Prediction Thread: 2014 Most Improved Team

[NovU]

Here's a list of teams that made an improvement with newly added and comeback players. Which team do you think will improve in WIN COLUMN the most next season?

EAST
BKN : 49 wins last season / 33 losses
CHI: 45 / 37
DET: 29 / 53
CLE: 24 / 58
CHA: 21 / 61
ORL: 20 / 62

WEST
HOU: 45 / 37
GSW: 47 / 35
DAL: 41 / 41
MIN: 31 / 51
SAC: 28 / 54

I can envision Houston winning 55-60 games and that's about 10-15 improvement. If CHA can get 40 that's nearly 20 win improvement. So which team is your pick for most improved?

Currently I like Cavaliers' chances.

[Andrew]

The Cavaliers do seem like a good pick and if any of the basement dwellers are to make a big jump this season, it's probably going to be them. Having said that, I think it's a bit more likely that we'll see a team like the Bulls or Rockets add another 10-15 wins to top the 50 win mark.

[Stress Fracture]

Am I being too delusional to say that the Rockets would win 55-65 games? You guys said only 60.

Brooklyn can be a 50-55 win team next season depending how the guys out there gel.

I also have the Warriors, ranging from 49-54 wins.

[NovU]

I don't think you are too deluded. The Rockets have pretty good chance to surprise. They possibly got the best players in the league at two positions, at C and SG, and if they really do play up to their names I can see rest of team stepping up and going along for the ride. However, my guess is still 55-60. 10 to 15 improvement is not a joke for already a solid team like the Rockets.

Of course though, I also think it all depends on number of teams that want to tank. We could be seeing a season with several teams winning 60+ games because of Wiggins and Jabari.

Having said that, I think it's a bit more likely that we'll see a team like the Bulls or Rockets add another 10-15 wins to top the 50 win mark.

It's funny that both CHI and HOU had idential record at 45 - 37 too. Makes me wonder which superstar will bring in more wins. Of course there are other variables to concern but Rose and Howard are biggest names in this year's changes for them.

[[Q]]

I've been waiting for 2 years for Minnesota to make the playoffs. surely this is their year?
Also, Dallas should be back in the mix with Dirk healthy.

[stereoxide]

Most Improved Team for me will be the Cavs they have a bad record last year and with that roster they cannot possibly be worse this season. The dark horse might be the Wizards. While the Wolves or the Pelicans might make a run for it.

[rise]

One of two things needs to happen for the Bobcats next year:

1) We tank again and win 20-30 games, bad enough to have a legit shot at Wiggins/Exum/Parker/Randle/others, and retain our pick, which goes to Chicago if it's outside the top 10.

2) We make another win-now move and shoot for the playoffs. No question it's a much improved team- we have a much improved coaching staff, Kemba, MKG, Bismack, Jeff Taylor, Josh McRoberts, and Henderson are all a year older and more experienced, and we replaced Byron Mullens and Tyrus Thomas with Al Jefferson and Cody Zeller. A half-decent coach would've gotten 30 wins out of last year's team. I have little doubt we can get 35-40 wins with the roster we have right now, but the question is if that's enough to get to the playoffs and I don't think it is. If our pick falls in the 11-14 range, we miss the playoffs and still convey our draft pick to the Bulls. A 9th or 10th seed finish is a worst case scenario.

I would not be surprised to see us make a move with some of our future picks and other talent to get a really good wing player to pair with MKG. We own Detroit's 1st rounder next year, and Portland's pick as well. Those are definite trade assets, plus we have expiring deals, and plenty of young talent to get a deal done that should push us into the playoff mix in the East. If that happens, we could double our win total from last year (21) and maybe then some.







Other teams that should improve substantially: Wizards, Pelicans, Pistons, and Cavaliers should all be in the playoff mix.

[[Q]]

Just stop rooting for the Bobcats and start rooting for the Hornets to get ready for next year.

[NovU]

My expectation on Pelicans is minimal. Tyreke and Jrue aren't really an improvement. Even Eric Gorden isn't that much better player. This backcourt unit will be a disaster. They are far from good backcourt unit. They also lost Robin Lopez(who isn't much). The problem is they're left with undersized frontcourt with too much relying on Anthony Davis's development. This team isn't making a playoffs. QMIJ

[SoF'nAwesome]

It's hard to tell, but I guess that's why it's called the prediction thread.

I think that the team that will improve the MOST will be BKN. GSW on 2nd & HOU on 3rd. I know I'm understating the Cavs, but I just have a feeling that Bynum won't be an All-Star caliber player next season.

NovU, I think you are putting too much into DH. He is good, but we don't know how well he will get along with Beard over there.

[NovU]

Dwight will get along just fine with Harden, at least chemistry wise on the court. The Rockets are guaranteed 10+ wins. I will say DH's that good.

[shadowgrin]

I would not be surprised to see us make a move with some of our future picks and other talent to get a really good wing player to pair with MKG.

Agree. Hornets really need a good player to pair with MKG because he sucks.

[rise]

Dwight will get along just fine with Harden, at least chemistry wise on the court. The Rockets are guaranteed 10+ wins. I will say DH's that good.

I would hope so, because otherwise they'd be close to the worst team of all time.

Just stop rooting for the Bobcats and start rooting for the Hornets to get ready for next year.

Hornets don't exist right now. As much as I wish we could have the Hornets right now, we're the Bobcats and I'm okay rolling with that name for one last year.

My expectation on Pelicans is minimal. Tyreke and Jrue aren't really an improvement. Even Eric Gorden isn't that much better player. This backcourt unit will be a disaster. They are far from good backcourt unit. They also lost Robin Lopez(who isn't much). The problem is they're left with undersized frontcourt with too much relying on Anthony Davis's development. This team isn't making a playoffs. QMIJ

Tyreke and Holiday aren't an improvement from Vasquez and Austin Rivers? They've got one of the most talented backcourts in the league. I'm worried about that front court. Davis can't be relied on too heavily just yet. They'll be in the playoff mix, but they won't make it over teams like Denver or even Dallas if they can't get another legit frontcourt player. They have the talent though, particularly if Gordon stays healthy and if Jrue, Tyreke, and Davis progress like they should.

I would not be surprised to see us make a move with some of our future picks and other talent to get a really good wing player to pair with MKG.

Agree. Hornets really need a good player to pair with MKG because he sucks.

[NovU]

Tyreke and Holiday aren't an improvement from Vasquez and Austin Rivers?

Probably not, if you think in return value for investment terms. Vasquez and Rivers at least were playing for fractions of cost. Reke, Jrue, and Gordon are still all prospects that still haven't proven anything imo, but they got paid big on their potentials. Sure they can put up big numbers but all lack efficiency. That simply isn't good because everything depends on their development, way too much.

[rise]

Tyreke and Holiday aren't an improvement from Vasquez and Austin Rivers?

Probably not, if you think in return value for investment terms. Vasquez and Rivers at least were playing for fractions of cost. Reke, Jrue, and Gordon are still all prospects that still haven't proven anything imo, but they got paid big on their potentials. Sure they can put up big numbers but all lack efficiency. That simply isn't good because everything depends on their development, way too much.

The trio they have now are in a completely different tier than Vasquez and Rivers.

Holiday is a borderline top 10 PG who is still very young, Gordon is also young and a really good player when healthy, and even the "garbage Tyreke" we've seen the last couple years absolutely blows away Vasquez and Rivers. They now have pieces that can start on a playoff caliber team, even if they are another couple years away. If you're going to tell me that Holiday and Tyreke aren't a gigantic upgrade for the future, I don't know what to tell you.

[[Q]]

Just stop rooting for the Bobcats and start rooting for the Hornets to get ready for next year.

Hornets don't exist right now. As much as I wish we could have the Hornets right now, we're the Bobcats and I'm okay rolling with that name for one last year.

lol you missed the point that this is yet another throw away season for them.

[NovU]

The trio they have now are in a completely different tier than Vasquez and Rivers.

Holiday is a borderline top 10 PG who is still very young, Gordon is also young and a really good player when healthy, and even the "garbage Tyreke" we've seen the last couple years absolutely blows away Vasquez and Rivers. They now have pieces that can start on a playoff caliber team, even if they are another couple years away. If you're going to tell me that Holiday and Tyreke aren't a gigantic upgrade for the future, I don't know what to tell you.

You missed my point. They aren't a gigantic upgrade because you probably won't get bang worth the buck you spend. Gordon is a max paid player, Tyreke is getting paid 11, Jrue 10, both for next 4 years. Good bye flexibility, hello inefficiency that needs developing. They are a gigantic upgrade for the future? That sounds like a big 'maybe'.

[benji]

You missed my point. They aren't a gigantic upgrade because you probably won't get bang worth the buck you spend. Gordon is a max paid player, Tyreke is getting paid 11, Jrue 10, both for next 4 years. Good bye flexibility, hello inefficiency that needs developing. They are a gigantic upgrade for the future? That sounds like a big 'maybe'.

Read your own thread title.

[NovU]

So how many wins do you see them improved?

[Nick]

I think Houston will improve the most, and are a legit chance for #1 seed in West. With all Dwight's issues, I think he's finally in the right situation. Should be fully healed from his back problems, and he enters a young core where players are hungry to create a legacy together (unlike in LA where Kobe was already in the midst of his own legacy to the point where Dwight didn't fit). Unless a major injury happens, they're a top 3 team in the West to me, and I wont be surprised at all if they make the finals.

I'm not sold on the Cavs yet. I'm not sold that Anthony Bennett can be an impact player, and it's impossible to trust Bynum's durability.

The Wizards will improve a lot I think, but they've only gone from bad team to decent team, so it's not really worth talking about them yet.

Not sold on the Pistons. Their offseason felt like something a 2k team would do - random signings they seemingly don't fit. Be interesting to see how it goes.

Brooklyn obviously had a massive offseason, but can they stay healthy?? I have my doubts.

I think Minnesota can finally make some noise now that they're all healthy. *touch wood*

[NovU]

Nick, I could agree with you on most counts. But just to note on Cavs why I like them this coming season...

Healthy Varejao and improved Irving are pretty good one two punch imo. You surround them with better players, they will definitely do much better. Jarrett Jack was a solid addition, better than anyone they had outside Irv & jao last season. Thompson, Waiters, and Zeller probably have improved. Earl Clark, CJ, and Gee are depth and role players you can turn to. Bennett doesn't need to be great on this team. Him being 4th or 5th best player will probably work out just fine for them and it's certainly within reach. Whatever Bynum can give will be gravy. And even in the worst case scenario with Bynum, they still have Varejao to turn to.

[Moz]

under the radar teams like the Blazers and Raptors will have a better season this year

[rise]

I think Houston will improve the most, and are a legit chance for #1 seed in West. With all Dwight's issues, I think he's finally in the right situation. Should be fully healed from his back problems, and he enters a young core where players are hungry to create a legacy together (unlike in LA where Kobe was already in the midst of his own legacy to the point where Dwight didn't fit). Unless a major injury happens, they're a top 3 team in the West to me, and I wont be surprised at all if they make the finals.

I'm not sold on the Cavs yet. I'm not sold that Anthony Bennett can be an impact player, and it's impossible to trust Bynum's durability.

The Wizards will improve a lot I think, but they've only gone from bad team to decent team, so it's not really worth talking about them yet.

Not sold on the Pistons. Their offseason felt like something a 2k team would do - random signings they seemingly don't fit. Be interesting to see how it goes.

Brooklyn obviously had a massive offseason, but can they stay healthy?? I have my doubts.

I think Minnesota can finally make some noise now that they're all healthy. *touch wood*

I agree with all of that, except the Houston being #1 part. I though Bennett was an awful pick anywhere in the top 10, let alone #1. Also, as a fan of a team that owns the Pistons pick should it land outside of the top 8, I'm excited to see what the Pistons do (or don't do). There's a good chance that pick is 9-12. I'm not sold on them at all. Jennings/Smith is destined to fail (low percentage chuckers) and someone needs to pass it to Monroe and Drummond, and knowing Jennings, it sure as hell isn't going to be him.

[Stress Fracture]

He said they have a legitimate shot, not necessarily locking the #1 seed right away.

If they get it, then very good. If they just fall below #4, it's gonna be a disappointment.

[Rokyn]

This year is a hard for me to personally pick especially after the number of teams this year that have upgraded their rosters significantly. The Cavs have definitely taken some steps forward and I believe they are now playoff contenders. Howard going to Houston makes them even more dangerous and the same goes to Iggy going to the Warriors (though they did lose a couple key bench players and they are already pretty good). Chicago getting Rose back is definitely going to improve their position on the rankings. I'm probably going to go with Cleveland for my number one and Chicago at second. I think Chicago will be able to get more than 55+ wins this time around.

EDIT: I'm surprised some people have put the Timberwolves under their radar. They look very solid at every position and have kept their core intact (while Love and Rubio hopefully return more healthy and the new pieces contribute a lot). They will improve a lot more compared to the Bulls.