Pardon My Bias

MVP D-Rose, photo courtesy of picturessports.com

Team: Chicago Bulls
2010/11 Record: 62-20 – 1st in Eastern Conference
2010/11 Review:
ZS: The Bulls really came out of nowhere to get 60 wins.  A talented team that added some nice pieces a year ago but they played above their real talent level.  They did have the MVP but Rose needed help in the playoffs and it didn’t come.  Great defense but made baskets win you games too.

AS: The Bulls came out of the gates firing. D-Rose proved he’s a force to be reckoned with in this league, and one of the most elite PGs in the league. Making it to the Eastern Conference Finals was definitely a good season for the Bulls.

Team Needs in 2011/12:
ZS: D-Rose needs that sidekick.  Someone who can relieve him and I believe that is a big man.  Boozer did not cut it.  I think they need a scoring big man who doesn’t have a hideous shot…or beard.

AS: I agree with Zayd completely. This team is one big move away from blowing up. I am surprised the Bulls haven’t been in the talks for big Dwight so far. They could also use some help from Carlos Loozer.

Outlook for 2011/12:
ZS: Probably won’t win the conference again but will be at least the 2 seed.  They could easily make the Finals if they add that big man.

AS: I think this team will suffer from somewhat of a sophomore slump. They will make noise in the playoffs though, and will be a tougher out for Miami than last year.

No. 1 pick Kyrie Irving, photo courtesy of hawkfantasysports.wordpress.com

Team: Cleveland Cavaliers
2010/11 Record: 19-63 – 15th in Eastern Conference
2010/11 Review:
ZS: The aftermath of LeBron leaving was in full effect.  It really dismantled this team and it was unfortunate to see.  They did beat the Lakers though.  Not sure why they traded there one bright spot in Hickson.

AS: See Cleveland sports history.

Team Needs in 2011/12:
ZS: What don’t they need?  Maybe a new owner who doesn’t have a personal vendetta and makes ridiculous claims about who will win a title first, them or the Heat.

AS: This team needs just about anything and everything. Can you name more than 5 guys on this roster? This team also needs rookie Kyrie Irving to be a superstar, there is a ton of pressure on him.

Outlook for 2011/12:
ZS: Bleak

AS: To think that Gilbert refused to trade JJ Hickson for Amare last summer (a trade that probably would have kept Lebron in town); the outlook doesn’t look good. Oh, and JJ Hickson isn’t there anymore, he was traded for Omri Caspi. OMRI FREAKING CASPI. I’m done.

Gordon and Villanueva, photo courtesy of thesportsbank.net

Team: Detroit Pistons
2010/11 Record: 30-52 – 11th in Eastern Conference
2010/11 Review:
AS: The Pistons had a rebuilding year that was in the making for about 3 years. Tracy McGrady actually played well for the Pistons last year.

ZS: The Pistons have some good players but overall this team just doesn’t have a direction and it was clear they were not playoff contenders.

Team Needs in 2011/12:
AS: This team needs to develop an identity again. As of right now, they’re a struggling franchise in a struggling town. They need to go back to that blue-collar play they had when they won the chip.

ZS: Exactly what Avi said, they need to regain that Detroit Piston mentality that was so successful for them.  Problem is those players are lacking in this NBA. They have too many good players that play the same position.  Spread out that talent.

Outlook for 2011/12:
AS: Things aren’t looking great in D-town. I think they float right around 11th in the East again this year.

ZS: Bottom of the Eastern Conference again.  Not going anywhere for a while.  If the CBA made it tough for stars to leave then what happens to a team with no star to begin with?

Danny Granger, photo courtesy of alwaysmillertime.com

Team: Indiana Pacers
2010/11 Record: 37-45 – 8th in Eastern Conference
2010/11 Review:
AS: The Pacers had a great run back in the playoffs first time since 2006. They even fired Jim O’Brien after a disappointing start, and the team took a full 180 since. Psycho T was unleashed!

ZS: There is always a team that slips into the Eastern Playoffs that just gets lucky but really isn’t going anywhere.  I love Granger but he’s not showing he could take this team anywhere.

Team Needs in 2011/12:
AS: The Pacers need to continue to their growth from last season. Psycho T proved that he can ball with the bigs down there despite his size. The Pacers made a great move bringing in David West and stealing him from the Celtics.

ZS: Well with David West they just need to get the rest of the pieces that fit around Granger and him.

Outlook for 2011/12:
AS: The Pacers compete for the 6th spot in the playoffs. They jump the Sixers and the Magic. This team has a lot of potential with a great front court with Hibbert, Hansbrough, and West. I think Hibbert is very underrated and will have a breakout season.

ZS: If this team plays well defensively and can get their offense in line quickly they could get as high as 5th.  Something about this team just feels underrated and lockout seasons have some strange things that can happen.

B-Jennings, photo courtesy of puri-travel.com

Team: Milwaukee Bucks
2010/11 Record: 35-47 – 9th in Eastern Conference
2010/11 Review:
AS: After the Fear the Deer campaign in the 2010 playoffs, the Bucks had a bit of a setback, most notably because of the freak arm injury to Andrew Bogut. This ultimately caused the Bucks to miss the playoffs.

ZS: A team I like but just gets rocked by injuries time after time.  Barely missed the playoffs but are not good enough to win titles.

Team Needs in 2011/12:
AS: The Bucks could use a better power forward. Luc Mbah a Mounte just doesn’t have the size down low. The team needs Bogut to bounce back from his freak injury and lead them back into the playoffs.

ZS: They have Jennings and SteJax with Bogut down low and are an ok team but without help down low things will not go well for them.

Outlook for 2011/12:
AS: If healthy, the Bucks could make a real push for the 8th spot into the playoffs again.

ZS: A  low seeded playoff team but they won’t get far.