2015-2016: 11 Burning Questions
Posted: Mon Jul 03, 2017 2:21 am
In a blatant ripoff/respectful homage to "The Starters," here are eleven burning questions before we start the season.
1. Can Ron Artest stay healthy?
Poor Ron; he can seem to catch a break, unless it's to one of his legs. He signed a one year deal with a retooled Warriors team that looks to make another playoff run, but history suggests the Hall of Famer will be wearing a suit on the sidelines in May. Godspeed, Ron. We're all rooting for a healthy season from you.
2. Who will be Rookie of the Year?
A lot of rookies with raw potential this year makes this a tough award to pick. The safe pick is the Lecroix boy out West, if he learns to dribble before the start of the season. But I'd put my money on Brian Stark. He'll get plenty of FGAs and will be in the spotlight for a team in the playoff hunt.
3. How bad will the Bobcats be this year?
Bad, bad, bad! But it's ok, that's kind of the point. GM Darth Vegito has wisely taken a chance on young players and bad contracts in exchange for picks. There should be a young, talented team in place by the time CJ Miles's toxic contract expires.
4. Is this it for the Heat?
GM logpmess has made it known the Big Three of Lebron James, Goran Dragic, and Serge Ibaka are on the block. Facing a 112 point(!) tax bill, the window appears to be slamming shut. The heart says to go for one more run at glory, but smart money says to auction all the pieces off and get under the tax. They have their own pick this year, so this could be an opportunity to reload and quickly become a contender again in a year or two.
5. WTF, Warriors?
Conventional wisdom says champions earn the right to defend their title, but GM BowToTheBill took that wisdom and shipped it off to Minnesota along with Steph Curry. Looking closer, this move is defensible. The Warriors are now out of the tax and don't have to worry about a giant extension for an aging Curry. Observers around the league are eager to see what the shot blocking pair of Jordan and Gobert can do together.
6. WTF, Pistons?
Sitting on an unfathomable (without fathom!) $45,399,127 in cap space, the Pistons were once again minimally active in the offseason. With uber-talented Anthony Davis entering his prime and restricted free agency, GMs around the league are wondering how long before the Commissioner intervenes. There is talent here, and hopefully GM Xb Hitterx realizes the unique opportunity he has.
7. Is it already over for the Bulls?
Many around the league were excited with the regular season success Chicago had last year, but they suffered a crushing defeat to Miami in the 2nd round. A hefty tax bill is looming, and the situation is exacerbated with James Harden showing up out of shape. The safe move would be to run it back again. This is a hardworking, talented group. But the East is a blood bath, and the window may already be closing on this group. Rumors are already swirling Harden is on the move, and with Howard and Gallinari entering UFA, I wouldn't be surprised if the Garbageman doesn't blow the whole damn thing up. RIP Bulls, we hardly knew ye.
8. Is it time to do something about the tax?
Twenty teams are in the tax this season! A decline in BRI last year lead to a smaller cap hike than many expected. There are rumblings of changes being discussed when the owners meet, but expect the status quo to remain. The tax appears to be working as designed, and teams will be more judicious with spending in the future.
9. What teams will make the leap this year?
Kazoos no more! Long suffering Knick fans should expect this group to make the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. Nikola Jokic and Wes Matthews lead a talented group. The Mecca will be buzzing again- the league is always better when the Knicks are in the picture.
Out West, look out for the rebranded Pelicans. Team insiders were excited with Greg Monroe's development, and adding OJ Mayo gives them a cracking starting five. With the West in flux, this group could make a surprising run.
10. Who's MVP?
There are the usual suspects- Davis, Lebron, Bosh, Love, Gay, George. I'm going with the obvious- Kevin Durant. He won't have to worry about anyone taking shots from him, and this will be a yearlong showcase to prospective suitors entering free agency this summer.
11. Who will we see in the Finals in June, and who's winning it all?
Out West it's a crapshoot, but I like the Rockets from top to bottom. Everyone else seems to have a fatal flaw.
The loaded East has a plethora of contenders, but the clear favorite is Toronto. Look for the Twin Towers of Whiteside and Bosh to bring Toronto their second championship.
1. Can Ron Artest stay healthy?
Poor Ron; he can seem to catch a break, unless it's to one of his legs. He signed a one year deal with a retooled Warriors team that looks to make another playoff run, but history suggests the Hall of Famer will be wearing a suit on the sidelines in May. Godspeed, Ron. We're all rooting for a healthy season from you.
2. Who will be Rookie of the Year?
A lot of rookies with raw potential this year makes this a tough award to pick. The safe pick is the Lecroix boy out West, if he learns to dribble before the start of the season. But I'd put my money on Brian Stark. He'll get plenty of FGAs and will be in the spotlight for a team in the playoff hunt.
3. How bad will the Bobcats be this year?
Bad, bad, bad! But it's ok, that's kind of the point. GM Darth Vegito has wisely taken a chance on young players and bad contracts in exchange for picks. There should be a young, talented team in place by the time CJ Miles's toxic contract expires.
4. Is this it for the Heat?
GM logpmess has made it known the Big Three of Lebron James, Goran Dragic, and Serge Ibaka are on the block. Facing a 112 point(!) tax bill, the window appears to be slamming shut. The heart says to go for one more run at glory, but smart money says to auction all the pieces off and get under the tax. They have their own pick this year, so this could be an opportunity to reload and quickly become a contender again in a year or two.
5. WTF, Warriors?
Conventional wisdom says champions earn the right to defend their title, but GM BowToTheBill took that wisdom and shipped it off to Minnesota along with Steph Curry. Looking closer, this move is defensible. The Warriors are now out of the tax and don't have to worry about a giant extension for an aging Curry. Observers around the league are eager to see what the shot blocking pair of Jordan and Gobert can do together.
6. WTF, Pistons?
Sitting on an unfathomable (without fathom!) $45,399,127 in cap space, the Pistons were once again minimally active in the offseason. With uber-talented Anthony Davis entering his prime and restricted free agency, GMs around the league are wondering how long before the Commissioner intervenes. There is talent here, and hopefully GM Xb Hitterx realizes the unique opportunity he has.
7. Is it already over for the Bulls?
Many around the league were excited with the regular season success Chicago had last year, but they suffered a crushing defeat to Miami in the 2nd round. A hefty tax bill is looming, and the situation is exacerbated with James Harden showing up out of shape. The safe move would be to run it back again. This is a hardworking, talented group. But the East is a blood bath, and the window may already be closing on this group. Rumors are already swirling Harden is on the move, and with Howard and Gallinari entering UFA, I wouldn't be surprised if the Garbageman doesn't blow the whole damn thing up. RIP Bulls, we hardly knew ye.
8. Is it time to do something about the tax?
Twenty teams are in the tax this season! A decline in BRI last year lead to a smaller cap hike than many expected. There are rumblings of changes being discussed when the owners meet, but expect the status quo to remain. The tax appears to be working as designed, and teams will be more judicious with spending in the future.
9. What teams will make the leap this year?
Kazoos no more! Long suffering Knick fans should expect this group to make the playoffs for the first time in 5 years. Nikola Jokic and Wes Matthews lead a talented group. The Mecca will be buzzing again- the league is always better when the Knicks are in the picture.
Out West, look out for the rebranded Pelicans. Team insiders were excited with Greg Monroe's development, and adding OJ Mayo gives them a cracking starting five. With the West in flux, this group could make a surprising run.
10. Who's MVP?
There are the usual suspects- Davis, Lebron, Bosh, Love, Gay, George. I'm going with the obvious- Kevin Durant. He won't have to worry about anyone taking shots from him, and this will be a yearlong showcase to prospective suitors entering free agency this summer.
11. Who will we see in the Finals in June, and who's winning it all?
Out West it's a crapshoot, but I like the Rockets from top to bottom. Everyone else seems to have a fatal flaw.
The loaded East has a plethora of contenders, but the clear favorite is Toronto. Look for the Twin Towers of Whiteside and Bosh to bring Toronto their second championship.
