Post by Braz on Mar 25, 2023 4:12:11 GMT -8
All isn't quiet on the eastern front- CY Preview- Eastern Trifecta
The East is historically noted as the more difficult conference. Some argue GM quality, others argue timing and I personally just harp on the fact that the east as an additional team. This year we are going to see immense competition as three eastern teams will battle it out during CY. However, these guys being in CY doesn't mean others are backing down. In some cases teams are even elevating a year early out of a rebuild. I wanted to try to get an article in before FA to showcase the current state and what it will take for these guys to make it. The only thing that is for sure is that this will not be an easy path! A war even.
Diving into our CY buddies they say never wait till year 4. It just is not the smart thing to do. All 3 of these gms stated last year with hopes to reset going into sim 1 but decided to pull the plug for various reasons and go full force into CY. I will start with the Bucks since they have the most work to do!
Milwaukee Bucks
Analysis: The Bucks are unfortunately the team that has the hardest battle to make CY and that is for a few reasons. First off Andy has admitted his activity of recent has not been where he would normally like it. Additionally Andy's team seems to be the most raw. They won the least games out of these teams last year and ended up picking 5 in the recent draft. When you take a look at his teams assets they are pretty solid but that would mean he would need to trade. I am not exactly sure what Andy is set on keeping to reset vs willing to move but right now their only win now player is an old Larry Jones ( I prefer him at SG where Paul currently is) but I think he has a chance to get good interest on Wilkes, Westphal, Money and maybe even Newlin with the pot boost. The best asset has to be recent Draftee Jamal Wilkes! I really loved this pick and saw him as high as 3 on some scout boards. Next up is looking into FA where the bucks have 12 mil in cap. I would say wow great just enough for a rookie max...but if he doenst use that cap in a trade I wonder if going after a guy you know you will get or 2-3 depth guys could be smart but eh maybe not. If the Bucks Sign Bob Lanier everything changes for them! P.S PHIL JACKSON BABY
Advice: I would immediately look to capitalize on the NJ Nets situation, however, that may be hard since it is Saturday! The Nets are over HC and are looking to rebuild. Recent pick 5 + for Bob? Or at the least make a solid offer for Key/Lacey to improve the bigs. Or find someone who actually needs a wing and trade for a big!
Team Needs: Starting Caliber C, PF and potentially a volume PG
Chance of making it: 65%
Chicago Bulls
Analysis: The Bulls pushed the limits last year by punting a reset pretty late which resulted in them owning two late lotto picks. The Bulls definitely have a better roster going into the off season than MIL but still some holes. The main thing that sticks out is that the Bulls have Dr J who is or will be the best player on the file at one point. Play's job is really just to build around him. He already got to work by trading 2 of his SG surplus crew to acquire stud scorer and plus rebounder Rich Jones. Play has some good assets to facilitate further trades but similar to Bucks his top 2 in Collins and Wedman are both wings so he just needs to find a buyer. Play had a good draft gettign Wedman at 8 and managed to score a big trade whilst keeping max cap. You can see he is a tactical and vet GM now we just need to see how he upgrades his bigs and PG. One thing we do know is he will have his bird fillers and keep that salary above 70MM to maximize the teams potential.
Advice: Maybe also start with Greeme but that could be painful. I like Thorn for the bulls but also think they could find a PG elsewhere as needed. Could someone like Peewee be a low cost option or will Play go for a star. Sucks to see Walt frazier be dealt for what he did that would have been a great fit. If I were play I would focus on moving Doug Collins first. Guy has name value and could be pretty good. I will be the guy to say it though. The best thing for any of these teams to do would be to make another team in the east worst. Trade with the Pacers! Let them talk shit! Go for Gene Moore of Bob Love.
Team Needs: Big with Blocks and Volume PG
Chances of Making it: 90%
Miami Heat
Analysis: The Heat are a saving the best for last situation! This is because Kobe is one of the most active and controversial GMs we have here. Many want to see him get CYd but do they really? Meanie on the outside but softie keto loving GM on the inside Kobe has been working tirelessly to improve the Miami Heat after ejecting himself out of the playoff driving seat last season. I would like to thank Kobe for all the work he did on the draft. The man asked like 50 questions on everyone's behalf but that led him to great insight and one of the best drafts. Going into CY Kobe managed to land himself a PG in Gus Williams at 10 (normal top 5 talent) and a big man Named Robert at 7. Both figure to be day 1 starters for the Heat and based on notes it seems Roberts is already there. The Heat would have made PlayOffs last year if they had a legit PG so Kobe was already smart getting old man Jerry West for a future pick and filler which makes Gus not forced to start/ win day 1. Jerry can also play a mean 2 if Winters is not ready or back it all up. I love Caldwell Jones in the paint with Hector as well so all I think this team needs is a big splash to feel good. Notoriously Miami is one of the league's most coveted Fa destinations and Kobe is sitting with 18M in cap. Miami will be tossing out Max Deals left and right in hopes to land one of lanier, rudy, ray, connie, mccoy, issel, cowens or willis and if that does not work out he is in a good position to "help greeme" or make further trades
Team Needs: A good TC and a second scoring option to count on
Chances of making it: 85%
