Hoops

NBA Off-season reality check

Yep, they won. Doesn't change the fact that their bench is thin!

Ooops, meant to comment on the Clips, etc too!

I still fear the effect of the Indian curse on the Clippers, but if you're blessed with the boundless optimism all long term Clippers fans must have, you'd have to feel good about the team with solid vets like Kaman, Camby and Davis, two top notch prospects in Griffin and Gordon and Deandre Jordan a good project to bring along as Griffin's future frontcourt foil. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that Griffin and Gordon are both as close to sure stars as you can expect! But you're right, its foolish of me to anger the Indian spirits. Now that I've said something positive about them, Griffin's leg will probably fall off by February and Baron Davis will probably lead a locker room revolt soon after.

Nutter, I reckon the Celtics will have a much improved bench this season. Wallace is the perfect guy to rotate with KG and Perk, maintaining defensive intensity and ensuring none will play too many minutes. Likewise, though he isn't signed yet, Daniels has committed to the team and he will keep Pierce's minutes under control. He'll also be very useful playing alongside House, because it will allow House to defend opposing point guards and play SG on offense. Signing Davis (which seems likely) will ensure a very deep big man rotation. The only remaining question is, does Ainge sign a backup point guard for Rondo? Up until last week, I was still thinking Marbury for the right price, but the dude has lost the plot with his antics recently and is in no state of mind to contribute next season. Realistically though, Celtics only need a backup who can handle the ball competently and make the open three. So I like their depth a lot, especially when you compare it with the Lakers, who are very thin on the ground after their top 6.

Geez Quag, not only is your glass half empty, you're stirring in the downers ready to knock back the rest!

I'll bite on a few of your questions:

Kidd will continue to make Dallas a good team to watch this year. Good enough to keep fans happy, but they're not challenging for the West.

Hard to be sure about the Wiz. All the injury interruptions and Arenas need for the ball may mean they don't click, but I think there is potential there if they get it right. If I were the GM I would never have signed Arenas for that much. He's spectacular, but I remember how much better Butler and Jamison's numbers were when he first got injured about 2 years ago. I think they could either click and finish 4th or 5th in the conference, or implode and have a horrible season.

"Unless you're a supporter of the Bucks, there is no harm in being cautiously optimistic".

LOL TC, its easy to feel good about a team when you don't support them! I'm feeling a bit better about them too, after they cleared out some dead wood, improved their cap sitch and got a couple of young guys (Johnson and Jennings) who showed good potential in the Summer League. But if I'm actually a Bucks fan? I'd still be horribly depressed knowing that realistically I have to suffer through at least another 2 mediocre seasons before my team can assemble enough talent to have a shot in the playoffs!