The Boards – Weeks 1 Through 7

Volume 19 Number 2
	FanHoops.Net

 

 

[The Boards]

The irregular publication of Hoopstaz Online

 

 

Weeks 1 though 7

2012-2013 Season

The first 7/23^rds of the season has been the usual collection of ups and downs. New Kids on the block are large this season, but some old-timers are hanging onto prominence also.

New Kids are also holding in the standings with both DC and MC Ballers holding two of the Money Spots, while old-timers ATM hold the other and BnG perched just outside.

On the High Note, ATM has posted three top-scores and four 40+. DCB has two top-scores, both being 40+. BnG and NYJ both have a one 40+ and one top score; however BnGs top-score was 38+ in Week-1; however each also have one bottom-score. MCB has yet to net a top-score or a 40+, but holds onto 3^rd place.

In the middle, NnN has held steady at 35.9 with a single 40+; while CMC has the highest deviation week-to-week with no 40+ (1 near) and 1 bottom score. MAC, like NnN has been steady for most weeks, but MAC has barely been able to crack 35 while logging one bottom score.

On the Low Note, GBC logged the bottom-season score at 21+ in the opener, but has since logged one 40+ also in a wild ride so far. PTR has been steady and avoided bottom scores, but hasn’t cracked 35. GFC has logged two bottom scores and the team’s best score was 36+ in week-1 (no Love).

1stATM has enjoyed a nice run over the last 4 weeks, including week 7’s 39+, with bumps, bruises, and 3 starters missing time due to injury. The pack is reeling in, but this is the 4th week for ATM in first.

2ndDCB posted the weekly high score with big lines from 4 starters. Only Parsons was not on board with the program, but it didn’t stop DCB from logging their best week of the season. DCB has been in 2nd for the past 5 weeks, but closed some ground on ATM.

3rdMCB notched a 40+ and inched them closer to first as Westbrook and Monroe did the heavy lifting. Turner and George held their own, while Turner missed the memo in Houston. MCB held off BNG, and maintained 3rd place for the 2nd week.

4thBnG logged their first 40+ with help from the rook, returned from injury, KD, and Kemba. Dragic was a little below par, but overall a solid week. BNG inched up towards MCB, and remained in 4th for the 2nd week in a row, from 3rd prior.

5thNnN logged their best season score, just short of 40, with a balanced week from both starters and backups, and a net 33 from the center position. This is NnN’s 2nd week in a row in 5th, from 6th previously.

6thNYJ posted a decent line lead by James and Chandler. Irving, back from injury, was a bit disappointing, but Sanders continued to shine given an overall balanced line. Coming off a season low last week, NYJ recovered 2 positions in the standings.

7thCMC recovered a couple points from last week, but still has a ways to go. Kobe and Greivis were the only bright lights, while Metta added a solid couple games. The DeMadMan is at it again, suspended indefinitely! TBD on that, but definitely a low light for CMC. CMC has been in 7th for the past 2 weeks, previously 5th.

8thMAC dropped 2 spots after posting their first season low, and was the only team not to improve overall this week. Rondo and Horford were barely at par, Asik a little below, and Ersan and Marco were horrible. Pretty clear why the signing of Dudley was executed this week! MAC fell 2 spots in the standings.

9thGBC held position for the 2nd consecutive week. Deron was down, while Curry and Rudy remained hot, but each logged 1 low score that dropped the weekly. Blake held par, while Drummond had a good week and is beginning to show out – good for GBC, not so much for the 2 teams that cut him previously.

10thPTR held position for back-to-back weeks. Ellis was the only 40+ scorer, with Wade and Lopez funking-up the scorecard, and Deng and Ibaka being held a little below average. The Good, Dirk is back. The Bad… I won’t speculate. The Ugly… Bynum where art thou? Answer: No Time Table.

11thGFC has held the bottom for two weeks, but the silver lining is they logged their best score in 3 weeks. Week 6 featured 7 games below 25. This week’s performance a notable improvement, despite no movement in the standings.

Hoopsta’s 2012-13 Draft Review

Volume 19 Number 1

 

 

Season Opener

Draft in Review
2012-2013 Season

It’s good to be back to a full season after the mini-2011 run that by most measures lived up to the promise of being a “different” experience. The injury list was long and the players played tired all year with the condensed and crazy schedule. And so, almost a year later, we’re back for more!

The lottery “winner” was NYJ, returning after a year in hiatus. BnG landed yet another lottery-lottery pick – will it be the ticket to return to glory? NnN landed at 3 – the first time in 5 years. DCB moved up with their highest draft position since their rookie campaign. Now as a veteran, is title run time? GFC, MCB and CMC got the middle positions – some love and others despise. For CMC, dropping to 7^th after having the top pick a season ago is likely a disappointment but… new challenge: repeat as money team — with late slot. GFC @ 5 moved up one from last season, we’ll check the results later. MCB moved up 3 slots to draft at 6^th. However, with a last place finish a season ago — the M.A.S.H. unit of last year has hosts of ways to improve. PTR snagged the 8^th pick (7^th a season ago), and finished in their most common position of 4^th. GBC was handed was handed the 9^th spot (10^th last season). Given a 9^th place finish last season – GBC is hoping the high team number will yield a better result. ATM (10^th) and MAC (11^th) landed the bookend positions after drafting 2^nd and 3^rd a season ago. Only once in the last 10 years have franchises with 2-diget team numbers finished in The Money — 2009 ATM (12, 1^st place; BnG 10^th 2^nd place). ATM is hoping for a repeat if history, while MAC is trying to create some.

Well heeeerrrrrrre… we goo! Another season!

Knicks Junky (NYJ)

Slot : 1st	Eddie Thomas			2010 Finish: 7th
A couple of “returns” are in order, as NYJ came back from a year off – AND manages to get the first pick. And with that first pick, LeBron returned to the pole. The next two picks (Jennings and Irving) raised some brows – but clearly Eddie was feeling some love for the young-star point guards. The New Joe Johnson was coupled with The Truth (AKA Paul Pierce)… Houston… I think we have a problem—5 picks, 3 starters. Amare could be steal or bust – but shelved until at least Christmas – means 6 after 7 picks – no starting PF to boot.   NYJ landed strong late round gems that were crazy to have been on the board in the 2nd half at all. Hibbert @ 88th and Chandler @ 89th erase the lack of a starting PF or C in the first 5 picks. And by all accounts, OJ Mayo has been pegged for a career launch year with his new team. As far as the rest go, Drummond may fill out this season … or not… a project for sure. Brand – a flash back—who may make a splash filling in for Dirk… or maybe not? And Hansbrough?… Well – someone had to be 12th.   The Ups, LeBron…enough said there, but +Pierce and the selection of PGs at 22 & 23 provide strong rotation for the 1 and 3, but… Hibbert is a solid and rising star and should be solid at the 5, and Chandler should have free roam of the paint while Amare recovers. The Downs, rotation everywhere else. One might argue that Joe and OJ should have swapped places… but the ice is thin there. The 4/5 story is fragile as Amare is down and Chandler’s stock could bounce a lot when the 2 are paired down the road, and Hibbert will need help. Overall, the team drafted some nice players, but the mix, depth, and overloads may prove challenged over the long haul.
Starters: µµµµµ		Bench/Rotation: µµµµµ	Projected Finish: Middle

B-n-G (BnG)

Slot : 2nd	Barry White			Previous Finish: 5th
KD moves up as the #2 selection – his highest to date, but not much of a surprise. More interesting, however was Gortat @ 21 and rookie Davis@ 24. Bosh @ 43 filled out the 4 and 5 for BnG and gave some assurances for the position. Dragic, Walker, and Wall (at some point) followed on to finish the starting unit and primary rotations.   After that, it gets a bit speculative. Henderson was mostly a disappointment last season, talent – but is he ready yet? G. Davis can be a big nasty on the New Magic – will he be? JR says he is all grown up and put the partying aside – hmmm, OK. AK – back for more NBA… let’s see what he’ll bring… definitely has/had the skill… Patterson…? Well “someone has to be 12th”   As usual, the starters are solid with Walker being the only one that will had to improve from last year’s rookie campaign. The bench has a couple of question marks, namely the 2 and 3, and potentially the 1 if Wall’s return is less than stellar. However, expect the vet to address any shorts in the squad – and given so many “potentials” even at 50% of realization, expect some of those late round picks to yield fruit or turn out to be a gem.   The unit’s strength is fairly strong. A. Davis has to earn any praise at the NBA level, but is expected to pan out fairly well. The rotations at some of the positions will be interesting to watch, and for now, overall are a little better than average. It should make for an interesting ride for BnG.
Starters: µµµµµ		Bench/Rotation: µµµµµ	Projected Finish: Top Half

N-N-N

Slot : 3rd	Nelson Armstrong			Previous Finish: 6th
Riding on Superman @3, MAC … Oh wait, that was last year… This year NnN hopes that @3 (again) Superman II – The West Coast Version – can repro himself from last year. Zo-Bo goes 20th @2, no real surprise. Dano @ 25 is “one of those picks”… but who isn’t from the Nuggets. Matthews @42 was a bit of a surprise, but he is pegged to improve this season. Lowry @ 47 however, was surprised to be on the board that late, so that looks to be a great value pick, and rounds out the starters.   The later round seemed relatively average. Garnett in a new found center role, Martin on a new team and off the bench, Felton with good history in NYC before and now back for more, Marion taking on extra duty for Dirk… all have potential as decent backups for spot duty or to fill in as needed. T. Young and Hickson as late picks with largely uncharted upside could be the best of the later round grabs if either or both pan out.   Overall, the starting unit featuring Matthews (unproven), Superman II (new team, back?), and anyone from the Jeckle-Freckles-Hyde Nuggets says there could be some extra ups and downs. The bench is decent in terms of competent players, but there will need to be some career seasons from some unexpected sources for this drafted collection to have success.
Starters: µµµµµ		Bench/Rotation: µµµµµ	Projected Finish: Middle

 

DC Ballers (DCB)

Slot : 4th	LeRonne Spear			Previous Finish: 8th
DCB rolled high with CP3 and later landed Tony Parker as the first backup @ 63 (nice). Mr. Lee @ 19 and Iggy @ 26, The Young Tim Duncan at 41!! And a contract year Tyreke Evans to round the starters. No rocket science required — this should be a strong starting unit.   And Lopez @ 70!!! to add to Parker, all DCB has to hope for is the wheels to stay on. Granger @ 85 … ok, if anything can be recovered from him that is value pick, and true for Ginobilli @ 92 … It’s anyone’s guess on Green, Nene and the rook, but all three have a chance to be meaningful.   Overall, the starting group is strong with some elasticity to move players about to leverage any hot bench hands. Evans will have to come through with the forecast breakout season. On paper, this may have been DCB’s best draft to date, but there are still question marks around the subs between injury, age, and production, so the rotation could present some challenges along the way – but this squad looks like it will be one of the contenders.
Starters: µµµµµ		Bench/Rotation: µµµµµ	Projected Finish: Top Half

GF Crew (GFC)

Slot : 5th	Gavin Fuller			Previous Finish: 7th
Kevin Love dropped to 5th as GFC takes the gamble on knuckles and used the next five picks to complete the core starting unit. BUT Aldridge was the only clearly worthy selection @ 18 – maybe even a steal. Lawson – another one of “Dem-Nuggs” has no real history of being 27th pick worthy on that NBA team, but maybe this is the year. Batum got the fatty on the new contract, so @ 40 – this could be solid pick, but like Lawson, Batum will have to breakout season to show he was worthy. That is a lot of proof in the pudding to be earned… but there 4 of the starters…   For the subs, Conley has been rising but 6th man, drafted 5th? Not likely. It is more likely that Nash @ 93 will spend more time back filling for Ty. Klay is a “Warrior Not Named Lee or Curry”… who should have some nice moments, and timing will be everything. Drafted 6th, but as the starting 2 may cause some issues. Ryan @ 71 is a solid pick and great value and he should log a near 51 game season given the draft 3s and 4s. Pekovic was also a nice move to backup Love, AND – if he gets any minutes in The Woods, he is nice player that can yield some fruit he can get in. Of concern may be having to lean on Allen and The Jet at the 2 if Klay doesn’t hold up.   Overall, the starters seem a bit underpowered. Knuckles should make up for some of that if he gets to court in time and in his previous seasons’ form. Aldridge should hold his own, but Lawson and Batum have a lot of promise to realize before crowning this group as dangerous. Dealing with the backups may create heartburn for GFC for various reasons.
Starters: µµµµµ		Bench/Rotation: µµµµµ	Projected Finish: Bottom Half

Mo City Ballers (MCB)

Slot : 6th	Rhon Green			Previous Finish: 10th
Mo City anointed Westbrook with his highest grabbing @ 6th. Like many this draft, MCB did not select a 2 in the first five picks, but did grab solid players. @ 17 M. Gasol coupled with Monroe @ 39 solidify the 5. Millsap @ 28 on the other block, backed by West @72 seemed like robbery, so another solid combination at the 4, and add Paul George @ 50 at the 3 — makes for a decent rotation if George continues to grow and Grander doesn’t get in the way at some point. Mo Williams, given all his ability should not be needed much, so MCB can work him in timely as the only other PG.   As for the rest, the team is very young with a lot of upside — so expect some highs and lows, a gem and a buster in the mix. Turner, Faried, Jordan are just starting to bloom – so at least one should produce fruit on the non-lemon kind and if MCB can get mostly highs from auxiliary backups, the core unit should be stout all season long if they can glean anything from the 2.
Starters: µµµµµ		Bench/Rotation: µµµµµ	Projected Finish: Top Half

Cali M Club (CMC)

Slot : 7th	Mark Levich			Previous Finish: 2nd
CMC sticks with the West for the top picks, and most of the team. Big Al @7, KO-BE @ 16, and De-Madman Cousins (he always looks angry to me). Humpries, given the new Brooklyn Nets was a gracious selection and CMC maybe should have stayed with the West for this one too. Greivis was on a lot of folks’ boards as there seems to be collective angst when he was selected. These are the starters.   CMC followed up mostly spot-filling for each position with Lin @ 60, and Scola @ 73 – seemingly safe picks at those numbers. Ariza is a mystery every season, and not expecting that to change, good luck there. Rubio could be a big x-factor depending on how well Greivis and Lin hold up and how fast his recovery gets him to full speed. Jameer as the 12th man could be a steal – it’s the New Magic and he can provide more backcourt cushion. Mullens @104 and Leonard @ 117 … well, if they come into significant play on this team – that could mean that Nevada is facing the Pacific Ocean. But they are both promising and could provide some spot work.   Overall, the team is mostly solid — the 3 being the primary concern — unless we’re wrong about Humphries. The gap at the 3 will create some challenges. This also suggests Luis will also need to be a relevant contributor. There is a lot of talent on the team, but the collection may have a challenges maximizing.
Starters: µµµµµ		Bench/Rotation: µµµµµ	Projected Finish: Middle

Papa Trolls (PTR)

Slot : 8th	Justin Renfrew-Hill			Previous Finish: 4th
J-Smooth at 8th in a contract year should be a banner selection. It’s impossible to argue that D-Wade @ 15th is a bad selection, but the fact he was available at 15 speaks volumes also. Bynum @ 30 is a dice roll as there is no telling what is going on given the chronic knee issues, not to mention the headgear. Ellis @ 37 is a great pick. Then there is Dirk @ 52, who should be a solid contributor once he gets on the floor, in game shape, and ready to go all out… but when is the question. While the names sound good, PTR is kicking off the season with the starting the 5 and 4 on the shelf for extended periods. Turning to Ibaka @ 59 is reasonable to address the 4, but McGee – one of “Dem Nuggs” @ 96 to relieve a current and oft-injured Bynum does not seem like a formula for success. The jury is out on Lou, but on his new team, he will have opportunity to show where he fits in. And with Wade and Ellis – also oft injured players, PTR will need to be ready with backcourt subs. Deng @ 81 seems like theft, despite the fact that he too is oft injured, but when healthy – he has been a decent contributor. The others young bucks will have to earn their rating. Afflalo on the New Magic may pan out as may Hill directing the way for the Pacers   Overall the team has a potentially powerful punch. Unfortunately, the team is going to struggle early and the question will be for how long? If the core group doesn’t get on the floor by the New Year, it may be too late given the ramp time to produce at a high enough level – and that is with everyone else staying healthy. This group may be the hottest come February of everything goes perfectly. PTR will have to hope that plays out that way, and also hope that it’s not too late.
Starters: µµµµµ		Bench/Rotation: µµµµµ	Projected Finish: Lower Half

GBockers (GBC)

Slot : 9th	Gil Espino			Previous Finish: 9th
D-Will has been a GBC favorite, so no surprise here @9. Griffin @14 seems like GBC may have gotten over. Three of the next four picks, however, include a “hope-health-holds” warning. Specifically, Curry @31, Bogut @53, and Rose @58… but add one for Bargnani @ 80 also. Insert Rudy Gay @36 and there’s the starting group.   The Backups. Rose has potential, but not until 2013. He should be relevant at some point, but the real question/concern is when? And when will the stud Rose be back, not just the player, October? As the 6th man, GBC paid a lot for that lottery ticket and will have to lean on D-Will for a long while. For Bogut, the story isn’t much better as he is a walking injury, thus Spencer Hawes may have to be ‘the man’ at any time and more than what GBC care for… Depending on how well Andrea, the other walking injury, can hold up. Gilchrist @ 102 is the only backup to Rudy … nice player, not proven yet – but he is going to get his chance. Lastly, Crawford @ 97, Okafor @ 119, and Foye @ 124 – a collection of capable, but widely inconsistent and unpredictable players, could be called to duty given the durability concerns of the primaries, and that could be an issue.   Overall, the starters look good on paper (machete?) when healthy, but durability and recovery concerns seem realer than for most teams. Likewise, the backups have either health flags or are secondary on their NBA teams, and may be forced into high usage, which overall may not bode well for GBC.
Starters: µµµµµ		Bench/Rotation: µµµµµ	Projected Finish: Bottom Half

A-Team (ATM)

Slot : 10th	Aaron Jones			Previous Finish: 3rd
ATM seems to be back in favor with Knicks with a surprising Carmelo selection @10. Also ATM followed a local selection by gambling on The Beard at @13 on his new squad. The rest of the starters seemed reasonable picks as Noah @ 32 and Varajao @ 54 are proven players. @35 Holiday will be given his first true test at the man at the point with the revamped Sixers.   The backups look like a collection from a grab bag. Wallace, on the New Nets will allow ATM to complete the 3/4/5 rotations – if he can hold. But Knight must ascend on a woeful Piston-cup team, and/or Wright, if there is to be any relieve at the 2. Collison starting with the Mavs should be serviceable as a backup 1, but… The last three, ATM snagged the promising rookie Valanciunas, Bass, and Roy… but the primary rotations look to be addressed without them, so it will be interesting to see how long they last.   The starting group is competent, but Harden will have to prove he is worthy of being 13th as will Holiday @35. The bench features Crash, an aging Wallace as the 6th man that may have to log starter time… which may be a bit much in Brooklyn. The rest of the bench has more questions than answers, but given the lineup, ATM has enough frontcourt flex to stay viable, but could suffer on the switches in the back court.
Starters: µµµµµ		Bench/Rotation: µµµµµ	Projected Finish: Top Middle

BallSoHard (MAC)

Slot : 11th	Ken Moore			Previous Finish: 1st
The Two Time Defending Champ (as he has reminded all, often) goes East/West with Boston/LA in Rajon and Pau. Then MAC rolls the dice with Lillard @33, and coupled that selection with Horford… another East/West combo. The final pairing of Ilyasova and J-Richard marked the starters and 6th man…   MAC looks to have landed some value in the back-half. Boozer @ 77 seems a steal, and taking a chance on the up-coming Aminu @ 78 could pan out. Beasley @ 99… well good luck with that one, but @ 100, Asik could be late round gem. Tucking Gordon away @121 is free money, not much lost should he not materialize. And snagging Waiters @ 122 allows MAC to place another chip on the table to cover the 2.   Overall the starting unit has at least 3 solids. If Lillard as a rookie point shows out, MAC should be in good shape. Ersan as the 3 – on the new Buck need to show, but it’s a red flag from this view. J-Rich has been on the decline for a while now, but the new team could be a spark – regardless, he will be needed at the 2 or the 3 as a starter. The bench with Boozer should provide ample coverage for the 4 and 5, and Asik should be a bonus also. Spelling Rondo / Lillard and whoever plays the 3, may be a challenge. Gordon may help if/when he returns and Waiters could pan into something special, but even if true – that only addresses the 1 and 2, assuming Lillard is viable as starter.
Starters: µµµµµ		Bench/Rotation: µµµµµ	Projected Finish: Lower Half