[high floorParticipant]

This is some weak reporting via ESPN. First off, they are only predicting a 5 win improvement for Orlando this coming year, but the Knicks?? They are only predicting 25 wins total!

I don’t watch the Knicks very often, but the return of a healthy Carmelo, and the veteran additions of Robin Lopez and Aaron Afflalo are good enough to get them to a minimum 33+ wins in the East.

That’s ok ESPN… I’ll continue to get my NBA and ncaa fix from other outlets. 

[jaycee24Participant]

 The Knicks don’t have a point guard though. Jose Calderon was really bad last year and does not fit with Melo. The guy can’t get past anyone and the only other alternative is a rookie. Aflallo will help and Lopez but cmon I wouldn’t pick them over anybody in the East other than Philly and Brooklyn

[jaycee24Participant]

 The Knicks don’t have a point guard though. Jose Calderon was really bad last year and does not fit with Melo. The guy can’t get past anyone and the only other alternative is a rookie. Aflallo will help and Lopez but cmon I wouldn’t pick them over anybody in the East other than Philly and Brooklyn

[T Rex]

 Grant is a rookie point guard but he’s 22, and even his NBA bloodline will help. Not just his father and uncle, but his brother is in the NBA.

Few, if any rookies are more ready than Grant.

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 Grant is a rookie point guard but he’s 22, and even his NBA bloodline will help. Not just his father and uncle, but his brother is in the NBA.

Few, if any rookies are more ready than Grant.

 

 

 

[jalliParticipant]

That’s what they said about THJ 

[jalliParticipant]

That’s what they said about THJ 

[T Rex]

 Exactly.

[T Rex]

 Exactly.

[BlueLacesParticipant]

By your logic T Rex, Phil Jackson should call up his old buddy Michael and sign his kid Jeffrey Jordan to fix his point guard woes.

[T Rex]

 By your logic, Grant wasn’t one of the best, most poised all around players in the country last year, because his father played in the NBA.

Let’s stick to my logic, and not your logic regarding my logic.

 

 

[T Rex]

 By your logic, Grant wasn’t one of the best, most poised all around players in the country last year, because his father played in the NBA.

Let’s stick to my logic, and not your logic regarding my logic.

 

 

[BlueLacesParticipant]

By your logic T Rex, Phil Jackson should call up his old buddy Michael and sign his kid Jeffrey Jordan to fix his point guard woes.

[Andrew1984Participant]

 This is something I’ve noticed over 20-25 years or so of following professional sports very closely: in the offseason and preseason, writers, journalists, analysts, and "experts" have an astounding inability (or unwillingness) to visualize any outcomes that differ from the previous year. It’s incredible. Predictions almost always mirror the previous year; it’s like they had no idea that the following season will have different rosters, different coaches, new players, and new schemes. 

Maybe it’s because they’re afraid that bold predictions will make them look bad, so if they are asked who the top four or top six teams are, they just regurgitate the ones from the previous year, and it sounds logical to everyone because of the taste that’s left in their mouth from the end of last season.

I’m not saying the Knicks or Magic are the next Warriors, nor am I saying that I think those teams will be any better than ESPN says. Just that major media outlets are always conservative and boring with their predictions.

 

 

[Andrew1984Participant]

 This is something I’ve noticed over 20-25 years or so of following professional sports very closely: in the offseason and preseason, writers, journalists, analysts, and "experts" have an astounding inability (or unwillingness) to visualize any outcomes that differ from the previous year. It’s incredible. Predictions almost always mirror the previous year; it’s like they had no idea that the following season will have different rosters, different coaches, new players, and new schemes. 

Maybe it’s because they’re afraid that bold predictions will make them look bad, so if they are asked who the top four or top six teams are, they just regurgitate the ones from the previous year, and it sounds logical to everyone because of the taste that’s left in their mouth from the end of last season.

I’m not saying the Knicks or Magic are the next Warriors, nor am I saying that I think those teams will be any better than ESPN says. Just that major media outlets are always conservative and boring with their predictions.

 

 

[llperez]

 in 2007  the lakers finished 42-40 and barely made playoffs. ESPN along with every other major media anticipated a decline in 2008 and had them missing playoffs. Lakers went on to finish first plce in west and make it to finals. They were in first place even before the pau trade was made. Sometimes teams can surprise people. But you also have to remember most teams feel like they made improvements. Not everyone can get better. For every extra win a team gets, another team has to get an extra loss. 

[llperez]

 in 2007  the lakers finished 42-40 and barely made playoffs. ESPN along with every other major media anticipated a decline in 2008 and had them missing playoffs. Lakers went on to finish first plce in west and make it to finals. They were in first place even before the pau trade was made. Sometimes teams can surprise people. But you also have to remember most teams feel like they made improvements. Not everyone can get better. For every extra win a team gets, another team has to get an extra loss. 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 that Most experts picked the Lakers to crash & burn heading into the 2007-08′ season… But it was no fluke… First, Kobe demanded a trade before the season even began – why??? Because Kobe – who gave the Lakers a "It’s him or me" ultimatum regarding Shaq after the 2003 – 04′ season…. In 04′ the Lakers won 56 games & reached the NBA Finals where they myseteriously lost to the Detroit Pistons… Kobe – now fully into the Beginning of his prime years wanted the opportunity to Lead the Lakers to Titles w/o Shaq around to take all the credit….. People have differing opinions of those times but IMHO I felt like Every great relationship ends & it was time for Kobe to do his own thing. I never understood the Hate directed at him – Shaq was 32, Kobe was 26 it was time, they had a great run but it was Over… Still what followed over the next 3 years was a Mess by Anyone’s measurement..

First, the Lakers dropped from 56 Wins in 2004 to 34 wins & NO playoffs in 2005’….  In 2006, the Lakers won 45 games & made the playoffs but were bounced in the First Round by the Phoenix Suns. This series was Famous b/c after the Suns overcame a 3-1 series deficit to force game 7, Kobe, realizing the Lakers were losing game 7, decided to throw a passive aggressive Tantrum & refused to take ANY shots during the 4th quarter of game 7. Then Kobe made it worse by going on a National T.V. tour where he insisted that Anyone who disagreed with his version of events was "out to get him…" Now remember, during the Summer of 2003 Kobe was Kobe arresst so his relationship w/ fans & media were strained to say the least…..On the heels of that Kobe forced Shaq out of L.A & then the Lakers went into a performance tailspin… So in 2007, the Lakers were desperate to break this cycle. But once again they limped to a 42 – 40 season & the # 8 seed in the West where once again they faced the Phoenix Suns… Phoenix again dispatched the Lakers in round One, but this time L.A. lost to Phoenix w/o putting up much of a fight. It took the Suns 5 games…. 

So heading into the 2007-08′ season OF COURSE Experts picked the Lakers to backslide even further. That summer before training camp, Kobe went on a National Radio Tour demanding to be traded & he was roundly mocked for thinking it would be so easy to replace All Time Great Shaq…. But the Lakers re-aquired PG Derek Fisher the PG – who had gone to Utah so his daughter could be treated for a rare eye disaease. And Andrew Bynum, the Lakers 2006 Lottery pick had really hit his stride in season three & Kobe, playing to be traded & prove to other teams that he was no quitter was in MVP form… The Lakers improved & started the year 35 – 20 but then Bynum went down w/ a season ending knee injury. This precipitated the Highly controversial trade that brought in Star 7 foot Center Pau Gasol…. W/ Gasol the Lakers finished that yeat in First place by two games after finishing 22-5 after the Gasol trade… Heading into the playoffs, Spurs coach Greg Popovich Blasted the NBA for allowing what was believed to be an Unfair trade…. W/ excitement returned to Laker – Land, Kobe rescinded his Trade Demands & the Lakers made it all the way to the Finals….

When you do a bit of research you learn that this 3 year window of time really does tie Kobe together w/ Michael Jordan…. Here’s how: Kobe Bryant has NEVER won a SINGLE playoff series WithOut future Hall of Fame teammates Pau Gasol or Shaquille O’Neil…. In those 3 years from 2005 thru 2007 Kobe led the Lakers to 34, 45 & 42 Regular Season wins & ZERO playoff series victories…. Jordan WithOut BOTh Scottie Pippen AND Horace Grant / Dennis Rodman also won ZERO playoff Series…. You wouldn;t get that impression from watching ESPN, but NBA Basketball truly is a TEAM game… 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 that Most experts picked the Lakers to crash & burn heading into the 2007-08′ season… But it was no fluke… First, Kobe demanded a trade before the season even began – why??? Because Kobe – who gave the Lakers a "It’s him or me" ultimatum regarding Shaq after the 2003 – 04′ season…. In 04′ the Lakers won 56 games & reached the NBA Finals where they myseteriously lost to the Detroit Pistons… Kobe – now fully into the Beginning of his prime years wanted the opportunity to Lead the Lakers to Titles w/o Shaq around to take all the credit….. People have differing opinions of those times but IMHO I felt like Every great relationship ends & it was time for Kobe to do his own thing. I never understood the Hate directed at him – Shaq was 32, Kobe was 26 it was time, they had a great run but it was Over… Still what followed over the next 3 years was a Mess by Anyone’s measurement..

First, the Lakers dropped from 56 Wins in 2004 to 34 wins & NO playoffs in 2005’….  In 2006, the Lakers won 45 games & made the playoffs but were bounced in the First Round by the Phoenix Suns. This series was Famous b/c after the Suns overcame a 3-1 series deficit to force game 7, Kobe, realizing the Lakers were losing game 7, decided to throw a passive aggressive Tantrum & refused to take ANY shots during the 4th quarter of game 7. Then Kobe made it worse by going on a National T.V. tour where he insisted that Anyone who disagreed with his version of events was "out to get him…" Now remember, during the Summer of 2003 Kobe was Kobe arresst so his relationship w/ fans & media were strained to say the least…..On the heels of that Kobe forced Shaq out of L.A & then the Lakers went into a performance tailspin… So in 2007, the Lakers were desperate to break this cycle. But once again they limped to a 42 – 40 season & the # 8 seed in the West where once again they faced the Phoenix Suns… Phoenix again dispatched the Lakers in round One, but this time L.A. lost to Phoenix w/o putting up much of a fight. It took the Suns 5 games…. 

So heading into the 2007-08′ season OF COURSE Experts picked the Lakers to backslide even further. That summer before training camp, Kobe went on a National Radio Tour demanding to be traded & he was roundly mocked for thinking it would be so easy to replace All Time Great Shaq…. But the Lakers re-aquired PG Derek Fisher the PG – who had gone to Utah so his daughter could be treated for a rare eye disaease. And Andrew Bynum, the Lakers 2006 Lottery pick had really hit his stride in season three & Kobe, playing to be traded & prove to other teams that he was no quitter was in MVP form… The Lakers improved & started the year 35 – 20 but then Bynum went down w/ a season ending knee injury. This precipitated the Highly controversial trade that brought in Star 7 foot Center Pau Gasol…. W/ Gasol the Lakers finished that yeat in First place by two games after finishing 22-5 after the Gasol trade… Heading into the playoffs, Spurs coach Greg Popovich Blasted the NBA for allowing what was believed to be an Unfair trade…. W/ excitement returned to Laker – Land, Kobe rescinded his Trade Demands & the Lakers made it all the way to the Finals….

When you do a bit of research you learn that this 3 year window of time really does tie Kobe together w/ Michael Jordan…. Here’s how: Kobe Bryant has NEVER won a SINGLE playoff series WithOut future Hall of Fame teammates Pau Gasol or Shaquille O’Neil…. In those 3 years from 2005 thru 2007 Kobe led the Lakers to 34, 45 & 42 Regular Season wins & ZERO playoff series victories…. Jordan WithOut BOTh Scottie Pippen AND Horace Grant / Dennis Rodman also won ZERO playoff Series…. You wouldn;t get that impression from watching ESPN, but NBA Basketball truly is a TEAM game… 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[CavFanPRParticipant]

The Magic will be in the playoffs next season and I think the Knicks will be there too. They are deep at every position, made some really smart signings. Watch out for the Celtics as well.

Teams that could fall out of the playoff picture in the East: Nets, Wizards, Hawks and the Bulls.

 

[CavFanPRParticipant]

The Magic will be in the playoffs next season and I think the Knicks will be there too. They are deep at every position, made some really smart signings. Watch out for the Celtics as well.

Teams that could fall out of the playoff picture in the East: Nets, Wizards, Hawks and the Bulls.

 

[CavFanPRParticipant]

Ouch! If the Knicks and Magic where to make the playoffs, Nets and Wizards would be the teams that fall out of the east imo. 

[CavFanPRParticipant]

Ouch! If the Knicks and Magic where to make the playoffs, Nets and Wizards would be the teams that fall out of the east imo. 

[BlueLacesParticipant]

Last I checked, the Wizards still have John Wall, Bradley Beal, Nene and Marcin Gortat. The only way they miss the playoffs is if all those guys go down with injuries for a good portion of the season.

[BlueLacesParticipant]

Last I checked, the Wizards still have John Wall, Bradley Beal, Nene and Marcin Gortat. The only way they miss the playoffs is if all those guys go down with injuries for a good portion of the season.

[Robb_CParticipant]

The Knicks have a lot of Size now.. The knicks were desperately missing big men.. And they have a lot of different types of bigmen so that gives them versatility at the position.. I think Phil made some great moves

[Robb_CParticipant]

The Knicks have a lot of Size now.. The knicks were desperately missing big men.. And they have a lot of different types of bigmen so that gives them versatility at the position.. I think Phil made some great moves

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 Knicks have a better chance to make playoffs than Lakers, I know it’s off topic but there are so many people in LA thinking the Lakers will at least be an 8 seed. SMH

[Chilbert arenasParticipant]

 Knicks have a better chance to make playoffs than Lakers, I know it’s off topic but there are so many people in LA thinking the Lakers will at least be an 8 seed. SMH

[Memphisboy14Participant]

I think the Knicks will definitely improve. They have improved their depth at every position but they didn’t add a big name. They added a team full of guys who will let Melo do what he does best which is score and rebound while they do the small things and the dirty work. Like someone else said they now have a good amount of size on that team also. Too many high IQ guys on that team for them to not at least be competitive. I don’t think they will win more than 37 games though. But in the East I didn’t think the Hawks would win 62 games either.

The Magic on the other hand have a very good collection of young talent on that team. Especially on the defensive end with Hezonja, Payton, Oladipo, and Aaron Gordon. I just have a hard time seeing how all of those guys will fit together on the offensive end. Mario Hezonja has a huge amount of talent but I think he’s gonna struggle this year. (Expected for a rookie) Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo in the backcourt gives you two guys who are slashers but not shooters. Someone in that backcourt is gonna have to become a good shooter this season in order for that tandem to succeed. It’s not gonna be Payton who I don’t think will ever be a good shooter. Oladipo is at least good enough to where teams have to account for him as he’s not a total liability. How will Aaron Gordon and Mario Hezonja work with them re-signing Tobias Harris when most thought they would let him walk. Someone is gonna have to see the bench. Also, how are they gonna make it work with Tobias Harris and Scott Skiles. When they were both at Milwaukee I just from the outside looking in it was clear that neither of them were very big fans of each other. Tobias Harris wanted out after Scott Skiles wouldn’t even let him off the bench. I guess we’ll have to wait and see on this team. I think they are too talented to not at least be competitive so I see them getting max 35 wins. But there are too many question marks for me.

[Memphisboy14Participant]

I think the Knicks will definitely improve. They have improved their depth at every position but they didn’t add a big name. They added a team full of guys who will let Melo do what he does best which is score and rebound while they do the small things and the dirty work. Like someone else said they now have a good amount of size on that team also. Too many high IQ guys on that team for them to not at least be competitive. I don’t think they will win more than 37 games though. But in the East I didn’t think the Hawks would win 62 games either.

The Magic on the other hand have a very good collection of young talent on that team. Especially on the defensive end with Hezonja, Payton, Oladipo, and Aaron Gordon. I just have a hard time seeing how all of those guys will fit together on the offensive end. Mario Hezonja has a huge amount of talent but I think he’s gonna struggle this year. (Expected for a rookie) Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo in the backcourt gives you two guys who are slashers but not shooters. Someone in that backcourt is gonna have to become a good shooter this season in order for that tandem to succeed. It’s not gonna be Payton who I don’t think will ever be a good shooter. Oladipo is at least good enough to where teams have to account for him as he’s not a total liability. How will Aaron Gordon and Mario Hezonja work with them re-signing Tobias Harris when most thought they would let him walk. Someone is gonna have to see the bench. Also, how are they gonna make it work with Tobias Harris and Scott Skiles. When they were both at Milwaukee I just from the outside looking in it was clear that neither of them were very big fans of each other. Tobias Harris wanted out after Scott Skiles wouldn’t even let him off the bench. I guess we’ll have to wait and see on this team. I think they are too talented to not at least be competitive so I see them getting max 35 wins. But there are too many question marks for me.

[HeroescantdieParticipant]

I think the Magic will have a better record than your Knicks, I just think that the Magic’s chemistry is more solid than the Knicks, considering the half of the Knicks roster were new.

[Memphisboy14Participant]

To counter your comment. I think that the Knicks have a team full of guys with high IQ’s. All of their skillsets compliment each other.

[Memphisboy14Participant]

To counter your comment. I think that the Knicks have a team full of guys with high IQ’s. All of their skillsets compliment each other.

[HeroescantdieParticipant]

I think the Magic will have a better record than your Knicks, I just think that the Magic’s chemistry is more solid than the Knicks, considering the half of the Knicks roster were new.

[Author]

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