phlp_bj
08-11-2008, 04:05 PM
IF the trade to Toronto was all Jermaine O'Neal needed to turn his career back around…
After establishing himself as one of the best big men in the league Jermaine has seen his production decline noticeably since 2004-2005. Injuries have plagued him as of late, but the thought of him playing alongside Chris Bosh has Raptor fans very optimistic. In Toronto O'Neal will not be expected to carry the load like he was in Indiana. Ideally Jermaine would take a backseat to Bosh offensively, instead focusing on the defensive side of the court where his help is needed the most. If O'Neal dedicates himself he is definitely capable of having a Defensive Player of the Year-type season.
IF the Pistons buy into Michael Curry's system…
With Boston's bench taking such a big hit the Pistons are arguably the best team in the East right now on paper. On several occasions Flip Saunders' control of the team was brought into question and no doubt played a part in his firing. Without any head coaching experience it's hard not to wonder if Curry will have the same problem.
IF the HEAT can get enough production outside of Dwayne Wade…
Considering how great Wade has looked for Team USA so far it's really not a question anymore of whether or not he'll be back to his regular self. What will be interesting is if he can lead this HEAT team back to the playoffs as currently assembled. They are a young team that will need an MVP-caliber season from Wade to keep pace in the East that has improved significantly this summer. Thanks to the extended rest he got in the second half of last season Wade certainly looks capable, but whether or not the rest of this HEAT team will be able to provide the support needed to finish in the top eight is the bigger question.
IF Derrick Rose lives up to the hype…
After a disappointing season last year very few people are considering the Bulls a playoff team right now, unless their first overall pick delivers from the start. The quicker the Bulls can rely on Rose as a starter the quicker they can trade Kirk Heinrich and move forward with their new (hopeful) franchise player. Rose has the potential to make everyone on the Bulls better and if they are going to get out of the lottery and back into the playoffs he's going to have to be ready to contribute.
IF the Atlanta Hawks have finally turned the corner…
One of the biggest surprises in the NBA last season was the emergence of the Atlanta Hawks not just as a playoff team, but a team that took the eventual NBA champs to seven games. Is one strong playoff performance all this young squad needed to get past the years of being among the league's worst? It's been ten years since expectations were this high in Atlanta, but this is still a very young team and Mike Woodson doesn't exactly instill the confidence needed to say this team can once again be among the top eight in the East.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9740
After establishing himself as one of the best big men in the league Jermaine has seen his production decline noticeably since 2004-2005. Injuries have plagued him as of late, but the thought of him playing alongside Chris Bosh has Raptor fans very optimistic. In Toronto O'Neal will not be expected to carry the load like he was in Indiana. Ideally Jermaine would take a backseat to Bosh offensively, instead focusing on the defensive side of the court where his help is needed the most. If O'Neal dedicates himself he is definitely capable of having a Defensive Player of the Year-type season.
IF the Pistons buy into Michael Curry's system…
With Boston's bench taking such a big hit the Pistons are arguably the best team in the East right now on paper. On several occasions Flip Saunders' control of the team was brought into question and no doubt played a part in his firing. Without any head coaching experience it's hard not to wonder if Curry will have the same problem.
IF the HEAT can get enough production outside of Dwayne Wade…
Considering how great Wade has looked for Team USA so far it's really not a question anymore of whether or not he'll be back to his regular self. What will be interesting is if he can lead this HEAT team back to the playoffs as currently assembled. They are a young team that will need an MVP-caliber season from Wade to keep pace in the East that has improved significantly this summer. Thanks to the extended rest he got in the second half of last season Wade certainly looks capable, but whether or not the rest of this HEAT team will be able to provide the support needed to finish in the top eight is the bigger question.
IF Derrick Rose lives up to the hype…
After a disappointing season last year very few people are considering the Bulls a playoff team right now, unless their first overall pick delivers from the start. The quicker the Bulls can rely on Rose as a starter the quicker they can trade Kirk Heinrich and move forward with their new (hopeful) franchise player. Rose has the potential to make everyone on the Bulls better and if they are going to get out of the lottery and back into the playoffs he's going to have to be ready to contribute.
IF the Atlanta Hawks have finally turned the corner…
One of the biggest surprises in the NBA last season was the emergence of the Atlanta Hawks not just as a playoff team, but a team that took the eventual NBA champs to seven games. Is one strong playoff performance all this young squad needed to get past the years of being among the league's worst? It's been ten years since expectations were this high in Atlanta, but this is still a very young team and Mike Woodson doesn't exactly instill the confidence needed to say this team can once again be among the top eight in the East.
http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?story_id=9740