Ape's NBA offseason primer

Written by Ape on July 27, 2005

The baseball trade deadline is almost upon us and the Ape couldn’t give a rat’s ass. Whether A.J. Burnett gets dealt to the Red Sox, White Sox, Orioles, Yankees or anywhere else is a pittance compared to the bevy of signings and moves that will reshape the NBA landscape during its offseason.

With both conference champions returning rosters virtually intact from last year, it is up to the rest of the league’s general managers to do what they must to give their teams shots either this year or in years to come.

While some big names remain on the market, the Ape has decided to drop his first offseason summary, giving you a sneak peak at the NBA in 2005-06. From Atlanta to Washington (because we’re going in alphabetical order), read up on your favorite team and see what you think. And, remember to check back throughout the coming weeks as the Ape will update lineups and analysis based on further moves.

ATLANTA HAWKS

Projected starting five: PG: Tony Delk, SG: Josh Childress, SF: Josh Smith, PF Al Harrington, C: Obina Ekezie

Key reserves: Marvin Williams, Tony Delk, Boris Diaw, Salim Stoudamire

Questions: Will the Hawks be able to address glaring PG and C holes in free agency? Can Joe Johnson be the answer at PG? Can they move Al Harrington? If not, how do they solve the logjam at forward?

Ape’s take: The Ape admits to be shocked by Atlanta’s huge contract offer to Joe Johnson (5 years, $70 million) and equally shocked by Johnson’s reported intent to sign it, not to mention the Suns apparent reluctance to match it. This is obviously a coup for Atlanta to get any of this year’s marquis free agents. It also would give the Hawks one of the most interesting rosters in the league with excellent length and versatility at four positions bound to create some very odd and exploitable matchups. That said, anyone expecting Johnson to be the long range assassin he was on Phoenix should pinch themselves and wake up. Johnson will be pressured constantly this year if he is the Hawks’ point guard and his ball-handling and decision-making skills will be tested to the limit. Furthermore, the Hawks are as young as you get, and only Josh Childress shows any signs of being a really heady player. In an ideal world, the Hawks would be able to trade Al Harrington for a big man so Obina Ekezie could be what he is, a backup. The Hawks will also need a very capable backup point guard, and while Salim Stoudamire has potential and a lights-out J, he is not a pure playmaker. The Hawks have more to look forward to than last year, but this team is going to take a year or two to grow into itself. If/When that happens, they could be a very potent group.

BOSTON CELTICS

Projected starting five: PG: Delonte West, SG: Paul Pierce, SF: Justin Reed, PF: Al Jefferson, C: Raef LaFrentz

Key reserves: Ricky Davis, Marcus Banks, Tony Allen, Kendrick Perkins, Mark Blount, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Brian Scalabrine, Orien Greene

Questions: Is Paul Pierce ready to buy into Doc Rivers’ system and be a true team leader? If Pierce continues to be moody, can anyone else take the reigns of this kiddy-corps? Who among this large group of talented youngsters will step up and translate their big potential into big production?

Ape’s take: With news coming out of Boston that Danny Ainge will use the rest of the C’s mid-level exception to sign Ryan Gomes and Orien Greene to guaranteed contracts, it is all but official that nine of the Celtics fourteen players will be products of their last three drafts. Celtics fans (the Ape included) better take a valium and hunker down for another year of ‘now you see me, now you don’t’ basketball from the Green. Doc Rivers has his work cut out for him trying to mesh mid-career All-Star and borderline superstar Paul Pierce with a group whose best basketball is several years away. If he can do that, then the C’s could conceivably run, dunk and hustle their way into the back end of the playoffs. If not, Pierce will be gone for a first round pick or two next offseason and the C’s will be Al Jefferson’s team. While expectations may be dulled after last year’s improbable three seed, there is no denying the Celtics will be one of the most exciting teams in the NBA. Their roster is stocked with high fliers from Ricky Davis, to Tony Allen, to newcomer Gerald Green. There is talent at every position and the real treat will be seeing which of these players makes the leap.

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

Projected starting five: PG: Raymond Felton, SG: Matt Carroll, SF: Gerald Wallace, PF: Emeka Okafor, C: Primoz Brezec

Key reserves: Sean May, Jason Hart, Jason Kapono, Keith Bogans, Melvin Ely

Questions: Can Felton make his teammates better? Whom of May and Brezec will emerge as Okafor’s partner in the frontcourt?

Ape’s take: The Ape still thinks drafting Sean May was more a play for season ticket holders than a smart basketball decision. But, the young big man has made Bernie Bickerstaff look good at least through the summer league with his smarts and strong low post play. The Bobcats are starting to look like a team that will be good someday and they are built as a team rather than a collection of stars, which bodes well for their future. It’s too bad Matt Carroll and Gerald Wallace couldn’t combine into one wing player who could shoot and be athletic, but at least both have one legit NBA attribute; improvement on the wings will have to wait until next year’s lottery. Ape would be further encouraged if Emeka Okafor produced another season free of injuries while continuing to dominate the glass. Raymond Felton also has to prove he’s worthy of the fifth pick and provide a consistent jumper as well as good ball distribution.

CHICAGO BULLS

Projected starting five: PG: Kirk Hinrich, SG: Ben Gordon, SF: Luol Deng, PF: Othella Harrington, C: Antonio Davis

Key reserves: Chris Duhon, Andres Nocioni,

Questions: Eddie Curry and Tyson Chandler; one, both, neither? Will this team remain as selfless when the young players’ stars start to rise in the league?

Ape’s take: It is more than a little ironic that questions about Eddy Curry’s figurative heart last summer have morphed into questions about his heart literally. Those questions cloud the future of a young team on the rise. While Tyson Chandler may be a slightly bigger factor in Chicago’s success last year, Curry proved to be a force on the blocks for the Bulls and his presence was missed during the team’s first round exit to the Wizards. Now that Sam Dalembert has set the market for young big men, expect progress on both fronts to be made. Big men aside, Chicago has a nice group of young perimeter players who will only get better. Luol Deng looks to have the highest ceiling of the bunch, but Gordon, Hinrich and Nocioni will all improve on strong campaigns last year. Even if the Bulls balk at signing Curry, pairing power players Chandler and Antonio Davis with all that talent on the perimeter will keep the Bulls in playoff contention. If Scott Skiles can get the team to duplicate their selfless play and relentless defensive energy they could be a spoiler in the Eastern Conference.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Projected starting five: PG: Eric Snow, SG: Larry Hughes, SF: LeBron James, PF: Drew Gooden, C: Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Key reserves: Anderson Verajao, Donyell Marshall, Sasha Pavlovic, Luke Jackson

Questions: Depth, point guard, outside shooting

Ape’s take: Cleveland can’t help but improve with the additions of Larry Hughes and Donyell Marshall, though they’ve only partially addressed their biggest need which is outside shooting. Marshall is a quality bomber, but a sweet shooting guard in addition to him would have been ideal for Cleveland – which had to be miffed when Sarunas Jasikevicius signed with division rival Indiana. Now it seems all the offseason’s best shooters are gone and the few remaining options like Juan Dixon are being heavily pursued. This may force Cleveland to nurture Sasha Pavlovic and Luke Jackson who are anything but proven commodities, though the Cavs have made it known they are willing to move Drew Gooden for a player that filled their need. Regardless of shooting, Cleveland certainly seems to have made the leap to playoff contention. As things stand, the Ape sees them as the fifth-best team in the East behind Detroit, Indiana, Miami and New Jersey. A solid offseason for the Cavs, one they hope will convince LeBron to sign with them long term when his rookie deal is up.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

Projected starting five: PG: Jason Terry, SG: Marquis Daniels, SF: Josh Howard, PF: Dirk Nowitzki, C: Eric Dampier

Key reserves: Jerry Stackhouse, Michael Finley, Alan Henderson, Keith Van Horn, Devin Harris

Questions: Will Michael Finley be waived? Is Dirk buckling under the strain of repeated playoff disappointment? Will the lack of a true playmaker become a problem?

Ape’s take: The Mavs playoff run ended ignominiously last year with Dirk Nowitzki chewing out Jason Terry needlessly for all to see. On top of that, Mark Cuban’s wallet may finally be showing some fatigue and cutting Michael Finley may be the prescription to alleviate that malady. The Ape doesn’t see that as a bad thing considering Fin-Dog’s age and declining numbers. It is time to see the Mavericks fully transform into a defensive minded team with Marquis Daniels and Josh Howard causing havoc and igniting the fast break. This is doubly important because Dallas showed a total inability to produce easy baskets in their half court set against quality defensive teams last year. With no true point guard on the team that is a trend that is likely to continue. There is hope for the Mavericks, though, since late-season acquisition Keith Van Horn seemed to thrive and their revamped roster has a year under its belt. Considering the Suns should be weaker this year, the Mavs can still entertain thoughts of home court advantage in the early rounds of the playoffs and perhaps a surprising run if they start firing on all cylinders.

DENVER NUGGETS

Projected starting five: PG: Andre Miller, SG: Voshon Lenard, SF: Carmelo Anthony, PF: Kenyon Martin, C: Marcus Camby

Key reserves: Nene, Earl Boykins, Julius Hodge

Questions: They needed shooting last year and haven’t addressed that. Is the return of Voshon Lenard the answer?

Ape’s take: The Nuggets are pining for Michael Finley, who would address their needs at the off guard spot. Finley aside, Denver will have to look within for significant improvement come playoff time. Carmelo Anthony was the victim of a sophomore slump and needs to reestablish his path to superstardom. Nene also must mature and realize more of his considerable potential, especially since it is quite optimistic to think Marcus Camby will appear in more than 70 games for a second consecutive season. However, it is interesting to note that Camby’s contract is tied to incentives for games played and signing it last year produced his first relatively healthy season in quite a while… not that Marcus doesn’t play for the love of the game or anything.

DETROIT PISTONS

Projected starting five: PG: Chauncey Billups, SG: Richard Hamilton, SF: Tayshaun Prince, PF: Rasheed Wallace, C: Ben Wallace

Key reserves: Antonio McDyess, Lindsey Hunter, Elden Campbell

Questions: Depth. Will the team get anything out of Carlos Delfino, Jason Maxiell or Darko?

Ape’s take: The Pistons will return in 2005-06 with virtually the same roster that finished as Eastern Conference champions. New coach Flip Saunders has plenty of motivation to prove he wasn’t the reason for Minnesota’s collapse last year. He also has his best shot to win his first title with this team. That alone may be the spark that pushes the Pistons back to the top of the heap. But the Pistons will look around and find themselves in a stronger Eastern Conference this year. Indiana tested them with a diminished roster last year and looks to be significantly improved, Miami also was a Dwyane Wade injury away from being the East’s top dog.

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

Projected starting five: PG: Baron Davis, SG: Jason Richardson, SF: Mike Dunleavy PF: Troy Murphy, C: Ike Diogu

Key reserves: Adonal Foyle, Mikael Pietrus, Derek Fisher, Andris Biedrins, Zarko Cabarkapa

Questions: Who will hold down the middle? Who will play defense?

Ape’s take: Unlike the long-starved Bay Area fans, the Ape isn’t quite ready to issue a preseason playoff invitation to Golden State. However, this looks to be the most talented roster they’ve had in some time and, if it stays healthy, the Warriors could be in the mix for the final spot until the end of the season. Baron Davis and Jason Richardson will form a highlight-reel back court, but my concern is their defense; they don’t play any. Neither do forwards Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy. Mike Montgomery has to find a way to instill a defensive work ethic in his starters. Perhaps a promotion of No. 1 hound Mickael Pietrus to the starting lineup would provide that spark. Pietrus has improved steadily and could eclipse the talented but weak Dunleavy. Andris Biedrins is another player who has what the Warriors need in the toughness department, he may need to see more minutes as well if the Warriors are to break their streak of lottery attendance. At least while they figure out who will defend, this team should be fun to watch.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

Projected starting five: PG: Luther Head, SG: David Wesley, SF: Tracy McGrady, PF: Stromile Swift, C: Yao Ming

Key reserves: Bob Sura, Scott Padgett, Dikembe Mutumbo, Jon Barry

Questions: Depth and athleticism on the wings behind T-Mac

Ape’s take: The Rockets are one of the few teams taking a page out of the Lakers/Bulls “Two Stars” model for building a title contender. Signing Stromile Swift was an excellent move for them as he makes them younger and provides athleticism in the front court that the Rockets sorely need. Luther Head is also a nice fit as he is very polished for a rookie and has more natural point guard skills than anyone else on the roster. Unfortunately, the “two star” system gets you only as far as the two stars do, so a significant injury to Yao or T-Mac would end Houston’s chances. But, both guys are young and the talent around them is definitely improving. Houston has the look of a top-three team in the West.

INDIANA PACERS

Projected starting five: PG: Jamal Tinsley, SG: Stephen Jackson, SF: Ron Artest, PF: Jermaine O’Neal, C: Jeff Foster

Key reserves: Danny Granger, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Freddie Jones, Anthony Johnson, James Jones, David Harrison, Jonathan Bender

Questions: Do they have enough muscle at center to compete with the iron of the league? What do they do if Jermaine O’Neal succumbs to injury for a long period of time?

Ape’s take: There may be a new top dog in the Eastern conference. While Detroit hasn’t taken a step back, Indiana has made some key moves this offseason. Already a smart, scrappy and mentally tough team in the mold of coach Rick Carlisle, the Pacers will add a contrite Ron Artest as well as proven winner and long range bomber Sarunas Jasikevicius and polished rookie Danny Granger – who was a projected lottery pick before falling inexplicably past some really stupid GMs. The only problem I see is the signing of Jasikevicius pretty much assures Dale Davis will not be back. That will leave the team relying on David Harrison to compliment O’Neal and Jeff Foster.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Projected starting five: PG: Sasha Vujacic, SG: Kobe Bryant, SF: Lamar Odom, PF: Kwame Brown, C: Chris Mihm

Key reserves: Brian Grant, Andrew Bynum, Devean George

Questions: Who will fill glaring hole at point guard? Is Bynum two years away or five years away? How will Kwame adjust to life in L.A.?

Ape’s take: It’s hard to predict how the Lakers will fare since they have yet to fill half their roster. That said, relieving the log jam at small forward and allowing Odom to play his natural position makes sense. Kwame Brown has talent, and one has to think that if anyone can unlock his potential, the Zen Master can. But the triangle offense needs shooters as much as anything and as of right now, the Lakers have none. This team remains a question mark, but they will have to do very well during the rest of the free agency period to enter the season with a playoff quality roster in the still-studly Western Conference. Ape doesn’t see it happening, especially since they aren’t offering any deal longer than two years, though perhaps a vet like Damon Stoudamire or Nick Van Exel would bite.

LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

Projected starting five: PG: Shaun Livingston, SG: Cuttino Mobley, SF: Corey Maggette, PF: Elton Brand, C: Chris Kaman

Key reserves: Rick Brunson, Chris Wilcox, Mikki Moore, Quinton Ross

Questions: Can the young, rail-thin Livingston stay healthy? If so, can he lead this team this year?

Ape’s take: Congratulations to the Clippers on their first real free agent signing since the advent of electricity. Unfortunately there is no net gain here as Mobley replaces Bobby Simmons’ production in the Projected starting five. Whether any of the Clippers perimeter players replaces Simmons’ commitment to defense remains to be seen (the smart money is on ‘no’). But, the Clippers’ fortunes rest on the slender shoulders of Shaun Livingston. If he can stay healthy, the Clip Show may be able to make noise in the West. They are blessed with athleticism up and down the roster and Livingston’s point guard skills are the key to keeping them running. There are still questions as to their depth in the backcourt and Chris Wilcox is as big an enigma as ever heading into his fourth season. There is a potential playoff team here, but, since it is the Clippers, we’ll believe it when we see it.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Projected starting five: PG: Jason Williams, SG: James Posey, SF: Mike Miller, PF: Pau Gasol, C: Lorenzen Wright

Key reserves: Shane Battier, Brian Cardinal, Hakim Warrick, Dahntay Jones, Kirk Snyder, Raul Lopez.

Questions: With a thinning of their impressive depth, can the Griz starters produce as well when forced to play more minutes? Can James Posey revert to his 2003-’04 form? Will Pau Gasol ever get improve? He’s been the same player since he was drafted.

Ape’s take: Substantively, this Memphis team is much the same as last year’s. Underachieving pogo stick Stromile Swift is replaced by rookie pogo stick Hakim Warrick. Head case Bonzi Wells and the solid Earl Watkins are replaced by young buck Kirk Snyder and the unproven but talented Raul Lopez. This team will be an excellent regular season squad because of their high energy level and superior depth, but I don’t think it addressed the problems their roster presents them in the playoffs. Unless Pau Gasol has a revelation and becomes a dominant player, the Griz still don’t have one. Gasol has been good since he arrived in the NBA, but he hasn’t really improved. The Griz only go as far as he can take them. This team still has first round playoff exit written all over it.

MIAMI HEAT

Projected starting five: PG ???, SG Dwyane Wade, SF: Eddie Jones, PF: Udonis Haslem, C: Shaquille O’Neal

Key reserves: Wayne Simien, Rasual Butler, Alonzo Mourning

Questions: With Damon Jones and Keyon Dooling both free agents, how will Miami address its PG spot? Their offense calls for a shooter, and Wade gives them the flexibility to go with a 1 or a 2 there. Who fills out the bench? Will Miami get anything from athletic freak Dorrell Wright?

Ape’s take: Miami seems content to let free agency play out and fill out their roster from the scraps other teams have left behind. I’m just not sure why. Miami should be all set at the power positions with O’Neal/Mourning and Haslem/Simien holding down the 4 and 5. Wade and Jones are proven on the perimeter, but with the entire league rabid for good shooters, I’m not sure how Miami expects to find the outside shooting it needs just hanging around at the end of the summer. It may well be that Miami is going to make a push at players who are one-time waiver exceptions, but the bottom line is they relied too much on Wade last year and if they are serious about contending they need some capable guards to take the burden off of him during the regular season. Having a legit small forward would also be nice. Latrell Sprewell would actually be a very good fit here. With Indiana and New Jersey on the rise, the Heat need someone. The Ape’s guess would be proven playoff performer Nick Van Exel.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

Projected starting five: PG: T.J. Ford, SG: Michael Redd, SF: Bobby Simmons, PF: Joe Smith, C: Andrew Bogut

Key reserves: Desmond Mason, Dan Gadzuric, Maurice Williams

Questions: How good is Bogut?

Ape’s take: After taking Tyler Durden’s advice and trying to hit bottom for the last few years, the Bucks finally did just that and bounced back nicely. Andrew Bogut arrives on the scene happy to discover he won’t be smothered in the paint because shooters Michael Redd and Bobby Simmons will keep defenses honest. Desmond Mason returns to the sixth man roll and can concentrate on what he does best – filling the wing on the break and taking advantage of up-tempo point guard T.J. Ford. Ford (spinal injury) needs to show he is fully recovered and Bogut is certainly going to have an adjustment period to the NBA where his size won’t impress or intimidate anyone. That said, this team looks to finally have a nice balance of talented wing players and capable power players. Dan Gadzuric’s shot blocking prowess can help keep Bogut from getting overwhelmed on the defensive end. The Bucks are one of several up and coming teams in the East. I think they are a year way from the playoffs, but they could surprise.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

Projected starting five: PG: Sam Cassell, SG: Trenton Hassell, SF: Wally Szczerbiak, PF: Kevin Garnett, C: Michael Olowakandi

Key reserves: Ervin Johnson, Rashad McCants, Troy Hudson, Mark Madsen

Questions: Are the T-Wolves going to try once more with Sam Cassell, or is it time to get someone who can play defense? What’s the over/under on the number of slap fights between Szczerbiak and McCants?

Ape’s take: Politely, Minnesota was a train wreck of a team last year. So far, they have responded in the offseason by cutting ties with head case Latrell Sprewell and drafting head case Rashad McCants. Once again this team has the look of borderline playoff contender that will make a quick exit in the first round. Kevin Garnett can’t be happy about that.

NEW JERSEY NETS

Projected starting five: PG: Jason Kidd, SG: Vince Carter, SF: Richard Jefferson, PF: Shareef Abdur-Rahim, C: Nenad Krstic

Key reserves: Cliff Robinson, Antoine Wright, Zoran Planinic

Questions: Can the Projected starting five stay healthy? Will they find a suitable backup for Jason Kidd? Do they have enough size to be a legitimate contender?

Ape’s take: The Nets are one of the biggest winners of the offseason. Abdur-Rahim provides a much-needed boost down low. That he is undersized may actually be a bonus because of the fast break style in which a Jason Kidd-led team thrives. Needless to say, with four players all capable of averaging 20 a game, the Nets will be a handful for all but the best defenses in the league. On top of that, Abdur-Rahim replaces the underwhelming Jabari Smith, making strength out of a weakness. The Nets still have their mid-level exception to offer to Earl Watson, Jeff McGinnis or any other of the remaining quality point guard who remain unsigned. Add that newcomer to solid first round pick Antoine Wright and classy vet Cliff Robinson and the Nets bench appears to be in much better shape. While Jason Kidd’s knee may not allow him to be the dynamo of old, the Nets look to be a contender again and I see them winning the Atlantic Division fairly easily.

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

Projected starting five: PG: Chris Paul, SG: J.R. Smith, SF: Bostjan Nachbar, PF: P.J. Brown, C: Jamaal Magloire

Key reserves: Casey Jacobsen, Speedy Claxton

Questions: Small forward? Can they make a play for a quality free agent despite the fact they are deemed an unsavory destination and look to be a doormat for at least another year?

Ape’s take: We’re looking at the odds-on favorite to be picking No. 1 in next year’s draft. Too bad, since many better teams would love to have P.J. Brown and Jamaal Magloire as their 4 and 5. At least New Orleans’ 37 fans can take solace in the fact that Chris Paul and J.R. Smith look like they will eventually mature into an All-Star backcourt. Guess they just have to worry about whether the team will be in New Orleans at that point. Ouch.

NEW YORK KNICKS

Projected starting five: PG: Stephon Marbury, SG: Quentin Richardson, SF: Tim Thomas, PF: Channing Frye, C: Jerome James

Key reserves: Jamal Crawford, Trevor Ariza, Michael Sweetney, Allan Houston, Malik Rose, Mo Taylor

Questions: Can physical specimens Tim Thomas and Jerome James achieve anything more than disappointment? Can Jamal Crawford accept coming off the bench? Will the Knicks ditch Allan Houston’s ridiculous contract? Why did Isaiah Thomas trade Nazr Mohammed for Malik Rose?

Ape’s take: The Knicks are one of the tougher teams to gauge at this point. Their roster has a similar amount of talent as last year’s doormat, but Larry Brown’s hiring throws that label into doubt. Say what you will about Brown’s penchant for valuing his next job more than his current job; teams coached by Brown are never doormats. That said, if he can meld this group of gunners, underachievers and ‘me-first’ players into a playoff team, he will be worth the reported $10-12 million a year the Knicks are said to be dangling. Throw in that this team was a doormat last year because they were a bunch of assholes rather than that they have no basketball skills and that is where the ‘tough to gauge’ tag comes in. But with playing time squabbles in the backcourt looming, Jerome James as the first and last option at center and the pressure cooker that the hype surrounding a Larry Brown hiring will create, this team may well have too much to overcome.

ORLANDO MAGIC

Projected starting five: PG: Keyon Dooling, SG: Steve Francis, SF: Grant Hill, PF: Dwight Howard, C: Tony Battie

Key reserves: Jameer Nelson, Hedo Turkoglu, Fran Vazquez, DeShawn Stevenson

Questions: Is moving Francis to off guard the answer? Has Grant Hill put the injury bug behind him?

Ape’s take: On paper this Orlando team appears to be much more balanced than last year’s run and gun group. Good thing, since last year’s team had as much defense as an odorless skunk and faded more completely than Michael Jackson’s skin. The Magic need a healthy Grant Hill since neither Keyon Dooling nor Steve Francis is particularly adept at running an offense. If this happens the Magic could be interesting. Dwight Howard is the real deal and Fran Vazquez could help form an imposing tandem if his defensive credentials overseas translate to the NBA. This team certainly has a shot to slip into the playoffs. However, that is a position a lot of teams in the Eastern Conference find themselves in.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Projected starting five: PG Allen Iverson, SG: Andre Iguodala, SF: Kyle Korver, PF: Chris Webber, C: Samuel Dalembert

Key reserves: Marc Jackson, Willie Green, Aaron McKie, Rodney Rogers, John Salmons

Questions: Was Jim O’Brien Chris Webber’s problem, or is it the fact that he only has one leg? Billy King was true to his word, re-signing Dalembert, Korver and Green to long-term deals at generous rates; so are we to believe this is a roster that will contend?

Ape’s take: The 76ers will have every important player back from their eighth-place squad of a year ago. There is upside in that they have a young supporting cast around veterans Allen Iverson and Chris Webber, but they need Dalembert and Iguodala to continue to blossom if they are even going to retain their status as the eighth-best team in the East, not to mention their aspirations to be something better. The Ape is sold on Iguodala, whose jaw dropping athleticism, solid fundamentals and defense-first attitude guarantee he will make a consistent contribution in his second year. Dalembert is the big unknown. He has speed and jumping ability almost unparalleled in the NBA’s lackluster crop of centers. However, the next legitimate low post scoring move he makes will be his first. Combine that with poor decision making and little understanding of the game and it will be a while before Sammy D is actually worth that big contract. That said, at least Jim O’Brien is history, so the kid will likely get consistent minutes and a role that he can understand in a defense that is a bit simpler than Heisenberg’s Uncertainty Principle, er, Dick Harter’s rotating defense. I hope Mo Cheeks can teach, Sixers fans hope so too.

PHOENIX SUNS

Projected starting five: PG: Steve Nash, SG Jim Jackson, SF: Shawn Marion, PF: Kurt Thomas, C: Amare Stoudemire

Key reserves: Leandro Barbosa, Walter McCarty, Raja Bell

Questions: Will the Suns match a max offer for Joe Johnson or is that a bluff? Depth, particularly at PG?

Ape’s take: Whether you agree with the Hawks that Joe Johnson is worth a five year, $70 million contract or not, they have called the Suns bluff that they’ll match any offer for J.J. Low and behold, it sounds like the Suns were bluffing and that Johnson will not be back. While I readily agree it is far smarter to make sure Amare Stoudemire is retained, losing Johnson is a big blow to this team. His smarts, shooting and ball-handling are a big reason Phoenix was as good as it was last year. Losing him in the playoffs sealed the team’s fate against the Spurs. Kurt Thomas was a good add and the Suns still look like they would be an attractive destination for Michael Finley if the Mavs waive him for luxury tax purposes, but this team will be a far cry from the dominant run and gun team of a year ago. It is a shame Atlanta chose to pursue Johnson for their point guard spot rather than Dalembert at center; all basketball fans will be hurt by the breakup of the 2004-05 Suns.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

Projected starting five: PG Sebastian Telfair, SG: Martell Webster, SF: Travis Outlaw, PF: Zach Randolph, C Joel Przybilla

Key reserves: Darius Miles, Jarrett Jack, Ruben Patterson

Questions: How will this young, undisciplined team react to the demanding Nate McMillan? Will Darius Miles be graceful in yielding to the more promising Outlaw? Can Zach Randolph stay out of trouble and be the productive player Portland needs?

Ape’s take: In the talent-laden west the Blazers have the look of a team about a year away from making noise. Still, there’s something to be said for that, considering how directionless they looked at points this year. Nate McMillan needs to bring the sense of purpose and discipline he was able to instill in Seattle for anything to work in the city of roses, but there is talent and then some at each position. However, outside of bringing in some bottom of the roster type depth, the Blazers look like they’re where they need to be at each position – Darius Miles’ long-stated desire to be an entrenched starter not withstanding.

SACRAMENTO KINGS

Projected starting five: PG: Mike Bibby, SG: Bonzi Wells, SF: Peja Stojackovic, PF: Kenny Thomas, C: Brad Miller

Key reserves: Corlis Williamson, Francisco Garcia

Questions: Good Peja or bad Peja? Bench?

Ape’s take: Obviously the Kings have some work to do in free agency, but a fresh start without C-Webb will be very good for Bibby and Peja. Miller can thrive with anyone and may finally be recognized as one of the game’s best players. Bonzi Wells returns to NBA and fantasy relevance in the Kings’ friendly offensive system. He has always been a talent and could help tremendously if he behaves. Given that his biggest complaint has always been playing time, the Ape thinks there is reason for optimism. Retaining Darius Songaila would also seem to be in the team’s best interest. The biggest key though is weather Peja can display the near MVP form of 2003-04’s first half. With C-Webb gone, that’s entirely on his shoulders.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

Projected starting five: PG: Tony Parker, SG: Manu Ginobili, SF: Bruce Bowen, PF: Tim Duncan, C: Nazr Mohammed

Key reserves: Brent Barry, Beno Udrih, Rasho Nesterovic, Robert Horry

Questions: Can anyone beat these guys? Why does Duncan always look like a sheepish 7 year old when he misses free throws?

Ape’s take: The champs still look like the champs to this Ape. Only injuries are going to keep them from a top-three seed.

SEATTLE SUPERSONICS

Projected starting five: PG: Luke Ridnour, SG: Ray Allen, SF: Rashard Lewis, PF: Nick Collison, C: Danny Fortson?

Key reserves: Robert Swift?

Questions: With Allen retained, the Sonics need to turn their attention to the rest of their roster. Jerome James and Antonio Daniels are already gone.

Ape’s take: At this point their roster isn’t complete enough to project how they will do. With Vlad Rad asking for money he hasn’t come close to earning yet, no true center on the roster and Reggie Evans drawing interest around the league, the Sonics could be very different. Still, the trio of Ridnour/Allen/Lewis is as good as any perimeter group in the league. Landing a marquee big man like Chandler or Dalembert would have this team right back in the thick of the playoff picture. Judgement will be reserved until then.

TORONTO RAPTORS

Projected starting five: PG: Rafer Alston, SG: Morris Peterson, SF: Joey Graham, PF: Chris Bosh, C: Loren Woods

Key reserves: Jalen Rose, Charlie Villanueva, Rafael Araujo, Jose Manuel Calderon

Questions: Why does Rob Babcock still have a job? Does Araujo even belong in the NBA? Can these players adapt to the demanding style of Sam Mitchell?

Ape’s take: They’ll be a bit tougher this year if only because they now have Joey Graham. Nothing that happened last year makes me think Rafer Alston will ever be happy playing for Sam Mitchell, although the fact that this team has no center and only one guy who can create his own shot (Bosh) is a far bigger problem than the two or three times a year that a Mitchell/Alston feud will impact a game. Jalen Rose looks to be another unhappy camper. This team should rebuild if they can; ship out the vets (Alston, Rose) and let Mitchell mold the promising youngsters into something special. They are miles away from the playoffs, especially with big offseason improvements in Cleveland, New Jersey and, to a lesser extent, Milwaukee and New York.

UTAH JAZZ

Projected starting five: PG: Deron Williams, SG: Gordon Giricek, SF: Andrei Kirilenko, PF: Carlos Boozer, C: Mehmet Okur

Key reserves: Matt Harpring, Greg Ostertag, Kris Humphries, Keith McLeod, Jaron Collins

Questions: What can Boozer give them? Are Kirilenko’s injuries a pattern? Will a healthy Kirilenko make up for a lack of an inside presence on the defensive end? Can they contend for the playoffs with a rookie point guard?

Ape’s take: The mere fact that they have a guy with legit starting point guard skills should guarantee the Jazz won’t repeat as a league doormat. That said, the Jazz are only a playoff team if Kirilenko can stay healthy. They definitely hurt themselves by overpaying for Boozer and wildly overpaying for Okur. Still, with Jerry Sloan in charge, they are deep enough to be a factor for one of the final playoff spots in the West.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Projected starting five: PG: Gilbert Arenas, SG: Caron Butler, SF: Jared Jefferies, PF: Antawn Jamison, C: Brendan Haywood

Key reserves: Jarvis Hayes, Antonio Daniels, Etan Thomas, Michael Ruffin

Questions: Are they still a playoff team without Larry Hughes? Can Caron Butler and Jarvis Hayes take the next step and fill the void?

Ape’s take: Last year’s success was built around three tremendous athletes isolating against their men and working matchups. Now there are only two tremendous athletes. Arenas must develop into more of a playmaker if this team is going to continue to improve. They have more depth this year with Jefferies starting to come into his own and the additions of Butler and Daniels, however that doesn’t offset the loss of Larry Hughes. With Kwame Brown out of the way, Brendan Haywood has a shot to be a force on the defensive end. He is quite underrated as a shot blocker and could be one of the better defensive centers in the league this year. They have the look of a playoff team, albeit one that will only have three home games in the first round – which didn’t stop them from advancing last season.

-- Written by Ape on July 27, 2005