I will continue to call this team a playoff team as long as they stay healthy. They have way too much talent to continue to suck as much as they have, and while they will still suck defensively, I think they can grab a lower seed in the East, not exactly the most difficult feet ever accomplished.

Am I wearing an "I'm an Asshole" t-shirt?

They won't be a playoff team, and even if they somehow manage to steal an 8 seed, they will get their dicks handed to them by either Cleveland, Detroit, or Skiles & Co.

Next somebody is going to tell me to watch out for Atlanta, right?

There are 3 teams that matter in the East, and 4 teams that matter in the West. We'll see what's what when May rolls around (the month, not the fat-ass on Charlotte).

They won't do anything in the playoffs, but I don't think it's unreasonable for them to make a 7 or 8 seed.

If Okafor can stay on the floor, they have a rebounder/shot blocker inside, and that will help the rest of this defensive challenged team.

Wallace and Richardson running the floor with Felton has some potential, but the one spot of conern is at PF. They do need Sean May to step up (or someone else) to help battle on the boards. Injuries, PF, and no defense are their big concerns coming into next season.

The point is, I can make a case for just about any team in the East to have a shot at the 8 seed. Why? Because all of those shitty teams have a realistic shot of being the least shitty.

I can't argue that. There are lot of teams that can make the same claim I am with Charlotte.

Yes, I know. That's why I've been ignoring May for some time now, and saying there needs to be an investigation if Herrmann doesn't start.

Herrmann certainly played pretty well in the 2nd half last season. He should be the starter until proven otherwise.

He's a perimeter 4 (actually, a combo forward like Noce), but with Emeka, they can get away with it.

Don't fuck with me, Nas, I've had a long day and just quit smoking.

They are going to get Acie & Horford their minutes. They'll lose a lot of games this year for the sake of winning more down the line.

Don't shoot the messenger, KS, but I think you've missed your window. The pick from Atlanta, assuming it's high, may turn out to be Nash's long-term replacement. Landing Horford, or Yi, or Noah would have probably helped them a lot this year. Next year, aside from Beasley & Batum, the top picks are all point guards (or combo guards, depending on whose opinion you seek). A top-5 pick might mean Eric Gordon or OJ Mayo. Maybe Derrick Rose if they're lucky.

I would have kept Wright. His upside is worth the risk, and his age is more in line with the other players on that team.

Enough scoring for what? I don't take that team very seriously. In my opinion, they were better off building, not forcing the issue. Once they sign Emeka, their payroll sits at about $42-44 million for the '08 season between 7 players. They could have kept Wright, dropped nearly $10 mil off their payroll, and been major players in next year's FA market. As it stands now, I don't think they're a legitimate contender, and their roster is unlikely to change dramatically in the coming years.

Lights out little buddy. More hoops tomorrow. Official numbers for Nocioni & Smith should (hopefully) be available.

Me too. They've played well in the 2nd half the last two years, slightly above .500, but they've also gotten off to disastrous starts which dug them too deep of a hole to come out of. If they can get any kind of PG play out of Law or someone else (big IF, I know) I like their chances.

Didn't they have the lowest payroll in the league? I agree with your theory that they shouldn't try to "go for it" now, but adding Richardson was a great trade. I don't have the numbers in front of me but are you saying that Richardson's contract combined with extending Okafor is going to handicap them now? I guess there is still Wallace too

Yes, Richardson + Okafor + Wallace = most of your payroll. They will be over $40 mil between half their roster alone. This does not include them keeping Herrmann or Brezec. And Felton will be due an extension the year after next.

Bobcats are 2-0!

Hawks would have been too had they not called a BS foul with 2 seconds left on the Hawks