Team Needs-Teams outside the lottery
Indiana Pacers
Picks: 15, 42
Have: A solid starting 5-SF-Danny Granger, C-Roy Hibbert, PG-Darren Collison, PF-Tyler Hansborough, and SG-Paul George.
Need: Depth everywhere, backup PG,
Options: Best player available
Synopsis: The Pacers have a good team led by a very good player in Granger. However they lack any star power in a star driven league. No team has got better value with their recent 1st round picks than the Pacers. Granger and Hibbert were both the 17th pick in the 05 and 08 drafts respectively. Hansborough was the 13th pick in 09 and George was the 10th pick last year. Expect the Pacers once again to get a solid player here at 15.
Philadelphia 76ers
Picks: 16, 50
Have: PF-Elton Brand, SF-Andre Iguodala (who happens to be on the trading block), PG-Jrue Holiday,
Need: Size and length, center,
Options: There will be plenty of solid forwards to pick from. Thaddeus Young is a restricted free agent so they might want a replacement for him. If they draft a wing, the iguodala for Chris Kaman deal makes a lot of sense.
Synopsis: New head coach Doug Collins brought in a winning attitude and new philosophy to Philly. In year one he led them to the playoffs behind a solid season that say Brand return to his old form and saw Holiday breakout into one of the top young floor generals in the league. Like the Pacers they lack a superstar but as long as they keep adding quality young pieces they should continue to make the playoffs.
New York Knicks
Picks: 17
Have: Two stars-F/C-Amare Stoudemire and SF-Carmelo Anthony also have a good vet PG-Chauncey Billups and solid young SG-Landry Fields
Need: Rebounding/defensive big, young PG, shooters and uptempo players
Options: Jimmer if he slips, Kenneth Faried, Darius Morris, Bismack Biyombo
Synopsis: The Knicks are trying to build a contender once again. They have two stars that can light it up and hope to get a floor general like Chris Paul or Deron Williams next summer. It's no guarantee that they will get either player so if Jimmer slips to them he would be to good pass up. Morris is an interesting option with his size and skill set at the point. However the smartest move may be to go with a rebounder/defender in Faried or Biyombo. Faried may not be as big as Biyombo, but he's more skilled and more NBA ready.
Portland Trail Blazers
Picks: 21, 51
Have: A star PF-LaMarcus Aldridge, very good PG-Andre Miller and SF-Gerald Wallce plus two stud SG's-Wesley Matthews and Brandon Roy, they also have solid bench play from Roy, Nicolas Batum and Rudy Fernandez
Need: A young center that can stay healthy, sorry Greg Oden.
Options: Best player available, Euro prospect, trade out of 1st round
Synopsis: Portland has a very nice roster and is ready make the jump from solid playoff team to title contender. Injuries to Oden and Roy have hurt them but they've also opened the door for players like Matthews and Batum to step up. Aldridge is a star who keeps getting better and Wallace is his perfect compliment. Aldridge and Wallace are very similar to a young Dirk and Shawn Marion. The Blazers now just need a young center in the Tyson Chandler mode but there might not be anyone worth it at 21. Will they continue to have hope that Oden can one day contribute? They may have no other choice.
Denver Nuggets
Picks: 22, 52
Have: A bunch of solid players but no stars
Need: A go to guy and time to gel
Options: Best player available-if a scorer like Marshon Brooks is there he would be nice, a solid SF like Tobias Harris, Jordan Hamilton or Tyler Honeycutt could be available
Synopsis: The Melo era is over so let the Nene era begin, I mean let the Danilo Gallinari era begin, I mean let the Ty Lawson er begin, or maybe the player who they pick at 22 era begin. That is the main problem in Denver. The Nuggets played very, very well once they traded Melo, but they now lack a true star. Even other teams that lack star power like the Pacers, 76ers, and Rockets at least have go to guys. Who is Denver's go to guy? Ray Felton loked great in New York but didn't fit in Denver, Nene is a solid player but not a scorer, Lawson was the best player in the playoffs, maybe Danilo is the future go to guy. Wilson Chandler, Aaron Affalo, JR Smith, and Kenyon Martin are all free agents and the Nuggets may only have enough cash to keep two of them. Big decisons to make in Denver this summer.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Picks: 24
Have: Superstar SF-Kevin Durant, star PG-Russell Westbrook, stud SG/6th man James Harden, PF-Serge Ibaka and plenty of other solid role players
Need: Scoring low post threat
Options: Davis Bertans, trade out of 1st round, best player on the board
Synopsis: The Thunder have quickly become a title contender thanks to great drafting from 07-09. They drafted Durant #2 in 07, Westbrook #4 in 08 and Harden #3 in 09. They also got a solid value taking Ibaka #24 in 08. The Thunder also made smart trades to help them on defense bringing in Thabo Sefolosha and Kendrick Perkins. The Thunder need some help scoring down low. But what they really need is for Westbrook to understand that Durant is the star and go to guy and for Durant to become more assertive. If Westbrook is unable to adapt then Harden could step in as the #2 guy and Westbrook could be used as trade bait to bring in a true pass first PG or a stud big man.
Boston Celtics
Picks: 25, 55
Have: The best quartet in the league-PG-Rajon Rondo, SF-Paul Pierce, PF-Kevin Garnett, and SG-Ray Allen. Each player is equally important as they all bring different skills to the team
Need: Center, youth and depth on the wings, back up PG
Options: Local product-Reggoe Jackson, Bigs-Nikola Vucevic, Justin Harper, JaJuan Johnson and Jeremy Tyler (who has drawn some comparisons to Kendrick Perkins)
Synopsis: Rondo is now the piece they are building around for the future. Pierce will be 34 next year, KG is 35 and Ray will turn 36 next month. That's a combined 105 years old for the big 3. Aging isn't the only worry in Boston as forwards Glenn Davis and Jeff Green (who was aquired late in the season and never really fit in) are both free agents. Size is a major problem after trading Kendrick Perkins for Green. GM Danny Ainge has plenty of work to do this off season if the Celtics are to remain relevant in an Eastern Conference that has the Heat, Bulls, and Knicks all on the rise.
Dallas Mavericks
Picks: 26, 57
Have: The most unstoppable scorer in the game in Dirk, stud CG/6th man-Jason Terry, stud vet PG-Jason Kidd, tud vet SF-Shawn Marion, solid vet C-Tyson Chandler, along with great supporting cast-JJ Berea, DeShawn Stevenson, Brendan Haywood and Caron Butler who didn't even play in the finals.
Need: Nothing really, they won the NBA title, they have a superstar, depth and players who play together and understand their role
Options: Best player available
Synopsis: The Mavs won the NBA title for a reason. It's not that LeBron or the big 3 choked, the reason is that they are really really good. They have a very good team and will return pretty much everybody except for maybe Berea and Stevenson (both free agents). The Lakers will be back to form, plus the Thunder and Blazers keep getting better. So the road in the West will once again be very tough. The Mavs better stay hungry if they want to repeat.
New Jersey Nets
Picks: 27, 36
Have: Star PG-Deron Williams, good C-Brook Lopez two solid role players-PF-Kris Humphries and Anthony Morrow
Need: Starting SF, depth everywhere, athletes and shooters that will feed off of Williams
Options: Best two players available, preferably players that can come in and contribute right away
Synopsis: The Nets will be moving to Brooklyn in the summer of 2012 and hope to have Williams on board for the move. He can opt out next summer but the Nets hope he will sign a long term deal and lead then back to prominence. The Nets will also have plenty of cap space to sign a stud forward like David West who is a great pick and roll player. Williams, West and Lopez would be a great trio. The Nets could try to convince the Magic to make a blockbuster deal for Dwight Howard. They have Lopez and some other young assets (Morrow, Jordan Farmar, and Travis Outlaw, which is more than the Lakers could offer)
Chicago Bulls
Picks: 28, 30, 43
Have: Superstar PG-Derrick Rose, 3 others studs-SF-Luol Deng, PF-Carlos Boozer and C-Joakim Noah. Solid role players-F/C-Taj Gibson, guards-Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer, Keith Bogans and CJ Watson
Need: Upgrade at SG, depth up front
Options: Best players on the board at those spots, most likely getting defensive minded players that fit head coach Tom Thibodeau's system
Synopsis: Like most contenders, the Bulls don't need a lot of young talent. What they need is a solid starting SG that will compliment Derrick Rose in the backcourt. There have been many trade rumors for Monta Ellis. Orlando's JJ Reddick would is another player they could trade for without having to give up too much. The top free agent's are Denver's JR Smith and Aaron Affalo along with Orlando's Jason Richardson.
San Antonio Spurs
Picks: 29, 59
Have: stars-SG-Manu Ginobili, PG-Tony Parker, C/F-Tim Duncan, solid role players-CG/6th man-George Hill, SF-Richard Jefferson, PF-DeJuan Blair and SG-Gary Neal
Need: Depth and youth everywhere
Options: Best player available-Jeremy Tyler, Nikola Vucevic, Davis Bertans
Synopsis: The Spurs proved last year they still have a little in the tank. They finished with the best record in the West but then were upset by Memphis in the first round. Manu and Tony are still playing at an all-star level while Duncan has accepted that he's no longer a star but still contributes immensely. Hill has proved he more than capable of being the man at the point and may try to become a starter elsewhere when he's a restricted free agent next summer. The Spurs are still contenders, but for how much longer?
Miami Heat
Picks: 31
Have: The big 3-SF-LeBron James, SG-Dwayne Wade, and PF-Chris Bosh, also have solid role players-F/C-Udonis Haslem, PG-Mario Chalmers, F/G-Mike Miller and F/G-James Jones
Need: Long, athletic defensive center and a backup combo guard
Options: plenty of combo guards to choose from-Nolan Smith, Iman Shumpert, and Malcolm Lee
Synopsis: The big 3 came up just 2 games short in their first season together. Now expectations will be even higher in south Florida. It's championship or bust for the Heat next year. Eric Spolstra's job, LeBron's legacy and Pat Riley's reputation will be on the the line next year. There's no need to panic this off season. The Heat simply need to address their lack of length up front through free agency (Samule Dalembert is the ideal fit) and get a combo guard at 31. If they do this, the sky is the limit for this insanely talented team.
Los Angeles Clippers
Picks: 37, 47
Have: Young star PF-Blake Griffin, young stud SG-Eric Gordon, solid C-Chris Kaman, 3 very young prospects in PG-Eric Bledsoe, C-DeAndre Jordan and SF-Al Farouq Aminu
Need: A star on the wing to compliment Blake
Options: Best players available
Synopsis: The Clippers traded their first round pick (which ended up turning into the number 1 pick) to the Cavs for Mo Williams and to move on from the Baron Davis era. The Clippers may have lost out on a chace to get more help for Blake but they get the TWolves first round pick next year. Plus they have Kaman and plenty young assets to trade to get a player like Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Danny Granger or Andre Iguodala. Anything less than a trip to the playoffs next year will be a failure in LA
Los Angeles Lakers
Picks: 41, 46, 56, 58
Have: Superstars SG-Kobe Bryant and F/C-Pau Gasol, solid stud-PF-Lamar Odom, solid C-Andrew Bynum, solid role players but very little depth
Need: Depth everywhere, youth, athleticism and bodies
Options: Get NBA ready players with the 4 picks
Synopsis: The 2 time defending champions looked old, tired and nonathletic when they were swept by the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks. They have 4 picks in the second round but the chances of landing an impact player may be pretty slim. Most people think they will try to make a blockbuster move this off-season to get a player like Chris Paul or Dwight Howard. If they do they should be back at the top of the West in no time. Change will need to happen sooner than later in LA as pretty much the whole core is over 30.
New Orleans Hornets
Picks: 45
Have: Superstar PG-Chris Paul, stud PF-David West, solid SF-Trevor Ariza, C-Emeka Okafor, and SG-Marco Belineli
Need: Wing depth, a PF if West leaves via free agency
Options: Best player available
Synopsis: The Hornets have some major things to deal with this off-season. West will perhaps be the top free agent on the market and superstar CP3 is set to become a free agent next year. Do they resign West? Do they trade CP3? My guess is a good as yours. If they lose both there's a good chance they will be picking in the top 5 of the 2012 NBA draft.
Atlanta Hawks
Picks: 48
Have: A very solid quartet in PF-Josh Smith, SG-Joe Johnson, C/F-Al Horford, and CG/6th man Jamal Crawford, also have role players-SF-Marvin Williams, PG-Jeff Teague and PG-Kirk Hinrich
Need: A true center
Options: Resign Crawford
Synopsis: Priority one this off-season is to resign Crawford, then they need to think about maybe trading Smith for a true center like Chris Kaman. It has been obvious that Horford is playing out of position at center. If he can play next to a guy like Joakim Noah like he did at Florida, he can be even more affective. Smith might be the best all-around player on the Hawks but at times he doesn't seem to fit in. Smith also is an Atlanta native, so a change of scenery may be just what he needs.
Memphis Grizzlies
Picks: 49
Have: star PF-Zach Randolph, very good supporting cast around him-PG-Mike Conley, C-Marc Gasol, SF-Rudy Gay, SG-OJ Mayo, G/F-Tony Allen, SF-Shane Battier, PF-Darrel Arthur
Need: Upgrades backup C/F, to decide if there are enough shots to go around for Randolph, Mayo and Gay
Options: Trade Gay for a top top 10 pick, 2nd round-JaJuan Johnson, Jordan Williams, Keith Benson, Greg Smith
Synopsis: The Grizzlies took a major step making the playoffs as the 8 seed in the West. Then they upset the Spurs in the 1st round and took the Thunder to 7 games in the 2nd round. Zach Randolph proved he was a star and the supporting cast stepped it up big time in the playoffs. Gay was hurt in the playoffs bu the Grizz played better without him. This begs the question as to if they should trad him and get some more help inside for Randolph and Gasol.
Orlando Magic
Picks: 53
Have: Superstar C-Dwight Howard, also SG-Jason Richardson, PG-Jameer Nelson, SF-Hedo Turkoglu, role players-PF-Ryan Anderson and SG-JJ Reddick
Need: Upgrades pretty much everywhere, a star to keep Dwight in town, players that compliment Dwight
Options: Hope Dwight really likes Disney World and will stay in town.
Synopsis: The Magic are in a less than ideal situation. They want to surround their superstar with the right talent to win now but they don't have the right pieces around him. They would love to somehow swing a deal to bring in a point guard like Chris Paul, Tony Parker, or Russell Westbrook to town. However there's a much better chance Dwight will leave next summer. There's a good chance Dwight gets traded next season if the Magic make no moves. The Magic must get something in return if they trade superman.
Picks: 15, 42
Have: A solid starting 5-SF-Danny Granger, C-Roy Hibbert, PG-Darren Collison, PF-Tyler Hansborough, and SG-Paul George.
Need: Depth everywhere, backup PG,
Options: Best player available
Synopsis: The Pacers have a good team led by a very good player in Granger. However they lack any star power in a star driven league. No team has got better value with their recent 1st round picks than the Pacers. Granger and Hibbert were both the 17th pick in the 05 and 08 drafts respectively. Hansborough was the 13th pick in 09 and George was the 10th pick last year. Expect the Pacers once again to get a solid player here at 15.
Philadelphia 76ers
Picks: 16, 50
Have: PF-Elton Brand, SF-Andre Iguodala (who happens to be on the trading block), PG-Jrue Holiday,
Need: Size and length, center,
Options: There will be plenty of solid forwards to pick from. Thaddeus Young is a restricted free agent so they might want a replacement for him. If they draft a wing, the iguodala for Chris Kaman deal makes a lot of sense.
Synopsis: New head coach Doug Collins brought in a winning attitude and new philosophy to Philly. In year one he led them to the playoffs behind a solid season that say Brand return to his old form and saw Holiday breakout into one of the top young floor generals in the league. Like the Pacers they lack a superstar but as long as they keep adding quality young pieces they should continue to make the playoffs.
New York Knicks
Picks: 17
Have: Two stars-F/C-Amare Stoudemire and SF-Carmelo Anthony also have a good vet PG-Chauncey Billups and solid young SG-Landry Fields
Need: Rebounding/defensive big, young PG, shooters and uptempo players
Options: Jimmer if he slips, Kenneth Faried, Darius Morris, Bismack Biyombo
Synopsis: The Knicks are trying to build a contender once again. They have two stars that can light it up and hope to get a floor general like Chris Paul or Deron Williams next summer. It's no guarantee that they will get either player so if Jimmer slips to them he would be to good pass up. Morris is an interesting option with his size and skill set at the point. However the smartest move may be to go with a rebounder/defender in Faried or Biyombo. Faried may not be as big as Biyombo, but he's more skilled and more NBA ready.
Portland Trail Blazers
Picks: 21, 51
Have: A star PF-LaMarcus Aldridge, very good PG-Andre Miller and SF-Gerald Wallce plus two stud SG's-Wesley Matthews and Brandon Roy, they also have solid bench play from Roy, Nicolas Batum and Rudy Fernandez
Need: A young center that can stay healthy, sorry Greg Oden.
Options: Best player available, Euro prospect, trade out of 1st round
Synopsis: Portland has a very nice roster and is ready make the jump from solid playoff team to title contender. Injuries to Oden and Roy have hurt them but they've also opened the door for players like Matthews and Batum to step up. Aldridge is a star who keeps getting better and Wallace is his perfect compliment. Aldridge and Wallace are very similar to a young Dirk and Shawn Marion. The Blazers now just need a young center in the Tyson Chandler mode but there might not be anyone worth it at 21. Will they continue to have hope that Oden can one day contribute? They may have no other choice.
Denver Nuggets
Picks: 22, 52
Have: A bunch of solid players but no stars
Need: A go to guy and time to gel
Options: Best player available-if a scorer like Marshon Brooks is there he would be nice, a solid SF like Tobias Harris, Jordan Hamilton or Tyler Honeycutt could be available
Synopsis: The Melo era is over so let the Nene era begin, I mean let the Danilo Gallinari era begin, I mean let the Ty Lawson er begin, or maybe the player who they pick at 22 era begin. That is the main problem in Denver. The Nuggets played very, very well once they traded Melo, but they now lack a true star. Even other teams that lack star power like the Pacers, 76ers, and Rockets at least have go to guys. Who is Denver's go to guy? Ray Felton loked great in New York but didn't fit in Denver, Nene is a solid player but not a scorer, Lawson was the best player in the playoffs, maybe Danilo is the future go to guy. Wilson Chandler, Aaron Affalo, JR Smith, and Kenyon Martin are all free agents and the Nuggets may only have enough cash to keep two of them. Big decisons to make in Denver this summer.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Picks: 24
Have: Superstar SF-Kevin Durant, star PG-Russell Westbrook, stud SG/6th man James Harden, PF-Serge Ibaka and plenty of other solid role players
Need: Scoring low post threat
Options: Davis Bertans, trade out of 1st round, best player on the board
Synopsis: The Thunder have quickly become a title contender thanks to great drafting from 07-09. They drafted Durant #2 in 07, Westbrook #4 in 08 and Harden #3 in 09. They also got a solid value taking Ibaka #24 in 08. The Thunder also made smart trades to help them on defense bringing in Thabo Sefolosha and Kendrick Perkins. The Thunder need some help scoring down low. But what they really need is for Westbrook to understand that Durant is the star and go to guy and for Durant to become more assertive. If Westbrook is unable to adapt then Harden could step in as the #2 guy and Westbrook could be used as trade bait to bring in a true pass first PG or a stud big man.
Boston Celtics
Picks: 25, 55
Have: The best quartet in the league-PG-Rajon Rondo, SF-Paul Pierce, PF-Kevin Garnett, and SG-Ray Allen. Each player is equally important as they all bring different skills to the team
Need: Center, youth and depth on the wings, back up PG
Options: Local product-Reggoe Jackson, Bigs-Nikola Vucevic, Justin Harper, JaJuan Johnson and Jeremy Tyler (who has drawn some comparisons to Kendrick Perkins)
Synopsis: Rondo is now the piece they are building around for the future. Pierce will be 34 next year, KG is 35 and Ray will turn 36 next month. That's a combined 105 years old for the big 3. Aging isn't the only worry in Boston as forwards Glenn Davis and Jeff Green (who was aquired late in the season and never really fit in) are both free agents. Size is a major problem after trading Kendrick Perkins for Green. GM Danny Ainge has plenty of work to do this off season if the Celtics are to remain relevant in an Eastern Conference that has the Heat, Bulls, and Knicks all on the rise.
Dallas Mavericks
Picks: 26, 57
Have: The most unstoppable scorer in the game in Dirk, stud CG/6th man-Jason Terry, stud vet PG-Jason Kidd, tud vet SF-Shawn Marion, solid vet C-Tyson Chandler, along with great supporting cast-JJ Berea, DeShawn Stevenson, Brendan Haywood and Caron Butler who didn't even play in the finals.
Need: Nothing really, they won the NBA title, they have a superstar, depth and players who play together and understand their role
Options: Best player available
Synopsis: The Mavs won the NBA title for a reason. It's not that LeBron or the big 3 choked, the reason is that they are really really good. They have a very good team and will return pretty much everybody except for maybe Berea and Stevenson (both free agents). The Lakers will be back to form, plus the Thunder and Blazers keep getting better. So the road in the West will once again be very tough. The Mavs better stay hungry if they want to repeat.
New Jersey Nets
Picks: 27, 36
Have: Star PG-Deron Williams, good C-Brook Lopez two solid role players-PF-Kris Humphries and Anthony Morrow
Need: Starting SF, depth everywhere, athletes and shooters that will feed off of Williams
Options: Best two players available, preferably players that can come in and contribute right away
Synopsis: The Nets will be moving to Brooklyn in the summer of 2012 and hope to have Williams on board for the move. He can opt out next summer but the Nets hope he will sign a long term deal and lead then back to prominence. The Nets will also have plenty of cap space to sign a stud forward like David West who is a great pick and roll player. Williams, West and Lopez would be a great trio. The Nets could try to convince the Magic to make a blockbuster deal for Dwight Howard. They have Lopez and some other young assets (Morrow, Jordan Farmar, and Travis Outlaw, which is more than the Lakers could offer)
Chicago Bulls
Picks: 28, 30, 43
Have: Superstar PG-Derrick Rose, 3 others studs-SF-Luol Deng, PF-Carlos Boozer and C-Joakim Noah. Solid role players-F/C-Taj Gibson, guards-Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer, Keith Bogans and CJ Watson
Need: Upgrade at SG, depth up front
Options: Best players on the board at those spots, most likely getting defensive minded players that fit head coach Tom Thibodeau's system
Synopsis: Like most contenders, the Bulls don't need a lot of young talent. What they need is a solid starting SG that will compliment Derrick Rose in the backcourt. There have been many trade rumors for Monta Ellis. Orlando's JJ Reddick would is another player they could trade for without having to give up too much. The top free agent's are Denver's JR Smith and Aaron Affalo along with Orlando's Jason Richardson.
San Antonio Spurs
Picks: 29, 59
Have: stars-SG-Manu Ginobili, PG-Tony Parker, C/F-Tim Duncan, solid role players-CG/6th man-George Hill, SF-Richard Jefferson, PF-DeJuan Blair and SG-Gary Neal
Need: Depth and youth everywhere
Options: Best player available-Jeremy Tyler, Nikola Vucevic, Davis Bertans
Synopsis: The Spurs proved last year they still have a little in the tank. They finished with the best record in the West but then were upset by Memphis in the first round. Manu and Tony are still playing at an all-star level while Duncan has accepted that he's no longer a star but still contributes immensely. Hill has proved he more than capable of being the man at the point and may try to become a starter elsewhere when he's a restricted free agent next summer. The Spurs are still contenders, but for how much longer?
Miami Heat
Picks: 31
Have: The big 3-SF-LeBron James, SG-Dwayne Wade, and PF-Chris Bosh, also have solid role players-F/C-Udonis Haslem, PG-Mario Chalmers, F/G-Mike Miller and F/G-James Jones
Need: Long, athletic defensive center and a backup combo guard
Options: plenty of combo guards to choose from-Nolan Smith, Iman Shumpert, and Malcolm Lee
Synopsis: The big 3 came up just 2 games short in their first season together. Now expectations will be even higher in south Florida. It's championship or bust for the Heat next year. Eric Spolstra's job, LeBron's legacy and Pat Riley's reputation will be on the the line next year. There's no need to panic this off season. The Heat simply need to address their lack of length up front through free agency (Samule Dalembert is the ideal fit) and get a combo guard at 31. If they do this, the sky is the limit for this insanely talented team.
Los Angeles Clippers
Picks: 37, 47
Have: Young star PF-Blake Griffin, young stud SG-Eric Gordon, solid C-Chris Kaman, 3 very young prospects in PG-Eric Bledsoe, C-DeAndre Jordan and SF-Al Farouq Aminu
Need: A star on the wing to compliment Blake
Options: Best players available
Synopsis: The Clippers traded their first round pick (which ended up turning into the number 1 pick) to the Cavs for Mo Williams and to move on from the Baron Davis era. The Clippers may have lost out on a chace to get more help for Blake but they get the TWolves first round pick next year. Plus they have Kaman and plenty young assets to trade to get a player like Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, Danny Granger or Andre Iguodala. Anything less than a trip to the playoffs next year will be a failure in LA
Los Angeles Lakers
Picks: 41, 46, 56, 58
Have: Superstars SG-Kobe Bryant and F/C-Pau Gasol, solid stud-PF-Lamar Odom, solid C-Andrew Bynum, solid role players but very little depth
Need: Depth everywhere, youth, athleticism and bodies
Options: Get NBA ready players with the 4 picks
Synopsis: The 2 time defending champions looked old, tired and nonathletic when they were swept by the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks. They have 4 picks in the second round but the chances of landing an impact player may be pretty slim. Most people think they will try to make a blockbuster move this off-season to get a player like Chris Paul or Dwight Howard. If they do they should be back at the top of the West in no time. Change will need to happen sooner than later in LA as pretty much the whole core is over 30.
New Orleans Hornets
Picks: 45
Have: Superstar PG-Chris Paul, stud PF-David West, solid SF-Trevor Ariza, C-Emeka Okafor, and SG-Marco Belineli
Need: Wing depth, a PF if West leaves via free agency
Options: Best player available
Synopsis: The Hornets have some major things to deal with this off-season. West will perhaps be the top free agent on the market and superstar CP3 is set to become a free agent next year. Do they resign West? Do they trade CP3? My guess is a good as yours. If they lose both there's a good chance they will be picking in the top 5 of the 2012 NBA draft.
Atlanta Hawks
Picks: 48
Have: A very solid quartet in PF-Josh Smith, SG-Joe Johnson, C/F-Al Horford, and CG/6th man Jamal Crawford, also have role players-SF-Marvin Williams, PG-Jeff Teague and PG-Kirk Hinrich
Need: A true center
Options: Resign Crawford
Synopsis: Priority one this off-season is to resign Crawford, then they need to think about maybe trading Smith for a true center like Chris Kaman. It has been obvious that Horford is playing out of position at center. If he can play next to a guy like Joakim Noah like he did at Florida, he can be even more affective. Smith might be the best all-around player on the Hawks but at times he doesn't seem to fit in. Smith also is an Atlanta native, so a change of scenery may be just what he needs.
Memphis Grizzlies
Picks: 49
Have: star PF-Zach Randolph, very good supporting cast around him-PG-Mike Conley, C-Marc Gasol, SF-Rudy Gay, SG-OJ Mayo, G/F-Tony Allen, SF-Shane Battier, PF-Darrel Arthur
Need: Upgrades backup C/F, to decide if there are enough shots to go around for Randolph, Mayo and Gay
Options: Trade Gay for a top top 10 pick, 2nd round-JaJuan Johnson, Jordan Williams, Keith Benson, Greg Smith
Synopsis: The Grizzlies took a major step making the playoffs as the 8 seed in the West. Then they upset the Spurs in the 1st round and took the Thunder to 7 games in the 2nd round. Zach Randolph proved he was a star and the supporting cast stepped it up big time in the playoffs. Gay was hurt in the playoffs bu the Grizz played better without him. This begs the question as to if they should trad him and get some more help inside for Randolph and Gasol.
Orlando Magic
Picks: 53
Have: Superstar C-Dwight Howard, also SG-Jason Richardson, PG-Jameer Nelson, SF-Hedo Turkoglu, role players-PF-Ryan Anderson and SG-JJ Reddick
Need: Upgrades pretty much everywhere, a star to keep Dwight in town, players that compliment Dwight
Options: Hope Dwight really likes Disney World and will stay in town.
Synopsis: The Magic are in a less than ideal situation. They want to surround their superstar with the right talent to win now but they don't have the right pieces around him. They would love to somehow swing a deal to bring in a point guard like Chris Paul, Tony Parker, or Russell Westbrook to town. However there's a much better chance Dwight will leave next summer. There's a good chance Dwight gets traded next season if the Magic make no moves. The Magic must get something in return if they trade superman.
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