[festar35Participant]

So with most rosters seeming set for the most part, what players are you looking forward to following.

1. Eric Gordon – It has been a long time since he has had a full off-season without health issues. I still have faith in this guy and all though that the whole idea of him being the next great SG is gone he still has potential to bounce back.
Intrigued is the word I would use to describe it rather than excited, I think he can still mold himself into a solid 3-D guy to the level of Arron Afflalo where he is still a good 3rd option scorer on a good team, I would like him moved to a team where he could fit this role or Evans moved so he can be that guy next to Davis and Holiday.

2. Zach Lavine – This kid could be something special to a total bust and I really hope that it is the latter.
He could be a Vince Carter or Gerald Green or James White that kid is that much of an enigma I can’t wait to see how he develops.

3. Greg Monroe – Big fan of this big man, I really hope he has a good season and a team jumps in and offers him a nice contract for the future.
He reminds me of Al Jefferson and have been following him along with Paul George from 2010 draft and he deserves a shot to be a solid low post option for a team, unfortunately he is stuck with Drummond who is viewed as the Pistons future big man.

4. Solomon Hill – Really just want to see what he can do with minutes, if he can shoot the 3 ball at a good clip it’ll help him become a serviceable 3-D guy in the mold of Shane Battier would be nice.
Once George returns they could be a great defensive duo and keep that Smashmouth ball alive in Indiana.

[llperez]

 you really hope lavine is a bust?

[llperez]

 you really hope lavine is a bust?

[festar35Participant]

Good catch.

[festar35Participant]

Good catch.

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 How is he stuck with Drummond? They compliment each other perfectly, Josh Smith is what’s preventing Monroe from taking that next step 

[he_gets_bucketsParticipant]

 How is he stuck with Drummond? They compliment each other perfectly, Josh Smith is what’s preventing Monroe from taking that next step 

[Hector_Reyes_8Participant]

Neither Monroe nor Drummond have a jumper, so they sort of just stand alongside each other and clog the lane. Drummond needs a floor-spacing big and Monroe needs a help-defense-friendly 4 that would allow him to dominate on the low block. Monroe is a less score-heavy, more pass-friendly big and Drummond is baby Dwight. Also, they are both Centers. Two centers on a court doesn’t always produce good results as the floor spacing won’t be effective, as the Sixers will see soon with Noel and Embiid. Sampson and Olajuwon were great together because they weren’t poor outside of 5 feet.
But yes, Smith doesn’t help their effectiveness at all.

[Hector_Reyes_8Participant]

Neither Monroe nor Drummond have a jumper, so they sort of just stand alongside each other and clog the lane. Drummond needs a floor-spacing big and Monroe needs a help-defense-friendly 4 that would allow him to dominate on the low block. Monroe is a less score-heavy, more pass-friendly big and Drummond is baby Dwight. Also, they are both Centers. Two centers on a court doesn’t always produce good results as the floor spacing won’t be effective, as the Sixers will see soon with Noel and Embiid. Sampson and Olajuwon were great together because they weren’t poor outside of 5 feet.
But yes, Smith doesn’t help their effectiveness at all.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

1. Lance Stephenson – He has some flaws and probably did cause some chemistry issues with the Pacers, but I think he’s still growing as a person and as a player. He was arguably my favorite Pacer and I’ll miss the edge and intensity that he played with. He’s an extremely hard worker and I believe he’ll take his game up a notch or two with the Hornets. I think he’ll be an All-Star this season. 

2. Gordon Hayward – I’m interested to see how he plays, especially now that he’s gotten his money. He’s gotten a lot stronger this summer and despite the fact he might get cut from Team USA, he will have gotten a lot better from his experience. 

3. Eric Gordon – He had a cleanup procedure on his knee at the end of the season, but he’s been healthy and training hard majority of the summer. He’s looking very strong and explosive right now. I’m interested to see if he can re-gain his first step and ability to finish around the rim. 

4. Roy Hibbert – He’s never been a great center, but that wasn’t him the second half of last season and the playoffs. He’s been working with Kareem Abdul-Jabar this off-season (he works out with Tim Duncan normally, so who knows if Abdul-Jabar will help any). Hopefully, he’s cleared his head. Interested to see how he bounces back as a player. Fans are extremely down on him right now and he knows it. He needs to redeem himself. 

5. Andrew Wiggins – I just think he’ll use everything that’s happened as motivation. I’m interested to see his growth as a player throughout the season. 

 

 

 

 

 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

1. Lance Stephenson – He has some flaws and probably did cause some chemistry issues with the Pacers, but I think he’s still growing as a person and as a player. He was arguably my favorite Pacer and I’ll miss the edge and intensity that he played with. He’s an extremely hard worker and I believe he’ll take his game up a notch or two with the Hornets. I think he’ll be an All-Star this season. 

2. Gordon Hayward – I’m interested to see how he plays, especially now that he’s gotten his money. He’s gotten a lot stronger this summer and despite the fact he might get cut from Team USA, he will have gotten a lot better from his experience. 

3. Eric Gordon – He had a cleanup procedure on his knee at the end of the season, but he’s been healthy and training hard majority of the summer. He’s looking very strong and explosive right now. I’m interested to see if he can re-gain his first step and ability to finish around the rim. 

4. Roy Hibbert – He’s never been a great center, but that wasn’t him the second half of last season and the playoffs. He’s been working with Kareem Abdul-Jabar this off-season (he works out with Tim Duncan normally, so who knows if Abdul-Jabar will help any). Hopefully, he’s cleared his head. Interested to see how he bounces back as a player. Fans are extremely down on him right now and he knows it. He needs to redeem himself. 

5. Andrew Wiggins – I just think he’ll use everything that’s happened as motivation. I’m interested to see his growth as a player throughout the season. 

 

 

 

 

 

[Lotto StudParticipant]

By any chance would you happen to have any Eric Gordon footage on hand?

[Lotto StudParticipant]

By any chance would you happen to have any Eric Gordon footage on hand?

[ahuang16Participant]

Really enjoyed watching him in Los Angeles and hope he returns to that 20ppg game form.  It’s not going to be easy to get enough touches though with the amazing development of Davis, the ball-dominance of Evans, and the presence of guys like Holiday and Anderson.  Rooting for him and the rest of the Pelicans to take the next step and vault into the playoffs, as daunting of a task that is.

[ahuang16Participant]

Really enjoyed watching him in Los Angeles and hope he returns to that 20ppg game form.  It’s not going to be easy to get enough touches though with the amazing development of Davis, the ball-dominance of Evans, and the presence of guys like Holiday and Anderson.  Rooting for him and the rest of the Pelicans to take the next step and vault into the playoffs, as daunting of a task that is.

[Prime TimeParticipant]

 Elfrid Payton – I love following the rookies, but this year I’m excited about Payton. I’m interested to see if the Magic hand him the starting position from day 1. If so, I’m curious to see how he performs with starter minutes. (Maybe ROTY dark horse.) I expect him and ‘Dipo to be monsters on the defensive end. 

Lance Stephenson – I always thought Stephenson would compliment Kemba perfectly. The Hornets have an exciting young line-up. Are his numbers going to go up now that he’s not on the Pacers?

 

[Prime TimeParticipant]

 Elfrid Payton – I love following the rookies, but this year I’m excited about Payton. I’m interested to see if the Magic hand him the starting position from day 1. If so, I’m curious to see how he performs with starter minutes. (Maybe ROTY dark horse.) I expect him and ‘Dipo to be monsters on the defensive end. 

Lance Stephenson – I always thought Stephenson would compliment Kemba perfectly. The Hornets have an exciting young line-up. Are his numbers going to go up now that he’s not on the Pacers?

 

[chrisinozParticipant]

 Rubio – SHOW ME SOMETHING TO MAKE ME BELEIVE YOU CAN LEAD A TEAM

Anthony Davis If he can push up to top 5 in MVP voting

Boogie/Wiggins – Just for entertainment completely different reasons though!  

Wall/Irving – Because we need 20 more threads on comparing the 2 this season

 

 

 

 

[chrisinozParticipant]

 Rubio – SHOW ME SOMETHING TO MAKE ME BELEIVE YOU CAN LEAD A TEAM

Anthony Davis If he can push up to top 5 in MVP voting

Boogie/Wiggins – Just for entertainment completely different reasons though!  

Wall/Irving – Because we need 20 more threads on comparing the 2 this season

 

 

 

 

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

I disagree with the Monroe/Drummond thing I think they could be a great duo. Josh Smith is the problem, and he doesn’t provide floor spacing either. Monroe is a capable enough high elbow guy and Drummond is mobile enough for them to play together. Monroe could be a poor man’s Pau and Drummond a poor mans Dwight so unless Mike Dantoni is coaching, that should work.

Anywho,

I’m intrigued to see how Rubio does…also nervous because I don’t think hes good enough to get more then 10 mil per year but if he start out well, the Wolves will probably cave.

I’ve always had a semi man crush on Tobias Harris. I like that whole Magic group actually. Not sure who the hell is gonna hit outside shots, but they could be fun to watch if they get out and run.

I think the Pelicans could be a playoff team. I think Asik will have a Robin Lopez affect on the Pelicans defense and if Holiday is healthy, him and Davis could be a deadly duo.

[BiggysmallsParticipant]

I disagree with the Monroe/Drummond thing I think they could be a great duo. Josh Smith is the problem, and he doesn’t provide floor spacing either. Monroe is a capable enough high elbow guy and Drummond is mobile enough for them to play together. Monroe could be a poor man’s Pau and Drummond a poor mans Dwight so unless Mike Dantoni is coaching, that should work.

Anywho,

I’m intrigued to see how Rubio does…also nervous because I don’t think hes good enough to get more then 10 mil per year but if he start out well, the Wolves will probably cave.

I’ve always had a semi man crush on Tobias Harris. I like that whole Magic group actually. Not sure who the hell is gonna hit outside shots, but they could be fun to watch if they get out and run.

I think the Pelicans could be a playoff team. I think Asik will have a Robin Lopez affect on the Pelicans defense and if Holiday is healthy, him and Davis could be a deadly duo.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

• Mason Plumlee – His situation will be a very risky situation, when given the opportunity to play. With Lopez coming back into the season, it will make Plumlee have to push even harder for those minutes he got towards the end of the year. If! and I hope if, he outperforms Lopez, I say plug him in full time and shop Lopez before or around the trade deadline.
• Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – Always been a favorite of mine. MKG is still chipping away at those barriers, from the speech impediment all the way to his broken technique in his shooting form. He’s what many would like to refer to as "Can’t get right". I like what I have recently seen, as far as the shooting guru working on his mechanics to get a much more fluid release. 
• Monta Ellis – I believe that it is safe to say, he’s on a contender this year. With this being said, there should be 0 reason to why his nomination numbers are not inflated to give him his first All-Star appearance.
• Archie Goodwin – BREAKOUT year! I see it coming. As quiet as kept and hid behind a very deep rotation all of last year, I believe he will creep back on us all. His work ethic is superb.
• C.J. McCollum – Had a hard time getting back into the rotation after sustaining injuries throughout the year. With Will Barton on the team playing with an ultimate energizer bunny pack, I can assure everyone that McCollum will bust his tail to get the nod over him.

     * Gary Harris – I’ve always loved Rashad McCants on the collegiate level, and feel as if Harris is the closest thing to what I’ve been missing out on. He will not end up as another Ben Gordon, well I hope not! He’s in the right situation although it may have appeared to be the wrong one on Draft night. Denver has a blur in Lawson, who happens to penetrate with the best of the elite PGs around the league. With this factoring in, it should help keep the newest Nugget polished at all times. Harris will be the ‘Gold Mine’

[Lotto StudParticipant]

• Mason Plumlee – His situation will be a very risky situation, when given the opportunity to play. With Lopez coming back into the season, it will make Plumlee have to push even harder for those minutes he got towards the end of the year. If! and I hope if, he outperforms Lopez, I say plug him in full time and shop Lopez before or around the trade deadline.
• Michael Kidd-Gilchrist – Always been a favorite of mine. MKG is still chipping away at those barriers, from the speech impediment all the way to his broken technique in his shooting form. He’s what many would like to refer to as "Can’t get right". I like what I have recently seen, as far as the shooting guru working on his mechanics to get a much more fluid release. 
• Monta Ellis – I believe that it is safe to say, he’s on a contender this year. With this being said, there should be 0 reason to why his nomination numbers are not inflated to give him his first All-Star appearance.
• Archie Goodwin – BREAKOUT year! I see it coming. As quiet as kept and hid behind a very deep rotation all of last year, I believe he will creep back on us all. His work ethic is superb.
• C.J. McCollum – Had a hard time getting back into the rotation after sustaining injuries throughout the year. With Will Barton on the team playing with an ultimate energizer bunny pack, I can assure everyone that McCollum will bust his tail to get the nod over him.

     * Gary Harris – I’ve always loved Rashad McCants on the collegiate level, and feel as if Harris is the closest thing to what I’ve been missing out on. He will not end up as another Ben Gordon, well I hope not! He’s in the right situation although it may have appeared to be the wrong one on Draft night. Denver has a blur in Lawson, who happens to penetrate with the best of the elite PGs around the league. With this factoring in, it should help keep the newest Nugget polished at all times. Harris will be the ‘Gold Mine’

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 Rose, Wiggins, Parker, Mirotic, Kawhi (will he take that next step)

[GrandmamaParticipant]

 Rose, Wiggins, Parker, Mirotic, Kawhi (will he take that next step)

[Toronto16Participant]

 Andrew Wiggins/Anthony Bennett – Will the trade motivate them?  Wiggins has to prove that Cleveland made a huge mistake in trading him.  Bennett desperately needs to have strong year to prove he was out of shape last year, and not a bust.

Derrick Rose – Can he stay healthy and return to MVP form? I hope so, Chicago goes to the finals if he is 100 percent.

DeMar DeRozan  -Last year he took the leap from a good player to an all-star, can he take another leap to being an elite player?

Eric Bledsoe – Lost his mind when he thought he was worth 80 million, I just want to watch the crazy man in person.

Chandler Parsons – Was called a role player by his friend, and was allowed to walk for a "chance" at Bosh.  He has something to prove.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Toronto16Participant]

 Andrew Wiggins/Anthony Bennett – Will the trade motivate them?  Wiggins has to prove that Cleveland made a huge mistake in trading him.  Bennett desperately needs to have strong year to prove he was out of shape last year, and not a bust.

Derrick Rose – Can he stay healthy and return to MVP form? I hope so, Chicago goes to the finals if he is 100 percent.

DeMar DeRozan  -Last year he took the leap from a good player to an all-star, can he take another leap to being an elite player?

Eric Bledsoe – Lost his mind when he thought he was worth 80 million, I just want to watch the crazy man in person.

Chandler Parsons – Was called a role player by his friend, and was allowed to walk for a "chance" at Bosh.  He has something to prove.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[TRC1991Participant]

I’m hoping that Julius Randle goes beast mode on the competition early and often 

[TRC1991Participant]

I’m hoping that Julius Randle goes beast mode on the competition early and often 

[BasterdInABasketParticipant]

Giannis and Larry Sanders- For Giannis it would be nice to see what kind of progress he makes year two to see where he fits position wise and if he has a shot at being a true building block along with Parker. Sanders can start fresh after a wasted year with all his antics and injuries. Averaged almost 10-10-3blks two years ago hopefully he can get back close to that.
Doug McDermott- Obviously a lot of rookies to watch but I hope he gets a lot of PT with Chicago. Theyre loaded with defense around him, hopefully Thibs gives him a chance, think he will since they’ll need his outside shooting.

[BasterdInABasketParticipant]

Giannis and Larry Sanders- For Giannis it would be nice to see what kind of progress he makes year two to see where he fits position wise and if he has a shot at being a true building block along with Parker. Sanders can start fresh after a wasted year with all his antics and injuries. Averaged almost 10-10-3blks two years ago hopefully he can get back close to that.
Doug McDermott- Obviously a lot of rookies to watch but I hope he gets a lot of PT with Chicago. Theyre loaded with defense around him, hopefully Thibs gives him a chance, think he will since they’ll need his outside shooting.

[Author]

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