Who Are Your Contenders in Each Conference?

[Fudge]

East:
Cleveland
Chicago
Miami

Borderline: Washington

West:
San Antonio
OKC
LA Clippers
Dallas

Borderline: Golden State

[Dragic4Life]

Phoenix Suns definitely in contention.

[Legends66NBA7]

In reality, there's probably only 3 true contenders.

[GODbe]

Pretty much that list but I'd squeeze in the Lakers as well. Godbe will find a way.

[AnaheimLakers24]

spurs
lakers


east is still trash

[DaSeba5]

Miami is contenders to win the East, but I'm not sure we're contenders against the West. So really we aren't ones.

[DMV2]

Spurs or Thunder

HM/Sleeper: Dallas

2015 Finals champs will NOT be an Eastern Conference team.

[Milbuck]

Bulls
Cavs

Spurs
Thunder
Clippers


I really wanna say the Warriors are contenders..especially with Klay, Curry, Barnes, Green all improving..and their new system offense. But we gotta wait and see.

[Dragic4Life]

Miami is contenders to win the East, but I'm not sure we're contenders against the West. So really we aren't ones.
:wtf: :facepalm

[DaSeba5]

:wtf: :facepalm

What? Is it the most likely scenario? No.

Can it happen? Yes. It depends a lot on Wade's health.

The East is wide open. It's not the most outlandish thing possible.

[Lebronxrings]

Miami is contenders to win the East, but I'm not sure we're contenders against the West. So really we aren't ones.
:durantunimpressed: :durantunimpressed: :durantunimpressed:

[DaSeba5]

:durantunimpressed: :durantunimpressed: :durantunimpressed:

Explain.

[navy]

Explain.
Taking trolls seriously? :no:

[Real14]

East:

Cleveland
Miami
New York

West:

San Antonio
Clippers
Thunder
Mavs

[Lebronxrings]

Explain.
miami - lebron = trash.

Wade = injured d league player

bosh = oversized chalmers

granger, chalmers, napier, anderson, mcroberts = trash.

Spo = worst coach in the league.

[DaSeba5]

Taking trolls seriously? :no:

I know they are trolls. I just want to hear their reasoning.

[DaSeba5]

miami - lebron = trash.

Wade = injured d league player

bosh = oversized chalmers

granger, chalmers, napier, anderson, mcroberts = trash.

Spo = worst coach in the league.

:D

[GrapeApe]

I thought the Heat are "championship or bust"? Obviously they must be contenders in their own conference.

[DMV2]

I know they are trolls. I just want to hear their reasoning.
LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron

[Lebronxrings]

East:

Cleveland
Miami
New York

West:

San Antonio
Clippers
Thunder
Mavs
:facepalm

[Real14]

:facepalm
GET ready

[JT123]

Explain.
Remember how Miami looked in game 1 of the Finals after Lebron had to leave with cramps? Now imagine that for an entire 82 game season. That's basically what you have to look forward to next year. :lol
And before you say Miami won't look like that against an Eastern team, the same thing happened in game 5 of the ECF when Lebron was in foul trouble. Wade and Bosh were completely helpless without their alpha dog on the floor.

[SOD 21]

There are currently four true title contenders next season: San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Los Angeles Clippers and the Chicago Bulls.

Cleveland will be added to this list if they're able to make that trade for Kevin love.

No other team has a realistic chance of the title.

[DaSeba5]

LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron LeBron

Hmmm.... did somebody leave?

[BuffaloBill]

In reality, there's probably only 3 true contenders.


Which means you think that either Cleveland, Chicago, or LAC aren't truly contenders.



I'd say Cleveland and LAC are contenders for sure, along with OKC, and San Antonio. But I'll say Dallas and Chicago definitely have a shot at the title as well.

[Real14]

There are currently four true title contenders next season: San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Los Angeles Clippers and the Chicago Bulls.

Cleveland will be added to this list if they're able to make that trade for Kevin love. No other team has a realistic chance of the title.
:roll:

[Lebronxrings]

I know they are trolls. I just want to hear their reasoning.
whats your reasoning for them being contenders?

No one seriously thinks they are, so how does that make me the troll?

[Real14]

Which means you think that either Cleveland, Chicago, or LAC aren't truly contenders.



I'd say Cleveland and LAC are contenders for sure, along with OKC, and San Antonio. But I'll say Dallas and Chicago definitely have a shot at the title as well.
:oldlol:

[BuffaloBill]

I thought the Heat are "championship or bust"? Obviously they must be contenders in their own conference.


Nah. They just lost their hero, Ray Allen.


The Heat aren't winning shit without Ray Allen. I don't care what nobody says.

[JT123]

East:
Cleveland
Chicago
Toronto

Borderline: Washington

Fixed that for ya. :cheers:
Don't know why people are sleeping on the Raps. They are bringing everyone back from last year, and were on a 55 win pace after getting rid of Rudy Gay.

[Legends66NBA7]

Which means you think that either Cleveland, Chicago, or LAC aren't truly contenders.



I'd say Cleveland and LAC are contenders for sure, along with OKC, and San Antonio. But I'll say Dallas and Chicago definitely have a shot at the title as well.

San Antonio, OKC, and LA Clippers.

Don't think anyone in the East is a true threat to win it all. Not yet anyways.

[GrapeApe]

whats your reasoning for them being contenders?

No one seriously thinks they are, so how does that make me the troll?

So is it championship or bust or not contenders? It's paradoxical to be both. Which one is it?

[SOD 21]

:roll:

It is hard not to like what the Chicago Bulls have done this off-season with Gasol, Dougie McBuckets and Mirotic (or however you spell his name).

Chicago's biggest question mark, obviously, is the effectiveness and health Derrick Rose. He looked good in the scrimmage the other night and is getting rave reviews from coaches and players from Team USA.

Time will tell for sure though.

[Real14]

Fixed that for ya. :cheers:
Don't know why people are sleeping on the Raps. They are bringing everyone back from last year, and were on a 55 win pace after getting rid of Rudy Gay.
Overrated off of one lucky year of being a first round exit:facepalm

[Lebronxrings]

damn, east looking pretty stacked. I won't blame the cavs they can't go past this hellhole.

[Real14]

It is hard not to like what the Chicago Bulls of done this off-season with Gasol, Dougie McBuckets and Mirotic (or however you spell his name).

Chicago's biggest question mark, obviously, is the effectiveness and health Derrick Rose. He looked good in the scrimmage the other night and is getting rave reviews from coaches and players from Team USA.

Time will tell for sure though.
That's the problem plus Gasol iz not tha same Gasol.

[Real14]

damn, east looking pretty stacked. I won't blame the cavs they can't go past this hellhole.
excuses for your boy already:lol

[DMV2]

Why are the Clippers contenders? They barely beat the Warriors who was without Bogut. That's why DAJ went off in that series.

[Legends66NBA7]

Fixed that for ya. :cheers:
Don't know why people are sleeping on the Raps. They are bringing everyone back from last year, and were on a 55 win pace after getting rid of Rudy Gay.

I like what their doing but being a contender depends a lot on how much DeMar, Jonas, and Terrence can take the next step in their development. They should be a fun team, though. Also added Lou Williams and James Johnson, who both added a lot of versatility in the lineup.

[Optimus Prime]

West:

Basically half the freaking teams, at least. The West is stacked. So much for parity.

East:

Cavs (especially with Love)
Bulls (if Rose's knees don't explode again)
Wizards (they were pretty good last year and they made some good moves in the off-season)
Heat (the East is that bad and if D-Wade actually stays relatively healthy)

And my crazy awesome random pick...

HORNETS! :banana:

[SOD 21]

That's the problem plus Gasol iz not tha same Gasol.

With Derrick Rose it is more about just wait and see how effective he is and if he can maintain his health over an entire season or not. No one really knows for sure.

Gasol is definitely getting towards the end of his career and turns 34 years old this coming season. However, he has still been a consistent 16 point and ten rebound player the last couple of years for the Lakers. He can consistently hit that midrange jump shot and is still one of the best passing big man, if not the best, passing big man in the league.

Adding him, Rose, Mirotic and McBuckets should provide a nice boost to their anemic offense.

[Boarder Patrol]

East: Cleveland, Chicago (dark horse: Washington)

West: Spurs, Thunder (dark horse: Memphis)

[SOD 21]

Why are the Clippers contenders? They barely beat the Warriors who was without Bogut. That's why DAJ went off in that series.

I could make a similar argument against Oklahoma City who was fortunate to get by Memphis in the first round or even San Antonio struggled getting by Dallas.

I view the Los Angeles Clippers as an elite team because they legitimately have to top 10 players and one of the best coaches in the game. Although, I still view them a slight notch below both San Antonio and Oklahoma City in a seven game playoff series.

They are more on par with Chicago, in my opinion. But still a very dangerous team come playoff time.

[Real14]

Damn tha wizards and raptors are so overrated in here:roll:

[Inferno]

Why are the Clippers contenders? They barely beat the Warriors who was without Bogut. That's why DAJ went off in that series.

Yeah, the disrespect for the Warriors...


Spurs
Thunder
Clippers
Warriors


Bulls
Cavs

[Real14]

Yeah, the disrespect for the Warriors...


Spurs
Thunder
Clippers
Warriors


Bulls
Cavs
Yeah, the disrespect for the knicks and heat...

[dubeta]

So Bulls, Cavs, Heat, Wizards, Raptors, and maybe Pacers all in one conference?!

damn its gonna be an intense east playoffs

the REAL finals will be the ECF you heard it here first

[Real14]

So Bulls, Cavs, Heat, Wizards, Raptors, and maybe Pacers all in one conference?!

damn its gonna be an intense east playoffs

the REAL finals will be the ECF you heard it here first
no love tha knicks but you have love for tha George-less pacers and one first round hit wonder raptors tho:coleman:

[MP.Trey]

Spurs
Thunder
Clippers
Mavs (Yeah the Mavs)

Cavs
Bulls

[dubeta]

no love tha knicks but you have love for tha George-less pacers and one first round hit wonder raptors tho:coleman:

Hibbert > Melo u mad?

[Meticode]

I think Miami will be better than people a lot of people think.

Bosh/Andersen
McRoberts/Haslem
Deng/Granger
Wade
Chalmers/Cole/Napier

[dubeta]

I think Miami will be better than people a lot of people think.

Bosh/Andersen
McRoberts/Haslem
Deng/Granger
Wade
Chalmers/Cole/Napier

Miami's the favourites right now

Anything less than an ECF should be seen as a big dissapointment

[GrapeApe]

Miami's the favourites right now

Anything less than an ECF should be seen as a big dissapointment

I don't think there is a favorite in the east at this point, but I'd admittedly be dissapointed if the Heat don't reach the ECF. Obviously a lot has to do with Wade's health so we'll see.

[Gotterdammerung]

I define contenders as a team favored to win the title or at least make it to the finals. That means they're already playoff locks and have everything required to win a championship, health provided.

The Spurs and OKC Thunder are true contenders in a stacked western conference and in the inferior conference out east we have at best the LBJ led Cavaliers. I'm not sure they're even legitimate contenders, since they do not have sufficient chemistry or defensive impact. There's nobody else worth taking seriously at all in the East. :no:

The Spurs' biggest problem will be health and complacency that always plagues defending champs. The OKC thunder mustn't lose faith after four years of contending without payoff, stay the course and trust each other and hope luck breaks their way, after two playoffs went up in smoke due to injuries. :facepalm

[Real14]

Hibbert > Melo u mad?
retard alert.

[SexSymbol]

East:
Bulls
Heat
Cavs
Raptors (Hoping Big V makes that big jump this years, he has the tools)

West:
Spurs
OKC
maybe Clippers
Warriors, a different coach should take them to another level.

[dubeta]

Pretty much that list but I'd squeeze in the Lakers as well. Godbe will find a way.

So if they dont you admit Kobe is overrated?

[poido123]

East

Cavs
Wizards
Miami
Chicago
Hornets

West

Okc
Spurs
Warriors
Dallas

[Real14]

East

Cavs
Wizards
Miami
Chicago
Hornets

:facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm

[SexSymbol]

So Bulls, Cavs, Heat, Wizards, Raptors, and maybe Pacers all in one conference?!

damn its gonna be an intense east playoffs

the REAL finals will be the ECF you heard it here first
http://www.videogameologists.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/spongebob_imagination.png

[MrC1991]

East:

Cleveland
Miami
New York

West:

San Antonio
Clippers
Thunder
Mavs

New York over Chicago huh? :lol

[bdreason]

Spurs
Thunder



Cavs
Bulls

[UK2K]

In reality barring injury, only OKC/SAS/LAC are contenders in the west.

Chicago/Cleveland are the only contenders in the east.

With an injury here or there, I think the Bobcats can sneak in. I also think GSW can sneak in into the west.

[Fallen Angel]

West: Houston, OKC, SAS.

East: Irrelevant

[poido123]

West: Houston, OKC, SAS.

East: Irrelevant


The east is irrelevant, but you have Houston as a contender? :roll:

[no pun intended]

East:
Chicago
Cleveland
Washington

Borderline: Miami

West:
San Antonio
LA Clippers
OKC
Dallas

Borderline: Golden State
Fixed. Other than that, I'd have to agree with you, OP. Good job.

[NugzFan]

Phoenix Suns definitely in contention.

Contention for what?

[Real14]

Contention for what?
to be better than tha nuggets:oldlol:

[Real14]

New York over Chicago huh? :lol
yup I have Chicago at 4 or 5.

[Dr. Cheesesteak]

East:
Bulls
Cavs
Wiz

West:
Spurs
LAC
Blazers

[KG215]

East

Cavs
Wizards
Miami
Chicago
Hornets

West

Okc
Spurs
Warriors
Dallas
You seem to have a very broad, loose definition of contender. There's MAYBE four legit contenders in the NBA (Spurs, Thunder, Bulls, Cavs), and there sure as hell aren't nine.

[Cocaine80s]

You seem to have a very broad, loose definition of contender. There's MAYBE four legit contenders in the NBA (Spurs, Thunder, Bulls, Cavs), and there sure as hell aren't nine.
Clippers, Mavs, and Warriors are definitely contenders.

There are none in the east besides cavs and bulls tho

[poido123]

You seem to have a very broad, loose definition of contender. There's MAYBE four legit contenders in the NBA (Spurs, Thunder, Bulls, Cavs), and there sure as hell aren't nine.


Some of those teams need luck, some more than most, but all are capable of winning based on past performances or team balance.

[SamuraiSWISH]

West Contenders:
Spurs
Thunder

East Contenders:
Cavs
Bulls (Healthy D. Rose looking as good as he does on Team USA)

[BasedTom]

Yeah, the disrespect for the knicks and heat...
You know I wouldn't mind another heat-knicks playoff series

At the ECF? No fcking way, but damn I'd be excited if that happened

[KG215]

Some of those teams need luck, some more than most, but all are capable of winning based on past performances or team balance.
I still disagree with at least two teams on your list, then: Hornets and Wizards. The amount of "luck" those two teams would need to legitimately have a shot at winning a championship would be absurd.

This is how I see it:

Established Legit Contenders
Spurs and Thunder. Both have veteran, battle tested cores who, when healthy, have proven they can and will make deep playoff runs. The Spurs are obvious with their HOF coach and insane depth. The Thunder finally addressed a major weakness by signing a sharpshooter, and if the young guys (Reggie, Adams, Lamb, PJ3) take another step forward they should be even more dangerous.

Potential Legit Contenders
Cavs and Bulls. If the pieces fit and come together, then the Cavs absolutely are a true contender. They've got the best player in the league, the best PF in the league (although Blake has a very strong case), and a young PG with a lot of potential in Irving. On paper, that's the best "Big 3" in the NBA. There's obvious question marks surrounding the Cavs (chemistry, defense, lack of frontcourt depth, youth, rookie head coach) but if just a few of those come together and figure themselves out, the Cavs could be scary good.

The Bulls are going to be dependent on Rose's health, obviously, and what Gasol gives them. If Rose finally stays healthy, and returns to 2011 form, then I see no reason they aren't on the same level as the Spurs, Thunder, and Cavs.


I'd call those tiers 1A and 1B. After that, you've got a few teams in the West who I see as "sleeper" contenders but are definitely on the second tier in my opinion. I actually think the Clippers are closer to the 1B tier than the second tier, but until I actually see a Chris Paul team get out of the second round, I'm always going to be hesitant to label them as "legit" contenders. But if Blake takes another leap forward, then I actually think they'll be just as serious of a threat to win it all as the Spurs and Thunder.

There's still some question marks surrounding the Warriors, namely a rookie head coach and if Bogut can actually stay healthy, but if they are healthy they're a dangerous team.

I still like the Grizzlies more than the Mavericks. People, for whatever reason, are sleeping on them while forgetting they still won 50 games last year in a loaded Western Conference despite not having Marc Gasol for 20 games. When healthy, they are perfectly built for the playoffs. Of course I do think losing Mike Miller hurts because he hit what seemed like a hundred big threes in the playoffs against the Thunder. I don't know if they have someone who can adequately fill that "hit a big three in crunch time when the team really needs it" role.


Point being, the amount of luck a team like the Wizards or Hornets would need would be something unparalleled in NBA history. Those teams aren't beating any Western Conference contender in a best-of-seven unless they're decimated by injuries; and I can't even see them beating the Cavs even if things don't quite come together.

[k0kakw0rld]

East

CLE
CHI




West

MAVS
SPURS

[Fudge]

Why is everybody sleeping on Dally?

They've got almost a perfect starting 5, filled all the holes from last season. And their lineup may possibly be better than their championship squad. Think it all depends on Chandler, if he's the same player as he was in 2011-2013.

If they add one more big to back up TC or Dirk, I think they're legit contenders...easily.

[poido123]

I still disagree with at least two teams on your list, then: Hornets and Wizards. The amount of "luck" those two teams would need to legitimately have a shot at winning a championship would be absurd.

This is how I see it:

Established Legit Contenders
Spurs and Thunder. Both have veteran, battle tested cores who, when healthy, have proven they can and will make deep playoff runs. The Spurs are obvious with their HOF coach and insane depth. The Thunder finally addressed a major weakness by signing a sharpshooter, and if the young guys (Reggie, Adams, Lamb, PJ3) take another step forward they should be even more dangerous.

Potential Legit Contenders
Cavs and Bulls. If the pieces fit and come together, then the Cavs absolutely are a true contender. They've got the best player in the league, the best PF in the league (although Blake has a very strong case), and a young PG with a lot of potential in Irving. On paper, that's the best "Big 3" in the NBA. There's obvious question marks surrounding the Cavs (chemistry, defense, lack of frontcourt depth, youth, rookie head coach) but if just a few of those come together and figure themselves out, the Cavs could be scary good.

The Bulls are going to be dependent on Rose's health, obviously, and what Gasol gives them. If Rose finally stays healthy, and returns to 2011 form, then I see no reason they aren't on the same level as the Spurs, Thunder, and Cavs.


I'd call those tiers 1A and 1B. After that, you've got a few teams in the West who I see as "sleeper" contenders but are definitely on the second tier in my opinion. I actually think the Clippers are closer to the 1B tier than the second tier, but until I actually see a Chris Paul team get out of the second round, I'm always going to be hesitant to label them as "legit" contenders. But if Blake takes another leap forward, then I actually think they'll be just as serious of a threat to win it all as the Spurs and Thunder.

There's still some question marks surrounding the Warriors, namely a rookie head coach and if Bogut can actually stay healthy, but if they are healthy they're a dangerous team.

I still like the Grizzlies more than the Mavericks. People, for whatever reason, are sleeping on them while forgetting they still won 50 games last year in a loaded Western Conference despite not having Marc Gasol for 20 games. When healthy, they are perfectly built for the playoffs. Of course I do think losing Mike Miller hurts because he hit what seemed like a hundred big threes in the playoffs against the Thunder. I don't know if they have someone who can adequately fill that "hit a big three in crunch time when the team really needs it" role.


Point being, the amount of luck a team like the Wizards or Hornets would need would be something unparalleled in NBA history. Those teams aren't beating any Western Conference contender in a best-of-seven unless they're decimated by injuries; and I can't even see them beating the Cavs even if things don't quite come together.


Grizzlies are going backwards on their roster while I think Dallas made a significant jump.

I loosely listed contenders and I do agree the wizards and hornets are longshots but I think they will have really good seasons...

I stand by Dallas though. They have proven their best player can lead to a title and they might ha e a better team now then their title team.

[Fudge]

Dallas' depth chart

PG: Jameer Nelson/Raymond Felton
SG: Monta Ellis/Devin Harris
SF: Chandler Parsons/Richard Jefferson/Jae Crowder
PF: Dirk Nowitzki/Al Farouq-Aminu/Greg Smith
C: Tyson Chandler/Brandan Wright/Bernard James

Something like that.

That team looks really good. I think they're set for contention as is. But like I said, if they can add one more veteran big, I think they'll be legit scary. I don't know who's still out there though.

edit: They should take a look at Maxiell, Blatche, or Charlie V.

[NugzFan]

to be better than tha nuggets:oldlol:

Your trolling is getting lazy.

The suns were already better than us last year so really if they are only "contending" to be better than us again next season, it's borderline insulting to Phoenix. Not Denver.

You are one of the worst trolls ish has had recently. You will post anything to try and rile people up.

[Rocketswin2013]

Grizzlies are going backwards on their roster while I think Dallas made a significant jump.

I loosely listed contenders and I do agree the wizards and hornets are longshots but I think they will have really good seasons...

I stand by Dallas though. They have proven their best player can lead to a title and they might ha e a better team now then their title team.
:facepalm

[KG215]

Grizzlies are going backwards on their roster while I think Dallas made a significant jump.

I loosely listed contenders and I do agree the wizards and hornets are longshots but I think they will have really good seasons...

I stand by Dallas though. They have proven their best player can lead to a title and they might ha e a better team now then their title team.
How are the Grizzlies going backwards on their roster? They'll essentially be the exact same team this year as they were last year and in 2013. All they did was essentially swap Mike Miller for Vince Carter which, if Carter shoots the 3-ball this year like he did last year, is an even trade. I may end up being very, very wrong and, even if they stay healthy all year, the Grizzlies will only win 50-52 games and finish something like 6th or 7th in the West. But I have no idea why right now so many people seem to be sleeping on them.

As for Dallas' roster being better in 2015 than it was in 2011, I disagree but I guess you could at least make an argument that it's true since the second best player on the team is arguably better than the second best player on the 2011 team. But your logic that "they have proven their best player can lead to a title" is very flawed given that Dirk, who was already 32 in 2011, is four years older. Dirk went full on "God Mode" in the 2011 playoffs, and I highly doubt at 36 years old he's going to be capable of replicating anything even close to that over the course of a long playoff run if the Mavs make it that far.

[Real14]

Your trolling is getting lazy.

The suns were already better than us last year so really if they are only "contending" to be better than us again next season, it's borderline insulting to Phoenix. Not Denver.

You are one of the worst trolls ish has had recently. You will post anything to try and rile people up.
Am I Telling tha truth tho hater?:biggums:

[NugzFan]

Am I Telling tha truth tho hater?:biggums:

That the suns will "contend" to be better than the nuggets? Lol sure.

I'd love to hear a few suns fans on your take of their season.

[NugzFan]

How are the Grizzlies going backwards on their roster? They'll essentially be the exact same team this year as they were last year and in 2013. All they did was essentially swap Mike Miller for Vince Carter which, if Carter shoots the 3-ball this year like he did last year, is an even trade. I may end up being very, very wrong and, even if they stay healthy all year, the Grizzlies will only win 50-52 games and finish something like 6th or 7th in the West. But I have no idea why right now so many people seem to be sleeping on them.

Because in the west, staying the same is the same as going backwards.

Right now if you ask fans of the western teams we have the following predicting/hoping for 5-10+ more wins than last year:

Phoenix
Lakers
Kings
Warriors
Dallas
Pelicans
Denver
Minnesota
Utah

Then you have the top 3 teams (okc, clippers, spurs) who all expect to win about the same (if not more)

Leaving:
Houston
Memphis
Portland

Fans of these there teams are also expecting more wins (except maybe Houston?) because "another year together", "we added a few average role players", "we will be healthier" , etc. All teams are saying this.

Don't people get it? It's impossible. Not every team can win the same or more as last year. It's getting absurd on this site and I'm pretty sure 80% of this board hasn't passed algebra I yet.

Can anyone name even 5 western team who will win fewer games this season without their fan base saying "No way!"