Post by FLCeltsFan on Jan 12, 2006 9:07:36 GMT -5
Charlie Rosen of Fox Sports rates the EC teams. At least he grades 2 teams less than us so we aren't in the cellar.... some consolation!!!!
msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5230140?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=73
Early grades for the Eastern Conference
Charley Rosen / Special to FOXSports.com
Posted: 8 hours ago
Western Conference grades
The following grades should not be seen as absolute measurements.
Instead, they are meant to reflect each team's performance compared with their preseason potential and expectations. Accordingly, several inferior teams will have higher grades than many superior teams.
Atlanta — B-
With addition of Joe Johnson and the revival of Al Harrington, the Hawks are no longer completely clawless. Presently, and in the foreseeable future, the Hawks will contend for nothing more than the maximum number of ping-pong balls in the lottery drawing. Still, credit the players and the coaching staff for playing hard game after game. If only they could beat Toronto!
With Joe Johnson, the Hawks are no longer clawless. (Glenn James/NBAE / Getty Images)
Boston — D-
The Celtics are one of the worst road teams in the league — always a sign of an immature ball club. Paul Pierce remains a numbers-producing player — but still an airhead. Ricky Davis continues to keep track of his shots, while Delonte West shows signs of becoming a praiseworthy point guard; the other Celtic youngsters haven't developed with any degree of consistency. The "we're-making-progress" two-step being danced by Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge is really an ever-diminishing circle. If only PP could either be traded, keep his mouth shut and/or start behaving like a grownup.
Charlotte — A-
Under the firm but compassionate guidance of Bernie Bickerstaff, the Bobcats have made tremendous strides since last season's expansionist season. If draftees Sean May and Raymond Felton have thus far provided only minimal benefits, just about everyone else has stepped up their games. Brevin Knight is doing an admirable job of holding down the fort until Felton matures. Emeka Okafor is increasingly comfortable, and Bernard Robinson's electric talents are a revelation. If only Kareem Rush could flex the star power that he's shown from time to time on a full-time basis.
Chicago — F
If the Bulls' record approximates last year's at this stage in the season, there are several vital differences. Since Eddy Curry is still "ticking," and Tyson Chandler is totally discombobulated, it seems that Chicago kept the wrong big man. Is that the reason why the team seems so dispirited? Have they also grown weary of Scott Skiles' relentless hounding? If only Michael Sweetney were four inches taller, he wouldn't be so corpulent. And if only Kirk Hinrich could remember where he left his jump shot!
Cleveland — B-
With all the off-season wheeling and dealing, the Cavs were supposed to be a total powerhouse. Sure, the injury to Larry Hughes hurts — but, hey, that's the way the ankles turn. The team still lacks adequate point-guard play, muscle in the middle and consistency. By the way, how about a moratorium on the comparisons between LeBron and MJ — seeing as how Jordan won six championships and James hasn't even played in a postseason money game? If only LeBron started playing defense.
Detroit — A+
Kicking butt and having fun is a rarity in the NBA. The Pistons are obviously motivated to demonstrate that they don't need Larry Brown to succeed, and so far they've convinced one and all. Barring any calamitous injury, the Pistons should be playing well into June. If only Lindsey Hunter was healthy enough to supplant the shoot-first game of Carlos Arroyo. If only their bench was more than two-deep.
Indiana — D
Injuries? Too bad. Still hustling? You bet. Jamaal Tinsley overrated? Absolutely. Consistency in the backcourt? Not a chance. Any real centers on the squad? Not one. Time enough left to regroup? For sure. If only Ron Artest could have been someone else's Christmas booby prize.
Overrated Jamaal Tinsley and the Pacers earn a "D" grade in the early going. (Joe Murphy/NBAE / Getty Images)
Miami — C
Too many of Miami's players are either washed up, underachieving, too blubbery, resistant to accepting their roles and/or out of control. Bet your boots, however, that Pat Riley will eventually tighten the reins and get better results. In any case, the mix of talents and personalities just isn't right. If only Antoine Walker would stop taking his unconscionable 3-pointers and drive-and-dish instead.
Milwaukee — B+
Even though they're most likely destined to be closer to a .500 team, at least the Bucks are much livelier than they were last year. Andrew Bogut's handicap is a lack of the super-duper athleticism that most NBAers possess; but he's got heart, and he's learning when and how to do what. Kudos to management for so significantly improving their roster in the off-season and also to Terry Stotts for taking a backseat to his players and for being a nice guy in a business overrun with egomaniacal jerks. If only T. J. Ford could shoot.
New Jersey — B+
The Big Three are getting comfortable at just the right time. Who cares that Jason Kidd has lost at least a half-step? Or that Vince Carter would rather initiate his own offense from a standstill at his favorite spot above the key? Or that Richard Jefferson remains an erratic shooter? Or that the Nets still lack an acceptable backup at the point? Or that the league has started catching up with Nenad Krstic's no-left game? Or that there's still a gaping hole in the middle? J-Kidd's razor-sharp competitive edge enables the Nets' efforts to amount to more than the sum of their parts. If only Marc Jackson was half as good as he thinks he is.
New York — F-
Larry is losing it. As an administrator, Isiah never had it. Eddy Curry and Jerome James have too much of it packed around their waists. Stephon Marbury swears he has it but doesn't. Jamal Crawford doesn't know where or what it is. Quentin Richardson left it in Steve Nash's hands. Antonio Davis lost it years ago. Both Channing Frye and Trevor Ariza thought they had it, but Brown took it away from them. Nate Robinson is too cocky to see that what he thinks is it isn't. Later rather than sooner, however, enough of those involved will get enough of it to play well enough to keep the MSG boo birds at bay. If only there weren't so many worms in what used to be the Big Apple's showcase franchise.
Orlando — D+
The Magic offer a loose collection of too many scorers and not enough defenders — and too many of these are in the backcourt. Orlando is strictly a nowhere team. Not even Grant Hill's leadership, corroding (but still effective) skills and demonstrable courage can elevate the Magic above solid mediocrity. If only the Magic hadn't stalled Dwight Howard's development by firing the young man's trusted and extremely capable mentor, Clifford Ray.
Philadelphia — A
This team is exactly where it's supposed to be — at or around the .500 mark. Instead of being a real team, the Sixers are merely the A.I. show — he NBA's version of a gimmicky vaudeville act. Too many of Iverson's playmates are burdened with too many flaws for the Sixers to be much better. If only Andre Iguodala could play on a team without a ball-centric player like A.I., he'd get enough touches at the right times and right places to be the best he can be.
Toronto — C+
Things were much worse than they are in Toronto. Through all of their childish problems and adolescent miseries, Chris Bosh continues to play like a man. And, strangely enough, Rafael Araujo continues to play. Mike James is a quantum jump over the lame-brained antics of the departed Rafer Alston. Mo Peterson has always had the goods and is beginning to deliver on a more regular basis. Charlie Villanueva has show flashes of why the Raptors made him a lotto pick, but also oftentimes AWOL. Jose Calderon has the right idea.
The Raptors are too undisciplined for Matt Bonner to get the open shots he needs to help his team. Jalen Rose is hoping for better days but is having a good time while he's waiting. Even Sam Mitchell has chilled. With a few inspired personnel tweaks, things could easily get even better. Perhaps they could petition the league to tinker with the schedule so that Toronto could play Atlanta at least once every week. If only Rob Babcock hadn't succumbed to being blackmailed by Alonzo Mourning and had gotten something — anything — in return for Vince Carter.
Washington — D-
The Wizards are getting killed by the failure of a pair of key players who haven't lived up to expectations. Antonio Daniels had been a total dud, and Brendan Haywood has regressed to the point of embarrassment. Gilbert Arenas has become a legit superstar, but since he's not a magician, he can't make a contender out of a team of pretenders. If only Antawn Jamison were tough enough.
Charley Rosen is FOXSports.com's NBA analyst and author of 13 books about hoops, the current one being "The pivotal season — How the 1971-72 L.A. Lakers changed the NBA."
msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5230140?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=73
Early grades for the Eastern Conference
Charley Rosen / Special to FOXSports.com
Posted: 8 hours ago
Western Conference grades
The following grades should not be seen as absolute measurements.
Instead, they are meant to reflect each team's performance compared with their preseason potential and expectations. Accordingly, several inferior teams will have higher grades than many superior teams.
Atlanta — B-
With addition of Joe Johnson and the revival of Al Harrington, the Hawks are no longer completely clawless. Presently, and in the foreseeable future, the Hawks will contend for nothing more than the maximum number of ping-pong balls in the lottery drawing. Still, credit the players and the coaching staff for playing hard game after game. If only they could beat Toronto!
With Joe Johnson, the Hawks are no longer clawless. (Glenn James/NBAE / Getty Images)
Boston — D-
The Celtics are one of the worst road teams in the league — always a sign of an immature ball club. Paul Pierce remains a numbers-producing player — but still an airhead. Ricky Davis continues to keep track of his shots, while Delonte West shows signs of becoming a praiseworthy point guard; the other Celtic youngsters haven't developed with any degree of consistency. The "we're-making-progress" two-step being danced by Doc Rivers and Danny Ainge is really an ever-diminishing circle. If only PP could either be traded, keep his mouth shut and/or start behaving like a grownup.
Charlotte — A-
Under the firm but compassionate guidance of Bernie Bickerstaff, the Bobcats have made tremendous strides since last season's expansionist season. If draftees Sean May and Raymond Felton have thus far provided only minimal benefits, just about everyone else has stepped up their games. Brevin Knight is doing an admirable job of holding down the fort until Felton matures. Emeka Okafor is increasingly comfortable, and Bernard Robinson's electric talents are a revelation. If only Kareem Rush could flex the star power that he's shown from time to time on a full-time basis.
Chicago — F
If the Bulls' record approximates last year's at this stage in the season, there are several vital differences. Since Eddy Curry is still "ticking," and Tyson Chandler is totally discombobulated, it seems that Chicago kept the wrong big man. Is that the reason why the team seems so dispirited? Have they also grown weary of Scott Skiles' relentless hounding? If only Michael Sweetney were four inches taller, he wouldn't be so corpulent. And if only Kirk Hinrich could remember where he left his jump shot!
Cleveland — B-
With all the off-season wheeling and dealing, the Cavs were supposed to be a total powerhouse. Sure, the injury to Larry Hughes hurts — but, hey, that's the way the ankles turn. The team still lacks adequate point-guard play, muscle in the middle and consistency. By the way, how about a moratorium on the comparisons between LeBron and MJ — seeing as how Jordan won six championships and James hasn't even played in a postseason money game? If only LeBron started playing defense.
Detroit — A+
Kicking butt and having fun is a rarity in the NBA. The Pistons are obviously motivated to demonstrate that they don't need Larry Brown to succeed, and so far they've convinced one and all. Barring any calamitous injury, the Pistons should be playing well into June. If only Lindsey Hunter was healthy enough to supplant the shoot-first game of Carlos Arroyo. If only their bench was more than two-deep.
Indiana — D
Injuries? Too bad. Still hustling? You bet. Jamaal Tinsley overrated? Absolutely. Consistency in the backcourt? Not a chance. Any real centers on the squad? Not one. Time enough left to regroup? For sure. If only Ron Artest could have been someone else's Christmas booby prize.
Overrated Jamaal Tinsley and the Pacers earn a "D" grade in the early going. (Joe Murphy/NBAE / Getty Images)
Miami — C
Too many of Miami's players are either washed up, underachieving, too blubbery, resistant to accepting their roles and/or out of control. Bet your boots, however, that Pat Riley will eventually tighten the reins and get better results. In any case, the mix of talents and personalities just isn't right. If only Antoine Walker would stop taking his unconscionable 3-pointers and drive-and-dish instead.
Milwaukee — B+
Even though they're most likely destined to be closer to a .500 team, at least the Bucks are much livelier than they were last year. Andrew Bogut's handicap is a lack of the super-duper athleticism that most NBAers possess; but he's got heart, and he's learning when and how to do what. Kudos to management for so significantly improving their roster in the off-season and also to Terry Stotts for taking a backseat to his players and for being a nice guy in a business overrun with egomaniacal jerks. If only T. J. Ford could shoot.
New Jersey — B+
The Big Three are getting comfortable at just the right time. Who cares that Jason Kidd has lost at least a half-step? Or that Vince Carter would rather initiate his own offense from a standstill at his favorite spot above the key? Or that Richard Jefferson remains an erratic shooter? Or that the Nets still lack an acceptable backup at the point? Or that the league has started catching up with Nenad Krstic's no-left game? Or that there's still a gaping hole in the middle? J-Kidd's razor-sharp competitive edge enables the Nets' efforts to amount to more than the sum of their parts. If only Marc Jackson was half as good as he thinks he is.
New York — F-
Larry is losing it. As an administrator, Isiah never had it. Eddy Curry and Jerome James have too much of it packed around their waists. Stephon Marbury swears he has it but doesn't. Jamal Crawford doesn't know where or what it is. Quentin Richardson left it in Steve Nash's hands. Antonio Davis lost it years ago. Both Channing Frye and Trevor Ariza thought they had it, but Brown took it away from them. Nate Robinson is too cocky to see that what he thinks is it isn't. Later rather than sooner, however, enough of those involved will get enough of it to play well enough to keep the MSG boo birds at bay. If only there weren't so many worms in what used to be the Big Apple's showcase franchise.
Orlando — D+
The Magic offer a loose collection of too many scorers and not enough defenders — and too many of these are in the backcourt. Orlando is strictly a nowhere team. Not even Grant Hill's leadership, corroding (but still effective) skills and demonstrable courage can elevate the Magic above solid mediocrity. If only the Magic hadn't stalled Dwight Howard's development by firing the young man's trusted and extremely capable mentor, Clifford Ray.
Philadelphia — A
This team is exactly where it's supposed to be — at or around the .500 mark. Instead of being a real team, the Sixers are merely the A.I. show — he NBA's version of a gimmicky vaudeville act. Too many of Iverson's playmates are burdened with too many flaws for the Sixers to be much better. If only Andre Iguodala could play on a team without a ball-centric player like A.I., he'd get enough touches at the right times and right places to be the best he can be.
Toronto — C+
Things were much worse than they are in Toronto. Through all of their childish problems and adolescent miseries, Chris Bosh continues to play like a man. And, strangely enough, Rafael Araujo continues to play. Mike James is a quantum jump over the lame-brained antics of the departed Rafer Alston. Mo Peterson has always had the goods and is beginning to deliver on a more regular basis. Charlie Villanueva has show flashes of why the Raptors made him a lotto pick, but also oftentimes AWOL. Jose Calderon has the right idea.
The Raptors are too undisciplined for Matt Bonner to get the open shots he needs to help his team. Jalen Rose is hoping for better days but is having a good time while he's waiting. Even Sam Mitchell has chilled. With a few inspired personnel tweaks, things could easily get even better. Perhaps they could petition the league to tinker with the schedule so that Toronto could play Atlanta at least once every week. If only Rob Babcock hadn't succumbed to being blackmailed by Alonzo Mourning and had gotten something — anything — in return for Vince Carter.
Washington — D-
The Wizards are getting killed by the failure of a pair of key players who haven't lived up to expectations. Antonio Daniels had been a total dud, and Brendan Haywood has regressed to the point of embarrassment. Gilbert Arenas has become a legit superstar, but since he's not a magician, he can't make a contender out of a team of pretenders. If only Antawn Jamison were tough enough.
Charley Rosen is FOXSports.com's NBA analyst and author of 13 books about hoops, the current one being "The pivotal season — How the 1971-72 L.A. Lakers changed the NBA."