Post by dj on Feb 10, 2009 21:17:58 GMT -5
Golden State Warriors
Coming off of three straight losing seasons, the Warriors are looking to rebound and to become a playoff contender once again. The team has made various transactions this off season, such as acquiring former #2 overall pick Jack Creamer and the crafty veteran small forward Luol Deng. Both moves shore up weaknesses and should help the club improve from last years 33 win season. Pairing Deng with sharp shooting 3rd year man, Kanauskas, should give the team a strong scoring duo. Rajon Rondo, signed as a free agent, should dramatically upgrade the teams perimeter defense. The rumored trade of Braden Issel for Hawn Owens would give the club another perimeter oriented offensive threat, leading us to believe this team is looking to jack it up from downtown this season. With the current GM rumored to be on the chopping block, this team will need to contend for a playoff spot in order for current management to have a chance at remaining on board past this season. Considering they are in the Western conference, we believe this team will score their way to 40+ wins and a much longed for playoff appearance.
Dallas Mavericks
After three straight sub 30 win seasons, the Dallas Maverick front office is in a similar position to that of the Warriors, win 40, make the playoffs or bust. This team has a nice mix of veteran experience and youth and definitely has a bright future. The question is do they have enough to get to where they need to go this season? With the #1 overall pick in the draft, the Mavs selected center Leon Camby, who should be able to contribute this season but may not be ready for a starting role. Bringing in veteran bigs such as Elton Brand and Hamed Haddadi should help, but both are on the downside of their careers and will probably only be asked to provide consistent play off of the bench. The strength of this team lies in its perimeter play where Barnes, Henry, McGahee and Roy will be asked to carry the load. McGahee seems improved from last season, and Barnes and Henry are both consistent scoring options. The key for this team will be how Roy performs as the teams starting point guard for a second straight season. Roy averaged a career high 9.9 assists last seasons and although his percentages dropped, he was a steady presence in the back court. Luckily for the Mavericks, they too are in the West. If they can avoid injury and their bigs can play just solid ball, they should be able to make the 40 win plateau, reassuring the current regime of at least 4 more years in office.
