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Under-Achieving. Young. Rebuilding. Injuries. This NBA season, 14 teams had their pick of the words that best describe their seasons. From the cellar-dwellers, to the resurgent, here’s a look at some of the best words for those teams on the outside looking in.
Atlanta Hawks (13-69) – Word that best describes them: offseason
The Hawks had nothing to be happy about this year except for the fact that they will be a big player in the free agent market, and they have two first round draft picks from the trade of leading scorer and rebounder Antoine Walker.
Charlotte Bobcats (18-64) – Word that best describes them: centerpiece
Rookie of the Year Emeka Okafor became the man of the future in Charlotte. Okafor answered the question of his durability playing in 73 games this year, while averaging a double double. Okafor is a player that won’t be a superstar, but he’ll do enough of the little things that turn losing teams into contenders.
New Orleans Hornets (18-64) – Word that best describes them: missing
The New Orleans Hornets missed their two stars, Baron Davis and Jamaal Magliore, for most of a season unexpected by a playoff-tested team. The Hornets traded the oft injured Davis to the Golden State Warriors for Speedy Claxton and Dale Davis, who will make the Hornets miss one of the game’s best.
Utah Jazz (26-56) – Word that best describes them: disappointment
This year was supposed to be a step forward for a team on the rebound. The Jazz bamboozled Carlos Boozer from the Cleveland Cavaliers to pair with Anrdrei Kirilenko. Unfortunately, the stars of this rebuilding franchise spent much of the season off the floor with injuries. The Jazz need some semblance of production at the other positions, especially at guard, and need to find a way to score more than 93 points per game.
Portland Trailblazers (27-55) – Word that best describes them: Sebastian Telfair
Say it with me now: “Sebastian Telfair.” His name sounds like an eighteenth century French general’s. The youngster saw more minutes toward the ends of the season, even averaging 12 points per game in April, a month after he broke into the starting lineup. Not bad for a rookie point guard, but there’s a catch, he plays on a perennial under-achiever.
Milwaukee Bucks (30-52) – Word that best describes them: greasy
I use the term greasy here because the Bucks have a way of finding talent, only to lose it when it can take the team to the next level. The team’s star this year, Michael Redd, is rumored to follow suit. Who is left in Milwaukee? If T.J. Ford can get healthy, the Bucks have a decent backcourt with Ford and Desmond Mason.
Toronto Raptors (33-49) – Word that best describes them: wasteland
Who wants to play in Toronto? Not Tracy McGrady. Not Vince Carter. Not even Alonzo, “Yes am I still in the NBA” Mourning. How long will it be before young stud Chris Bosh decides he wants to come back stateside?
New York Knicks (33-49) – Word that best describes them: enigma
The Knicks are one of the storied franchises in the NBA, but they can only seem to bring in second-rate talent. John Starks and Patrick Ewing circa ’94-’95 need to come back and join a formidable front court of Stephon Marbury and Jamal Crawford.
GoldenState Warriors (34-48) – Word that describes this team: bright
The sun has finally come out for the usually woeful Warriors now that Baron Davis has returned to California. With Davis on the team, the Warriors averaged 105 points per game and won 11 of their final 14 games. Combine him with Jason Richardson and you begin to see the makings of another run and fun team like the Phoenix Suns. Here’s a bold prediction: next year, the Warriors will be in the playoffs for the first time since GM Chris Mullin was playing.
Los Angeles Lakers (34-48) – Word that best describes the team: Shaq-less
This was supposed to be Kobe’s chance to prove all the doubters wrong. Kobe was supposed to show us that it doesn’t matter if it’s Chris Mihm or Shaq, it’s all Kobe. Unfortunately, things didn’t work out that way. Turns out, Shaq is way better than Mihm, and Kobe should have done everything in his power to keep the big fella around. Phil Jackson might return, but is that really the answer?
Los Angeles Clippers (37-45) – Word that best describes the team: best
As in best in LA. You read it right: the Clips were actually the best team in their city for the first time since the first George Bush’s presidency. Maybe free agents will be more attracted to the Clips now that they’re the best in their hometown. Coach Mike Dunleavy can only hope that players stop associating Clippers with losing.
Orlando Magic (36-46) – Word that best describes the team: feel good
I know it’s two words, but come on, Grant Hill’s first half was a remarkable story. The guy is one of the true great sportsmen who’s hit some hard times. But the feel good story only lasted until the All-Star Weekend for Grant Hill and the Magic. Look out for the top pick Dwight Howard. His numbers in April: 16 points, 9 rebounds per game. That will make any Magic fan feel good about the future.
Cleveland Cavs (42-40) – Word that best describes the team: solo
As in solo act. Lebron James had an MVP-caliber season, averaging 25 points, 7 dimes, and 7 boards a game. Jordan only put up those kind of numbers once in his career, but, Lebron has no Pippen. If owner Dan Gilbert wants to lengthen the reign of King James in Cleveland, then he better make it a point to get either Ray Allen or Michael Redd.
Minnesota Timberwolves (44-38) – Word that best describes this team: hungry
Like Duran Duran proclaimed in their 80s hit, Kevin Garnett is hungry like a wolf. If you look into the eyes of the star forward you can tell that he needs a championship. Latrell Sprewell’s family is hungry too, but not for a championship. KG needs players who want it as bad as he does. Maybe Karl Malone should come back to Minnesota for one more try at a ring.
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