sammichoffate
02-18-2015, 12:32 AM
This is just my opinion, so hate on my list if you want:
Contenders
West-
GSW: Self-explanatory, best backcourt in the league, elite defense, elite offense, deep bench, and can change the momentum of games instantly with godly three point shooting and ball movement.
Memphis: Lockdown defensive team that excels in getting 4th quarter stops. Arguably the best frontcourt in the league, and can also shoot the three ball this year. Their depth is also underrated, the Jeff Green signing was low-key huge and might be a key factor for a deep run.
San Antonio: Defending Champions. Their core is like fine wine, seemingly getting better with age. Injury has hurt them a bit, but they will turn it up during playoff time if everyone is healthy.
Dallas: Depth all-around, the Rondo signing really helped them address several needs like defense. Monta Ellis has been phenomenal, and the Amare signing might help them even more. Their defense isn't amazing, but they have veteran presence everywhere to go along with a mad genius of a coach in Carlisle.
East-
Atlanta: Some people expected the Hawks to be good, but not THIS good. They have an incredibly balanced team, amazing ball-movement, elite defense, and a very solid chance at making the ECF this season. The jury is still out on whether they can make a deep run, but I expect them to turn it up like San Antonio.
Chicago: On paper, one of the best teams of the league. They have scorers, three point shooters, great defenders, rebounders, and their backcourt and frontcourt are both arguably in the top 5 of the league. Jimmy Butler and Gasol have been huge for this team, Mirotic also. Health will be a major factor, minutes might need to be limited for this particular team due to their style and coaching.
Pretenders
West-
Portland: This team can play with any in the league, but I feel like they're still lacking in some areas. They rely a bit too much on Aldridge and Lillard to make plays happen. Health will also be an issue. Their depth also isn't as deep as the other teams in the West. A darkhorse that can upset any team they play.
Houston: James Harden has had an MVP season, currently leading the league in scoring. However, I don't believe that the team can ride him through the playoffs due to past playoff experiences. He is also their main option on offense, an opposing team's best player shuts down Houston's offense by shutting him down.
Clippers: Currently missing that key wing player that will put them over the hump, Jeff Green would have been perfect. They still have a great frontcourt as well as a overall balanced team led by CP3 and Blake.
OKC: Currently out of the Playoff race, but I expect them to grab the 8th seed from Phoenix. This team will go only as far as Durant and WB take them. Scott Brooks's coaching has been suspect for many years, and they are still missing a few pieces from contending once again.
East-
Wizards: One of the best backcourts in the league with a tough frontcourt to go along with shooters. Wall has been having a phenomenal season, but other teams in the East have more talent and depth at the moment.
Toronto: Also has one of the best backcourts in the league in Lowry and Derozan. I think they're still too inexperienced for a title, their Coaching and depth could see some improvement.
Contenders
West-
GSW: Self-explanatory, best backcourt in the league, elite defense, elite offense, deep bench, and can change the momentum of games instantly with godly three point shooting and ball movement.
Memphis: Lockdown defensive team that excels in getting 4th quarter stops. Arguably the best frontcourt in the league, and can also shoot the three ball this year. Their depth is also underrated, the Jeff Green signing was low-key huge and might be a key factor for a deep run.
San Antonio: Defending Champions. Their core is like fine wine, seemingly getting better with age. Injury has hurt them a bit, but they will turn it up during playoff time if everyone is healthy.
Dallas: Depth all-around, the Rondo signing really helped them address several needs like defense. Monta Ellis has been phenomenal, and the Amare signing might help them even more. Their defense isn't amazing, but they have veteran presence everywhere to go along with a mad genius of a coach in Carlisle.
East-
Atlanta: Some people expected the Hawks to be good, but not THIS good. They have an incredibly balanced team, amazing ball-movement, elite defense, and a very solid chance at making the ECF this season. The jury is still out on whether they can make a deep run, but I expect them to turn it up like San Antonio.
Chicago: On paper, one of the best teams of the league. They have scorers, three point shooters, great defenders, rebounders, and their backcourt and frontcourt are both arguably in the top 5 of the league. Jimmy Butler and Gasol have been huge for this team, Mirotic also. Health will be a major factor, minutes might need to be limited for this particular team due to their style and coaching.
Pretenders
West-
Portland: This team can play with any in the league, but I feel like they're still lacking in some areas. They rely a bit too much on Aldridge and Lillard to make plays happen. Health will also be an issue. Their depth also isn't as deep as the other teams in the West. A darkhorse that can upset any team they play.
Houston: James Harden has had an MVP season, currently leading the league in scoring. However, I don't believe that the team can ride him through the playoffs due to past playoff experiences. He is also their main option on offense, an opposing team's best player shuts down Houston's offense by shutting him down.
Clippers: Currently missing that key wing player that will put them over the hump, Jeff Green would have been perfect. They still have a great frontcourt as well as a overall balanced team led by CP3 and Blake.
OKC: Currently out of the Playoff race, but I expect them to grab the 8th seed from Phoenix. This team will go only as far as Durant and WB take them. Scott Brooks's coaching has been suspect for many years, and they are still missing a few pieces from contending once again.
East-
Wizards: One of the best backcourts in the league with a tough frontcourt to go along with shooters. Wall has been having a phenomenal season, but other teams in the East have more talent and depth at the moment.
Toronto: Also has one of the best backcourts in the league in Lowry and Derozan. I think they're still too inexperienced for a title, their Coaching and depth could see some improvement.