Rccanes2311 wrote:Don't act like this year is going to just be a cakewalk.
Agreed.
IMO:
Rccanes2311 wrote:The Wizards did get better they didn't have one of their best players and they get him back this year so technically their at full strength now.
One could make the argument that having Arenas back makes them a different team than the just completed season. Their style changes completely - from a more balanced team oriented game to a superstar dominated one. Plus they defensively haven't improved very much, which was always a bigger issue for them. They will improve, but only marginally imo.
Rccanes2311 wrote:The Hawks got better simply by the fact they have a lot of guys who are only going to get better for the next few years because they have young talent something the we don't.
They lost a rotation player to Europe. They will also be slightly better, imo. We have a young guy who is getting better for the next few years as well - even right now he's dominant.
Rccanes2311 wrote:Philly got better because they added a 20ppg 10 reb to go along side a very good defensive center in Dalemburt and is bringing back their entire starting lineup from last year.
Their game play is going to have to change with Brand. Do they have the resources to open the floor for him to operate? Will they be as effective in a slower game?
Rccanes2311 wrote:Heat got better and now Wade is 100% healthy
A heathly Wade makes a big difference no doubt. But they also will be inexperienced. This is still a rebuilding year for them essentially. Again, if Wade gets injured again - his attacking the basket style arguably increases his chances of getting injured) - who will take the lead? A rookie? Marion? Haslem?
I think they'll be mid pack, instead of bottom dwellers.
Rccanes2311 wrote:Charlotte has a good coach and has some very good young talent as well.
And a couple of their key guys are injury prone. Will Okafor last the season? Will Wallace get another concussion? Their new coach's recent history is more vet focused. I still see them as a lower half team.
Rccanes2311 wrote:Personally I'm glad the East got better. I want to see how our team does when were not playing against so many scrub teams. Then I don't have to listen to that crap about, but they play in the East. The better the East gets the more it benifits the Magic in my opinion. You have play good teams more often to truly find out how good you are as a team.
Again, I agree.
Plus this off-season is far from being done. There's a wiretap about OK, Charlotte and Bucks doing a 3-way. Who knows if Otis is done as well ...