8/28 ESPN Insider - Grading the Midwest !! - Dallas-Mavs.com Forums

OutletPass · 08-28-2003, 10:44 AM

We Know What You Did This Summer:
Midwest Division
By Chad Ford
NBA Insider
Send an Email to Chad Ford Monday, August 25
Updated: August 28
8:56 AM ET

If the Western Conference is the best conference in the NBA, then the Midwest Division is now arguably the top division in the league.

With a new and improved World Champion Spurs, Dallas' Big 3 and Minnesota's newly acquired Big 5, you can argue that three of the best five teams in the NBA all reside in the Midwest.

Throw in the Rockets and two teams on the upswing -- Denver and Memphis, and things are going to be tougher than ever out in the country's heartland this year.

The only team in the Midwest that really didn't improve this summer was Utah. The Jazz lost two Hall of Famers and replaced them with Keon Clark and rookie Alexsandar Pavlovic, putting Utah's incredible playoff streak into serious jeopardy.

Today, Insider grades the Midwest Division. On Friday, we'll wrap things up in the Pacific.

Also see: Atlantic Grades | Central Grades

Minnesota Timberwolves
Key Additions: Latrell Sprewell, Michael Olowokandi, Sam Cassell, Ndudi Ebi
Key Subtractions: Radoslav Nesterovic, Joe Smith, Marc Jackson, Terrell Brandon
Roster breakdown: T-Wolves Depth Chart | Free Agent Watch

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The Skinny: Wolves V.P. Kevin McHale knew he had to make drastic moves this summer to keep Kevin Garnett around. What McHale was able to accomplish in a little over two months was astonishing. He landed Olowokandi for cheaper than anyone thought possible, stole Sprewell from New York and got Cassell in return for the overpaid Smith. Add in a draft pick, Ebi, that would've been a high lottery pick had he stayed in school for a few more years and the Wolves appear poised to break into the second round of the playoffs for the first time ever.

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Grade: A

San Antonio Spurs
Key Additions: Radoslav Nesterovic, Hedo Turkoglu, Robert Horry, Ron Mercer
Key Subtractions: David Robinson, Speedy Claxton, Stephen Jackson
Roster breakdown: Spurs Depth Chart | Free Agent Watch

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The Skinny: How much can you improve a team coming off a championship? The team flirted with Jason Kidd and Jermaine O'Neal this summer. In retrospect both were long shots. Instead of adding another superstar, the Spurs went for depth. Adding Nesterovic, Turkoglu, Horry and Mercer gives the Wolves more depth and more scoring punch than they had last season. While they'll miss Robinson's experience, this edition of the Spurs is much more lethal offensively. They kept their core in tact defensively and they've retained the flexibility to made more moves next summer if necessary.

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Grade: A-

Dallas Mavericks
Key Additions: Antawn Jamison, Danny Fortson, Jiri Welsch, Josh Howard
Key Subtractions: Nick Van Exel, Adrian Griffin, Evan Eschmeyer
Roster breakdown: Mavs Depth Chart | Free Agent Watch

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The Skinny: The Mavs needed some toughness in the paint in the worst way. However, Don Nelson wasn't willing to give up Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Finley or Steve Nash to get it done. So Nelson did the next best thing; he addressed his other weakness at small forward and added Jamison, a 20-plus a night scorer, to the roster. Losing Van Exel will be tough, but they got bigger and younger by swapping him for Jamison. Most of the time that's the right formula for trade success in the NBA. Forston should provide some of that low-post toughness they lack, though he's a bit undersized to be the complete answer to their woes down low. Throw in draft pick Josh Howard, second-year guard Jiri Welsch and the Mavs are also building for the future.

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Grade: B+

Denver Nuggets
Key Additions: Carmelo Anthony, Andre Miller, Earl Boykins, Jon Barry
Key Subtractions: Juwan Howard
Roster breakdown: Nuggets Depth Chart | Free Agent Watch

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The Skinny: The Nuggets' big coup was in the draft, where they landed a potential superstar in Anthony. They also upgraded at point guard dramatically, going from Lorenzen Harrington to Andre Miller and Earl Boykins. Still, some consider the summer a disappointment. The Nuggets still have a lot of cash left and no one to spend it on. They would've liked to have added a hot young shooting guard or another center, but weren't willing to meet the asking prices of Corey Maggette and Michael Olowokandi. That means that the Nuggets will show some improvement, but it won't be as dramatic as we originally thought. Still, the Nuggets are off to good start. If Nene, Nikoloz Tskitishvili and Rodney White continue to develop, they'll be tough next season. With any luck, Kiki Vandeweghe will find a taker for the rest of his money next season.

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Grade: B

Houston Rockets
Key Additions: Eric Piatkowski, Adrian Griffin, Malick Badiane
Key Subtractions: James Posey
Roster breakdown: Rockets Depth Chart | Free Agent Watch

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The Skinny: Houston's biggest move this summer was hiring Jeff Van Gundy to coach the Rockets. But will it really make a difference? Rudy Tomjanovich was not the problem in Houston last season. The problem was lack of experience. Once Yao gets integrated into the offense, the Rockets should be better. Adding Piatkowski to the team will also be a plus, but it's basically evened out by the loss of Posey.

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Grade: C

Memphis Grizzlies
Key Additions: James Posey, Troy Bell, Dahntay Jones
Key Subtractions: None
Roster breakdown: Grizzlies Depth Chart | Free Agent Watch

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The Skinny: Jerry West has been working the phones trying to get a legit big man for Hubie Brown. He came close to deals for Michael Olowokandi and Erick Dampier, but both of them fell through. So all we're left to judge him on is his controversial draft selections (he could've gotten both Bell and Jones in round two with any luck) and the signing of Posey. I think Posey is a nice pick-up for the Grizzlies, but I'm not sure it was the team's biggest need. If West finds a way to get a legit center this summer, their grade goes up. But right now a bad draft and one decent signing isn't enough to warrant more than a C-.

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Grade: C-

Utah Jazz
Key Additions: Keon Clark, Alexsandar Pavlovic
Key Subtractions: Karl Malone, John Stockton, Calbert Cheaney
Roster breakdown: Jazz Depth Chart | Free Agent Watch

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The Skinny: Again, Utah's grade comes with a caveat. The Jazz burned up the phone lines and the expense account winning and dining top free agents. At one point, the team was fairly confident that it was going to land Elton Brand and Andre Miller. When both fell through, and then the Clippers matched the offer to Corey Maggette, the Jazz were left with nothing. You can't really point the finger at GM Kevin O'Conner. He managed the cap perfectly and did everything possible to improve his team. But if guys don't want to come, they don't want to come. They did salvage Keon Clark in a deal for a second-round pick, but he won't be enough to keep the Jazz from having the worst record in the league next season.

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Grade: D

Big Boy Laroux · 08-28-2003, 11:06 AM

i give us an A. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

he didn't list Travis Best...

XERXES · 08-28-2003, 11:19 AM

That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. SA's biggest acquisition was Nesterovic and they get 3 more role players and they get rated an A, above Dallas?! COme on. I admit I'm a homer...but who is a bigger acquisition: Nesterovich or Jamison? No Brainer? Plus I like our scrubs over their scrubs...you might say we lost NVE and the intangibles he brings...well the Admiral brings way more intangibles than NVE and he's gone.

Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

Fire this guy - get him a job waiting tables - keep him away from a word processor!

OutletPass · 08-28-2003, 11:31 AM

I'm not in agreement with Minny's "upgrade"....NY has been trying to rid themselves of Spree for a long time; both he and Cassell are old on the downswing; and Kandi is spotty, at best. They may win a few more games, but they won't be able to beat us, the Lakers or the Spurs come playoff time.

Don't think SA really improved much either...their development hangs on Manu as far as I'm concerned.

I still think that we win the division.

Rhylan · 08-28-2003, 11:44 AM

He listed Esch as a "Key Subtraction."

MUAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.. dork.

He gets paid to write?

kg_veteran · 08-28-2003, 11:44 AM

Quote:

I still think that we win the division.

While I still have the Spurs rated ahead of Dallas until the Mavs prove otherwise, I think you might end up being right. Look at this comparison:

Center: Nesterovic vs. LaFrentz

Nesterovic is a decent player, but does anybody honestly think he's that much better (or better at all) than Raef? I call this a push, for the moment...

EDGE: Even

Power Forward: Duncan vs. Nowitzki

Both the best players on their teams, and both fantastic players. Gotta give the edge to Duncan, though...

EDGE: San Antonio

Small Forward: Bowen vs. Jamison

Bowen is a defensive specialist. Jamison is a high-scoring potential All-Star.

EDGE: Dallas

Shooting Guard: Ginobili vs. Finley

Ginobili's an up-and-comer, but he's got a ways to go to reach Finley's status.

EDGE: Dallas

Point Guard: Parker vs. Nash

Parker always seems to play big against Dallas, but Nash is an All-Star.

EDGE: Dallas

Bench: Rose/Horry/Turkoglu/Mercer vs. Bradley/Fortson/Howard/Welsch/Best

Dallas has less experience, but I think a lot more potential.

EDGE: Even (for now)

Coaching: Popovich vs. Nelson

After watching last year's WCF, I give the edge to Nelson. He darn near stole the title without his best player.

EDGE: Dallas

Dallas only gives up an edge at one spot, albeit vs. their best player. It sure looks like on paper that Dallas will give them all they can handle. Again...

Hitman · 08-28-2003, 11:52 AM

KG - I think Dallas has a great shot to win the division, but I give the edge to Manu over Finley. One of the only guys in the league that has such a tremendous effect on the game from the backcourt without having plays run for him, or even handling the ball much. He just has such a positive impact on the game in all facets when he is on the floor.

I think Minny definitely improved, but by how much? They replaced Rasho with Joe Barely Cares part deuce. I call that a wash.

Their other two acquisitions play the positions of their second and third best players. Cassell replaces Hudson. Big deal.

Latrell is now the two guard, which pushes Wally to three. Wally is going to guard the 6'9" Jamison? Wally is going to guard 6'10" Peja? I don't know, Latrell does not really have much left. But I think Minny improved. But to say that they are getting out of the first round in a conference with LA, SAC, Dallas and SA is a bit much, in my opinion.

kg_veteran · 08-28-2003, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Hitman
KG - I think Dallas has a great shot to win the division, but I give the edge to Manu over Finley. One of the only guys in the league that has such a tremendous effect on the game from the backcourt without having plays run for him, or even handling the ball much. He just has such a positive impact on the game in all facets when he is on the floor.

Fair enough. I think Manu's a great young player, but I don't think he's in Finley's league yet, and I don't think most people around the league think that either.

Quote:

I think Minny improved. But to say that they are getting out of the first round in a conference with LA, SAC, Dallas and SA is a bit much, in my opinion.

Yeah, that's just fluff to give Minny fans false hope. The Wolves have no chance to advance, unless something else happens.

MFFL · 08-28-2003, 12:56 PM

I think that the Wolves and Spurs both had better offseasons than we did so the ratings were fair in my mind. Both of those teams added talent without sacrificing talent (or very little talent) while we had to reshuffle our team to improve.

thebac · 08-28-2003, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: MFFL
I think that the Wolves and Spurs both had better offseasons than we did so the ratings were fair in my mind. Both of those teams added talent without sacrificing talent (or very little talent) while we had to reshuffle our team to improve.

I agree. I thought that the Spurs' activity in the offseason was rather underwhelming. However, that might have come from inflated expectations that they might be able to sign Kidd and/or O'Neal, while they got neither. On the other hand, the Mavs didn't seem like they had much flexibility, yet they got Jamison.

In reality, the Spurs basically lost DRob and some role players and got Rasho, Hedo, and Mercer. Not great acquisitions, but they didn't give up much, either. Heck, they still have Duncan.

With the Mavs, they gave up Nick. While I tend to agree with Hitman's post in the Mavs section, he was still a vital player, though I think he'll be more than adequately replaced by Jamison.

The Wolves definitely got better, I don't see how that could be argued. It wasn't a move for the future, seeing how old Spree and Cassell are, but they're much better now than they were last year. They gave up a guy who didn't even play last year for Spree. And Joe Smith and Peeler for Cassell and Ervin Johnson? Last I saw him, Ervin Johnson was a serviceable backup center, too (though maybe he no longer is). The Bucks must be trying to win the lottery.

Nicky31 · 08-28-2003, 01:38 PM

I thought we should deserve an A instead of -A. We got bigger and younger wiithout giving up any of the big 3. Plus we have Mills contract which will help come trade deadline or next offseason.

Minny - Improved in the sense that their will be production from alot of different players. Instead of Garnett having to have a triple double every night to win. Team chemistry will be a hugh factor to give them a high score.

San Antonio - Improved offensively, but defensively well only time will tell. I think the hardest adjustment for them will be going from Robinson's style of play to Nostervich's style of play.

dirno2000 · 08-28-2003, 02:17 PM

I think the reason we got a B+ as opposed to an A- is the fact that we gave up one proven player in return for one proven player. He did give us credit for getting bigger and younger with Jamison. The great thing about our trade is that we have the potential to get 3 really good young players for 1 ageing player. Obviously this wasn't factored in the grade, but I understand.

S.A.'s moves were solid but not spectacular. Hedo is the X-factor. He's a good player, but he sulked when the brought in J.J. last year and never recovered. If they give him playing time he'll be their best off season move. I'm glad S.A. signed Nesterovic, I always thought he was a stiff. He's no better than an old Robinson. Factor in the loss of Jackson and I think we should be graded higher then them. He was erratic, but he hit some huge shots last year. Of course everybody seems to be a better player when playing with Tim Duncan.

It's hard to argue that Minn. improved themselves the most, but they had to.

Big Boy Laroux · 08-28-2003, 02:47 PM

that is true... we will have a much better grade if the other players in the deal live up to their potential.

JamisonJigga · 08-28-2003, 06:22 PM

I still think we are best in the west. Eschmyer as a key subtraction cracks me up. I also beleive the Jazz deserve an F, not a D.

EricaLubarsky · 08-28-2003, 07:14 PM

good post KG, but I have a little to add.

Quote:

Small Forward: Bowen vs. Jamison

Jamison is great. I loved watching him block K-Mart two straight times, run the court, and go up between two players- splattering a reverse dunk over Jefferson and Williams.

Bowen is a key guy, because a key offensive strategy works through him. Unfortunately the strategy is Dallas' and it is "Hack-a-Bowen"

Advantage: Dallas. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

MavsFanFinley · 08-28-2003, 09:51 PM

Excellent post Kg.

Ginobli is an up-and-comer for sure, but I still think Finley has the edge as well. I watched the Spurs series (playoffs) again this past week and watched Finley and he abused whoever guarded him. Stephen Jackson, Ginobli, or Bowen.

I always get a tick in my eye when we play the Spurs cause of that 1-16 showing Fin had a couple years ago. He proved he was over it the following year, but still.

EricaLubarsky · 08-28-2003, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: JamisonJigga
I still think we are best in the west. Eschmyer as a key subtraction cracks me up. I also beleive the Jazz deserve an F, not a D.

If I was the Jazz' teacher I would give them a 'c' for effort, but an 'f' for progress. It was rather impossible for them to make up for the loss of Karl Malone and John Stockton....

EricaLubarsky · 08-28-2003, 10:42 PM

Dallas Mavericks
Key Additions: Antawn Jamison, Travis Best, Danny Fortson, Jiri Welsch, Josh Howard
Key Subtractions: Nick Van Exel, Adrian Griffin, Evan Eschmeyer
Roster breakdown: Mavs Depth Chart | Free Agent Watch

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The Skinny: The Mavs needed some toughness in the paint in the worst way. However, Don Nelson wasn't willing to give up Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Finley or Steve Nash to get it done. So Nelson did the next best thing; he addressed his other weakness at small forward and added Jamison, a 20-plus a night scorer, to the roster. Losing Van Exel will be tough, but they got bigger and younger by swapping him for Jamison. Most of the time that's the right formula for trade success in the NBA. Travis Best, Nick's replacement, will defend small guards and relieve Nash. Forston should provide some of that low-post toughness they lack, though he's a bit undersized to be the complete answer to their woes down low. Throw in draft pick Josh Howard and second-year guard Jiri Welsch and the Mavs are also building for the future.

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Grade: A

Hitman · 08-29-2003, 10:07 AM

I think most NBA people would take Manu over Finley right now. Manu is better defensively, is a better passer and a much better penetrator. He makes all the little things happen on the basketball court.

He went from leading Argentina to a victory over the US in the world championships to playing a key role for the NBA champions. He will be the starting 2 guard for the Spurs this year and will probably put up 15+ points per game.

The problem with Finley is that if you are not calling plays for him, he is not going to be a factor in the game. He is not great defensively, he is not a good passer or dribbler or rebounder. He is a scorer, and that is pretty much it. Get him the ball in transition or call a clear out for him or else he is not going to be a help to your team.

With Manu, he is going to be a factor regardless of how many times his number is called. He is such a unique player in today's NBA, and I know alot of brass realize this.

Simon2 · 08-30-2003, 09:53 AM

Quote:

[i]
Point Guard: Parker vs. Nash

Parker always seems to play big against Dallas, but Nash is an All-Star.

EDGE: Dallas

Bench: Rose/Horry/Turkoglu/Mercer vs. Bradley/Fortson/Howard/Welsch/Best

Dallas has less experience, but I think a lot more potential.

EDGE: Even (for now)

Disagree with the PG position. Nash clearly outplayed Parker. Claxton came in and did more damager than Parker. Since they lose Claxton I think Mavs have the edge here. Sure, the Mavs lose Nick but they gain Best. He is a good pg. Not NVE but the Mavs just need a on the court leader and a good passer. That's Best.

I think SA has the edge on Dallas though. Rose and Horry are proven vets who have rings.

Simon2 · 08-30-2003, 09:55 AM

Mavs should get "A". They up their scoring punch by trading a 6'2 guy for a 6'9 guy with low post moves. What do they give up? NVE and people who haven't been on the court. Mavs also sign Best.

Jeremiah · 09-02-2003, 07:42 AM

Nash13 · 09-02-2003, 07:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Hitman

The problem with Finley is that if you are not calling plays for him, he is not going to be a factor in the game. He is not great defensively, he is not a good passer or dribbler or rebounder.

I'm going to have to disagree with you there. He averages 5.3rpg and 4apg for a career, and he averaged nearly 6 boards last season. I'll give you the arguement about dribbling.

Simon2 · 09-02-2003, 02:18 PM

tekrider · 09-02-2003, 06:33 PM

cool man!

can u post the article on the pacific division too? i'm wondering what they say about the competitors.

Mandyahl · 09-02-2003, 06:34 PM

there is one posted

tekrider · 09-02-2003, 06:36 PM

cool, i see it now.

thanks.

Max Power · 08-15-2004, 01:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Hitman
I think most NBA people would take Manu over Finley right now. Manu is better defensively, is a better passer and a much better penetrator. He makes all the little things happen on the basketball court.

He went from leading Argentina to a victory over the US in the world championships to playing a key role for the NBA champions. He will be the starting 2 guard for the Spurs this year and will probably put up 15+ points per game.

Manu wasn't the starting 2 last year and he also didn't average 15 ppg. What's your next prediction, oh great Swami?

Quote:

But I think Minny improved. But to say that they are getting out of the first round in a conference with LA, SAC, Dallas and SA is a bit much, in my opinion.

Another prediction by the great Swami...

Hitman · 08-15-2004, 01:28 PM

OK Max...here is a "prediction"....

Manu is better than Finley.

Oh wait...that is not a prediction....

that is already true.

Max Power · 08-15-2004, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by: Hitman
OK Max...here is a "prediction"....

Manu is better than Finley.

Oh wait...that is not a prediction....

that is already true.

IYO (IN YOUR OPINION)