Frank Lee wrote:Some of you are quite optimistic. I don't see us any better than #10 unless a major trade is made. In time, it will be more clear and likely require mid season action else this team will dangerously spiral down and wipe away all the good will/ excitement built up with the fan base last yr.
1-4 (any order)
GState
SanAnt
LAC
Dallas
5-7
Memphis
Houston
OKC
8-10 (scrambling)
Portland
NO
Sac
All these teams have defined rosters and likely will need little to no adjustments unless injury occurs. We, on the other hand.......

The question will be, just how bad we are come Dec...and whether the FO decides to push for the play offs or the draft.
Well, we are at .500 (after an expected loss @ LAC tonight--BTW, is it normal to have this many B2B games? it will be our 3rd in 10 games, that would equate to 24 total, but in reality, we only have 15 left after tonight's game.) Considering that 2/3 of our "hydra" have yet to find their groove, I still have hope that they will pull it out. That said, we are 10 games into the season, and I'm starting to question whether they will ever get it together. Last night, EB was on point, but our other two were off. We have yet to have a game where at least 2 of the 3 have a "good" game together.
So, my hope is that we have more games where 2 of the 3 are hitting. So far the Morri have been carrying us, so hopefully, they continue at least this level of play. So, I guess my "prediction" is due in most part, to my expectation that the hydra will find their groove, the Morri will continue at their current pace (15/6.5 for Kieff, 11.5/4.5 for Marcus--all of which are career highs for both--so combined 26/11 stat line for $12M per...so far, good investment), and that Len will develop into a starter-level 5 by seasons end. Then add in the fact that Warren will become more involved once fully healthy, I think they can easily challenge for the 8th spot.
One good thing that may come out of this is that if Dragic maintains this level of play vice last years, his price tag will definitely be lower. The "bad", of course, meaning we would likely miss the playoffs and leave the FO wondering if the hydra is working or worthwhile continuing.
Anywho, back on topic. I'm taking into considerations that our schedule will "ease" some after tonight, the Morii will continue at their current pace, Dragic and EB will improve, Len will improve, and Warren will get some significant playing time. If those things happen, we should be able to post 46-48 wins, which hopefully, will be enough to squeak into the playoffs. So, basically, my prediction is predicated upon a "glass half full" scenario.