Post by 20s on Feb 15, 2021 4:36:50 GMT -5
Sim 1 just happened! Let's overreact! 
Dixie Division:
Charlotte Bobcats
OVERREACTION: Wayne Estes is already the best player in TMBSL.
OF COURSE NOT... While Estes is verifiably a stud, just because he exploded for 36 and 11 in Sim 1 on a ridiculously efficient 1.23 pts/tsa, we are still playing in a league with Moala, Luke Maye, and Bojan, right?
...BUT MAYBE? However, that Bojan fellow has never even won a playoff game and the Knicks are off to a terrible start in 3001 (more on this later). Estes has led his team to the Finals. Moala has him beat there with a title to his name, but at 34, maybe his age catches up to him? Doesn't look like it based on early returns. Wait your turn, Wayne.
Carolina Cougars
OVERREACTION: The Cougars are the favorites to win the Dixie Division.
OF COURSE NOT... Slow down. It's been one sim and they aren't even in first place. The Bobcats have proven it over a full season and look to possibly be even better this year. The Magic are back and strong again and the Hawks improved their team in the offseason as well by adding Kenny George (who should match up well against the glut of bigs in Carolina). The Cougars should comfortably make the playoffs, but they are still a piece or two away from being considered the favorites in their loaded division.
...BUT MAYBE? They did win on the road against the Bobcats by 26. They handed the 7-1 Sixers and 6-1 Blazers their only losses. They are 5-2 but only had 1 game at home in Sim 1. The losses were against the Mavs and the Raptors. Nah, the Cougars' wings are too weak. The division is too strong.
Atlanta Hawks
OVERREACTION: Kenny George was worth 1.4 in 3004
OF COURSE NOT... Did you see the last draft? 1.4 just landed Antoine Carr who is destroying the league. Carr is already better than George. Not to mention, have you seen George's rebounding? 5.5 rebounds per game (7.3 per 36) is not going to cut it if a big man wants to be considered elite.
...BUT MAYBE? Uh oh! Kenny learned how to shoot! Man just put up 25 pts/36 in Sim 1 on an insane 1.36 pts/tsa. His jumpshot is elite. He is shooting 62% from the field. He's the best shot blocker in TMBSL. Is he about to become the best two way big in the league? We may have to ask Steph Templeton.
Orlando Magic
OVERREACTION: The lack of shot blocking is going to keep them from contending.
OF COURSE NOT... Their shot blocking is a weakness, sure, but the rest of the team is loaded. They may have the best 3 wing combo in the league with Wrenn, Peppers, and Schmidt. The entire trio shot over 50% in Sim 1. Ed Cota is the perfect floor general PG who isn't going to take shots away from the triumvirate of greatness mentioned previously. With Wrenn sliding down to PF in the small ball lineup, the lack of bigs is greatly reduced and Brandt looks to be decent at C.
...BUT MAYBE? The Magic's 2.7 blocked shots per game ranks 20th in TMBSL. That is concerning. Shot blocking is important, we all know it. Plus, the Magic have to go up against frontcourts such as the Hawks and Cougars in their own division, and may have to face either in a playoff series as well.
Washington Bullets
OVERREACTION: Drew Neitzel should be bought out.
OF COURSE NOT... Neitzel is only 20. He has B potential. He was a decent PG last season. He just went +3 in TC.
...BUT MAYBE? He is struggling so far this season. The Bullets frontcourt is a big weakness so it doesn't look like they are going anywhere this season despite having a promising combo of wings (which are hard to find in TMBSL these days). They currently are going to have just under max cap space next season. They have the room to buy Neitzel out (would take them to 79.7 mil in cap). Clearing max cap space in time for FA would give them a chance to add a true 3rd stud to go along with Gathers and Buford.
Miami Heat
OVERREACTION: The Heat should trade Antonio Gates
OF COURSE NOT... Gates is their best player. He is young. He is the type of guy you build around, not ship out when he is 24.
...BUT MAYBE? He is off to a slow start. He is expiring at the end of this season. The Heat only have 10.8 mil in cap space. They need 15 mil to be able to take advantage of their Early Bird rights. It doesn't look like they are going anywhere with him on the roster, they should collect more assets for him while they can before they lose him in Free Agency, anyway.
Charlotte Hornets
OVERREACTION: This is the worst team in the East
OF COURSE NOT... Have you seen the Pipers? The Bulls? The Cavs? Plus, even though the Hornets came out of Sim 1 with the fewest wins in the East, they played close games. Their point differential is only -4.4 right now, nowhere near what you would expect out of the worst team in a conference.
...BUT MAYBE? Look at the roster. Shawn Kemp Jr. has the name and was a 1st round creation pick, but he doesn't have the production or the efficiency. They just selected Darrell Walker with the 6th pick. He is scoring fine, but a PG averaging 4.7 assists and 3.0 turnovers? 3.9 turnovers per 36? Not ideal. I am not a fan of Witherspoon, either. There aren't really any redeeming players on this roster.
Yankee Division:
Philadelphia 76ers
OVERREACTION: This is 6.0's first dynasty
OF COURSE NOT... It's been one sim. They were .500 in preseason. This team was a laughing stock like 2 weeks ago.
...BUT MAYBE? The Sixers are shooting .545 as a team. They may be the youngest roster in TMBSL. They have 8 players with A or B potential on their roster, which is the most in TMBSL according to an assumption I just made. If Ellis, Carr, and Bol look like this already, what are they going to look like in a couple seasons? They have 23 million in cap space next offseason to complement what is already in place.
Toronto Raptors
OVERREACTION: They need to win it all this year or it's not happening.
OF COURSE NOT... Sure, they have a few old guys, but Germany exists. Delap is a very smart GM who will find a way to make it work and extend his window a few more years.
...BUT MAYBE? In contrast to the 76ers, this may be the oldest rotation in the East. Their starters check in at 34, 31, 30, 29, and 34. Sergei Belov is the most underrated player in TMBSL. Everyone knows who he is, but I'm not sure he gets credit for how good he is. When he goes downhill, this team is in trouble. He's already been sent to Germany. And there are a bunch of young teams arising in the East, ready to take the Raptors place at the top.
Indiana Pacers
OVERREACTION: Clyde Drexler is already better than Drazen Dalipagic
OF COURSE NOT... I've seen the scout. Drexler has flaws. His inside wasn't as high as you would want it. Heebs used half his upgrades on Jump Shot so it still isn't even that high. This is a guy that everyone thought would eventually be great, but he was gonna need a few years to develop before he reached All Star level.
...BUT MAYBE? Look at his stats. He is more well rounded. He can chip in assists, rebounds, the occasional block. Drazen is an elite scorer, but he is a little one dimensional. It might be closer than you think.
Brooklyn Nets
OVERREACTION: Bootsy Thornton was the worst signing of Free Agency.
OF COURSE NOT... Bootsy was traded for top 15 picks twice last season! He is a steals machine. The Nets didn't even have to shell out a max level starting salary or raises to land him. There is a lack of wings in TMBSL so someone will give a 1st for him.
...BUT MAYBE? He looks like garbage in the first sim. He's shooting 37% with 3 turnovers per game. He's a poor rebounder. You can easily change his name to Booty. Or Shootsy Poorton.
Cleveland Cavaliers
OVERREACTION: They should trade 1.1
OF COURSE NOT... Sapular is a new GM. 1.1 is an extremely valuable asset, especially with the scouting available these days. He is going to get a guaranteed young stud to build around. Plus he wouldn't get fair value for the pick anyway.
...BUT MAYBE? After 1.1, they have 1.29, 1.18, 1.18 and 1.7. Good luck building a contender around 1.1 with those picks. Who are they going to surround him with? I guess they could overpay for some FAs and hope it works out. Trading the pick to stack high picks down the line gives them the best chance at building a real contender and allows sap time to get used to the league and how it works. Plus, he has Druce and Majic to guide him through the trade talks.
Pittsburgh Pipers
OVERREACTION: ba is here to stay
OF COURSE NOT... Didn't you see last season? The guy didn't log in for weeks. He never even saw Sim Results until after the trade deadline had passed. He lost Breshers for nothing because of the inactivity. If a new guy can't get excited during the inaugural season, when is he going to be engaged?
...BUT MAYBE? ba is on an activity spree over the last week. It has been refreshing to see. Not only has he been drafting, participating in FA, and submitting DCs, he has been making trades, sending predictions, and participating all over the place. You love to see it!
New York Knicks
OVERREACTION: The Knicks are missing the playoffs.
OF COURSE NOT... They have Bojan. He is the best player in TMBSL. He can get them there by himself.
...BUT MAYBE? They got rid of most of their other talented players. The team looked terrible in Sim 1. The East is improved. They would have to beat out one of the Magic, Bobcats, Hawks, Cougars, Raptors, 76ers, Pacers, or Bullets. The Bullets look like they could be had. But that is the 8 seed.
Chicago Bulls
OVERREACTION: Greg Kite is their best player
OF COURSE NOT... The rookie 2nd rounder doesn't have any grades higher than C+ and this team has guys like John Calipari, Doc Rivers, and Chase Harler who high draft capital was used on. Kite has some decent stats but it's probably just small sample size variance and he will regress to the mean with time.
...BUT MAYBE? All those guys suck. He might be the best by default.
Midwest Division:
Dallas Mavericks
OVERREACTION: Moala isn't even the best big man on his own team
OF COURSE NOT... He is the reigning MVP. ROY. Playoff MVP. You name it. His stats so far in 3001 are sublime. Looks like he is picking up right where he left off.
...BUT MAYBE? Bob Kurland is a beast. The guy is scoring more efficiently than Moala, rebounding at the same rate, and is putting up 2.3 steals and 3.0 blocks per 36. This one is closer than most realize since Moala gets all the publicity.
Chicago Stags
OVERREACTION: The Stags will make the playoffs
OF COURSE NOT... This is one of the worst teams in TMBSL. It is difficult to find a redeeming player on the roster. They are stacking picks in the future.
...BUT MAYBE? This rag tag bunch went 4-3 in Sim 1. The 6-7-8 seeds in the West last season won 33, 33, and 32 games. He doesn't have to win a ton of games to sneak in.
Phoenix Suns
OVERREACTION: They wouldn't make the playoffs in the East
OF COURSE NOT... Luke Maye is one of the top 10 players in TMBSL. He had the 2nd most win shares in TMBSL last year. The Suns were a top 4 seed and won a playoff series. Anderson Hunt and Zam Fredrick are better than anything the Knicks have outside of Bojan.
...BUT MAYBE? The bottom of the West was very weak last year. The Suns got to boost their record and stats playing a bunch of relatively easy games. The East got deeper this offseason. The Suns team reminds me a lot of the Knicks with one of the best players in the league but then not a lot else.
Texas Chaparrals
OVERREACTION: The Chaps will be a top 3 seed in the West.
OF COURSE NOT... No one is breaking into the Mavs, Clippers, Grizzlies party up top. They are way deeper, have better elite talent, and more experienced GMs running the show.
...BUT MAYBE? Something seemed off with the Clippers in Sim 1. Breshers and Meeks look like a dangerous combo down low. DD was an All Star at SG last season. And they have two GMs.
Milwaukee Bucks
OVERREACTION: Kelvin Sampson was the best pick of the Creation Draft.
OF COURSE NOT: Moala? Kyle Hines? Drazen? Joshua Smith? There are countless examples of All League guys who went way later than they should have and have left a major mark on the league.
...BUT MAYBE? Kelvin Sampson was a 4th round pick. Look at the other guys taken around him. He is still only 19. He has A potential. He might go 1.1 if he was in the upcoming rookie draft. He looks like he has the makings of a great PG as he continues to develop. Can shoot, can pass, high steals, manageable turnovers that will only improve as his handling develops naturally.
San Antonio Spurs
OVERREACTION: Rodney McCray will be the best rookie in this class
OF COURSE NOT... Look at his turnovers. Look at the other top rookies. He's good, but they are on another level. Look at Drexler. Look at Ellis. Look at Carr. Look at Sampson. McCray can't compete.
...BUT MAYBE? McCray might be the most well rounded rookie outside of Drexler. He is going to contribute points, rebounds, assists, steals and turnovers. But nah, look at those turnovers.
Minnesota Timberwolves
OVERREACTION: This team will finish with single digit wins.
OF COURSE NOT... They sucked last year and still won 32 and made the playoffs. The West is pretty weak at the bottom, they will fluke their way into 12-15 wins minimum.
...BUT MAYBE? They are really, really bad. They haven't shown they can beat anyone yet and Ian seems determined to sell off anything that appears to have any value.
Pacific Division:
Portland Trailblazers
OVERREACTION: This is a darkhorse contender in the West.
OF COURSE NOT... Sampson is amazing, but this is a team with some major holes. They don't have anyone to write home about at PG, and their wings leave a lot to be desired. They will only go as far as Sampson takes them, and at some point, they will run into teams with way more depth. Their 2.1 blocks per game as a team won't cut it, either.
...BUT MAYBE? They have a dangerous duo down low and have started off hot, but I think the Blazers should be happy with a playoff appearance this year and look to build from there.
Golden State Warriors
OVERREACTION: Jon Davis isn't a lost cause yet
OF COURSE NOT... He is still a turnover machine. He is averaging 4.0 turnovers per 36 at SG now! It's just not salvageable.
...BUT MAYBE? The scoring is there. He's pouring in 21 per game in 26 minutes. +30 the Handling and see where he lands?
Vancouver Grizzlies
OVERREACTION: 1.3 blocks per game will keep them from truly contending
OF COURSE NOT... The Grizz are one of the deepest teams in the West, they have Smith and Lang on the blocks, the offense more than makes up for the lack of blocked shots.
...BUT MAYBE? 1.3 as a team is so low. It's hard to imagine them beating the Clippers or Mavs in a 7 game series without any rim protection.
Los Angeles Clippers
OVERREACTION: Kyle Hines is the real MVP.
OF COURSE NOT... Moala, Bojan, Kurland, Maye. We know the usual suspects.
...BUT MAYBE? I kind of actually believe this one. Hines is unlike anyone else in the league right now. I'm not sure the Clippers would trade him for anyone (this year, age plays a factor otherwise). He was always thought to be a defense and rebounding beast, but he is a truly elite scorer at this point and his rebounding/defense combo is unmatched amongst the elite scorers.
Los Angeles Lakers
OVERREACTION: Mike Gansey is the best FA in this class.
OF COURSE NOT... It's one sim. He was good last year, but not like this. His GM is trying to sell high and take advantage of this hype.
...BUT MAYBE? He is only 19. He is dominating. He would go 1.1 in the draft if we knew he would produce like this.
Seattle SuperSonics
OVERREACTION: They had the second best draft.
OF COURSE NOT... The Kings had two top 8 picks and landed Sidney Green and Derek Harper.
...BUT MAYBE? Minniefield's handling is ridiculous. His A/T ratio is off the charts. Wittman might be closed to maxed out, but he is already very effective and A- inside. Breuer has more development ahead of him and is already a major contributor. For having 3 late 1sts, they did very well.
Sacramento Kings
OVERREACTION: The Casey Calvary contract is fine.
OF COURSE NOT... Irush seemed to have instant regret about signing Calvary in free agency and has discussed plans to buy him out of his contract.
...BUT MAYBE? The contract isn't that bad? Calvary might be kind of good? He is shooting 50% from the field and scoring the ball well. The Kings might be able to let him play out that deal.
Dixie Division:
Charlotte BobcatsOVERREACTION: Wayne Estes is already the best player in TMBSL.
OF COURSE NOT... While Estes is verifiably a stud, just because he exploded for 36 and 11 in Sim 1 on a ridiculously efficient 1.23 pts/tsa, we are still playing in a league with Moala, Luke Maye, and Bojan, right?
...BUT MAYBE? However, that Bojan fellow has never even won a playoff game and the Knicks are off to a terrible start in 3001 (more on this later). Estes has led his team to the Finals. Moala has him beat there with a title to his name, but at 34, maybe his age catches up to him? Doesn't look like it based on early returns. Wait your turn, Wayne.
Carolina CougarsOVERREACTION: The Cougars are the favorites to win the Dixie Division.
OF COURSE NOT... Slow down. It's been one sim and they aren't even in first place. The Bobcats have proven it over a full season and look to possibly be even better this year. The Magic are back and strong again and the Hawks improved their team in the offseason as well by adding Kenny George (who should match up well against the glut of bigs in Carolina). The Cougars should comfortably make the playoffs, but they are still a piece or two away from being considered the favorites in their loaded division.
...BUT MAYBE? They did win on the road against the Bobcats by 26. They handed the 7-1 Sixers and 6-1 Blazers their only losses. They are 5-2 but only had 1 game at home in Sim 1. The losses were against the Mavs and the Raptors. Nah, the Cougars' wings are too weak. The division is too strong.
Atlanta HawksOVERREACTION: Kenny George was worth 1.4 in 3004
OF COURSE NOT... Did you see the last draft? 1.4 just landed Antoine Carr who is destroying the league. Carr is already better than George. Not to mention, have you seen George's rebounding? 5.5 rebounds per game (7.3 per 36) is not going to cut it if a big man wants to be considered elite.
...BUT MAYBE? Uh oh! Kenny learned how to shoot! Man just put up 25 pts/36 in Sim 1 on an insane 1.36 pts/tsa. His jumpshot is elite. He is shooting 62% from the field. He's the best shot blocker in TMBSL. Is he about to become the best two way big in the league? We may have to ask Steph Templeton.
Orlando MagicOVERREACTION: The lack of shot blocking is going to keep them from contending.
OF COURSE NOT... Their shot blocking is a weakness, sure, but the rest of the team is loaded. They may have the best 3 wing combo in the league with Wrenn, Peppers, and Schmidt. The entire trio shot over 50% in Sim 1. Ed Cota is the perfect floor general PG who isn't going to take shots away from the triumvirate of greatness mentioned previously. With Wrenn sliding down to PF in the small ball lineup, the lack of bigs is greatly reduced and Brandt looks to be decent at C.
...BUT MAYBE? The Magic's 2.7 blocked shots per game ranks 20th in TMBSL. That is concerning. Shot blocking is important, we all know it. Plus, the Magic have to go up against frontcourts such as the Hawks and Cougars in their own division, and may have to face either in a playoff series as well.
Washington BulletsOVERREACTION: Drew Neitzel should be bought out.
OF COURSE NOT... Neitzel is only 20. He has B potential. He was a decent PG last season. He just went +3 in TC.
...BUT MAYBE? He is struggling so far this season. The Bullets frontcourt is a big weakness so it doesn't look like they are going anywhere this season despite having a promising combo of wings (which are hard to find in TMBSL these days). They currently are going to have just under max cap space next season. They have the room to buy Neitzel out (would take them to 79.7 mil in cap). Clearing max cap space in time for FA would give them a chance to add a true 3rd stud to go along with Gathers and Buford.
Miami HeatOVERREACTION: The Heat should trade Antonio Gates
OF COURSE NOT... Gates is their best player. He is young. He is the type of guy you build around, not ship out when he is 24.
...BUT MAYBE? He is off to a slow start. He is expiring at the end of this season. The Heat only have 10.8 mil in cap space. They need 15 mil to be able to take advantage of their Early Bird rights. It doesn't look like they are going anywhere with him on the roster, they should collect more assets for him while they can before they lose him in Free Agency, anyway.
Charlotte HornetsOVERREACTION: This is the worst team in the East
OF COURSE NOT... Have you seen the Pipers? The Bulls? The Cavs? Plus, even though the Hornets came out of Sim 1 with the fewest wins in the East, they played close games. Their point differential is only -4.4 right now, nowhere near what you would expect out of the worst team in a conference.
...BUT MAYBE? Look at the roster. Shawn Kemp Jr. has the name and was a 1st round creation pick, but he doesn't have the production or the efficiency. They just selected Darrell Walker with the 6th pick. He is scoring fine, but a PG averaging 4.7 assists and 3.0 turnovers? 3.9 turnovers per 36? Not ideal. I am not a fan of Witherspoon, either. There aren't really any redeeming players on this roster.
Yankee Division:
Philadelphia 76ersOVERREACTION: This is 6.0's first dynasty
OF COURSE NOT... It's been one sim. They were .500 in preseason. This team was a laughing stock like 2 weeks ago.
...BUT MAYBE? The Sixers are shooting .545 as a team. They may be the youngest roster in TMBSL. They have 8 players with A or B potential on their roster, which is the most in TMBSL according to an assumption I just made. If Ellis, Carr, and Bol look like this already, what are they going to look like in a couple seasons? They have 23 million in cap space next offseason to complement what is already in place.
Toronto RaptorsOVERREACTION: They need to win it all this year or it's not happening.
OF COURSE NOT... Sure, they have a few old guys, but Germany exists. Delap is a very smart GM who will find a way to make it work and extend his window a few more years.
...BUT MAYBE? In contrast to the 76ers, this may be the oldest rotation in the East. Their starters check in at 34, 31, 30, 29, and 34. Sergei Belov is the most underrated player in TMBSL. Everyone knows who he is, but I'm not sure he gets credit for how good he is. When he goes downhill, this team is in trouble. He's already been sent to Germany. And there are a bunch of young teams arising in the East, ready to take the Raptors place at the top.
Indiana PacersOVERREACTION: Clyde Drexler is already better than Drazen Dalipagic
OF COURSE NOT... I've seen the scout. Drexler has flaws. His inside wasn't as high as you would want it. Heebs used half his upgrades on Jump Shot so it still isn't even that high. This is a guy that everyone thought would eventually be great, but he was gonna need a few years to develop before he reached All Star level.
...BUT MAYBE? Look at his stats. He is more well rounded. He can chip in assists, rebounds, the occasional block. Drazen is an elite scorer, but he is a little one dimensional. It might be closer than you think.
Brooklyn NetsOVERREACTION: Bootsy Thornton was the worst signing of Free Agency.
OF COURSE NOT... Bootsy was traded for top 15 picks twice last season! He is a steals machine. The Nets didn't even have to shell out a max level starting salary or raises to land him. There is a lack of wings in TMBSL so someone will give a 1st for him.
...BUT MAYBE? He looks like garbage in the first sim. He's shooting 37% with 3 turnovers per game. He's a poor rebounder. You can easily change his name to Booty. Or Shootsy Poorton.
Cleveland CavaliersOVERREACTION: They should trade 1.1
OF COURSE NOT... Sapular is a new GM. 1.1 is an extremely valuable asset, especially with the scouting available these days. He is going to get a guaranteed young stud to build around. Plus he wouldn't get fair value for the pick anyway.
...BUT MAYBE? After 1.1, they have 1.29, 1.18, 1.18 and 1.7. Good luck building a contender around 1.1 with those picks. Who are they going to surround him with? I guess they could overpay for some FAs and hope it works out. Trading the pick to stack high picks down the line gives them the best chance at building a real contender and allows sap time to get used to the league and how it works. Plus, he has Druce and Majic to guide him through the trade talks.
Pittsburgh PipersOVERREACTION: ba is here to stay
OF COURSE NOT... Didn't you see last season? The guy didn't log in for weeks. He never even saw Sim Results until after the trade deadline had passed. He lost Breshers for nothing because of the inactivity. If a new guy can't get excited during the inaugural season, when is he going to be engaged?
...BUT MAYBE? ba is on an activity spree over the last week. It has been refreshing to see. Not only has he been drafting, participating in FA, and submitting DCs, he has been making trades, sending predictions, and participating all over the place. You love to see it!
New York KnicksOVERREACTION: The Knicks are missing the playoffs.
OF COURSE NOT... They have Bojan. He is the best player in TMBSL. He can get them there by himself.
...BUT MAYBE? They got rid of most of their other talented players. The team looked terrible in Sim 1. The East is improved. They would have to beat out one of the Magic, Bobcats, Hawks, Cougars, Raptors, 76ers, Pacers, or Bullets. The Bullets look like they could be had. But that is the 8 seed.
Chicago BullsOVERREACTION: Greg Kite is their best player
OF COURSE NOT... The rookie 2nd rounder doesn't have any grades higher than C+ and this team has guys like John Calipari, Doc Rivers, and Chase Harler who high draft capital was used on. Kite has some decent stats but it's probably just small sample size variance and he will regress to the mean with time.
...BUT MAYBE? All those guys suck. He might be the best by default.
Midwest Division:
Dallas MavericksOVERREACTION: Moala isn't even the best big man on his own team
OF COURSE NOT... He is the reigning MVP. ROY. Playoff MVP. You name it. His stats so far in 3001 are sublime. Looks like he is picking up right where he left off.
...BUT MAYBE? Bob Kurland is a beast. The guy is scoring more efficiently than Moala, rebounding at the same rate, and is putting up 2.3 steals and 3.0 blocks per 36. This one is closer than most realize since Moala gets all the publicity.
Chicago StagsOVERREACTION: The Stags will make the playoffs
OF COURSE NOT... This is one of the worst teams in TMBSL. It is difficult to find a redeeming player on the roster. They are stacking picks in the future.
...BUT MAYBE? This rag tag bunch went 4-3 in Sim 1. The 6-7-8 seeds in the West last season won 33, 33, and 32 games. He doesn't have to win a ton of games to sneak in.
Phoenix SunsOVERREACTION: They wouldn't make the playoffs in the East
OF COURSE NOT... Luke Maye is one of the top 10 players in TMBSL. He had the 2nd most win shares in TMBSL last year. The Suns were a top 4 seed and won a playoff series. Anderson Hunt and Zam Fredrick are better than anything the Knicks have outside of Bojan.
...BUT MAYBE? The bottom of the West was very weak last year. The Suns got to boost their record and stats playing a bunch of relatively easy games. The East got deeper this offseason. The Suns team reminds me a lot of the Knicks with one of the best players in the league but then not a lot else.
Texas ChaparralsOVERREACTION: The Chaps will be a top 3 seed in the West.
OF COURSE NOT... No one is breaking into the Mavs, Clippers, Grizzlies party up top. They are way deeper, have better elite talent, and more experienced GMs running the show.
...BUT MAYBE? Something seemed off with the Clippers in Sim 1. Breshers and Meeks look like a dangerous combo down low. DD was an All Star at SG last season. And they have two GMs.
Milwaukee BucksOVERREACTION: Kelvin Sampson was the best pick of the Creation Draft.
OF COURSE NOT: Moala? Kyle Hines? Drazen? Joshua Smith? There are countless examples of All League guys who went way later than they should have and have left a major mark on the league.
...BUT MAYBE? Kelvin Sampson was a 4th round pick. Look at the other guys taken around him. He is still only 19. He has A potential. He might go 1.1 if he was in the upcoming rookie draft. He looks like he has the makings of a great PG as he continues to develop. Can shoot, can pass, high steals, manageable turnovers that will only improve as his handling develops naturally.
San Antonio SpursOVERREACTION: Rodney McCray will be the best rookie in this class
OF COURSE NOT... Look at his turnovers. Look at the other top rookies. He's good, but they are on another level. Look at Drexler. Look at Ellis. Look at Carr. Look at Sampson. McCray can't compete.
...BUT MAYBE? McCray might be the most well rounded rookie outside of Drexler. He is going to contribute points, rebounds, assists, steals and turnovers. But nah, look at those turnovers.
Minnesota TimberwolvesOVERREACTION: This team will finish with single digit wins.
OF COURSE NOT... They sucked last year and still won 32 and made the playoffs. The West is pretty weak at the bottom, they will fluke their way into 12-15 wins minimum.
...BUT MAYBE? They are really, really bad. They haven't shown they can beat anyone yet and Ian seems determined to sell off anything that appears to have any value.
Pacific Division:
Portland TrailblazersOVERREACTION: This is a darkhorse contender in the West.
OF COURSE NOT... Sampson is amazing, but this is a team with some major holes. They don't have anyone to write home about at PG, and their wings leave a lot to be desired. They will only go as far as Sampson takes them, and at some point, they will run into teams with way more depth. Their 2.1 blocks per game as a team won't cut it, either.
...BUT MAYBE? They have a dangerous duo down low and have started off hot, but I think the Blazers should be happy with a playoff appearance this year and look to build from there.
Golden State WarriorsOVERREACTION: Jon Davis isn't a lost cause yet
OF COURSE NOT... He is still a turnover machine. He is averaging 4.0 turnovers per 36 at SG now! It's just not salvageable.
...BUT MAYBE? The scoring is there. He's pouring in 21 per game in 26 minutes. +30 the Handling and see where he lands?
Vancouver GrizzliesOVERREACTION: 1.3 blocks per game will keep them from truly contending
OF COURSE NOT... The Grizz are one of the deepest teams in the West, they have Smith and Lang on the blocks, the offense more than makes up for the lack of blocked shots.
...BUT MAYBE? 1.3 as a team is so low. It's hard to imagine them beating the Clippers or Mavs in a 7 game series without any rim protection.
Los Angeles ClippersOVERREACTION: Kyle Hines is the real MVP.
OF COURSE NOT... Moala, Bojan, Kurland, Maye. We know the usual suspects.
...BUT MAYBE? I kind of actually believe this one. Hines is unlike anyone else in the league right now. I'm not sure the Clippers would trade him for anyone (this year, age plays a factor otherwise). He was always thought to be a defense and rebounding beast, but he is a truly elite scorer at this point and his rebounding/defense combo is unmatched amongst the elite scorers.
Los Angeles LakersOVERREACTION: Mike Gansey is the best FA in this class.
OF COURSE NOT... It's one sim. He was good last year, but not like this. His GM is trying to sell high and take advantage of this hype.
...BUT MAYBE? He is only 19. He is dominating. He would go 1.1 in the draft if we knew he would produce like this.
Seattle SuperSonicsOVERREACTION: They had the second best draft.
OF COURSE NOT... The Kings had two top 8 picks and landed Sidney Green and Derek Harper.
...BUT MAYBE? Minniefield's handling is ridiculous. His A/T ratio is off the charts. Wittman might be closed to maxed out, but he is already very effective and A- inside. Breuer has more development ahead of him and is already a major contributor. For having 3 late 1sts, they did very well.
Sacramento KingsOVERREACTION: The Casey Calvary contract is fine.
OF COURSE NOT... Irush seemed to have instant regret about signing Calvary in free agency and has discussed plans to buy him out of his contract.
...BUT MAYBE? The contract isn't that bad? Calvary might be kind of good? He is shooting 50% from the field and scoring the ball well. The Kings might be able to let him play out that deal.
