Bonnell says lottery more likely than playoffs

[jpf_v2.0]

http://blogs.charlotte.com/inside_the_nba/2008/08/playoffs-lotter.html

[ohara831]

Bonnell hit the nail on the head. Unless we do something more, then we will not make the Playoffs this year. We have to so something to impact the PF position.

[Alex]

Washington, Philly and Toronto are anything but virtual locks. Bonnell sucks.

[dnbman]

Washington, Philly and Toronto are anything but virtual locks. Bonnell sucks.

I think Philly is definitely close to a lock. They were in the playoffs last year, and they added Brand. That's a huge upgrade.

Toronto added O'Neal, which could be a huge boost for them. (Or could be a bust.)

Washington was a playoff team without Arenas.

Those three may not be locks, but you have to pencil them in the preseason top 8.

[ammofan]

So we all know that the Bobcats need another big man....but WILL they get another big? Thats what we need to know Mr. bonnell

[Alex]

Before the start of every season you hear these talking heads with their predictions of how much better the East will be and how much harder it will be to make the playoffs in the conference and then the season starts and everyone quickly realizes that the Easter, other than 3 or 4 teams is still garbage.

That article, or blog, is a bunch of crap.

[WAM9]

...the East is going to clearly be much better this year. Last year was already an improvement (not to mention the NBA championship) and the improvement should continue. I'm not saying the top 3 or 4 will be better than teams like LA, San Antonio and Phoenix but, the depth around the 5-11 spots is were I think the most improvement will be.

1 - As long as KG and Pierce are on the Celtics, they have to be contenders. And remember, that team has only played together for a year now.

2 - Lebron is improving each second and is always extremely tough to handle. Cleveland will always be a contender with him around.

3 - Detroit may not getting better but they are still a very solid veteran based team. Prince is getting great experience with Team USA and their core is still intact. They will earn home court for the first round for sure.

4 - Orlando is getting better if only because of the youth of their team. Guys like Howard are only getting better with each breath. He is a total superstar in the making. They should certainly be a lock for the playoffs.

5 -Toronto has been going the right direction for a couple of years now and the addition of O'Neal with a young star like Bosh (who is also getting valuable USA experince) should certainly net them a spot.

6 - Philadelphia had a good second half last year and the Brand pickup is probably the best move of the off-season. As long as Brand plays 70+ games (I think he will), Philly is a virtual lock in my book.

7 - Washington may not be a lock for me but a healthy Arenas will make them better than last year for sure.

8 - Miami - 2 words, Dwayne Wade. Man does he look awesome right now. He may even be better than before. Beasley won't hurt either.

9 - Charlotte - Point guard depth is certainly improved and the coaching is night and day. If a couple of injury prone players actually play, watch out:) We should certainly be better than last year.

10- Chicago has to have a better year and having the #1 pick in the draft should definitely make them better.

11 - Milwaukee is definitely better with Richard Jefferson. I think he might actually flourish playing with a guy like Redd anstead of Vince. They should certianly improve.

That leaves NJ, Atlanta, NY and Indiana. Although I don't feel like any of these teams have improved, Atl or NJ could still make the playoffs. Still, that is 11 of 15 teams that I think have definitely improved. The East will be better this year for sure.

[dnbman]

Before the start of every season you hear these talking heads with their predictions of how much better the East will be and how much harder it will be to make the playoffs in the conference and then the season starts and everyone quickly realizes that the Easter, other than 3 or 4 teams is still garbage.

That article, or blog, is a bunch of crap.

That's true. But don't you think at least Phili is going to be a whole lot better with Brand?

If Jermaine O'Neal plays even close to form, doesn't that make Toronto significantly better as well?

Washington won 43 games without Arenas. What does his return add?

I see your point, but these teams are pretty good and have seriously upgraded.

[TheBeagle]

Bonnell hit the nail on the head. Unless we do something more, then we will not make the Playoffs this year. We have to so something to impact the PF position. Still, if the guys on this team can truly by into the team concept and what the coach is selling, it wouldn't shock me (it would surprise me, though) if we're not realistically battling for a spot going into the last two weeks. I really think they will buy into coach, but one word, I think, will make or break the season: health. If Sean is healthy enough to play 60 games and Ammo improves his all-around game, I think this team has a shot. Really.

Like I've been saying since the hiring of Brown, whatever the outcome of the season, this is going to be a fun team to pull for, and after last season, I really look forward to just having fun watching Cats games!

[ziggy]

I honestly think that:
* the addition of Larry Brown and the subtraction of Sam Vincent
* the addition of DJ and the subtraction of McGinnis, and real competition at the PG spot
* the return of Adam in a bench role
* a happy Emeka

is enough to take us from 31 wins to 44

[Dead_Real]

Next years East playoff race will be more like the Western conference was last year it nothing will be a set until the end of the season. The East isn't a JV League (Screaming A Smith voice) anymore it will be tough. Agreed with Wam9 though that 8th spot will be a fight between a bunch of solid teams including us. Chances are high that we'll miss it like last year with our current core more likely if Crash goes down again but we'll at least be a lock IMO if we can pull off a deal for a proven PF like Boozer.

[SWedd523]

You also have to add in the fact that we don't have any experience of being a good time at all. Our only knowledge of the NBA with these players is to not be a team that wins much.

They're undoubtedly going to be much improved this year, but who are we to say they won't fall apart under the pressure towards the end of the season when we get close to the playoffs? (Please don't say Atlanta because they're an anomaly)

We really need a quality OFFENSIVE power forward right now. If we get one then we're looking at a lock for the playoffs just as much as anyone else is. Thats our missing link