Post by nick24 on Aug 27, 2010 13:07:43 GMT -5
As the offseason winds down, the 3rd season of SSBLV4 is here! It was a very meaningful offseason as the draft and ever more so, the FA was crazy! We have new powerhouses, pretenders, and just plain old lame duck teams. The first division to take a look at is the Midwest Division.
Dallas Mavericks:
After tired of losing and rebuilding, the Mavs were able to consolidate their assets and turn their team into an instant contender. The heart and soul of this team is undoubtedly FC Tim Duncan. He comes into the 2000 season in great shape and new goals. He wants to be a leading MVP candidate and help lead the Mavs past the 2nd rd. The loss of SF Shareef Abdur-Rahim was real tough, but the Mavs still have a very balanced team. New comers SG Derek Anderson, SF Rick Fox, and PF Shawn Kemp will assist Duncan and PG Jason Williams to a fine 2000 season.
Outlook: The Mavs have the talent to do a lot of damage and are poised for a deep run. This team should be able to get to WC Finals.
Starting Five:
Tim Duncan C 24 7'0'' 248 B+ C- C A A- B
Shawn Kemp PF 30 6'10'' 245 A- C C- B+ B C
Rick Fox SF 31 6'7'' 230 B- A- C- B+ C C
Derek Anderson SG 26 6'5'' 195 B- B+ C A- C- B
Jason Williams PG 24 6'1'' 190 C B+ A- B+ D+ C
Denver Nuggets:
The Nuggets were an up-and-down team last season, but made a strong push towards the end of the season. The star of this team is one of the best bigmen in the league, PF Antonio McDyess. Dice had a fine 1999 season, avg. a double double easily and making the All-League 3rd Team. The next important player on this squad is PG Chauncey Billups. He is a good shooter and strong defender. He still needs to develop better poise and control late in close games. I think he'll get there. Outside of Dice and Billups, the Nuggets have solid role guys in FC Danny Fortson, F Raef LaFrentz, and SG Sean Elliot. I really think this team is one great scorer away from being a really good team. They also need a true SF, as I feel Raef is too slow to play SF effectively.
Outlook: The Nuggets have the talent to be a contender. Right now, I would list them as a pretender. They should be able to get out the first rd with their current roster, but that's about it. If they can make the trades I suggested, they could become scary.
Starting Five:
Danny Fortson C 24 6'7'' 260 B D+ D- B- A C
Antonio McDyess PF 26 6'9'' 220 B+ C- D+ A- A- B
Raef Lafrentz SF 24 6'11'' 240 B- B- C- B+ B- B
Sean Elliott SF 32 6'8'' 215 B- B C B C D
Chauncey Billups PG 24 6'3'' 202 C A- B B+ D+ A
Houston Rockets:
The Rockets have not been lucky in the stable GM department. Now, with a new GM, they need to be smart here. This team is old, plain and simple. They could try and compete, but it's no use. They need to trade their old guys for some younger talent and picks. Hakeem and Pippen are their headliners, and should be able to get some decent pieces. PF Othella Harrington actually looks solid, so I would definitely keep him around. They also need PF Stromile Swift to explode.
Outlook: The Rockets have to be a lotto team and break this team down and FAST. If not, this is another huge disappointment.
Starting Five:
Hakeem Olajuwon C 37 7'0'' 250 B- C- D+ A B D
Othella Harrington PF 26 6'9'' 235 B C- D B- B- B
Cedric Ceballos SF 31 6'7'' 225 B B- D B C+ C
Scottie Pippen SG 35 6'7'' 225 B- B C+ A- C C
Brent Price PG 31 6'1'' 175 C B+ B- B- C- C
Minnesota Timberwolves:
The Timberwolves have been in rebuild mode, and the theme continues. Their superstar is the great F Kevin Garnett. He has been a perennial all-league 1st teamer and should always be a top MVP candidate. Outside of him, it's some unproven but solid young talent. AK-47 has been in Russia playing overseas, so he hasn't even seen a lick of SSBL. GF Stephen Jackson has played well, as he has been all over the place in terms of positions. They are hoping for a big TC from him. The TWolves drafted F Lamar odom. He's as versatile as they come. He fits more at SF, so the TWolves could really use a C. They weren't able to get anyone in FA which is a shame. PG Jason Kidd would've been an amazing pickup for them.
Outlook: The TWolves will still be a lotto team. They are building their way up and it should take a few more seasons.
Starting Five:
Dalibor Bagaric C 20 7'1'' 250 B- D+ D- B- C+ A
Kevin Garnett PF 24 6'11'' 220 A- C C A B+ A
Lamar Odom SF 19 6'10'' 220 B- C C+ B- B- A
Stephen Jackson SG 24 6'8'' 215 C+ C+ C+ B C+ C
PG ?
San Antonio Spurs:
Last season, the Spurs surprised everyone and won the 1999 SSBLV4 Championship. They went through the LA Lakers, so they deserved it. SG Cuttino Mobley really came onto the scene in the playoffs. He showed he can be a contributor on offense, especially with his 3PT. The Spurs really hope his performace will kick start a fine TC and even finer season. The start of the team is SF Tracy McGrady. Coming over from Dallas, he really grew up and fast! He is slated to become better from TC. The big story for the Spurs in the offseason was acquiring PG Steve Nash from the Indiana Pacers. He is a definite upgrade for them there. Foyle will hold down their defense and rebounding at C. Their weak spot is frontcourt scoring. They don't have a go to guy there right now. Therefore, losing PF Malik Rose really hurts them. They need to trade for a PF somehow.
Outlook: I still think they are a playoff team, but don't see them repeating. They lack a PF and frontcourt scoring.
Starting Five:
C ?
Adonal Foyle PF 25 6'10'' 250 B- D D+ A B B
Tracy McGrady SF 21 6'8'' 210 B B- C+ A- C+ A
Cuttino Mobley SG 26 6'4'' 190 C+ B+ C B D+ B
Steve Nash PG 26 6'3'' 195 C A- B+ C+ C- B
Utah Jazz:
The Jazz are a lotto team without a doubt. They have one key player that could become their stud, PF Kenyon Martin. He's a strong defender and very athletic. Therefore, they need to make sure they camp and work on his inside offense. It's at B+, but it's a true B- since inflated most likely. Outside of him, the Jazz don't have much to look forward too.
Outlook: They should have a top pick in this next draft.
Starting Five:
Wang Zhizhi C 23 7'0'' 285 C+ C+ D C+ C+ A
Kenyon Martin PF 23 6'8'' 230 B+ D+ C- B C+ B
Anthony Parker SF 25 6'6'' 215 C+ B- C- C D B
Randy Livingston SG 25 6'4'' 209 C+ C B B+ D B
Travis Best PG 28 5'11'' 182 C B B- B D+ B
Vancouver Grizzlies:
Every time I open up the link for their team, I don't have resentment but fear. This team went from lotto and crap team to contender. We all though signing PG Jason Kidd and F Shareef Abdur-Rahim was awesome for them. However, they were able to follow it up by trading for C Alonzo Mourning. Now, the Grizz could very well have the best trio in the league with Kidd, SAR, and Zo. They also need a strong TC from SG Richard Hamilton and SF Shawn Marion. If not, they could trade for a SG upgrade or true PF. All I have to say is watch out for this team.
Outlook: The Grizz could easily win it all. TC is a big factor for them at this point.
Starting Five:
Alonzo Mourning C 30 6'10'' 240 A- D+ C- A+ B+ C
Shareef Abdur-Rahim PF 23 6'9'' 230 B+ C+ C A- C+ B
Shawn Marion SF 22 6'7'' 215 B C B- B+ B- A
Richard Hamilton SG 22 6'7'' 185 C+ B C+ B- C- B
Jason Kidd PG 27 6'4'' 208 B B A A C B
Dallas Mavericks:
After tired of losing and rebuilding, the Mavs were able to consolidate their assets and turn their team into an instant contender. The heart and soul of this team is undoubtedly FC Tim Duncan. He comes into the 2000 season in great shape and new goals. He wants to be a leading MVP candidate and help lead the Mavs past the 2nd rd. The loss of SF Shareef Abdur-Rahim was real tough, but the Mavs still have a very balanced team. New comers SG Derek Anderson, SF Rick Fox, and PF Shawn Kemp will assist Duncan and PG Jason Williams to a fine 2000 season.
Outlook: The Mavs have the talent to do a lot of damage and are poised for a deep run. This team should be able to get to WC Finals.
Starting Five:
Tim Duncan C 24 7'0'' 248 B+ C- C A A- B
Shawn Kemp PF 30 6'10'' 245 A- C C- B+ B C
Rick Fox SF 31 6'7'' 230 B- A- C- B+ C C
Derek Anderson SG 26 6'5'' 195 B- B+ C A- C- B
Jason Williams PG 24 6'1'' 190 C B+ A- B+ D+ C
Denver Nuggets:
The Nuggets were an up-and-down team last season, but made a strong push towards the end of the season. The star of this team is one of the best bigmen in the league, PF Antonio McDyess. Dice had a fine 1999 season, avg. a double double easily and making the All-League 3rd Team. The next important player on this squad is PG Chauncey Billups. He is a good shooter and strong defender. He still needs to develop better poise and control late in close games. I think he'll get there. Outside of Dice and Billups, the Nuggets have solid role guys in FC Danny Fortson, F Raef LaFrentz, and SG Sean Elliot. I really think this team is one great scorer away from being a really good team. They also need a true SF, as I feel Raef is too slow to play SF effectively.
Outlook: The Nuggets have the talent to be a contender. Right now, I would list them as a pretender. They should be able to get out the first rd with their current roster, but that's about it. If they can make the trades I suggested, they could become scary.
Starting Five:
Danny Fortson C 24 6'7'' 260 B D+ D- B- A C
Antonio McDyess PF 26 6'9'' 220 B+ C- D+ A- A- B
Raef Lafrentz SF 24 6'11'' 240 B- B- C- B+ B- B
Sean Elliott SF 32 6'8'' 215 B- B C B C D
Chauncey Billups PG 24 6'3'' 202 C A- B B+ D+ A
Houston Rockets:
The Rockets have not been lucky in the stable GM department. Now, with a new GM, they need to be smart here. This team is old, plain and simple. They could try and compete, but it's no use. They need to trade their old guys for some younger talent and picks. Hakeem and Pippen are their headliners, and should be able to get some decent pieces. PF Othella Harrington actually looks solid, so I would definitely keep him around. They also need PF Stromile Swift to explode.
Outlook: The Rockets have to be a lotto team and break this team down and FAST. If not, this is another huge disappointment.
Starting Five:
Hakeem Olajuwon C 37 7'0'' 250 B- C- D+ A B D
Othella Harrington PF 26 6'9'' 235 B C- D B- B- B
Cedric Ceballos SF 31 6'7'' 225 B B- D B C+ C
Scottie Pippen SG 35 6'7'' 225 B- B C+ A- C C
Brent Price PG 31 6'1'' 175 C B+ B- B- C- C
Minnesota Timberwolves:
The Timberwolves have been in rebuild mode, and the theme continues. Their superstar is the great F Kevin Garnett. He has been a perennial all-league 1st teamer and should always be a top MVP candidate. Outside of him, it's some unproven but solid young talent. AK-47 has been in Russia playing overseas, so he hasn't even seen a lick of SSBL. GF Stephen Jackson has played well, as he has been all over the place in terms of positions. They are hoping for a big TC from him. The TWolves drafted F Lamar odom. He's as versatile as they come. He fits more at SF, so the TWolves could really use a C. They weren't able to get anyone in FA which is a shame. PG Jason Kidd would've been an amazing pickup for them.
Outlook: The TWolves will still be a lotto team. They are building their way up and it should take a few more seasons.
Starting Five:
Dalibor Bagaric C 20 7'1'' 250 B- D+ D- B- C+ A
Kevin Garnett PF 24 6'11'' 220 A- C C A B+ A
Lamar Odom SF 19 6'10'' 220 B- C C+ B- B- A
Stephen Jackson SG 24 6'8'' 215 C+ C+ C+ B C+ C
PG ?
San Antonio Spurs:
Last season, the Spurs surprised everyone and won the 1999 SSBLV4 Championship. They went through the LA Lakers, so they deserved it. SG Cuttino Mobley really came onto the scene in the playoffs. He showed he can be a contributor on offense, especially with his 3PT. The Spurs really hope his performace will kick start a fine TC and even finer season. The start of the team is SF Tracy McGrady. Coming over from Dallas, he really grew up and fast! He is slated to become better from TC. The big story for the Spurs in the offseason was acquiring PG Steve Nash from the Indiana Pacers. He is a definite upgrade for them there. Foyle will hold down their defense and rebounding at C. Their weak spot is frontcourt scoring. They don't have a go to guy there right now. Therefore, losing PF Malik Rose really hurts them. They need to trade for a PF somehow.
Outlook: I still think they are a playoff team, but don't see them repeating. They lack a PF and frontcourt scoring.
Starting Five:
C ?
Adonal Foyle PF 25 6'10'' 250 B- D D+ A B B
Tracy McGrady SF 21 6'8'' 210 B B- C+ A- C+ A
Cuttino Mobley SG 26 6'4'' 190 C+ B+ C B D+ B
Steve Nash PG 26 6'3'' 195 C A- B+ C+ C- B
Utah Jazz:
The Jazz are a lotto team without a doubt. They have one key player that could become their stud, PF Kenyon Martin. He's a strong defender and very athletic. Therefore, they need to make sure they camp and work on his inside offense. It's at B+, but it's a true B- since inflated most likely. Outside of him, the Jazz don't have much to look forward too.
Outlook: They should have a top pick in this next draft.
Starting Five:
Wang Zhizhi C 23 7'0'' 285 C+ C+ D C+ C+ A
Kenyon Martin PF 23 6'8'' 230 B+ D+ C- B C+ B
Anthony Parker SF 25 6'6'' 215 C+ B- C- C D B
Randy Livingston SG 25 6'4'' 209 C+ C B B+ D B
Travis Best PG 28 5'11'' 182 C B B- B D+ B
Vancouver Grizzlies:
Every time I open up the link for their team, I don't have resentment but fear. This team went from lotto and crap team to contender. We all though signing PG Jason Kidd and F Shareef Abdur-Rahim was awesome for them. However, they were able to follow it up by trading for C Alonzo Mourning. Now, the Grizz could very well have the best trio in the league with Kidd, SAR, and Zo. They also need a strong TC from SG Richard Hamilton and SF Shawn Marion. If not, they could trade for a SG upgrade or true PF. All I have to say is watch out for this team.
Outlook: The Grizz could easily win it all. TC is a big factor for them at this point.
Starting Five:
Alonzo Mourning C 30 6'10'' 240 A- D+ C- A+ B+ C
Shareef Abdur-Rahim PF 23 6'9'' 230 B+ C+ C A- C+ B
Shawn Marion SF 22 6'7'' 215 B C B- B+ B- A
Richard Hamilton SG 22 6'7'' 185 C+ B C+ B- C- B
Jason Kidd PG 27 6'4'' 208 B B A A C B
