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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 15, 2007
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To me, the playoffs this year has proven enlightening in terms of how teams may fare in the future. With so many risky trades and the "win now" attitude of many teams, the balance of power in the league seems to be quickly shifting. That said, which playoff teams do you think will be on the rise next year, and which will be on the decline?
Here's my take:
Teams on the rise:
Orlando- should return with more hunger and experience next year.
Atlanta- gained a great deal of experience playing against the vaunted Celtics.
L.A. Lakers- they have a solid core, and with health, they will be a serious threat for the title.
New Orleans- they have already exceeded expectations, and they are growing by the game.
Utah- next year may see this team make a serious run at the championship.
Houston- they brought in solid young talent in Scola and Landry to hopefully complement a health T-Mac and Yao.
Teams on the decline:
Boston- they still should contend in the East, but will likely not run away with the regular season as they did this year. Those legs will have a lot more tread next year.
Detroit- they should also still contend, but they aren't getting any younger.
Phoenix- will still likely make the playoffs, but their days as a championship contender may be over with many young teams in the West working their way up.
Dallas- playoff contender, but no longer a title contender.
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Jan 17, 2007
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that said...i'll take experience over youth any day. obviously a combination of both is the best, but in terms of winning it all experience is where it's at. so here's the question: who has the best combination of youth and experience?
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Reputation:98
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 5, 2006
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Nice List.
I'd add the Spurs to the decline list.
Phoenix is still up in the air. As they have young talent and solid players with experience. So I'm not sure they are on the decline yet.
For the teams with youth and experience:
Lakers, NO, Suns, and Houston (if healthy). I think these four are the best in that category.
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 15, 2007
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I agree, bball master. Experience wins championships, but there comes a time when a team has passed its peak. This is all just speculation on my part, but I don't know if the teams I listed can maintain their high level of play.
Whoosh, I agree with your list of teams with a good combo of experience and youth (with the possible exception of the Suns, as their leading guns are getting up there), but I would add the Jazz to that list as well. They've gotten valuable playoff experience the past few years, and with a solid young core, they seem likely to improve.
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Reputation:73
Level:Pro
Since:Oct 3, 2006
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Haven,t the Spurs been on this list for the past few years along with Duncan. Every playoffs we hear about this great young team with their up and coming power foward and in the end Duncan winds up taking them to school every time. As for your young talent list dont forget about Amare Stoudemire he is the next Tim Duncan.Oh I forgot the Retirement Home Spurs sent them home like they do every year. " GO SPURS GO"
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Reputation:97
Level:Superstar
Since:Mar 15, 2007
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I didn't put the Spurs on the decline list.
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Reputation:73
Level:Pro
Since:Oct 3, 2006
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Sorry that was ment for whoosh!
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Reputation:73
Level:Pro
Since:Oct 3, 2006
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Sorry that was meant for Whoosh!
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Reputation:94
Level:All-Star
Since:Apr 16, 2007
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The Spurs will not start to decline until Duncan retires.
Coincidentaly coach Pop will retire then as well, and perhaps Ginobli
than the Spurs will fall for awhile
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Teams on the rise/Teams on the decline
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Reputation:91
Level:All-Star
Since:Aug 2, 2007
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For teams on the rise if you mean in the next 3-4 years look for Miami Heat to be a contender once again with a guaranteed Top 4 pick in the draft and also a healthy D-Wade and a newly acquired Shawn Marion. Also, If Larry Brown stays with the Bobcats LONG enough then they will also be a contender barring any front office interference. The Hawks look promising next year, and don't forget what could happen if the Cavs get Lebron some help...The Eastern Conference will definately be an interesting story next season, and the West will be just as competetive...Look for this playoff experience to really help the Hornets out in the next 2-3 years, because San Antonio isn't getting any younger. Tim and Manu aren't getting any younger you know....Same goes with Nash and Shaq...The Nuggets won't play any d | |
