LOL I dont see how a team wins 66 games in a season and then someone prematurely predicts their on the decline?I also dont see how a team makes it to 6 straight eastern conference finals and you put them on the decline also?I mean when we say "decline"doesnt that mean teams that were good that arent as good as they use to be?Its hard to judge who will decline after the season when they are doing the same thing they do every year.Dallas is a great example of declining.They were contenders for awhile but then lost a few series and never regained the form.I'm not sure Phoenix will be on the decline yet,plus they have a decent range draft pick too.They still have youth with Barbosa,Diaw,Alando Tucker,D.J. Strawberry,and a draft pick.How do you know how these players will develop in the offseason?
Its also hard to put teams that are already on the rise to be on the rise next year.Utah has been on the rise for a couple years now.The L.A. Lakers have a great player and coach and the number one seed in the west.Houston is always there as long as Yao and T Mac are healthy.Atlanta probably is on the rise for next year.I just think when we say on the rise it should mean teams that arent good this year that will make strong improvements next year.How can we say a number 1 and 2 seed is on the rise for next year?They are already at the top of the conference and almost in the western conference finals,how much more will they be on the rise?Therefore most teams that didnt make it to the playoffs will be on the rise more than teams already in the playoffs.And more teams that made the playoffs this year will be on the decline.
Teams probably on the rise.
1-Portland Trailblazers-They have a great young core of Aldridge,Roy,and Oden.Plus they have a draft pick this year so they should definitely make a stronger push for the playoffs than they did this year with everyone healthy.Add some cap space for the future and your looking at big contenders in a couple years.
2-L.A. Clippers-With Brand,Thorton,and Kaman we could be talking about the best frontcourt in basketball depending on if Thorton gets better.Add the fact they have a chance at a top pick plus they can sign and trade Maggette,this team could be on the rise next year.
3-Seattle SuperSonics-I doubt they make the playoffs next year but its highly possible.Why you ask?Well they are favored to get the number 2 pick though its not guaranteed of course.But they do have high odds of getting either Rose or Beasley.Add that with Durant and Green plus some trade assets they could be on the rise next year.Wilcox is a good talent with an expiring contract,Marshall has an expiring contract,and maybe one of those centers they drafted shows why they were drafted next year.You never know which team ends up canning the season and searching for expiring contracts.Well there is 11 million worth and they could get a couple decent players with them too.
4-Charlotte Bobcats-A new coach in Larry Brown and having everyone back healthy would help.Even if they resign Okafor and sign the 1st rounder they still would be under the cap for a mid level type guy around 6 million.A core of Wallace,Okafor,Richardson,and Felton is alot to work with for Larry Brown.Add a possible top pick,Sean May and Adam Morrison possibly coming back healthy,and a little cap flexibility and we might see the Bobcats in the playoffs next season.
5-Atlanta Hawks-I think they still need to tweak the roster some more,but they possibly could be higher in the playoff seeding next year.Bibby is declining but they have a core of Joe Johnson,Josh Smith,and Al Horford.I think Marvin Williams or Childress may be traded or maybe even Josh Smith(I highly doubt that).They have lots of players that havent established a position or is playing out of position.Horford was playing the center position as a rookie,Josh Smith plays some power forward and small forward,Marvin Williams played some power forward and small forward,and Josh Childress played some small forward and shooting guard.They need to put these players at their natural position unless they need to adjust to someone elses lineup.They need to acquire a true center and let Josh Smith play the 3,which would probably open up a trade for Marvin Williams.Look for them to do some roster tweaking though.
6-Milwaulkee Bucks-They have solid players but a terrible team defense.Michael Redd is a great player and if they could just improve their defense they can play with the best of them.The reason they get the nod though for me is they have so many trade assets that they can pull off something to make a turnaround.They have another draft pick,Villanueva,Yi,Mo Williams,and Charlie Bell all as possible trade bait.If they get a chance I guarantee you they take Rose and then they would probably trade Mo Williams for a small forward.But this team definitely has a big shot at the playoffs next year with Scott Skiles to bring some of that defensive intensity.I think this team is more offensively talented than his Bulls roster so dont be suprised if they make some moves and we see them in the playoffs next season.
Teams probably not on the rise.
1-Philadelphia 76ers-Sure they played the Pistons well in the first round but can they do it again?Not getting a high draft pick hurt this team to me.They were definite overachievers in the eastern conference this year and I dont think they will be much better next year.Why?Well they have all that free agent money but theres a problem,how much will they give to Iguodala?Is he a true franchise player after not showing up in the playoffs at all?How much does he deserve?Maybe they let him test the waters who knows?However if they do resign him then that would eat up most of the valueable cap space they have.They'd have roughly inbetween about 6 or 7 million if he gets the salary he wants.Thats not going to sign huge different makers for a team with minimal talent.Add the fact they dont have a pick and this is the same team from last year.However other teams will be improving and I doubt this team gets much better.They have Young,and Iguodala as their bright spots but after that,who's left?I give them another year or two before they are really on the rise.
2-New York Knicks-They have D Antoni?And?Wasnt their biggest problem last year lack of defensive commitment?Is D Antoni going to change that?No!They can get a good draft pick but this entire team is a mess.I dont care who they bring in,D Antoni has awhile before he turns the Knicks into a Suns like roster.Plus if this guy cant take Stoudemire,Nash,and Marion to the title,what makes you think he'll make the Knicks contenders anyway?They stay put and at best they're a border line lottery team(thats at best).
3-Chicago Bulls-Basically will be the same team from last year unless they pull off some major trade.Only way this team will be better is if everyone gets better in the offseason.It isnt going to come by draft or coaching change.This team is a mess as well and they sure couldve used a high draft pi
