Predict top 8 seeds in each conference

[CameronCrazy06]

We always do this, right?

 

[bosoxlover12]

1. SA
2. LAC
3. OKC
4. MEM (on the hype train)
5. GSW
6. POR
7. DAL
8. HOU

1. CLE
2. CHI
3. WAS
4. TOR
5. ATL
6. CHA
7. MIA
8. DET

 

[elcheato]

West
 
1. Clippers
2. Mavericks
3. Pelicans
4. Thunder
5. Spurs
6. Rockets
7. Warriors
8. Suns
 
East
 
1. Cavaliers
2. Hornets
3. Bulls
4. Raptors
5. Heat
6. Nets
7. Wizards
8. Pistons

 

[buzzy]

I'll have what you're smoking

 

[CameronCrazy06]

Yeah I was about to say haha

 

[elcheato]

Some of it would be considered surprising, but I think the Bulls and Wizards are vastly overrated. Pau Gasol is a horrible fit with Chicago, so that move does nothing for them, and then rest of the improvement we're basing on a guy who has played about 10 games in the last two years. Pierce is a downgrade from last year's Ariza, and Beal is out a month or two 
 
The Spurs have to falter eventually and the Pelicans heath + AD's rise to superstardem creates a very good team. Probably won't happen but you gotta play to win 

 

[CameronCrazy06]

3 in the west though? That's about 55 wins isn't it?

 

[CameronCrazy06]

Also pierce is better than Ariza

 

[elcheato]

3 in the west though? That's about 55 wins isn't it?

 
Durant's out a little while here, Houston (who was #4) has problems and I actually believe the Spurs will take a step back, so it opens the door. It's a very optimistic prediction, but shit happens. 
 

Also pierce is better than Ariza

I'm not talking about who is better. I'm talking about trying to replicate what Ariza did for the Wizards last year, regardless of whether it was a fluke year or not. He's not going to give them what Ariza did defensively, and it's doubtful he gives them similar outside shooting Ariza gave last year. Pierce was only able to play 28 minutes a game last year, and now he's a year older on a new team that isn't the Celtics again. He's about to fall off a cliff. 

 

[bosoxlover12]

Also pierce is better than Ariza

defensively Ariza is far better than the truth.

Offensively it's an upgrade to have Paul, and his leadership to the young guards is undefinable, but as an player alone, I'm not sure Pierce is better. It's definitely not a downgrade though

 

[CameronCrazy06]

I disagree with both of you. I think Pierce is a better defender than Ariza and it's really not even that close

 

[BwareDWare94]

I'm going to change it up a bit and take some chances, with the exception of New Orleans. I think they'll make the playoffs, but not that quickly
 
West
 
1. Spurs
2. Clippers
3. Thunder
4. Mavericks
5. Rockets
6. Suns
7. Blazers
8. Pelicans
 
 
East
 
1. Cavaliers
2. Raptors
3. Bulls
4. Heat
5. Wizards
6. Hornets
7. Nets
8. Hawks

 

[BwareDWare94]

I disagree with both of you. I think Pierce is a better defender than Ariza and it's really not even that close

 
Explain. 

 

[CameronCrazy06]

He's highly underrated as a defender and I think Ariza is overrated. For example, Pierce allowed an opponent PER of 12.5 at SF last year while Ariza allowed 15.6. Pierce's DRPM was much higher which is the only defensive advanced metric I'll even weigh into my opinion but I still think it's flawed. Pierce also has the ability to defend better in the post. Ariza has a higher steal rate but only by a slight margin, Pierce has a higher block rate, Pierce is a better defensive rebounder. People think that Pierce has lost a step and maybe he has but he's still as intelligent of a player as there is in the league and he makes up for the lack of quickness that he hasn't had his entire career.

The only argument I think there is against Pierce is he's been playing with KG who is an excellent defender even last year so maybe without KG Pierce takes a step back.

 

[Teagz]

East
 
1. Cavs
2. Bulls
3. Wiz
4. Raptor
5. Hornets
6. Hawks
7. Nets
8. Pissed-ons
 
West
1. Clippers
2. Spurs
3. Warriors
4. Thunder
5. Grizzlies
6. Mavs
7. Blzrs
8. Suns

 

[Thomas-Panda-Saxby]

Bulls
Cavaliers
Wizards
Raptors
Knicks
Heat
Hornets
Pacers

Clippers
Thunder
Spurs
Mavericks
Warriors
Trailblazers
Suns
KINGS (sleeper)

 

[RipCity32]

EAST:
1. Cavaliers
2. Bulls
3. Wizards
4. Raptors
5. Hornets
6. Heat
7. Pistons
8. Hawks
 
WEST:
1. Spurs
2. Clippers
3. Warriors
4. Trail Blazers
5. Mavericks
6. Thunder
7. Rockets
8. Suns
 
West is gonna be a doggggggggfight. Think the Grizz just miss out. 

 

[BwareDWare94]

You people predicting Houston misses the playoffs are making me laugh. Look, the team appears to have taken a step back but they are not going to miss the playoffs if Dwight and James stay relatively healthy. It's not going to happen. Let's get real, here. Houston will not miss the playoffs barring horrible injuries. It's aboslutely, positively not going to happen. 
 
And this isn't me being a homer. This is common sense.

 

[Mobruler]

Cavs
Raptors
Bulls
Hornets
Pistons
Wizards
Pacers
Hawks

Clippers
Warriors
Spurs
Pelicans
Thunder
Rockets
Suns
Grizzlies

 

[elcheato]

You people predicting Houston misses the playoffs are making me laugh. Look, the team appears to have taken a step back but they are not going to miss the playoffs if Dwight and James stay relatively healthy. It's not going to happen. Let's get real, here. Houston will not miss the playoffs barring horrible injuries. It's aboslutely, positively not going to happen. 
 
And this isn't me being a homer. This is common sense.

What do you mean, you people?