The Goods Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 Celtics coach Doc Rivers believes that we will enter the 2009-10 season with nine or ten legitimate title contenders. "Nine or 10 teams think they can win the championship next year, and you can see by the moves," Rivers told the Boston Globe. Rivers cited the reduction in the NBA's salary cap and the unwillingness of two-thirds of the league to spend. "Because of the economy, 20 or 21 feel they can't. A group of nine looked at the Finals last year and said, 'We can do this,' and they are going for it," Rivers added. http://www.realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/60929/20090802/rivers_nine_or_ten_teams_can_win_title/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 (edited) Unless I am missing something the clear cuts are, in appropriate order: LABostonOrlandoSan Antonio Cleveland The Cavs have a lot to prove this year after losing to the Magic, Magic are ahead of the Spurs since I think the entire team will be very hungry after getting a taste last year. I still believe Boston is the best in the East though. I don't think Denver is in the same class as these guys, Dallas might be a borderline team I'd add to 6th but they have a lot of question marks as well. Don't know what Doc is seeing, I think there are 5-7 "top tier teams" right now. Don't be surprised if the Mavericks are 2nd in the West seeding though, a lot of talent though, but a lot of question marks around the un-proven playoff performers. What makes this year so great though is that the gap between these 7 teams or so isn't that big, so realistically any of these teams COULD win it all because of how talented they all are. Edited August 2, 2009 by travesy3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleveland's Finest Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 Unless I am missing something the clear cuts are, in appropriate order: LABostonOrlandoSan Antonio Cleveland The Cavs have a lot to prove this year after losing to the Magic, Magic are ahead of the Spurs since I think the entire team will be very hungry after getting a taste last year. I still believe Boston is the best in the East though. I don't think Denver is in the same class as these guys, Dallas might be a borderline team I'd add to 6th but they have a lot of question marks as well. Don't know what Doc is seeing, I think there are 5-7 "top tier teams" right now. Don't be surprised if the Mavericks are 2nd in the West seeding though, a lot of talent though, but a lot of question marks around the un-proven playoff performers. What makes this year so great though is that the gap between these 7 teams or so isn't that big, so realistically any of these teams COULD win it all because of how talented they all are. The Cavs don't have to prove anything. That series was one of the closest series in the playoffs and either team could've won if one buzzer beater went in our out. The Cavs had the best offseason in the NBA. Getting Shaq, Parker, Moon, and Green is better than getting just RJ (Spurs) and better than getting Artest, who is just a more experienced version of Ariza and not THAT big of an improvement (still an improvement, but being overrated imo). The Cavs didn't lose key players in their playoff run ala Orlando...they GAINED a starter (Shaq was an allstar...Vince wasn't last year....), moving Z to the bench. And Boston added Sheed and Daniels, but still hasn't resigned Powe or Big Baby so Sheed just replaces Big Baby and Daniels just replaces Pruitt and Powe combined. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 CavsLakersCelticsMagicNuggetsSpursWarriors Only 7 can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleveland's Finest Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 CavsLakersCelticsMagicNuggetsSpursWarriors Only 7 can. :o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Legacy Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 You're right, they count as two teams. So that means 8 teams can win it all this season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Nissan Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 (edited) The Cavs don't have to prove anything. That series was one of the closest series in the playoffs and either team could've won if one buzzer beater went in our out. The Cavs had the best offseason in the NBA. Getting Shaq, Parker, Moon, and Green is better than getting just RJ (Spurs) and better than getting Artest, who is just a more experienced version of Ariza and not THAT big of an improvement (still an improvement, but being overrated imo). The Cavs didn't lose key players in their playoff run ala Orlando...they GAINED a starter (Shaq was an allstar...Vince wasn't last year....), moving Z to the bench. And Boston added Sheed and Daniels, but still hasn't resigned Powe or Big Baby so Sheed just replaces Big Baby and Daniels just replaces Pruitt and Powe combined.The Magic exposed the Cavs and LeBronze. The Magic were a better team last year. The Cavs do have something to prove next year.. just like the Lakers had something to prove last year, when they lost to the Celtics in the Finals. Only the Lakers, Celtics, Cavs, Spurs, and Magic have a real chance of winning the championship. Edited August 2, 2009 by Nissan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andreusito Posted August 2, 2009 Report Share Posted August 2, 2009 He must be thinking of Portland also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
His Greatness Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 Other than the top five, he's probably referring to second-tier teams like Portland, Denver and Dallas. New Orleans, Utah and maybe Atlanta are the wild cards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleveland's Finest Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 Other than the top five, he's probably referring to second-tier teams like Portland, Denver and Dallas. New Orleans, Utah and maybe Atlanta are the wild cards.But realistically, none of those teams will win the finals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Feelgood Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 Yeah, not this year. In a couple years, we'll be right up there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ballorama Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 I think the Mavs might have a decent shot this year.. we have improved.. we should challenge SA for the division. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 How does Cleveland have nothing to prove? You don't win 66 games then not make the finals, just isn't supposed to happen. The Cavs should have a chip on their shoulder this year, and if they don't something is wrong in that locker room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleveland's Finest Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 (edited) The Cavs had something to prove last year. After the Game 7 elimination vs. Boston, the whole season was dedicated to One Goal. That's the championship. All year it was predicted to be "the year". I'm not saying we have nothing to prove. But all of that motivation took a hit when they got eliminated for the 4th year with no title still. Last year was the year and this year they have to find something to get them in good spirits again. At some point those eliminations take a toll on the mindset. Another 82 game season..... This is the first year we know we are elite. Detroit won't be projected to take 1st place in the Central like the past 4 years when the Cavs were just above average. This year we have the best chance to win the division again, not something the Cavs are known for. Edited August 3, 2009 by Cleveland's Finest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Multi-Billionaire Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 I wouldn't really look at Cleveland a legit title contender yet for the simple reason they acquired Shaq. He can really improve them or make them considerably worse. We don't know how well he can mesh with LeBron, we don't how well he can move the ball as Z and Varejao can, and we don't know if he would clog the lane for LeBron. And lastly, we don't know if he can stay healthy. Just because he was an All Star doesn't mean he is a great fit on this team. Now all the contenders have made moves, it's up to the Nuggets to follow... remember we traded for Chauncey in November, not July. Wark (our GM) also said this. And there's still two months until the season begins. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AtTheDriveIn Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 The Cavs had the best offseason in the NBA. Getting Shaq, Parker, Moon, and Green is better than getting just RJ (Spurs) and better than getting Artest, who is just a more experienced version of Ariza and not THAT big of an improvement (still an improvement, but being overrated imo). I think it's funny how Cleveland have the best off-season by signing Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon and drafting Danny Green, but the only person whom the Spurs signed was 'RJ', never mind drafting a lottery pick talent, DeJuan Blair, never mind that they got a 10/10 Antonio McDyess, who just seems suited to this team and certainly never mind that they also got Theo Ratliff. No, Cleveland signing Danny Green, Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker is just the best off season ever! The Spurs signed just as much talent and brought back even more than what Cleveland have. So it doesn't even matter that you think Jamario Moon and Danny Green are worth something (which they, like, so totally arE!!!). The fact of the matter is, your off-season was a little better than average because you got O'Neal, but the other players hardly matter, but that could dramatically disappear if O'Neal shows up out of shape and unhealthy, which is very possible with him. And Artest isn't just an 'improvement' over Ariza, too, by the way. You're kidding yourself if you actually believe that. But it's not unexpected from a Cleveland fan. Always trying to one-up anything to do with the Lakers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moeroadkill Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 wizards? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Celtics3420 Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 (edited) Celtics coach Doc Rivers believes that we will enter the 2009-10 season with nine or ten legitimate title contenders. "Nine or 10 teams think they can win the championship next year, and you can see by the moves," Rivers told the Boston Globe. Rivers cited the reduction in the NBA's salary cap and the unwillingness of two-thirds of the league to spend. "Because of the economy, 20 or 21 feel they can't. A group of nine looked at the Finals last year and said, 'We can do this,' and they are going for it," Rivers added. You all misread the man's quote.... Edited August 3, 2009 by Celtics3420 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Next Knick Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 Well you definitely need to put Orlando, Cleveland, and Boston there in the East. All three teams improved, and all three teams will compete for the best record in the East. In the West you've got the Lakers, Spurs, and that's really the only two teams I see winning the West. I really can't see Denver doing it yet, even though they'll probably shock some people now that Chancey has a full season to learn everything and has developed a really good chemistry with his team, the management, and Melo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Check my Stats Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 The Cavs had the best offseason in the NBA. Getting Shaq, Parker, Moon, Wow I missed this. Are you aware that Moon and Parker were key parts to what was considered one of the worst SF/SG rotations in the NBA in Toronto the past few years? Parker is 34, and as much as I love him he is too up and down to be looked to consistently make an impact, thankfully he is on the bench for you guys. Parker is nice but Moon is terrible, simply terrible. The only thing he does good is get on ESPN for a dunk once in a while, but since his rookie year he stopped going to the hole. Now all he does is launch threes as soon as he gets an open look and he is too inconsistent to be relied on to make shots. I am GLAD he is gone from Toronto, he isn't even a good defender like everyone thinks, he is okay but he leaves his feet all the time it's ridiculous. Green probably won't even play and yeah you got Shaq, but it's obviously not that amazing of a deal if people are questioning it. People aren't questioning the Spurs getting RJ are they? Raptors, Spurs and Mavericks all had better off-seasons than the Cavs. Are they all better teams than the Cavs? Maybe not, but they all improved way more than the Cavaliers did. Shaq isn't as much of an upgrade over Z in the starting lineup as you probably think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenneral Posted August 3, 2009 Report Share Posted August 3, 2009 The Bucks better be one of those nine teams he's referring to. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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