Projecting the Powerhouses

[davos]

A general question: Where do you see the big guys lining up next year?...and what teams are gonna be that powerhouse type?

the Lakers, Bulls, Heat, Knicks, & Nets all seem like the likely big markets that want to be that big team...but two other places come to mind: Atlanta & OKC. I see these two teams only getting better and bringing in more talent over the next few years. They have already shown a lot of promise and made major moves (Celtic trade & the ATL-Joe signing)

*I don't follow a lot of rumors or insider stuff with the NBA so if this seems unlikely let me know ;)

[Kakarot]

When Paul goes to New York, they'll be considered a powerhouse I guess.

[Hawk]

here's to hoping there will be a season next year!!

[tarheelpride]

the Timberwolves joking everyone

[tarheelblue89]

Lakers. Kobe/Howard/DWill

[cbarrier90]

A general question: Where do you see the big guys lining up next year?...and what teams are gonna be that powerhouse type?

the Lakers, Bulls, Heat, Knicks, & Nets all seem like the likely big markets that want to be that big team...but two other places come to mind: Atlanta & OKC. I see these two teams only getting better and bringing in more talent over the next few years. They have already shown a lot of promise and made major moves (Celtic trade & the ATL-Joe signing)

*I don't follow a lot of rumors or insider stuff with the NBA so if this seems unlikely let me know ;)

The Knicks can win with Amare and Melo, they just need to get rid of D'Antoni if they want to make it happen.

Atlanta is a talented team that should contend for a playoff spot every year, but the Joe Johnson signing was one of the worst of the vaunted 2010 free-agent season. I don't know the exact figures, but they are giving LeBron/Kobe money to a guy who is not and probably will never be a true superstar.

I'm pretty sure TRD made a "future league outlook" post in another thread...

[davos]

The Knicks can win with Amare and Melo, they just need to get rid of D'Antoni if they want to make it happen.

Atlanta is a talented team that should contend for a playoff spot every year, but the Joe Johnson signing was one of the worst of the vaunted 2010 free-agent season. I don't know the exact figures, but they are giving LeBron/Kobe money to a guy who is not and probably will never be a true superstar.

I'm pretty sure TRD made a "future league outlook" post in another thread...

I agree that ATL spent wayy too much money outbidding others for Johnson

[cbarrier90]

We will try, but, thanks to the building of the Celtics in 08, stars will begin to join together in big markets to win multiple championships. Charlotte is not a big market, nor does it have any stars to compliment any superstar that we would have in consideration.

[Panthers128]

Lakers will definitely get Howard but in a sign and trade and I wonder what they'll give up for him and how that will affect them.

[Carolina Husker]

Impossible to tell until they figure out the new salary cap.

[TheRealDeal]

I'm pretty sure TRD made a "future league outlook" post in another thread...

Kind of, but it was in response to TruCatzFan's asinine post about the Heat winning the next 6 championships and how he couldn't fathom they wouldn't.

[Hawk]

I'm a huge Howard fan and I'd be willing to give Bynum away for him. I think under different circumstances, Bynum could be the new face of the Lakers, but he's far too injury prone and I'd prefer to get rid of him while he might still be worth something.

[HeatCheck]

Kind of, but it was in response to TruCatzFan's asinine post about the Heat winning the next 6 championships and how he couldn't fathom they wouldn't.

Yeah I love how he was so dumbfounded on how they wouldn't win 6 in a row. Sh*t, they didn't even win it this year. Even with all that talent, there are too many other factors that play a role. Who knows what teams will look like down the road and even if Miami is still Miami as we know it today. I had to let him know that FAs weren't going to Miami for nothing, like he claimed they would. Nothing is given in sports and it's a whole hell of a lot more likely that the Heat won't win 6 in a row than them winning 6 in a row.

[mick eye]

define powerhouse. i think the old school powerhouses, Lakers, Celtics, and Spurs are all gonna have to get younger to contend. OKC, Bulls, and Heat are the new school. I also see teams that could have a very good draft like the Twolves and Cavaliers being a LOT better and quick. D-Howard could end up in Boston. Ray Allen could be moved along with the Big Ticket. Breaking up the big three may be necessary to move on. Same thing with the Lakers. Odom, Gasol or Bynum may need to be traded for CP3.