Ranking the East

canada_rocks2369 · 06-27-2008, 02:24 AM

Jermaine O'Neal to the Raptors?
Richard Jefferson to the Bucks?
Michael Beasely to the Heat?

Much has changed in the Eastern Conference over the last couple days. Some teams, like Toronto, Milwaukee, and Miami, appear to have improved. Others appear to be rebuilding. Whatever the case, the balance of power must have shifted somewhat and I wanna know your thoughts. You may adjust for likely scenarios like Chicago trading Heinrich for a frontcourt player or Detroit changing up its line-up as Dumars promised. Here's how I see it:

1. Boston - may drop a couple wins, still comfortably in 1st
2. Detroit - may be 3rd or 4th if they change too much
3. Orlando - Howard's improvement could have them in 2nd
4. Toronto - getting O'Neal could have them fighting for 2nd or 3rd
5. Washington - Arenas/Jamisson could split so you never know
6. Cleveland - no upgrades while everyone else improves
7. Miami - Beasely, Marion, and a healthy Wade? could mean playoffs
8. Atlanta - should continue to improve, provided they re-sign Smith
9. Chicago - could make the playoffs if Rose is good and they trade Heinrich
10. Philadelphia - won't improve enough to keep pace
11. Milwaukee - have playoff talent, just can't seem to put it together
12. Indiana - rebuilding but might not be so bad
13. Charlotte - could rise because Brown's a great coach (just not in NY)
14. New jersey - glad to see Vince rotting in the swamp
15. New York - doubt even D'Antoni can fix that mess

Overall the East looks like it's improved, so if a team drops in the standings it doesn't necessarily mean they didn't get better, just that others got better faster. Let me know what you think, just throwing this out there for debate.

Joshz · 06-27-2008, 03:20 AM

My problems are as follows

4. Toronto is only here if they add a legit swingman
5. Washington doesn't improve...and loses either Arenas or Jamison (how do they stay atop Cleveland?) Also didn't add anything of immediate substance through the draft...i suspect a 7-8th finish this season
11. Milwaukee NEEDS this season, i think a starting 5 of Williams Red Jefferson Alexander/Villanueva (if he stays) and Bogut should be enough to grab them a playoff birth. Sessions there backup point guard showed real promise last season as well, and could push Williams into a Ginobili, or Barbosa spark of the bench role...

Considering i only have 3 objections i pretty much sit where you are

The MVP of West Hollywood · 06-27-2008, 03:39 AM

Tier 1
Boston

Tier 2
Toronto
Orlando

Tier 2.5
Cleveland (probably below us and the Magic in reg. season, but still dangerous as any in the playoffs... if not for Pierce fighting off Lebron's charge, they would've defeated the champs)

Tier 3
Atlanta - Do NOT underestimate them. If Horford's as good as I think he's going to be, that is a solid, solid team. Could be right there with us and Orlando if things go right.
Miami - The tanking fun's over... Wade, Marion, Beasely, Haslem, and Riley. Don't be shocked if they're contending for the ECF already next year.

Tier who the fuck knows until the offseason's over
Detroit

I think Detroit's looking to blow up their 4-group, virtually every one of them is surrounded by trade talks. I think Billups and Sheed are most likely.

But even if they go into the season with Stucky, Hamilton, Prince, Maxiell, that's still pretty damn good. I REALLY like Stuckey. What a steal at the place they drafted him. So I think they'll at least make the playoffs.

Kuzzy · 06-27-2008, 03:54 AM

I wish we could have just traded for a swingman like RJ and kept Bargnani at center.
Before making this trade Colangelo should have had a follow up to get another swingman like how danny ainge got ray allen and followed that right after by getting KG. These next 2 years will determine the player that Bargnani will be and coming off the bench just makes it extremely difficult for the bigman to develop.
No point in keeping Bargnani now... I really think this moves going to come back and bite us in the ass.

canada_rocks2369 · 06-27-2008, 04:00 AM

we'll have to agree to disagree about toronto, i think with their continued internal growth, plus the additon of oneals defense and rebounding, plus his back to the basket game for the raps shooters to play off of, the raps could be very good next year (jeff van gundy has em ranked 3rd)
i just thought that a full, healthy season together would put washington ahead of cleveland in the standings, im assuming theyll stay, i was just leaving open the possibility that they might split in which case i would rank them alot lower
i pretty well just picked names out of a hat for seeds #7-11, you could make a case for miami, milwaukee, philly, atlanta, and chicago making the playoffs next year (maybe even indiana)
i just thought that, looking at those teams theyre all talented; #7-11 will be much improved over last year; philly and atlanta are young and getting better and they made the playoffs last year, have shown that they can win together; miamis got the star power, the most talented team of the bunch; im picturing big changes in chicago, they have a lot of tradeable assets and a crowded backcourt, i could see them being pretty good if they got the right deal; milwaukee is hard to call, theyre very talented but they won only 26gms last year, i know they had injuries but the wizards had injuries and won 43 gms, not sure milwaukees got the chemistry but that could change with a healthy team and the addition of jefferson

canada_rocks2369 · 06-27-2008, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The MVP of West Hollywood

Tier who the fuck knows until the offseason's over
Detroit

i would put chicago here too

Kuzzy · 06-27-2008, 04:04 AM

Meh only contenders I see in our conference next year :
Bos
Det
Cle
Pretenders:
Orl
Tor
Wash
Most improved:
Mia
Tor
Chi
Down hill:
NJ
Phi
Ind

canada_rocks2369 · 06-27-2008, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kuzzy

I wish we could have just traded for a swingman like RJ and kept Bargnani at center.
Before making this trade Colangelo should have had a follow up to get another swingman like how danny ainge got ray allen and followed that right after by getting KG. These next 2 years will determine the player that Bargnani will be and coming off the bench just makes it extremely difficult for the bigman to develop.
No point in keeping Bargnani now... I really think this moves going to come back and bite us in the ass.

yeah judging by what new jersey got for him i think we shoulda offered Bargnani and one of the Raptors swingmen

imagine that lineup - calderon, parker, jefferson, bosh, and o'neal

canada_rocks2369 · 06-27-2008, 04:14 AM

but i like the JO trade

Kuzzy · 06-27-2008, 04:15 AM

Dont think jefferson would be the guy though, we'd go far as the conference finals if everyone stays healthy.
We need someone who could do it by himself... someone like Paul Pierce
That would be keep every teams perimeter D honest

Apollo · 06-27-2008, 07:40 AM

I personally think the Pistons slide a little...

1. Celtics
2. Magic
3. Raptors
4. Pistons
5. Cavs

Superjudge · 06-27-2008, 08:28 AM

I got the raps in the 5-6 spot.

Dr. J. Naismith · 06-27-2008, 09:30 AM

Meh, the East has indeed improved once again, but I expect there to be many more changes for multiple teams over the next couple months. So those rankings are going to flip-flop like Terri Hatcher's knockers.

I definitely have us right now around 4th or 5th, but considering we still have quite a bit of work ahead of us by the time Bryan is done this summer I definitely expect us to be in the Top 3.

jeffb · 06-27-2008, 10:35 AM

1.Boston
2.Detroit
3.Orlando
4.Cleveland
5.Toronto (could be as high as 3rd if BC adds another scorer +Duhon)
6.Washington
7.Puilidelphia
8.Chicago
9.Indiana
10.Miami
11.Atlanta
12.New Jersey
13.New York
14.Milwaukee
15.Charlotte

MangoKidHoops · 06-27-2008, 10:54 AM

Here's how it plays out for me.

1.Boston
2.Detroit
3.Orlando
4.Milwaukee
5.Cleveland
6.Washington
7.Atlanta
8.Toronto
9.Chicago
10. Philadelphia
11. New jersey
13. Charlotte
14.Indiana
15.New York

MangoKidHoops · 06-27-2008, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeffb

1.Boston
2.Detroit
3.Orlando
4.Cleveland
5.Toronto (could be as high as 3rd if BC adds another scorer +Duhon)
6.Washington
7.Puilidelphia
8.Chicago
9.Indiana
10.Miami
11.New Jersey
13.New York
14.Atlanta
15.Charlotte

You really think Atlanta is 14th in the league? And Charlotte the worst? Where's Milwaukee?

Jackson Filth · 06-27-2008, 11:13 AM

12's missing

you seriously think the bucks are 4th?

i honestly doubt they'll smell the play-offs. they've always had talent, just nothing else.

jeffb · 06-27-2008, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TuggleBled

12's missing

you seriously think the bucks are 4th?

i honestly doubt they'll smell the play-offs. they've always had talent, just nothing else.

I changed it

11.Atlanta
12.New Jersey
14.Milwaukee

MangoKidHoops · 06-27-2008, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TuggleBled

12's missing

you seriously think the bucks are 4th?

i honestly doubt they'll smell the play-offs. they've always had talent, just nothing else.

I just noticed that. Good looking out funkie.

I do think the Bucks are 4th. They have a no-nonsens coach in Skiles, and a shitload of talent. Now it's time they put it all together.

**fancylad** · 06-27-2008, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LyRrAd_Nation

Here's how it plays out for me.

1.Boston
2.Detroit
3.Orlando
4.Milwaukee
5.Cleveland
6.Washington
7.Atlanta
8.Toronto
9.Chicago
10. Philadelphia
11. New jersey
13. Charlotte
14.Indiana
15.New York

ouch. fringe playoff team?

with your list - switch toronto for Milwuakee, and then bump Cleveland up one spot ahead of us. I think we're 5th.

06-27-2008, 02:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
canada_rocks2369 is dead inside. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Grande Prairie, AB Posts: 48 Representing:	Ranking the East Jermaine O'Neal to the Raptors? Richard Jefferson to the Bucks? Michael Beasely to the Heat? Much has changed in the Eastern Conference over the last couple days. Some teams, like Toronto, Milwaukee, and Miami, appear to have improved. Others appear to be rebuilding. Whatever the case, the balance of power must have shifted somewhat and I wanna know your thoughts. You may adjust for likely scenarios like Chicago trading Heinrich for a frontcourt player or Detroit changing up its line-up as Dumars promised. Here's how I see it: 1. Boston - may drop a couple wins, still comfortably in 1st 2. Detroit - may be 3rd or 4th if they change too much 3. Orlando - Howard's improvement could have them in 2nd 4. Toronto - getting O'Neal could have them fighting for 2nd or 3rd 5. Washington - Arenas/Jamisson could split so you never know 6. Cleveland - no upgrades while everyone else improves 7. Miami - Beasely, Marion, and a healthy Wade? could mean playoffs 8. Atlanta - should continue to improve, provided they re-sign Smith 9. Chicago - could make the playoffs if Rose is good and they trade Heinrich 10. Philadelphia - won't improve enough to keep pace 11. Milwaukee - have playoff talent, just can't seem to put it together 12. Indiana - rebuilding but might not be so bad 13. Charlotte - could rise because Brown's a great coach (just not in NY) 14. New jersey - glad to see Vince rotting in the swamp 15. New York - doubt even D'Antoni can fix that mess Overall the East looks like it's improved, so if a team drops in the standings it doesn't necessarily mean they didn't get better, just that others got better faster. Let me know what you think, just throwing this out there for debate.

06-27-2008, 10:35 AM	#14 (permalink)
jeffb is Pissed, WINDOWS 7 was his idea!!! Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Toronto Posts: 18,873 Representing:	1.Boston 2.Detroit 3.Orlando 4.Cleveland 5.Toronto (could be as high as 3rd if BC adds another scorer +Duhon) 6.Washington 7.Puilidelphia 8.Chicago 9.Indiana 10.Miami 11.Atlanta 12.New Jersey 13.New York 14.Milwaukee 15.Charlotte Last edited by jeffb; 06-27-2008 at 11:01 AM.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Ranking Power Forwards	Snooch	NBA Talk	79	01-22-2010 01:44 AM
Ranking the top 20 sophomores	inn0c3nt	NBA Talk	6	11-23-2009 12:35 PM
Ranking the Centers in the East	•LX•	Toronto Raptors	49	09-02-2009 12:49 PM
Ranking the PG's	jeffb	Toronto Raptors	50	09-01-2009 10:05 AM
Raptors HQ: Ranking the New-Look Raptors in the East	Dr. J. Naismith	Toronto Raptors	9	07-25-2009 01:48 PM

06-27-2008, 03:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
Joshz is dead inside. Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 169 Representing:	My problems are as follows 4. Toronto is only here if they add a legit swingman 5. Washington doesn't improve...and loses either Arenas or Jamison (how do they stay atop Cleveland?) Also didn't add anything of immediate substance through the draft...i suspect a 7-8th finish this season 11. Milwaukee NEEDS this season, i think a starting 5 of Williams Red Jefferson Alexander/Villanueva (if he stays) and Bogut should be enough to grab them a playoff birth. Sessions there backup point guard showed real promise last season as well, and could push Williams into a Ginobili, or Barbosa spark of the bench role... Considering i only have 3 objections i pretty much sit where you are

06-27-2008, 03:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
The MVP of West Hollywood is it's so cold in the d Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3,148 Representing:	Tier 1 Boston Tier 2 Toronto Orlando Tier 2.5 Cleveland (probably below us and the Magic in reg. season, but still dangerous as any in the playoffs... if not for Pierce fighting off Lebron's charge, they would've defeated the champs) Tier 3 Atlanta - Do NOT underestimate them. If Horford's as good as I think he's going to be, that is a solid, solid team. Could be right there with us and Orlando if things go right. Miami - The tanking fun's over... Wade, Marion, Beasely, Haslem, and Riley. Don't be shocked if they're contending for the ECF already next year. Tier who the fuck knows until the offseason's over Detroit I think Detroit's looking to blow up their 4-group, virtually every one of them is surrounded by trade talks. I think Billups and Sheed are most likely. But even if they go into the season with Stucky, Hamilton, Prince, Maxiell, that's still pretty damn good. I REALLY like Stuckey. What a steal at the place they drafted him. So I think they'll at least make the playoffs.

06-27-2008, 03:54 AM	#4 (permalink)
Kuzzy is a disappointed raptors fan. Say NO to J.O ! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: toronto Posts: 1,592 Representing:	I wish we could have just traded for a swingman like RJ and kept Bargnani at center. Before making this trade Colangelo should have had a follow up to get another swingman like how danny ainge got ray allen and followed that right after by getting KG. These next 2 years will determine the player that Bargnani will be and coming off the bench just makes it extremely difficult for the bigman to develop. No point in keeping Bargnani now... I really think this moves going to come back and bite us in the ass.

06-27-2008, 04:00 AM	#5 (permalink)
canada_rocks2369 is dead inside. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Grande Prairie, AB Posts: 48 Representing:	we'll have to agree to disagree about toronto, i think with their continued internal growth, plus the additon of oneals defense and rebounding, plus his back to the basket game for the raps shooters to play off of, the raps could be very good next year (jeff van gundy has em ranked 3rd) i just thought that a full, healthy season together would put washington ahead of cleveland in the standings, im assuming theyll stay, i was just leaving open the possibility that they might split in which case i would rank them alot lower i pretty well just picked names out of a hat for seeds #7-11, you could make a case for miami, milwaukee, philly, atlanta, and chicago making the playoffs next year (maybe even indiana) i just thought that, looking at those teams theyre all talented; #7-11 will be much improved over last year; philly and atlanta are young and getting better and they made the playoffs last year, have shown that they can win together; miamis got the star power, the most talented team of the bunch; im picturing big changes in chicago, they have a lot of tradeable assets and a crowded backcourt, i could see them being pretty good if they got the right deal; milwaukee is hard to call, theyre very talented but they won only 26gms last year, i know they had injuries but the wizards had injuries and won 43 gms, not sure milwaukees got the chemistry but that could change with a healthy team and the addition of jefferson

06-27-2008, 04:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
Kuzzy is a disappointed raptors fan. Say NO to J.O ! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: toronto Posts: 1,592 Representing:	Meh only contenders I see in our conference next year : Bos Det Cle Pretenders: Orl Tor Wash Most improved: Mia Tor Chi Down hill: NJ Phi Ind

06-27-2008, 04:14 AM	#9 (permalink)
canada_rocks2369 is dead inside. Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Grande Prairie, AB Posts: 48 Representing:	but i like the JO trade

06-27-2008, 04:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
Kuzzy is a disappointed raptors fan. Say NO to J.O ! Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: toronto Posts: 1,592 Representing:	Dont think jefferson would be the guy though, we'd go far as the conference finals if everyone stays healthy. We need someone who could do it by himself... someone like Paul Pierce That would be keep every teams perimeter D honest

06-27-2008, 07:40 AM	#11 (permalink)
Apollo is a dick Banned Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 3,155 Representing:	I personally think the Pistons slide a little... 1. Celtics 2. Magic 3. Raptors 4. Pistons 5. Cavs

06-27-2008, 08:28 AM	#12 (permalink)
Superjudge is a Genius Meter. You're a bad guy Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: I live in Toronto. Posts: 7,369 Representing:	I got the raps in the 5-6 spot.

06-27-2008, 09:30 AM	#13 (permalink)
Dr. J. Naismith is convinced that Raptors fans are only happy whenthey're unhappy. Retired Administrator Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Almonte Posts: 17,066 Representing:	Meh, the East has indeed improved once again, but I expect there to be many more changes for multiple teams over the next couple months. So those rankings are going to flip-flop like Terri Hatcher's knockers. I definitely have us right now around 4th or 5th, but considering we still have quite a bit of work ahead of us by the time Bryan is done this summer I definitely expect us to be in the Top 3.

06-27-2008, 10:54 AM	#15 (permalink)
MangoKidHoops is dead inside. Scarborough, We Go Hard.. Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sheppard-Meadowvale Posts: 6,470 Representing:	Here's how it plays out for me. 1.Boston 2.Detroit 3.Orlando 4.Milwaukee 5.Cleveland 6.Washington 7.Atlanta 8.Toronto 9.Chicago 10. Philadelphia 11. New jersey 13. Charlotte 14.Indiana 15.New York

06-27-2008, 11:13 AM	#17 (permalink)
Jackson Filth is smelly like poop Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 2,638 Representing:	12's missing you seriously think the bucks are 4th? i honestly doubt they'll smell the play-offs. they've always had talent, just nothing else.