Gold Rush - Team-byTeam analysis

[Mandich]

Trades that will make a new order in the NBA

If you thought the Offseason was enough surprising , check this out !


David Lee and Paul George switch teams.


Golden State made what many think is a stupid move. They trade away one of the best rebounders in the NBA , David Lee , who had an injury marked season last year to the Indiana Pacers for forward Paul George , point guard TJ Ford and the 2013 1st round pick. The Pacers will also receive guard Charlie Bell. This will free up space for Warriors rookie Jamon Ramirez to start. Warriors are now a team that can sneak to the playoffs, and Pacers are now one of the favorites for homecourt at the East.

Warriors Trade Grade : B+
Pacers Trade Grade : B+


Greg Monroe is trade before he even got to play a game for the Bobcats , Andre Miller is in town.

Everyone thought that the Bobcats were nuts after trading away their 1st pick of the draft and Ty Thomas to Detroit for Greg Monroe and Charlie V. Well some people will now call them smart , as the Bobcats trade away Greg Monroe and their starting point guard DJ Augustin , who had a terrible year last season to the Blazers. In return they get experienced guard Andre Miller and center Zydrunas Ilgauskas. They will also receive the Blazers 2012 1st round pick. The Bobcats now have a good all-around team , and will probably make the playoffs. Portland is in a rebuilding process , and we hope they show some improvement over last year.

Bobcats Trade Grade : A-
Blazers Trade Grade : A+


Richard Hamilton goes to the nations capital , Lewis is in Detroit.

The second biggest trade this offseason was between Detroit and Washington. After Detroit's front office made a master move getting the 1st pick this year , they were stacked at the 2 guard spot , with 3 great players. 1st pick Marcus Hardaway , Ben Gordon and Rip Hamilton. Detroit decided to trade Rip Hamilton along with forward Jason Maxiell , center Ben Wallace and guard Will Bynum. The Wizard will send these following players in the other direction : Rashard Lewis , K.Seraphin , Javale McGee and rookie guard E.Samuels. Detroit is now ready to make some noise with a solid team , the Wizards now have a good back-court tandem in Wall-Hamilton , as Nick Young will most likely start at the small forward position.

Pistons Trade Grade : B+
Wizards Trade Grade : C+


Chauncey Billups is off to L.A. as he and Kobe Bryant will make the best backcourt duo in the NBA.

The blockbuster move this year was between Los Angeles and Denver. Chauncey Billups wanted out of Denver as soon as Anthony announced he will not re-sign with his team at the end of the year. Denver wanted to get good young talent for Billups , but they didn't manage to do that. Insteat they got forward Luke Walton , guard Steve Blake , forward Matt Barnes and the Lakers 2013 1st round pick. They send Billups , and (bad) rookies D.Hawkins and O.Penbe to Los Angeles. The Lakers are now probably the best team in the NBA, watch out for them guys !

Lakers Trade Grade : A+
Nuggets Trade Grade : D

[maksie]

niice,Rip is back in Washingon.Also great trade for the Lakers.

[Bucket]

Mr. Big Shot and Mamba on one team? Deadly combination

[Mandich]

Team Breakdown : Season 2011-2012

Philadelphia 76ers

With the addition of one of the best centers to have ever played the game , Shaquille O'Neal , the Sixers have brought experience into their young team. If they want to make the Playoffs in this years strong east , Evan Turner needs to show why has he been selected 2nd in last years draft , and Iguodala has to have a breakout year.

Starting Five : Louis Williams / Evan Turner / Andre Iguodala / Marreese Speights / Shaquille O'Neal
Key Reserves : Jrue Holiday , Elton Brand
Potential All-stars : Andre Iguodala

Charlotte Bobcats

After a big summer for the 'Cats , making one of the stupidest moves in recent NBA history by trading away 1st pick of the draft and Ty Thomas for absolutely nothing , they managed to make something out of nothing in the trade period. They are now the underdog of the Eastern Conference.

Starting Five : Andre Miller / Stephen Jackson / Gerald Walalce / Charlie Villanueva / Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Key Reserves : Allen Iverson , Delonte West , Boris Diaw
Potential All-stars : Gerald Wallace


Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks haven't really changed from last season. The only notable add is rookie Mack Bell , who is expected to make a difference off the bench. With this team , the Bucks will not likely make the Playoffs this season.

Starting Five : Brandon Jennings / John Salmons / Corey Maggette / Luc Mbah a Moute / Andre Bogut
Key Reserves : Mack Bell (Rookie) , Chris Douglas-Roberts
Potential All-stars : Andrew Bogut

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls haven't changed a bit from last year. The only difference is that Rose is better than ever , and is currently the best point guard in the NBA. Carlos Boozer did not have a great season last year , and the only way the Bulls can make some noise this year is if Boozer steps up and plays like in his Utah Jazz days.

Starting Five : Derrick Rose / Ronnie Brewer / Luol Deng / Carlos Boozer / Joakhim Noah
Key Reserves : Taj Gibson , Alonzo Gibson (Rookie)
Potential All-stars : Derrick Rose , Carlos Boozer

Cleveland Cavaliers

After Cleveland somehow managed to make the playoffs last year , they strengthened their team with more experienced players like McGrady and Kirilenko in the offseason. Teams in the east are much more stronger than last year , so Cleveland will have trouble making the Playoffs this year

Starting Five : Mo Williams / Tracy McGrady / Andrei Kirilenko / Antawn Jamison / Anderson Varejao
Key Reserves : Ramon Sessions
Potential All-stars : None

Boston Celtics

Paul Pierce is 34 , Kevin Garnett is 35 , Ray Allen is 36 so combined they have 105 years. This aging roster are now surely looking at their last change to win an NBA title. But after Shaq left , Perkins is under more pressure than ever. Also , can Rajon Rondo increase his scoring numbers a bit so he takes some heat off of the veterans ?

Starting Five : Rajon Rondo / Ray Allen / Paul Pierce / Kevin Garnett / Kendrick Perkins
Key Reserves : Glen Davis , Nate Robinson
Potential All-stars : Rajon Rondo , Paul Pierce

Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers starting five remains same after last years. After a break out season from Eric Gordon , All-star one by Blake Griffin and continued improvement of Chris Kaman , the Clippers could sneak into playoffs if a good team gets nagged with injury problems.

Starting five : Baron Davis / Eric Gordon / Al Aminu / Blake Griffin / Chris Kaman
Key reserves : Eric Bledsoe , Boyd Park (rookie)
Potential All-stars : Blake Griffin

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies were weakened considerably in this offseason after their two big men left. Zach Randolph to my Warriors , and Marc Gasol to the Thunder. They decided to sign Greg Oden , who hadn't had a chance to show his talent because of injuries. Will rookie Craig Riley have enough in him to replace Randolph?

Starting five : Mike Conley / OJ Mayo / Rudy Gay / Craig Riley (rookie) / Greg Oden
Key reserves : Spencer Hawes
Potential All-stars : Rudy Gay

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks have changed a bit this year. Josh Smith will again play small forward , just like in his first few years in the league. His power forward spot will now be played by veteran Kenyon Martin. The rest of the Hawks remain the same. After they were 2nd in the east last year , can we expect a playoff run by the Hawks ?

Starting five : Mike Bibby / Joe Johnson / Josh Smith / Kenyon Martin / Al Horford
Key reserves : Marvin Williams , Jeff Teague
Potential All-stars : Joe Johnson , Josh Smith , Al Horford

Miami Heat

The strong Miami Heat became even stronger in the offseason. They added veteran forward Tayshaun Prince and explosive forward Al Thornton. Now there are no worries that their role players aren't good enough. Also they have the best trio in the league with Lebron , Wade and Bosh.

Starting five : Mario Chalmers / Dwyane Wade / LeBron James / Tayshaun Prince / Chris Bosh
Key reserves : Al Thornton , Mike Miller
Potential All-stars : Wade , Lebron , James

New Orleans Hornets

After they lost their staring two guard , Marcus Thornton , to free agency , they improved over him with Shannon Brown. I think this will be a breakout season for him, and Chris Pau will now just have to throw the ball anywhere around the rim. He has Brown , Ariza and Okafor to flush it , and West who can shoot the J.

Starting five : Chris Paul / Shannon Brown / Trevor Ariza / David West / Emeka Okafor
Key reserves : weak ass bench
Potential All-stars : Paul

Utah Jazz

After Carlos Boozer left last year , many people thought that Paul Millsap couldn't replace him on offense. He had proven them wrong and the Jazz become one of the best scoring teams in the NBA. With the addition of Grant Hill , and rookie guard who can both defend and score , they are a dominant team out in the west.

Starting five : Deron Williams / Alexander Booth (rookie) / Grant Hill / Paul Millsap / Al Jefferson
Key reserves : Mehmet Okur , Raja Bell
Potential All-stars : Williams , Jefferson

Sacramento Kings

They are the force of the future. Their oldest starter is 25 years old , and he is the worst player of all the starters , sorry J.Thompson. Demarcus Cousins will now have a place in the starting five , and with the point guard of the future in Leonard Houston , combined with Tyreke Evans , they have a great backcourt tandem.

Starting five : Leonard Houston (rookie) / Ty Evans / Thaddeus Young / J. Thompson / Demarcus Cousins
Key reserves : Beno Udrih , Samuel Dalembert
Potential All-stars : Evans , Houston

New York Knicks

Mike D'Antoni said he will play Amar'e as a center this year so finally Dwight Howard will have some competition on the East. The Knicks haven't added some notable names , but they wanted to make space to both Chandler and Galinari start. Will Galinari cover for the hope that NY has in him , and will Amar'e make the transition from being a 4 to 5 , we will just have to wait and see.

Starting five : Ray Felton / Kel Azubuike / Wil Chandler / Danilo Galinari / Amar'e Stoudemire
Key reserves : Tony Douglas , Anthony Randolph , Ronny Turiaf
Potential All-stars : Stoudemire

Los Angeles Lakers

Last season Andrew Bynum finally got rid of injuries. He didn't produce as expected , but that's not really a problem when you have Pau Gasol inside. Many peopel said Derek Fisher is a player for clutch situations only , and that he isn't efficient as a starter. Well the Lakers added another clutch shooter that is a solid starter in Chauncey Billups. Last shot , you have Kobe, Gasol , Billups and Fisher. Damn the Lakers are good.

Starting five : Chauncey Billups / Kobe Bryant / Ron Artest / Pau Gasol / Andrew Bynum
Key reserves : Lamar Odom , Derek Fisher
Potential All-stars : Kobe , Gasol

Orlando Magic

Last season the Magic disappointed their Fans after a really bad season. For a title contender, that is. Nelson will surely head for the bench , and it will be Gilbert Arenas who will take his spot as a starter. Turkoglu really needs to step up , Dwight can't do it by himself on offense. Yes folks , Dwight has a great game now in the low post. They are a playoff lock , but are they worth anything more ?

Starting five : Gilbert Arenas / Jason Richardson / Hedo Turkoglu / Brandon Bass / Dwight Howard
Key reserves : Jameer Nelson , Quentin Richardson
Potential All-stars : Howard

Dallas Mavericks

The only thing that has changed for the Mavs is that Beabouis is actually challenging Jason Kidd for the starting point guard spot in the team. This will surely make Kidd play better. If he wont push him , Barea surely will. Dirk Nowitzki is still one of the premiere players in the league , and the Mavs are still a title contender

Starting five : Jason Kidd / Jason Terry / Caron Butler / Dirk Nowitzki / Tyson Chandler
Key reserves : Beabouis , Marion , Barea , Haywood
Potential All-stars : Nowitzki

New Jersey Nets

The Nets have managed to bring Carmelo Anthony in , after failing to do it in the regular season. They have also drafted scoring rookie Miguel Ramos , and brought back Terrence Williams in a minor trade. If things work out well for them , they could make the playoffs this year.

Starting five : Devin Harris / Miguel Ramos (rookie) / Carmelo Anthony / Derrick Favors / Brook Lopez
Key reserves : Terrence Williams , Anthony Morrow
Potential All-stars : Anthony , Lopez

Denver Nuggets

This is a whole new looking team. After Carmelo decided not to re-sign with the team , everyone thought that next year the Nuggets should go for a high lottery pick.And then they decided to trade away starting point guard Chauncey Billups for a bunch of bench players. Now they have one of the strongest benches in the NBA , they signed efficient forward Carl Landry , and young guard Ty Lawson is expected to have a breakout year. Expectations , right ?

Starting five : Ty Lawson / JR Smith / Jared Dudley / Carl Landry / Nene
Key reserves : Al Harington , Steve Blake , Matt Barnes , Luke Walton
Potential All-stars : None

Indiana Pacers

Perhaps the team that changed the most in the offseason. They went from being everyone's punch bag to a contender in the East. After the Pacers signed star guard Vince Carter , the immediately became a playoff lock. Now that they acquired rebounding forward David Lee , they have a great team.

Starting five : Darren Collison / Vince Carter / Danny Granger / David Lee / Roy Hibbert
Key reserves : Tyler Hansbrough , James Posey
Potential All-stars : Granger , Carter , Colisson

Detroit Pistons

A masterful job by their front office in the offseason. They got the first pick on the draft day. They got rid of Rip Hamilton and actually got a good player in return with Rashard Lewis. Rookie sensation Marcus Hardaway will have a lot of pressure on his back, so will rookie center Jay King. Will they deliver ?

Starting five : Rod Stuckey / Marcus Hardaway(rookie) / Rashard Lewis / Tyrus Thomas / Jay King(rookie)
Key reserves : Ben Gordon , Javale McGee
Potential All-stars : Hardaway , King (yes they are that good)

Toronto Raptors

After last years breakout season for both Andrea Bargnani and Leandro Barbosa(all-star) , the front office attempted to bring in a player that will help these guys on defense. They couldn't do that and now Bargnani wants out of Toronto. He said the only chance he will stay is if they get off to a good start. With this roster , I don't think that will happen. Maybe rookie Chase Pollard can make a difference, who knows.

Starting five : Jose Calderon ( Leandro Barbosa) / Chase Pollard(rookie) / Ed Davis / Andrea Bargnani
Key reserves : Demar Derozan / Jarret Jack
Potential All-stars : Barbosa , Bargnani

Houston Rockets

They continue to be a solid team throughout the last couple of season. The Rockets starting five is the same as last years , and obviously that will not be enough to win the title. I think they need to start to rebuild , they need to get rid of Yao Ming. The problem is , yao has 5 more years left on his 100 $ million contract.

Starting five : Aaron Brooks / Kevin Martin / Shane Battier / Luis Scola / Yao Ming
Key reserves : Patrick Patterson , Chase Budinger
Potential All-stars : None

San Antonio Spurs

Only one player in the Spurs starting five is younger than 30 years. His name is Tony Parker (29). The Spurs remain the same , but they managed to bring in talented swing-man Alonzo Gee. Word have been that he wil take Richard Jefferson's place in the starting lineup after a bad season from the veteran.

Starting five : Tony Parker / Manu Ginobili / Alonzo Gee / Tim Duncan / Antonio McDyess
Key reserves : George Hill , Dejuan Blair , Richard Jefferson , Lou Osborne(rookie)
Potential All-stars : Duncan , Ginobili

Phoenix Suns

What a dickhead Reggie Williams is. He asked way too much money when I wanted to re-sign him. Now , he is in Phoenix with almost twice as less the salary of which he asked from me. Phoenix brought in Marcus Thornton and forgotten sharpshooter Michael Redd. Words have been that they are trying to get rid of Steve Nash , and with their pick of point guard Kevin Wooldridge in this years draft , the rumors are getting more and more realistic.

Starting five : Steve Nash / Marcus Thornton / Reggie Williams / Hakeem Warrick / Marcin Gortat
Key reserves : Goran Dragic , Kevin Wooldridge(rookie) , Michael Redd , Josh Childress
Potential All-stars : Thornton

Oklahoma City Thunder

I am going to hang it all out and say this is their year. Durant wasn't healthy last season so they didn't have a chance to showcase their talent. Westbrook really stepped up. Now with the addition of young and talented center Marc Gasol , they are the best young team in the NBA. Plus , they picked athletic forward Tony Smith who magically slipped in this years draft , combine him with Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha and you have a great defensive bench.

Starting five : Russell Westbrook / James Harden / Kevin Durant / Jeff Green / Marc Gasol
Key reserves : Tony Smith(rookie) , Serge Ibaka , Thabo Sefolosha
Potential All-stars : Durant , Westbrook , Gasol

Minnesota Timberwolves

One of teh best young teams in the NBA. They are just flouring with talented players who are waiting to breakout. Lets start with Johny Flynn at the point. Injuries have been a problem for him last year. Ridnour covered well. At the 2 guard spot you have Wes Johnson , Corey Brewer and another athletic player Melvin Booth , selected in this years draft. At small forward you have one of the best scorers in the league , Michael Beasley , he is covered by Webster , at power forward the best rebounder in Kevin Love , and on center new addition Andres Biedrins , who is covered by one of the best shot blocker in the NBA , superstar Darko Milicic.

Starting five : Johny Flynn / Wes Johnson / Michael Beasley / Kevin Love / Andres Biedrins
Key reserves : Darko Milicic , Luke Ridnour , Corey Brewer , Melvin Booth(rookie)

Portland Trailblazers

Andre Miller leaves , young guard DJ Augustin arrives. Not a bad move for the Blazers. If they can stay healthy this year , and new acquisitions Greg Monroe and rookie Lester Buchanan deliver , they have a shot at the Playoffs.

Starting five : DJ Augustin / Brandon Roy / Nicolas Batum / Lamarcus Aldridge / Greg Monroe
Key reserves : Rudy Fernandez , Wes Mathews , Lester Buchanan(rookie)
Potential All-stars : Roy , Aldridge

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

We have lost a lot , we have got some in return. I really don't want to write much because you will find about my team in my recaps.

Startin five : Stephen Curry / Monta Ellis / Paul George / Jamon Ramirez(rookie) / Zach Randolph
Key reserves : TJ Ford , Michael Pietrus , Dorell Wright , Ekpe Udoh
Potential All-stars : Ellis , Curry , Randolph

Washington Wizards

This team now has a chance to make some noise in the East , the can make the playoffs this year. Last years co rookie of the year in John Wall , experience in Hamilton and Ben Wallace , young scoring talents in Blatche and Young , this is a team to keep an eye on.

Starting five : John Wall / Rip Hamilton / Nick Young / Andray Blatche / Ben Wallace
Key reserves : Ya Jianlian , Darrel Daugherty(rookie)
Potential All-stars : Wall

[Bucket]

Potential All-stars : Wade , Lebron , James

Eh?
Nice article, like it. AI and Larry in one team again

[kibaxx7]

As much as I don't like Jefferson, he just can't backup Alonzo Gee

[Mandich]

mandich wrote:Potential All-stars : Wade , Lebron , James

Eh?
Nice article, like it. AI and Larry in one team again

Typo , Wade , Lebron and Bosh
I don'' think AI will get plenty of playing time.

As much as I don't like Jefferson, he just can't backup Alonzo Gee

Alonzo is rated higher and had a better season than Jefferson, they need more offense , last year Parker didn't score as much as he used to , same for Manu.


ALSO !!

Season opener is coming , we play the Blazers !

[Kubik]

Phoenix Suns

What a dickhead Reggie Williams is. He asked way too much money when I wanted to re-sign him. Now , he is in Phoenix with almost twice as less the salary of which he asked from me. Phoenix brought in Marcus Thornton and forgotten sharpshooter Michael Redd. Words have been that they are trying to get rid of Steve Nash , and with their pick of point guard Kevin Wooldridge in this years draft , the rumors are getting more and more realistic.

Starting five : Steve Nash / Marcus Thornton / Reggie Williams / Hakeem Warrick / Marcin Gortat
Key reserves : Goran Dragic , Kevin Wooldridge(rookie) , Michael Redd , Josh Childress
Potential All-stars : Thornton

Potential All-stars : Thornton, MARCIN GORTAT!!

[Bucket]

Kubik, Gortat? WTF?

[Kubik]

Kubik, Gortat? WTF?

He'll be all-star center with little help from Steve Nash !

[rise]

What about old Stevie himself??