Re: Revised Expectations?
I'm keeping my expectations in check.
Getting to the playoffs and making a run takes so many things to go your way. It's not simply a matter of getting some talent together.
I think I had marginal expectations of the playoffs when Morrison and May were still options. Now, I think we're a real iffy team.
Consider this: we'll likely be more respected as an opponent and other teams are better. We won't be pulling of many sneaky wins like we did last year. I'm also not sure we'll get any tanked games like the end of last year when teams were losing to get Oden or Durant.
I'm optimistic, but I understand that teams have growing pains. When you change the coaching staff and add a new centerpiece to the equation, you're bound to have some issues along the way.
The good thing is, we'll be a much more exciting team to watch, even if it only translates into minor gains in the win column.
Re: Revised Expectations?
My expectations have fallen a bit considering the losses we've had, I still think an 8 seed is possibile, but I don't think it is as likely to get it this year. Trust Me, I believe we can do it, but until we get the PF/C positions figured out, I don't think we'll do so well...
Re: Revised Expectations?
I don't think we'll have anything to worry about. Just let Richardson grow in our system and find a good starting 5 and we'll be in the playoffs no problem.
Re: Revised Expectations?
As long as our big 3 of Emeka / Crash / J-Rich stay healthy then I'll also keep my expectations at the same high level.
It hurts for Ammo to be out for the season but I'm confident that the other wings that will be coming off the bench will step up.
Re: Revised Expectations?
Nice topic and welcome to Bobcatsplanet . I have more of a concern about the players and this new system and how the players jell. Dean Smith , and Coach K both had losing seasons thair first year . Coach K all most lost his job imagine that. Losing Morrison hurts some what dept wize . But it might help in the long run as Crash and Rich have more court time to jell.Total wins about the same.
Re: Revised Expectations?
Nice timing on K & Smith's 1st years. Look at Smitch in Toronto...this past season's Coach of the Year. He comes in, matches the previous seasons win total (around 33), then has a worse record of around 27...everyone and their Canadian cousin is calling for his head. In rides Colangelo, brings in a couple of bigs to pair with his all star, gets a quality 2 in Parker and voila...the talk of the NBA.
Expecting V to miraculously gel this team without any bigs other than Mek whle implementing a new system is very shortsighted. That being said I think within 10 or 20 games we'll be firing on all cylinders.
I've lowered my expectations from 4th seed to 7th or 8th. I didn't want to, but without getting another big I don't see us consistently winning enough THIS YEAR to quite pull that one off yet.
Re: Revised Expectations?
hey if we have another bad year because of injuries i wouldn't be suprised. however, if wallace, okafor and richardson play 65+ games TOGETHER, they should still challenge for a playoff spot. the key is felton, if he takes his game to the next level, we will be in the playoffs.
but if felton remains constant and okafor, wallace, or richardson miss extended time, its back to the lottery for us, which may not necessarily be horrible considering another strong freshman class is supposed to leave early
Re: Revised Expectations?
Honestly, I think we are not going to make the playoffs. People might hate me for what i'm about explain but i'm going to break it down(like I always do) and show why: 1. We have a LAME starting center who could barely grab rebounds or play D. *sigh* 2. Ray-Ray is inconsistent and can't find his shots which will lead to poor FG %. The key to winning games is a good RELIABLE PG. 3. No decent backup PG. Mccinis is a bum. What has he done in his career? Seriously? I'd rather have BK. He's decent.
Re: Revised Expectations?
Unfortunately, I don't see many teams worse than us in the east. As of now, I see us last in the southeast with Indiana, New York, and possibly Philly, Atlanta, and Milwaukee finishing with us at the bottom. I actually see us better than more West. conference teams than East. I think we're better than Minnesota, Portland, Seattle, and Clippers, hands-down, and possibly better than Sacramento.
That said, we won't be the only team with injuries, so some of the borderline teams could fall down with us, and we could have a miracle and have no more injuries to our team, and we could sneak in. As of this moment, though, as rosters being what they are, we aren't in the playoffs.