The Western Conference

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I mentioned that I like Lyles a lot, and I like Hernangomez - as a 4, though. Not so sure about him as a 3. Depending on Malik Beasley for valuable minutes is a lot like us having Reed as our primary backup at the 2/3 - but we don't. I agree that if IT returns close to form, he'll be a huge boost and that would likely be enough to move them solidly into the playoffs. I also think you have to question how good Millsap will be this season.

Would you take Denver's bench over any of the teams listed above them in my rankings? As I said, I struggled with Portland vs. Denver. If we're relying on IT, we're speculating. Barton was their 6th man last year, but they lost 30 so-so minutes from Wilson Chandler without replacing him. We could also speculate about Michael Porter, but once again, I firmly believe he's best suited for the 4 position.

I don't know where I'd place Denver's bench. I don't really want to go through all of them, but looking at Utah's I like it about as much, and you have them at #1. A couple of others didn't particularly look better, and then there were a couple I checked that looked a little bit better.

They played pretty well even without Millsap last year. Again, I like their frontcourt depth quite a bit, probably moreso than most teams including ours, and their PG depth is obviously better. I think Monte Morris could be pretty decent too in his sophomore year. He didn't play much last year as a rookie since they had Mudiay and Devin Harris, but was really good in college.

You could be right about Monte Morris.

I'd trade anyone on Denver's bench for Royce O'Neale, easy. Between Exum, Burks, O'Neale and Crowder, you're extremely well covered at the wings. Crowder can play PF, too. Neto is a proven backup point, and he's third on their depth chart.

It's all in the eye of the beholder, obviously. Sounds like you're counting on IT to have a strong comeback season.

[bwgood77]

I mentioned that I like Lyles a lot, and I like Hernangomez - as a 4, though. Not so sure about him as a 3. Depending on Malik Beasley for valuable minutes is a lot like us having Reed as our primary backup at the 2/3 - but we don't. I agree that if IT returns close to form, he'll be a huge boost and that would likely be enough to move them solidly into the playoffs. I also think you have to question how good Millsap will be this season.

Would you take Denver's bench over any of the teams listed above them in my rankings? As I said, I struggled with Portland vs. Denver. If we're relying on IT, we're speculating. Barton was their 6th man last year, but they lost 30 so-so minutes from Wilson Chandler without replacing him. We could also speculate about Michael Porter, but once again, I firmly believe he's best suited for the 4 position.

I don't know where I'd place Denver's bench. I don't really want to go through all of them, but looking at Utah's I like it about as much, and you have them at #1. A couple of others didn't particularly look better, and then there were a couple I checked that looked a little bit better.

They played pretty well even without Millsap last year. Again, I like their frontcourt depth quite a bit, probably moreso than most teams including ours, and their PG depth is obviously better. I think Monte Morris could be pretty decent too in his sophomore year. He didn't play much last year as a rookie since they had Mudiay and Devin Harris, but was really good in college.

You could be right about Monte Morris.

I'd trade anyone on Denver's bench for Royce O'Neale, easy. Between Exum, Burks, O'Neale and Crowder, you're extremely well covered at the wings. Crowder can play PF, too. Neto is a proven backup point, and he's third on their depth chart.

It's all in the eye of the beholder, obviously. Sounds like you're counting on IT to have a strong comeback season.

I'm not really counting on IT to have a strong one. But in Boston his last year he had an elite season with a 62.5 TS% and an overall 5.4 BPM, despite the bad defense....8.7 OBPM.

I don't expect him to have a season like that, but even if he reverts to his earlier years in Boston or Phx form, that's a strong player off the bench. And if he is slightly lesser than that, it's still a solid bench guy.

What makes you so high on Royce O'Neal? He was a 24 year old rookie who had a 10.8 PER and BPM (particularly on the offensive side)? He's a decent defender making up for his subpar offense but I'd rather have several players from the Nuggets bench.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

What makes you so high on Royce O'Neal? He was a 24 year old rookie who had a 10.8 PER and BPM (particularly on the offensive side)? He's a decent defender making up for his subpar offense but I'd rather have several players from the Nuggets bench.

Just an eye test thing. Shot 36% from 3 last year. Tough defender. Plays within his role, hustles. Him and Crowder coming off the bench is a great combo.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

What makes you so high on Royce O'Neal? He was a 24 year old rookie who had a 10.8 PER and BPM (particularly on the offensive side)? He's a decent defender making up for his subpar offense but I'd rather have several players from the Nuggets bench.

Just an eye test thing. Shot 36% from 3 last year. Tough defender. Plays within his role, hustles. Him and Crowder coming off the bench is a great combo.

I should also note that PJ Tucker had a PER of 8.3 last season, and Ariza had a PER of 11.8. The value of 3&D wings is often not reflected in PER.