Writers Jackson McNally and Brandon Garland were given this week’s round of questions. Jackson’s answers will be preceded by a J and Brandon’s answers will be preceded by a B.
1) Which lottery team will most likely make the playoffs?
J: I see the New Orleans Pelicans and Portland Trail Blazers as serious threats for the playoffs this year. They both have made serious improvements to their rosters and are looking to compete this coming year. The Pelicans have put together an interesting starting lineup of Eric Gordon, former 76ers PG Jrue Holiday, and former Kings G/F Tyreke Evans to compliment Anthony Davis and 3-point specialist Ryan Anderson. The Blazers have filled in their bench nicely after having arguably the worst one in the league last year. The additions of Robin Lopez, Mo Williams, Dorrell Wright, and stud rookie CJ McCollum make this team very dangerous.
B: To me, the lottery team most likely to rise from the bottom and make the Playoffs is the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite having an uninteresting name and underwhelming set of uniforms, the actual team is far more interesting. Boasting young talent such as Jrue Holiday, Anthony Davis, Eric Gordon and Tyreke Evans, this Pelicans team will far surpass what they did last year. Making the splash trade for Holiday by sending Nerlens Noel and a first-round pick to Philadelphia, New Orleans has elevated themselves to a nearly certain playoff team. Another team likely to see the ‘promised land’ this year is the new-look Detroit Pistons. Though I personally dislike both Brandon Jennings and Josh Smith, these acquisitions surely lift Detroit to some sort of playoff spot.
2. Which lottery team will have the worst year?
J: After blowing up the whole roster, I think the 76ers are clearly the worst team in the NBA. After unloading All-Star point guard Jrue Holiday to the Pelicans, and selecting Michael Carter-Williams and Nerlens Noel in the draft, the 76ers have a strong chance of competing for the top pick this year. Both rookies project to be “project players”, and I don’t see Evan Turner carrying an NBA team any time soon.
B: The worst team in the NBA is the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s really not even very close. A lineup consisting of a raw Michael Carter-Williams, a Jason Richardson nearing the end of his career, an overvalued Evan Turner, and arguably the worst frontcourt in the NBA of Thad Young and Spencer Hawes certainly won’t net many wins. Hope isn’t lost however, as they do have an injured Nerlens Noel and a first-round pick from New Orleans next year in one of the best draft classes ever. Moving young and very, very talented Jrue Holiday wasn’t my favorite move, but it did something that some teams are scared to do: move them out of the 8th seed to late lottery range, which could kill a franchise.
3. Who is most likely to win Rookie of the Year?
J: I see Magic SG Victor Oladipo and Kings SG Ben Mclemore battling for ROY this season. They both are playing for teams where a lot will be asked out of them. I think this bodes well for both as they can both play defense and offense at an NBA level. Another factor to help Oladipo is that he is already 21 going into his rookie year after leaving Indiana as a Junior. This experience will help him make a smooth transition to the NBA. Mclemore projects as a volume scorer who has a good chance of leading the rookie class in scoring.
B: The preseason ROY favorite is Trey Burke. Put aside a poor summer league showing, and this guy is a stud. Burke finds himself in a nice predicament being the likely starter on Day 1, which will only elevate this man’s game. Last year’s Naismith Award winner brings a silky jumper with a nice quickness and an ability to find the open man to Utah, and he should contribute right away. Watch Charlotte’s Cody Zeller and Victor Oladipo who could both give the ex-Wolverine a run for his money. Plus, many are seeing a possible sequel to Damian Lillard, as CJ McCollum brings a very refined game to the great Northwest.
4. Which lottery rookie is in the best situation?
J: I see that Bobcats rookie forward Cody Zeller will fit perfectly with the young Charlotte nucleus. He fits the bill as an athletic stretch 4 that will work nicely with burly big man Al Jefferson on the low block. Zeller will be able to start and get his fair share of points and rebounds, but luckily for him, he won’t have a heavy burden as he projects to be the 4th or 5th option in the offense. Expect a very efficient year from the former Indiana big man as he will get many easy looks off of post double-teams on FA acquisition Al Jefferson. Zeller showcased what he was capable of during the NBA Summer League and was ranked atop the rookie ladder on NBA.com.
B: Otto Porter was taken by his hometown Washington Wizards with the third overall pick and will start from the get-go. He impressed many DC fans while playing at Georgetown, and he has the rare advantage of not having to become accustomed to a new city during his first year, which allows him to simply focus on playing ball. Plus, with John Wall and Bradley Beal to shoulder much of the offensive load, he can really grow his game without having all the responsibility as he had in college. Look for a good year from Washington as a whole, and their newest face could be a big reason for it.
[polldaddy poll=7311886]By Jackson McNally and Brandon Garland
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