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- Jun 22, 2000
[h3]EC[/h3]
1. New Jersey Nets
Projected Record: 53-29
2002 Record: 52-30 (No. 1)
Time to take the lampshade off and find out if the Nets were the life of the party in the Eastern Conference last season or just another joke. Over the last three seasons, the EC Finals rep has won three of 15 games. So we are left wondering whether Jason Kidd was last year's MVP or head trainer Tim Walsh. And, what makes the Nets any different, even with the additions of Dikembe Mutombo and Rodney Rogers, than the 1999 Knicks or 2000 Pacers or 2001 Sixers. If nothing, is it really any better to be the worst of the best than the best of the worst when no one is going to remember your name, anyway. And that's the good news. If the Nets fail to make it back to the NBA Finals, which they should, it would be the first time in NBA history that a conference has failed to return a team to the Finals for five consecutive seasons. By default or design, the best team in the East has gotten even better. We can only hope it is a good thing.
2. New Orleans Hornets
Projected Record: 50-32
2002 Record: 44-38 (No. 4)
On Oct. 30, 2002, the Hornets end an 82-game road trip on which they won 44 of them. Expect at last one more hurricane near their new home, a few injuries, illnesses or automobile accidents and at least one locker room tirade involving a starter, coach and at least two innocent bystanders. Then see what happens when the most dangerous team in the conference returns intact and realizes that it just got a second chance.
3. Boston Celtics
Projected Record: 46-36
2002 Record: 49-33 (No. 3)
Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker now have all the elbow room any two NBA superstars with matching egos could possibly want. They combined for 432 three-pointers last season and 48.2 points per game. Do I hear 433? Lack of an honest point guard and sixthman will cost the Celtics some regular-season games but Vin Baker, goodbadandotherwise, will balance better in the playoffs. He averaged 14.1 per game last season compared to Tony Battie's 6.9, which happened to be all Boston could muster from any one post player. Lucky for them, Pierce, the most complete player in the game, still plays like he has something to prove. He does.
4. Orlando Magic
Projected Record: 45-37
2002 Record: 44-38 (No. 5)
While the rest of us waited for Grant Hill to heal, Doc Rivers took an orphaned roster to 41 wins his first season to 43 the next to 44 last year without him. Hill or no Hill, this McTeam will continue to get McBetter because of one McGrady. Hill and homecourt will make the difference come playoff time but until then, sit back and watch T-Mac turn this whole thing into a video game.
5. Milwaukee Bucks
Projected Record: 44-38
2002 Record: 41-41 (No. 9)
With Glenn Robinson as the starting small forward two seasons ago, the Bucks won 52 games and came within a game of making the Finals. With Glenn Robinson as the starting small forward last year, the Bucks won 41 wins and didn't even make the playoffs. Second guessers now get a somewhat doubting Tim Thomas, an underpaid Sam Cassell and a coach on the verge of infamy while Ray Allen attempts awe from mere applause. Playoff berths should mean this much to every team.
6. Philadelphia Sixers
Projected Record: 43-39
2002 Record: 43-39 (No. 6)
The Hip Hopera continues, starring Allen Iverson, Larry Brown and a rotating cast of scape goats and stunt doubles with plot twists and 50-point outbursts culminating in a surprise ending you'll never forget but wish you could.
7. Washington Wizards
Projected Record: 42-40 2001 Record: 37-45 (No. 10) Michael Jordan added 114 postseason games worth of experience and two all-star seasons with the acquisitions of Jerry Stackhouse and Bryon Russell. Finally, someone he can talk to past curfew. Good thing. The final few postseason spots will come down to tie breakers, coin flips and rock, paper, scissors. Playoffs begin Oct. 30 for this team.
8. Toronto Raptors
Projected Record: 42-40
2001 Record: 42-40 (No. 7)
No one expected Vince Carter to win the Rookie of the Year Award. No one expected him to make the All-Star team by his second season. And no one expected him to make the All-NBA Second Team by his third. But it came as an even bigger surprise when he scored fewer points and the Raptors won fewer games in his fourth year after signing the biggest contract in franchise history. It's funny how soon fans forget when there are no Frenchmen to leap over. Let's see how high Carter can jump with a chip on his shoulder.
9. Detroit Pistons
Projected Record: 42-40
2002 Record: 50-32 (No. 2)
Jerry Stackhouse was the least likely of superstars but he was, nonetheless, just that. The Pistons climbed out of the rubble last season because there was a player on their team that once challenged a teammate to fight in an airplane a few thousand feet up. That doesn't work for most teams (in fact, it got that player traded to Detroit) but it seems to work, make that, seems to be the only thing that works for the Pistons. Remember when Stackhouse went headline with Grant Hill, challenging the All-NBAer after he left for Orlando. And guess who didn't show up. Ben Wallace, Cliff Robinson and Corliss Williamson remain role players joined by Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton. With the game, season or series on the line, close your eyes and pick one to shoot. It really won't matter.
10. Indiana Pacers
Projected Record: 41-41
2001 Record: 42-40 (No.
The Pacers have veterans and youth; big, muscle-bound guys to go with lithe, springy ones; some that can shoot; some that can dunk; some that can dribble; and a coach who hasn't been able to tell the difference since the fans stopped clapping for him. Running 10 deep in talent is supposed to be a good thing. Not here. Not now.
11. Atlanta Hawks
Projected Record: 39-43
2001 Record: 33-49 (No. 12)
Here's your darkhorse, a pass-first jockey away from possibly winning this entire conference. Until then, the frontline of Theo Ratliff, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Glenn Robinson with Nazr Mohammed in reserve, will win some games by 20, lose some by 20 and come within a bucket or two or three of actually making the playoffs.
12. New York Knicks
Projected Record: 29-53
2002 Record: 30-52 (No. 13)
Antonio McDyess blinked in the bright lights of Phoenix. He's gonna need a white cane, psychiatrist and body cast by the time New York City gets done with him. If Latrell Sprewell doesn't get to him first. The best player on the highest-paid team in the league remains a shooting guard peaking at competent.
13. Chicago Bulls
Projected Record: 28-54
2002 Record: 21-61 (No. 15)
It isn't so much the 66 total wins in four seasons or the fact that Jordan averaged 67 each year in his last three, but the means to the end as Jerry Krause turns to mercenaries to raise his youth. The Bulls should be the most improved team in the conference this year, but this franchise went from rebuilding plan to parable a long time ago.
14. Miami Heat
Projected Record: 27-55
2002 Record: 36-46 (No. 12)
It really isn't fair that Pat Riley's reputation will come down to pingpong balls or that two stand up guys like Eddie Jones and Brian Grant become bad examples of bloated contracts. But give me one wish for this team and it would have nothing to do with any of them.
15. Cleveland Cavaliers
Projected Record: 19-63
2002 Record: 29-53 (No. 14)
This is an AND1 mix tape gone too far. Darius Miles has yet to average double-digits, Dajuan Wagner and to score a single point. The rest of the team will start each game 48.2 points down with the departures of Andre Miller, Lamond Murry and Wesley Person, the top three scorers from a team that won only 29 games in the first place. Does this team come with a halftime show?[h3]WC[/h3]
1. Sacramento Kings
Projected Record: 62-20
2002 Record: 61-21 (No. 1)
Envy their skill level, their depth, their blend of complementary players but not the fact that they are defending a title they have yet to win. You take what you can get when any semifinal matchup is against one of the top four teams in the league. Talent got them to within a single point of an NBA Championship but demons never have counted buckets. Of course, we're talking about Chris Webber. He will either have his greatest season ever as a player counting grade school, club, prep, college and pro . . . or his worst. And it will have little to do with his point per game average.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Projected Record: 60-22
2002 Record: 58-24 (No. 2)
This team is specifically designed to win 15 games at the end of the season without ever losing two in a row. Home, away, on the third moon of Jupiter. Doesn't matter. It has been 37 years since any NBA team has claimed four titles in a row and that was back when the Celtics turned it twice by 1966 A.D. You probably weren't even born yet. Chances are, neither was your dad. Regular-season titles, individual accolades and any other door prizes the league sees fit to hand out are undercard at best. Undisputed and still reigning . . .
3. Dallas Mavericks
Projected Record: 59-23
2002 Record: 57-25 (No. 4)
Just need to get punched in the mouth a few more times until they decide that they're not going to get punched in the mouth anymore. Steve Nash, Michael Finley and Dirk Nowitzki don't need to get better. They just need to get meaner. Scoring a 100 points a game isn't enough anymore. Unless, of course, you're rubbing somebody's nose in it by drilling threes at the buzzer to go up by 24 while leaving your home locker room door open just a crack so your opponent can peep the leather recliners, big screen TVs and palm leaves as they walk by.
4. San Antonio Spurs
Projected Record: 55-27
2002 Record: 58-24 (No. 3)
Just in case you haven't noticed, this team is one year away from maxing out Tim Duncan, adding another top-flight free agent, rebuilding its backcourt by phonics and could very well go from one championship to another without ever winning less than 55 games a season in between. Seamless. Ask anyone in the league anonymously and they'll tell you that the only chance the rest of us have against Laker tyranny is this team. But, like I said, one year away.
5. Portland Blazers
Projected Record: 49-33
2002 Record: 49-33 (No. 6)
Trader Bob forces another square into the same circle and can't figure out why he keeps getting beat by the triangle. He's gone through so many stats, stars, salaries and seasons with Arvydas Sabonis at center, that he's forgotten the feel of pebbles on the basketball. He's built a team that has been reduced to cliche and still won't admit that there is a moral to this story.
6. Houston Rockets
Projected Record: 45-37
2002 Record: 28-54 (No. 11)
Yao or no Yao. Steve Francis missed 25 games last season and the Rockets won only two games without him. Their top six scorers missed a total of 148 games. Starting power forward Maurice Taylor didn't play a single one. He's back. So is Francis and Glen Rice. Along the way, though, the 45-37 team of two seasons ago picked up the athletically endowed Eddie Griffin and a 7-foot-5 center for their efforts.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
Projected Record: 44-38
2002 Record: 50-32 (No. 5)
Kevin Garnett remains a 7-footer under a glass jar performing triple-doubles at the turn of a handle. All by his lonesome, he gets his team in the playoffs. But even with Marbury or Gugliotta or Brandon or Szczerbiak, he is, by twist and turn of NBA nature, all by his lonesome still . . . despite being the consummate team player. The Timberwolves didn't draft an 18-year-old kid with the No. 5 pick in 1995. They acquired a phenomenon that we only pretend to understand seven years later.
8. Utah Jazz
Projected Record: 42-40
2002 Record: 44-38 (No.
As we speak, there are 77 years, 33 seasons and 25,017 assists lined up a point guard alone for the Jazz. Don't laugh. Add another winning season and one more playoff appearance to the most successful franchise over the last decade in terms of wins, then remove your cap and pay respects. You may not have liked John Stockton nor particularly admired Karl Malone, but more times than not, they kicked the fanny of your favorite player night after night. Eventually, the Jazz will be back. But they will never be the same.
9. Phoenix Suns
Projected Record: 41-41
2002 Record: 36-46 (No. 10)
The day will come that you won't have to look up how to spell Amare Stoudemire, Jake Tsakalidis or Shawn Marion. I'm guessing sooner than later. And if Stephon Marbury, Penny Hardaway and Joe Johnson ever realize that they're all wearing the same uniform, this team is gonna win a whole bunch of games real fast. The Suns may have finished 10 games below .500 last season, but their average margin of defeat was less than a free throw, 0.7 points to be exact. Allow me to pre-empt. I told you so.
10. Los Angeles Clippers
Projected Record: 40-42
2002 Record: 49-43 (No. 9)
What's my motivation? Miles gone, Brand snubbed, Olowokandi and Miller deferred, Odom and Q injured. This is more sweat shop than franchise and the newness of being a millionaire athlete in the NBA is about to wear off while this team turns to lottery welfare once again. Don't be fooled by the number of Clipper jerseys popping up in rap videos. On principle alone, this should be a 28-team league.
11. Seattle Sonics
Projected Record: 40-42
2002 Record: 45-37 (No. 7)
Gary Payton is now gun for hire rather than the player who would take a bullet for his team. We're not pointing fingers but forget the statistics and standings. This franchise may have just lost its soul.
12. Memphis Grizzlies
Projected Record: 26-56
2002 Record: 23-59 (No. 13)
You kinda get the feeling that in one fell swoop, Jerry West is going to snatch one last lottery pick as a parting gift from the Western Conference (which he can only get this year if it is No. 1 because of a prior trade . . . conspiracy theorists be damned) then turn around and actually win the entire Eastern Conference in realignment and we're gonna be left scratching our heads. After all, his current creation has won the last three titles and counting while the last six Executives of the Year have yet to win a single title. Ever.
13. Golden State Warriors
Projected Record: 22-60
2002 Record: 21-61 (No. 14)
Antawn Jamison at power forward and Mike Dunleavy, Jr. at small forward couldn't help move an old fridge into your new apartment much less survive an 82-game season in the NBA with a team on their backs. Maybe Jason Richardson can win another one of those dunk trinkets. Maybe they'll get something of value for Danny Fortson. And maybe the Pac 10 will admit them into league play.
14. Denver Nuggets
Projected Record: 15-67
2002 Record: 27-55 (No. 12)
Chorus. Two years from today, Nene Hilario and Nikoloz Tskitishvili will have twice as much NBA experience as they will at the end of this season but not nearly as much as they will in four. Repeat to fade.
1) Regular season standings:
- You can just seed eight teams in each conference or you can enter all of your predicted standings and then seed them. Either way, seeding is most important. Remember that two teams from the same division cannot occupy the top two seeds.
2) Regular season awards/accomplishments
- MVP, Sixth Man, Defensive POY, ROY, COY, All-Star MVP, PPG leader, RPG leader, APG leader, etc.
3) Postseason & Finals MVP
- You can provide little detail or a lot of detail, but let us know how you think the playoffs will go.
4) Miscellaneous stuff
- Include anything else you want here, but don't go crazy. If you really want to go in depth then just include information about a team or a specific player in #1. If not, just throw a SLAM like trash talk down here.
I'd like this to be the last of this type of thread before the season starts. I know that this is probably the 10th of this type, but this one is going to the Archives so that we can refer to it as the season goes along. This thread may eventually end up back here after the season is over so that we can do some good natured clownin'.
E-mail any suggestions to: holdenmichael@niketalk.com
1. New Jersey Nets
Projected Record: 53-29
2002 Record: 52-30 (No. 1)
Time to take the lampshade off and find out if the Nets were the life of the party in the Eastern Conference last season or just another joke. Over the last three seasons, the EC Finals rep has won three of 15 games. So we are left wondering whether Jason Kidd was last year's MVP or head trainer Tim Walsh. And, what makes the Nets any different, even with the additions of Dikembe Mutombo and Rodney Rogers, than the 1999 Knicks or 2000 Pacers or 2001 Sixers. If nothing, is it really any better to be the worst of the best than the best of the worst when no one is going to remember your name, anyway. And that's the good news. If the Nets fail to make it back to the NBA Finals, which they should, it would be the first time in NBA history that a conference has failed to return a team to the Finals for five consecutive seasons. By default or design, the best team in the East has gotten even better. We can only hope it is a good thing.
2. New Orleans Hornets
Projected Record: 50-32
2002 Record: 44-38 (No. 4)
On Oct. 30, 2002, the Hornets end an 82-game road trip on which they won 44 of them. Expect at last one more hurricane near their new home, a few injuries, illnesses or automobile accidents and at least one locker room tirade involving a starter, coach and at least two innocent bystanders. Then see what happens when the most dangerous team in the conference returns intact and realizes that it just got a second chance.
3. Boston Celtics
Projected Record: 46-36
2002 Record: 49-33 (No. 3)
Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker now have all the elbow room any two NBA superstars with matching egos could possibly want. They combined for 432 three-pointers last season and 48.2 points per game. Do I hear 433? Lack of an honest point guard and sixthman will cost the Celtics some regular-season games but Vin Baker, goodbadandotherwise, will balance better in the playoffs. He averaged 14.1 per game last season compared to Tony Battie's 6.9, which happened to be all Boston could muster from any one post player. Lucky for them, Pierce, the most complete player in the game, still plays like he has something to prove. He does.
4. Orlando Magic
Projected Record: 45-37
2002 Record: 44-38 (No. 5)
While the rest of us waited for Grant Hill to heal, Doc Rivers took an orphaned roster to 41 wins his first season to 43 the next to 44 last year without him. Hill or no Hill, this McTeam will continue to get McBetter because of one McGrady. Hill and homecourt will make the difference come playoff time but until then, sit back and watch T-Mac turn this whole thing into a video game.
5. Milwaukee Bucks
Projected Record: 44-38
2002 Record: 41-41 (No. 9)
With Glenn Robinson as the starting small forward two seasons ago, the Bucks won 52 games and came within a game of making the Finals. With Glenn Robinson as the starting small forward last year, the Bucks won 41 wins and didn't even make the playoffs. Second guessers now get a somewhat doubting Tim Thomas, an underpaid Sam Cassell and a coach on the verge of infamy while Ray Allen attempts awe from mere applause. Playoff berths should mean this much to every team.
6. Philadelphia Sixers
Projected Record: 43-39
2002 Record: 43-39 (No. 6)
The Hip Hopera continues, starring Allen Iverson, Larry Brown and a rotating cast of scape goats and stunt doubles with plot twists and 50-point outbursts culminating in a surprise ending you'll never forget but wish you could.
7. Washington Wizards
Projected Record: 42-40 2001 Record: 37-45 (No. 10) Michael Jordan added 114 postseason games worth of experience and two all-star seasons with the acquisitions of Jerry Stackhouse and Bryon Russell. Finally, someone he can talk to past curfew. Good thing. The final few postseason spots will come down to tie breakers, coin flips and rock, paper, scissors. Playoffs begin Oct. 30 for this team.
8. Toronto Raptors
Projected Record: 42-40
2001 Record: 42-40 (No. 7)
No one expected Vince Carter to win the Rookie of the Year Award. No one expected him to make the All-Star team by his second season. And no one expected him to make the All-NBA Second Team by his third. But it came as an even bigger surprise when he scored fewer points and the Raptors won fewer games in his fourth year after signing the biggest contract in franchise history. It's funny how soon fans forget when there are no Frenchmen to leap over. Let's see how high Carter can jump with a chip on his shoulder.
9. Detroit Pistons
Projected Record: 42-40
2002 Record: 50-32 (No. 2)
Jerry Stackhouse was the least likely of superstars but he was, nonetheless, just that. The Pistons climbed out of the rubble last season because there was a player on their team that once challenged a teammate to fight in an airplane a few thousand feet up. That doesn't work for most teams (in fact, it got that player traded to Detroit) but it seems to work, make that, seems to be the only thing that works for the Pistons. Remember when Stackhouse went headline with Grant Hill, challenging the All-NBAer after he left for Orlando. And guess who didn't show up. Ben Wallace, Cliff Robinson and Corliss Williamson remain role players joined by Chauncey Billups and Rip Hamilton. With the game, season or series on the line, close your eyes and pick one to shoot. It really won't matter.
10. Indiana Pacers
Projected Record: 41-41
2001 Record: 42-40 (No.
The Pacers have veterans and youth; big, muscle-bound guys to go with lithe, springy ones; some that can shoot; some that can dunk; some that can dribble; and a coach who hasn't been able to tell the difference since the fans stopped clapping for him. Running 10 deep in talent is supposed to be a good thing. Not here. Not now.
11. Atlanta Hawks
Projected Record: 39-43
2001 Record: 33-49 (No. 12)
Here's your darkhorse, a pass-first jockey away from possibly winning this entire conference. Until then, the frontline of Theo Ratliff, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Glenn Robinson with Nazr Mohammed in reserve, will win some games by 20, lose some by 20 and come within a bucket or two or three of actually making the playoffs.
12. New York Knicks
Projected Record: 29-53
2002 Record: 30-52 (No. 13)
Antonio McDyess blinked in the bright lights of Phoenix. He's gonna need a white cane, psychiatrist and body cast by the time New York City gets done with him. If Latrell Sprewell doesn't get to him first. The best player on the highest-paid team in the league remains a shooting guard peaking at competent.
13. Chicago Bulls
Projected Record: 28-54
2002 Record: 21-61 (No. 15)
It isn't so much the 66 total wins in four seasons or the fact that Jordan averaged 67 each year in his last three, but the means to the end as Jerry Krause turns to mercenaries to raise his youth. The Bulls should be the most improved team in the conference this year, but this franchise went from rebuilding plan to parable a long time ago.
14. Miami Heat
Projected Record: 27-55
2002 Record: 36-46 (No. 12)
It really isn't fair that Pat Riley's reputation will come down to pingpong balls or that two stand up guys like Eddie Jones and Brian Grant become bad examples of bloated contracts. But give me one wish for this team and it would have nothing to do with any of them.
15. Cleveland Cavaliers
Projected Record: 19-63
2002 Record: 29-53 (No. 14)
This is an AND1 mix tape gone too far. Darius Miles has yet to average double-digits, Dajuan Wagner and to score a single point. The rest of the team will start each game 48.2 points down with the departures of Andre Miller, Lamond Murry and Wesley Person, the top three scorers from a team that won only 29 games in the first place. Does this team come with a halftime show?[h3]WC[/h3]
1. Sacramento Kings
Projected Record: 62-20
2002 Record: 61-21 (No. 1)
Envy their skill level, their depth, their blend of complementary players but not the fact that they are defending a title they have yet to win. You take what you can get when any semifinal matchup is against one of the top four teams in the league. Talent got them to within a single point of an NBA Championship but demons never have counted buckets. Of course, we're talking about Chris Webber. He will either have his greatest season ever as a player counting grade school, club, prep, college and pro . . . or his worst. And it will have little to do with his point per game average.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Projected Record: 60-22
2002 Record: 58-24 (No. 2)
This team is specifically designed to win 15 games at the end of the season without ever losing two in a row. Home, away, on the third moon of Jupiter. Doesn't matter. It has been 37 years since any NBA team has claimed four titles in a row and that was back when the Celtics turned it twice by 1966 A.D. You probably weren't even born yet. Chances are, neither was your dad. Regular-season titles, individual accolades and any other door prizes the league sees fit to hand out are undercard at best. Undisputed and still reigning . . .
3. Dallas Mavericks
Projected Record: 59-23
2002 Record: 57-25 (No. 4)
Just need to get punched in the mouth a few more times until they decide that they're not going to get punched in the mouth anymore. Steve Nash, Michael Finley and Dirk Nowitzki don't need to get better. They just need to get meaner. Scoring a 100 points a game isn't enough anymore. Unless, of course, you're rubbing somebody's nose in it by drilling threes at the buzzer to go up by 24 while leaving your home locker room door open just a crack so your opponent can peep the leather recliners, big screen TVs and palm leaves as they walk by.
4. San Antonio Spurs
Projected Record: 55-27
2002 Record: 58-24 (No. 3)
Just in case you haven't noticed, this team is one year away from maxing out Tim Duncan, adding another top-flight free agent, rebuilding its backcourt by phonics and could very well go from one championship to another without ever winning less than 55 games a season in between. Seamless. Ask anyone in the league anonymously and they'll tell you that the only chance the rest of us have against Laker tyranny is this team. But, like I said, one year away.
5. Portland Blazers
Projected Record: 49-33
2002 Record: 49-33 (No. 6)
Trader Bob forces another square into the same circle and can't figure out why he keeps getting beat by the triangle. He's gone through so many stats, stars, salaries and seasons with Arvydas Sabonis at center, that he's forgotten the feel of pebbles on the basketball. He's built a team that has been reduced to cliche and still won't admit that there is a moral to this story.
6. Houston Rockets
Projected Record: 45-37
2002 Record: 28-54 (No. 11)
Yao or no Yao. Steve Francis missed 25 games last season and the Rockets won only two games without him. Their top six scorers missed a total of 148 games. Starting power forward Maurice Taylor didn't play a single one. He's back. So is Francis and Glen Rice. Along the way, though, the 45-37 team of two seasons ago picked up the athletically endowed Eddie Griffin and a 7-foot-5 center for their efforts.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
Projected Record: 44-38
2002 Record: 50-32 (No. 5)
Kevin Garnett remains a 7-footer under a glass jar performing triple-doubles at the turn of a handle. All by his lonesome, he gets his team in the playoffs. But even with Marbury or Gugliotta or Brandon or Szczerbiak, he is, by twist and turn of NBA nature, all by his lonesome still . . . despite being the consummate team player. The Timberwolves didn't draft an 18-year-old kid with the No. 5 pick in 1995. They acquired a phenomenon that we only pretend to understand seven years later.
8. Utah Jazz
Projected Record: 42-40
2002 Record: 44-38 (No.
As we speak, there are 77 years, 33 seasons and 25,017 assists lined up a point guard alone for the Jazz. Don't laugh. Add another winning season and one more playoff appearance to the most successful franchise over the last decade in terms of wins, then remove your cap and pay respects. You may not have liked John Stockton nor particularly admired Karl Malone, but more times than not, they kicked the fanny of your favorite player night after night. Eventually, the Jazz will be back. But they will never be the same.
9. Phoenix Suns
Projected Record: 41-41
2002 Record: 36-46 (No. 10)
The day will come that you won't have to look up how to spell Amare Stoudemire, Jake Tsakalidis or Shawn Marion. I'm guessing sooner than later. And if Stephon Marbury, Penny Hardaway and Joe Johnson ever realize that they're all wearing the same uniform, this team is gonna win a whole bunch of games real fast. The Suns may have finished 10 games below .500 last season, but their average margin of defeat was less than a free throw, 0.7 points to be exact. Allow me to pre-empt. I told you so.
10. Los Angeles Clippers
Projected Record: 40-42
2002 Record: 49-43 (No. 9)
What's my motivation? Miles gone, Brand snubbed, Olowokandi and Miller deferred, Odom and Q injured. This is more sweat shop than franchise and the newness of being a millionaire athlete in the NBA is about to wear off while this team turns to lottery welfare once again. Don't be fooled by the number of Clipper jerseys popping up in rap videos. On principle alone, this should be a 28-team league.
11. Seattle Sonics
Projected Record: 40-42
2002 Record: 45-37 (No. 7)
Gary Payton is now gun for hire rather than the player who would take a bullet for his team. We're not pointing fingers but forget the statistics and standings. This franchise may have just lost its soul.
12. Memphis Grizzlies
Projected Record: 26-56
2002 Record: 23-59 (No. 13)
You kinda get the feeling that in one fell swoop, Jerry West is going to snatch one last lottery pick as a parting gift from the Western Conference (which he can only get this year if it is No. 1 because of a prior trade . . . conspiracy theorists be damned) then turn around and actually win the entire Eastern Conference in realignment and we're gonna be left scratching our heads. After all, his current creation has won the last three titles and counting while the last six Executives of the Year have yet to win a single title. Ever.
13. Golden State Warriors
Projected Record: 22-60
2002 Record: 21-61 (No. 14)
Antawn Jamison at power forward and Mike Dunleavy, Jr. at small forward couldn't help move an old fridge into your new apartment much less survive an 82-game season in the NBA with a team on their backs. Maybe Jason Richardson can win another one of those dunk trinkets. Maybe they'll get something of value for Danny Fortson. And maybe the Pac 10 will admit them into league play.
14. Denver Nuggets
Projected Record: 15-67
2002 Record: 27-55 (No. 12)
Chorus. Two years from today, Nene Hilario and Nikoloz Tskitishvili will have twice as much NBA experience as they will at the end of this season but not nearly as much as they will in four. Repeat to fade.
1) Regular season standings:
- You can just seed eight teams in each conference or you can enter all of your predicted standings and then seed them. Either way, seeding is most important. Remember that two teams from the same division cannot occupy the top two seeds.
2) Regular season awards/accomplishments
- MVP, Sixth Man, Defensive POY, ROY, COY, All-Star MVP, PPG leader, RPG leader, APG leader, etc.
3) Postseason & Finals MVP
- You can provide little detail or a lot of detail, but let us know how you think the playoffs will go.
4) Miscellaneous stuff
- Include anything else you want here, but don't go crazy. If you really want to go in depth then just include information about a team or a specific player in #1. If not, just throw a SLAM like trash talk down here.
I'd like this to be the last of this type of thread before the season starts. I know that this is probably the 10th of this type, but this one is going to the Archives so that we can refer to it as the season goes along. This thread may eventually end up back here after the season is over so that we can do some good natured clownin'.
E-mail any suggestions to: holdenmichael@niketalk.com
![0]](/styles/default/xenforo/NTemojis/alien.gif "Alien 0]")
SCOTTIE 33 PIPPEN[/color]
