Re: predictions for the East...

[RAMANI_R@bentley.edu]

>5. Washington - I think they will always underachieve with the front line
>of Howard, Webber and Muresan.  Bikerstaff makes them better but I think
>they have to trade for a top notch shooter (Dennis Scott? Dana Barros?)

They were after Dana Barros when he was a free agent couple of years ago when
he was still a 76er. I am not sure whether he is still wanted. They have Tim
Legler as a three point specialist but has knee problems. It is make or break
time for Calbert Cheaney who has to show he can shoot, dribble, run and defend.
If not maybe a trade with Minor??

>6. New Jersey - Anyone who thinks either NJ or Philly (both who finished
>about 5-10 games ahead of us last year) will finish ahead of us is smoking
>crack.  NJ is better than Philly and could challenge Wash if they implode.
>Starting 5: Cassell, Kittles, Gill, Van Horn, J. Williams with Gatling,
>David Benoit and Michael Cage coming off the bench. I don't like Calipari
>either though.

Extremely small. Can lose out when playing a physical game. Kittle can flat out
score but needs to put weight on. J.Willams might leave when his contract is
up. Same here I don't like Calipari. WHAT IS HE DOING???

>7. Philly - Brown should help but I predict at least 3 major blow ups with
>Iverson, Stackhouse, Jimmy Jackson (remember his maturity in Dallas?) Tim
>Thomas (20 years old) and Derick Coleman.  Wait, they have Montross in the
>middle, maybe they should be #2 on this list. Get real.

2 two-guards?? Are they going to let Stackhouse walk? Did they offer him a
contract extention or did he make himself clear that he does not want to come
back? Maybe there is bad blood between Iverson and Stackhouse. Can Iverson pass
the ball? Or are they going to get Montross to bring the ball up so Iverson can
score???

>4. Hornets - Were you thinking NY, Detroit or Atlanta? The Hornets finished
>0-3 games behind them w/ Tony Delk playing point.  They have done the best
>job of any team filling thier needs in the offseason.  Wesley/Phills
>becomes one of the best--and underrated--backcourts in the East (behind
>Chicago, Atlanta and Indiana). Best top to bottom starting 5 in the East
>too?

The team has two SFs in their line up. Mase is big but gives up height to
taller PF in the league. 

>The Wizards will underacheive to
>break out of the gates, then wise up and trade Chaney and Muresan for a
>real SG, move Webber to C, and Howard to the 4 spot and start Tracy Murray.
>The trade derails their continuity and they finish around .500.  

If it happens watch Webber walk out of the team. In Golden State he was forced
to play C and didn't like going against bigger and stronger center is the
league. But they are at their best when they are "small" using their legs,
pressing, running. Muresan is slow and get caught with slow feet when he tires
to double on someone else. Remember Bol??

My highlights.
Thanks for your time.

Ritesh Ramani
ramani_rite@bentley.edu