The Summer was terrible as their bid for Chris Kaman fell through at the last minute and somehow they wound up with Z instead. I love Z but he’s not exactly a young player anymore.

Chris Hova and Larry Williams will be an exciting young backcourt. Williams had a great rookie season averaging 12 ppg, 4 rpg, and 3 apg after being picked third by Toronto. Hova has always been a promising prospect but was behind Jose Calderon on the depth chart. His move to the bench looked like he could be dealt soon. Terrell Hicks is an undersized but talented two guard and could be traded to get some more help for Bosh as he has stated that he wants to win now. Toronto is a bit of a mess and it will be interesting to see how the next season goes.

Starting Five: Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Chris Bosh, Mickael Pietrus, Larry Williams, Chris Hova
Key Reserves Jose Calderon PG , Raja Bell SG, Terrell Hicks SG, Udonis Haslem PF
2011-12 Team Record: 37-45
2012-2013 Prediction: 14th in the Eastern Conference, Last in the Division

[Valor]

Artest should be starting on the Knicks, and give the man #37 already

[kibaxx7]

Yep, Ron should have #37 man... Can't wait for the Pacers prev!

[hova-]

Hell yeah, I'm starting. This will be the season for the Raptors

[Fresh8]

Artest should be starting on the Knicks, and give the man #37 already

No - Artest is the sixth man.

Yep, Ron should have #37 man... Can't wait for the Pacers prev!

In my virtual world, the King of Pop is still alive.

As for your Pacers preview... might be a while before it comes up.

Hell yeah, I'm starting. This will be the season for the Raptors

Nope, you're looking like a lottery team.

[The X]

Very very sad story about Andrew Watson.

Why is it sad? I don't see anything sad about it. You didn't expect a loyal player like Watson to be happy with it did you?

[Fresh8]

Very very sad story about Andrew Watson.

Why is it sad? I don't see anything sad about it. You didn't expect a loyal player like Watson to be happy with it did you?

Sad cause it sounds like u've lost your desire to play in the N B A.

Well, with the Nuggets/Rockets that is. Maybe you will sign with an Eastern Conference team next season.

[The X]

Once season rolls around, I'm sure I'll be professional & competitive, as per usual, wherever I may be

[Fresh8]

Once season rolls around, I'm sure I'll be professional & competitive, as per usual, wherever I may be

Well... you did have a blinder in your first game.

[Fresh8]

September 25, 2012
Northwest Division Preview
By Willard Smith

Division by division previews for all 30 NBA teams.


Everyone should expect a breakout year from Greg Oden and the Blazers to stay on top

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets have blown their whole roster up and traded three starters for one. And that new starter is none other than Tracy One Knee McGrady. T-Mac missed all of 2011-12 to injury. No one has seen him play since the 10-11 season. Heck, I can’t even remember if he was any good. Why did Denver trade for him?

So the team lost a lot of depth. And when I say a lot, I mean it. Sure, Carmelo Anthony bolted but the team was not that bad. With Chris Kaman on board, I’m sure that he would have helped. Denver could have been a playoff team this season before the T-Mac trade.

Instead, they need to hope that T-Mac is firstly, injury free, and secondly, able to play at a high level. Their starting five isn’t as bad as some people would think they are. Randolph can still give you 20-10 a night, Kleiza does his own thing, Kaman will give you 10-10, and Chalmers is an exciting player who can score and dime with the best of them. If T-Mac can come out and score 25 a game, I would say this side has a chance to be not that bad. The thing that is stopping them from being a fringe eighth seed is the fact that there is no bench to speak of.

So I will give Denver the benefit of the doubt here. A finish in the middle of the pack that misses the playoffs and a place in the middle of the lottery. How’s that sound to you? Good, I’m glad you agree.

Starting Five: Chris Kaman, Zach Randolph, Linas Kleiza, Tracy McGrady, Mario Chalmers
Key Reserves Spencer Hawes C, Frederick Lampley PF (R), Quinton Ross SG, Damien Grady SG (R)
2011-12 Team Record: 35-47
Projected 2012-13: 11th in the Western Conference, Fourth in the Division

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Minnesota Timberwolves

I’ve just got to be honest with everyone here. The Wolves are not very good. I just can’t see them winning. The Wolves are destined to keep stinking it up. Why? I will provide you a short and succinct scouting report of your Wolves.

Al Jefferson has never played like the All-Star he was supposed to be. Rookie Janis Kalnins is soft. Quinn Person was an underrated pickup for the team but he never played a big role in Portland; for a strange reason I keep having a vision he’s going to turn out like Devean George (totally overrated role player because of playing on a great team). Rashad McCants and Stephen Jackson will keep squabbling over playing time and Manfred Nissley is short and overweight. Mike Bibby is on his final legs while Ciro Rojo could not even make the Argentine national team due to attitude problems. Roy Hibbert… well, it’s Roy Hibbert. He’s a flop.

After that in-depth review of the team, it’s clear to me (and should be to you) that the Wolves will not be going nowhere. Maybe next Summer they will get that ever elusive first overall draft pick.

Starting Five: Al Jefferson, Janis Kalnins, Quinn Person, Rashad McCants, Manfred Nissley
Key Reserves Mike Bibby PG, Stephen Jackson SG, Ciro Rojo PG, Roy Hibbert C, JJ Hickson PF
2011-12 Team Record: 34-48
Projected 2012-13: 12th in the Western Conference, Last in the Division

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Portland Trailblazers

It’s been a five year wait for Greg Oden to dominate like he should. Remember all of the hype leading up to his drafting and then he missed the whole season due to injury? Then the Blazers got Steve Nash and Carlos Boozer on board. Ben Gordon would later join. Oden was lucky that he had so much talent on his side. Multiple postseason forays. That’s experience you cannot buy.

But for many of us, we just want to see the big man rip it up. Well, now is his chance with the Blazers losing both Nash and Jerryd Bayless. Ramon Sessions is promoted to the starting five and don’t sweat because Sessions is going to set up Oden with plenty of entry passes. Oden is going to dominate. This is really exciting stuff.

And the whole beauty of the situation is that the Blazers still have a strong roster. Their starting five is still one of the best in the league. Their bench features guys who know their roles and exceed at one or two things. They come in and do their job and then get out of the way. That’s how the Blazers roll.

Expect Oden to dominate this season. And expect the Blazers to once again make the Western Conference Finals. Their undoing will be the fact that their team is not as strong as it has been for the past three seasons. But do we care? Not that much. Why? Because Oden is going to dominate.

Starting Five: Greg Oden, Carlos Boozer, Brandon Roy, Ben Gordon, Ramon Sessions
Key Reserves Derrick Caldwell C, Darko Milicic C, Hal Justice SG, Herbert Horsley SF
2011-12 Team Record: 54-28
Projected 2012-13: Eliminated in Western Conference Finals, 2nd in the Western Conference, First in the Division

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Seattle Stealth

Patriotism may be the undoing of this Stealth team. You’ve got 6 players on the roster who competed at the London Olympic Games. That’s the most of any NBA team. Andrew Bogut (Australia), Kevin Durant (USA), Jao Wu (China), Mingyu Li (China), Luis Scola (Argentina), and Senso Rancati (Italy) all represented their countries at the Olympics. I guess it makes for some good stories to bring back for those long flights across the country from coast to coast. But all the extra minutes have got to take its toll after a while, especially for Bogut and Durant who played till the final rounds of the tournament.

Putting that all aside, take a quick glance at Seattle’s roster and you will notice these things. They have the NBA’s leading scorer. Durant has led the league in scoring for three seasons in a row now. They have the most exciting up and coming youngster. Tyson averaged something like 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists last season. They have the legendary point guard hungry for a ring. How great would it be for Jason Kidd to finally win a championship?

The team also has a strong starting frontcourt partnership between Bogut and David Lee. The bench boasts the talents of first overall draft pick Jao Wu and shooters Mingyu Li, Aaron Karl. Trevor Ariza and Luis Scola set the tone on defense when called upon. Yet, this team keeps flying under the radar.

It’s hard to gauge how Seattle will do. They just seem to be talented but there is something that is missing that really convinces me that they are not NBA Finalist material. Maybe it’s the lack of experience. (Or maybe it’s their head coach’s hair)

Starting Five: Andrew Bogut, David Lee, Kevin Durant, Reshawn Tyson, Jason Kidd
Key Reserves Jao Wu PG (R), Mingyu Li SF, Aaron Karl PG, Luis Scola PF, Trevor Ariza SF
2011-12 Team Record: 45-37
Projected 2012-13: Eliminated in Second Round, 5th in the Western Conference, Second in the Division

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Utah Jazz

The biggest problem that has plagued this franchise is their desperate need for a bona fide big man. Ever since Carlos Boozer bolted for the Blazers, the Jazz have had no one dependable in the post. Their second overall draft pick from 2009, Donnell Lawrence, has struggled. Lawrence was expected to help the Jazz continue to win but things never worked out as planned. The All-Star backcourt of Joe Johnson and Deron Williams just can’t get it done without an anchor down low.

Last season, Lawrence showed signs of improvement as he had his most productive season yet with 9.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 2.8 bpg, and 3.7 apg. Utah surprisingly made the playoffs but they must have Lawrence at least playing at that level again if they even want a shot at making the playoffs one more time. Those numbers just won’t cut it - the Jazz need a lot more buckets from him. (He’s 6’10” for God’s sake! How hard can it be to put up an extra three to five buckets a game?)

Apart from Williams, Johnson, and the disappointing Lawrence, the Jazz don’t have much. Johan Petro was signed to start at centre only because the team had no other options and Petro surely had no other destinations. Sidney Hooper has the name to play the game but doesn’t have the game to start for an NBA team. The bench is a bunch of guys who cannot get jobs elsewhere.

If Lawrence plays exceptionally well (Achievable – it’s a contract year) then maybe, just maybe, the Jazz could sneak into the playoffs again (Just don’t get your hopes up!). Realistically, I think they will be close but just miss out.

Starting Five: Johan Petro, Donnell Lawrence, Sidney Hooper, Joe Johnson, Deron Williams
Key Reserves Acie Law PG, Morris Almond SG, Kyle Korver SF, Andre Miller PG, Todor Csiky C (R)
2011-12 Team Record: 46-36
Projected 2012-13: 9th in the Western Conference, Third in the Division

[|)e8*]

Fuck the Jazz need me as GM

[kibaxx7]

Fuck the Jazz need me as GM

The Jazz have a nice bench, though. Miller, Korver, Law, Almond.

[Martti.]

The Jazz have made so many freakin moves, but at least they kept their franchise player Korver.

[|)e8*]

LOL Martti.

[Valor]

(Or maybe it’s their head coach’s hair)

I'm pretty sure that's going to be the thing that going to get you guys 50+ wins and the franchises' first ever finals appearance as the Stealth

[Lamrock]

Loving the season previews. Hope Oden dominates. BTW, for the pics do you use 2K9 PC? The graphics look like they are on low-medium setting, but it might just be 2k9 being dated coupled with it being from a TV.

Can't wait to see the Bucks' predicted 73-9 season with Washburn on board.

[Fresh8]

Fuck the Jazz need me as GM

What would you do to help the team?

Fuck the Jazz need me as GM

The Jazz have a nice bench, though. Miller, Korver, Law, Almond.

Not really... don't forget it's 2012, everyone is older now.

The Jazz have made so many freakin moves, but at least they kept their franchise player Korver.

haha yeah. Too bad Korver lost his starting spot to Hooper.

(Or maybe it’s their head coach’s hair)

I'm pretty sure that's going to be the thing that going to get you guys 50+ wins and the franchises' first ever finals appearance as the Stealth

Perhaps. You never know!

But I am expecting a good season... was thinking about perhaps making a deal since I have a logjam at PG and PF... and David Lee isn't really cutting it as my starting PF... he's had two seasons to prove his worth as a starter but we're just not getting the results. Anyone un/happy with me relegating Lee to the bench?

Loving the season previews. Hope Oden dominates. BTW, for the pics do you use 2K9 PC? The graphics look like they are on low-medium setting, but it might just be 2k9 being dated coupled with it being from a TV.

Can't wait to see the Bucks' predicted 73-9 season with Washburn on board.

Thanks man, I sure hope you like them cause I don't usually do them due to the time it takes but I hope it pays off so people know who is good or not and it's a record of who is where now.

Yeah, your Blazers lost Nash/Bayless so that's about 30-35 points and a shitload of assists gone.

And I used XBox + Camera for screenshots... reason why I didn't have pics for so long was because my phone died and also my other computer died. I hope the picutres look ok... didn't want this ALL TEXT... so 1 picture per update should do the trick.

Bucks will be coming in next update!

[hova-]

Very nice wrap up. I like it The Trail Blazers are still the best team in the NW Division, but apart from the hair of their coach, the Stealth live up to them in most aspects. Oden vs Bogut should be a cool battle down low. Some interesting lineups. I mean, Johan Petro starting, hell no. The T-Wolves are just so predestinated to loose, it's very sad.

[Fresh8]

Very nice wrap up. I like it The Trail Blazers are still the best team in the NW Division, but apart from the hair of their coach, the Stealth live up to them in most aspects. Oden vs Bogut should be a cool battle down low. Some interesting lineups. I mean, Johan Petro starting, hell no. The T-Wolves are just so predestinated to loose, it's very sad.

What's interesting is that a lot of former Stealth bench players are starters around the league. Petro, DJ White, Jeff White. And Brad Miller and Westbrook I think are starters too for other teams.

[Valor]

Anyone un/happy with me relegating Lee to the bench?

Depends on who you are replacing him with, if its with Scola then....

[Fresh8]

Anyone un/happy with me relegating Lee to the bench?

Depends on who you are replacing him with, if its with Scola then....

Nah, was thinking putting a package together to get myself a marquee big man.

Any suggestions boys?

[dare]

Coach Will "The Hair" Sit would bring the trophy in Seattle

[Fresh8]

Coach Will "The Hair" Sit would bring the trophy in Seattle

Sorry. It's FreshCut