slick shoes

I want to start by restating that T Jones is probably my favorite Rocket as currently constructed for many reasons, most of which are listed in previous posts.

What I am confused by is no ones mention of TJ's unability to guard any of the top tier PF's in the league, most of which are in our conference AND division. Duncan, LMA, Griffin, Davis, Randolph/Gasol, Nowitsky (okay, maybe not the most recent incarnation of Dirk), etc. all make him look foolish over and over again. DMo actually stands a chance at slowing these guys down. Terrence becomes invisible. I am unsure if he us simply undersized or if these players are really THAT good (maybe a combination of both) but I feel like that aspect alone warants DMo a starting spot.

Whelp, that was a weird day in NBA history. I can't blame Jordan for wanting to return to LA... but man, I'm disappointed in him as a former Aggie. Wouldn't even give Cuban the courtesy of telling him he wasn't going to sign with him. 

 

So that changes the Western landscape pretty dramatically. The Clippers are back to being contenders (though they still have no frontcourt depth and I'm not sold on their wing rotation) and the Mavs will dip to the lottery. So I think the West shapes up like this:

 

1) Warriors

2) Spurs

3) Clippers

4) Rockets

5) Thunder

6) Grizzlies

7) Pelicans

8) Jazz

 

I expect 2-6 to be really jumbled (again) and could finish in any order. Spurs may rest more games (though that burned them last year), so they could finish lower. The Clippers should rest more games, since they only have 7 legitimate basketball players, but again, they only have 7 players. 

 

The Jazz may be a surprise pick here, but they played really well in the second half, and I think they have more talent than the Trailblazers, Suns, Mavs, or Kings. But I could see scenarios where any one of those teams makes the playoffs (except maybe the Mavs). Lillard could lift up the second tier talent on the Blazers, the Brandon Knight/Eric Bledsoe duo could be better than I think, George Karl could somehow work black magic... 

 

 

I agree with your seeding for the most part, but I'd throw Houston in at #3 and the Clippers at #4 for the reasons you mentioned. If we can manage a relatively healthy roster for a good portion of the season, we should be able to cap 58 ish wins. The Clips have tweaked their roster, but not made a significant jump ala San Antonio. I would also move the Griz up one spot to the 5 seed and drop the Thunder to #6. No real reason for the latter prediction, just going off gut.

Troy Daniels proves so clutch from 3, he gets some Harden minutes. Harden gets traded for Rondo+, which saves the season.

 

james harden into google.

 

 

Just kidding thanks.

Well, everytime I watch Hakeem when he's teaching Howard or someone else I think he might still be able to produce at his age.

 

I could see Hakeem giving a solid 10-15 minutes when needed. He could do what Mutumbo did for us a few seasons ago.

I'd hate to see him suit up for any other squad, but thats too much for CP. Cuban is getting back at Morey for asking him about Dirk once he had signed Dwight. Well played, Mr. Cuban.