NBA Central Division Mid Year Grades: Part I Bulls, Pacers

The Central division, at the half way point, is not what it will be at the end. Indiana and Chicago are leading division, primed to jump into the upper echelon once their injured stars return. Detroit is getting better with every game, right now playing like the third best team in the division. Milwaukee is maddeningly inconsistent looking like world beaters one day and bottom feeders the next. Cleveland is not a good team but from game to game shows the promise of a future playoff game. This post ended up being much longer than anticipated, so I'm breaking it in two. In Part one, I will be covering the contending Central teams in the Bulls and Pacers. Part two will cover the rest of the division.

CENTRAL	W	L	PCT	GB	HOME	ROAD	DIV	CONF	PF	PA	DIFF	STRK	L10
Chicago	25	16	.610	-	13-11	12-5	6-3	20-6	93.6	91.3	+2.3	Won 2	7-3
Indiana	26	17	.605	-	16-3	10-14	5-2	14-10	91.0	89.3	+1.7	Lost 1	7-3
Milwaukee	22	18	.550	2 ½	11-9	11-9	6-5	17-9	97.0	97.7	-0.7	Won 3	6-4
Detroit	16	26	.381	9 ½	12-11	4-15	4-3	13-12	95.0	95.7	-0.8	Lost 1	6-4
Cleveland	11	32	.256	15	5-12	6-20	1-9	8-18	95.0	100.4	-5.3	Won 1	4-6

The Chicago Bulls

http://www.nba.com/bulls/

Point Guard: Kirk Hinrich, B
6.5 PPG 5.2 APG 2.8 RPG
The Former Kansas Jayhawk will not wow you with his averages. Hinrich has always been known for his defense, and he fits right in with this Chicago squad. Offensively Hinrich also exemplifies everything the Bulls want to do. He moves the ball quickly and decisively, only takes shots when necessary and lets the game come to him. His game might not fit with every team in the league but on the Bulls he is a perfect piece to the puzzle.
Shooting Guard: Richard Hamilton, B-
12.0 PPG 2.5 APG 1.8 RPG
Richard Hamilton is another player that is well suited for Tom Thibodeau's system. He and Ray Allen are two of the remaining players who make using a screen an art form. The Bulls start two very good screening big men in Joakim Noah and Carlos Boozer who free Hamilton for many jumpers. His B became a B- because of his inability to stay 100% healthy at a time when his scoring is sorely needed to temper the loss of Rose.
Small Forward: Luol Deng, A
17.4 PPG 2.5 APG 6.4 RPG
Luol Deng was voted an All Star reserve and deservedly so. Deng is one of the best defenders in the league, he rebounds, attacks the hoop, knocks down jumpers and moves the ball when need be. Recently he has been bothered by a tight hamstring, but when he does play there is no one in the league who plays more minutes per game. Deng is a perennially underrated player who is finally getting his due with Derrick Rose injured.
Power Forward: Carlos Boozer, B+
16.1 PPG, 9.9 RPG
Boozer is a great offensive power forward. He works the pick and roll to perfection, popping when the defense sags, rolling when the defense jumps out and crashing the boards on every shot. Although he isn't great when given the ball in the post there are few players better on the pick and roll. On top of that he is an excellent off ball screener who routinely frees guards for jumpers. His grade would be higher if he wasn't so pathetic at defense, that coach Thibs has to sub Taj Gabson in on important defensive possessions.
Center: Joakim Noah, A+
Noah is what Kevin Garnett was during the Celtic's championship year. A big who can protect the rim and shows so well on the pick and roll that he often prevents the other team from running it. On top of that he is great at ending defensive possessions by securing the rebound. This year Noah has refined his corkscrew shot, making him a threat to score in the mid range. What takes Noah from an A to an A+ is his passing ability. After watching him all season you realize that he is the best passer at his position in the league.
Bench: A
The Bulls essentially jettisoned most of the players from their bench last year. Normally that scenario happens when a bench isn't performing. In this case it was because their bench was so good the Bulls could not afford to keep everyone. Despite losing stalwarts such as Korver, Ronnie Brewer and Omer Asik the Bull's bench mob is near as strong as last year. Jimmy Butler has shown himself a solid player and  top notch defender, Nate Robinson has been a spark plug off the bench (when he plays within himself) and Marco Bellinelli has replaced Korver as a long range shooter that can come through in the clutch. Even with Taj Gibson going through his after contract lull the Bull's have one of the better benches in the league.

The Indiana Pacers

http://www.nba.com/pacers/

Point Guard: George Hill, B
14.5 PPG 4.8 APG 4.3 APG
The Good news for Hill is that he has put up career highs in points, rebounds and assists. The bad news? He has nearly doubled his turnovers since last year. To boot he is shooting his worst percentage from the field and from three in his career (excluding his rookie year). Hill has picked up his scoring in the absence of Danny Granger, but for him to get a better grade he needed to keep his career level shooting percentages and create more offense for teammates.
Shooting Guard: Lance Stephenson C+

Stephenson was thrust into the starting lineup when Danny Granger went down (with Paul George to the three). As a stop gab measure Stephenson is doing a fine job, knocking down shots and playing solid defense. However, Stephenson is not the type of starter you want on a contending team. If Granger fails to come back 100% and the Pacers are forced to rely on Lance, it could be their downfall.
Small Forward: Paul George A+
17.3 PPG 3.7 APG 7.8 RPG
Paul George came into the league a long athletic player with high upside. With these type of players all a team can ask for is steady improvement. George has outpaced this hope, growing by leaps and bounds every year. Not only is he improving every year, his scoring averages have improved every month this year! Which has lead to career highs in pretty much every category while also being elite at the defensive end. With his progression some are even questioning if the Pacers need Danny Granger. Although, this thinking might be out of line, that anyone is uttering these words truly speaks highly of Paul George's game.
Power Forward: David West, B+
16.8 PPG 7.7 RPG 1.1 BPG
When David West signed with the Pacers last year, everyone thought it was a nice move. The Pacers were getting a very good veteran on the downside of his career for a reasonable short term contract, and during his first year that's exactly what he was. This year, a full year removed from knee surgery he has brought his game back to his days with Chris Paul. On offense he is being more aggressive, taking more shots and crashing the boards. However, his biggest mark can be felt on defense, where he clogs the lane and helps lead the best defense in the NBA.

Center: Roy Hibbert D

Hibbert has been a complete disappointment this year. After signing him to a long term contract Pacers fans hoped he would improve his game and truly earn his money, no such luck. When Danny Granger went down Pacers fans expected Hibbert to step up and help carry the scoring load, again, no such luck. Hibbert is taking fewer shots, making a lower percentage of those shots and being a general drain on the offense. The only reason he did not get an F, has to do with his defense. By most metrics Hibbert is having his best defensive year as a professional. Even with this Hibbert has been a disappointment.

Bench: C-

Injuries on starters always have a trickle-down effect. Lance Stephenson would be a solid bench piece on a competing playoff team, but with Danny Granger going down he was forced into the starting lineup. This move, has weakened an already weak bench. On a team that struggles to score ideally your bench could provide a consistent pick me up. Although, Gerald Green is capable of having a random scoring explosion they have no players that give them the consistent scoring they need off the bench.

Pacific Division Mid Season Grades

It is that time of the year that everybody hates. Midterms. When all of those nights partying become a regret. When all of the times you could have studied and didn't come back to bite you. When in June you thought it made complete sense to take four 8:00 AM classes because this was the year you were "going to overachieve". Welp, the Pacific just got their grades back, it's time to see how everyone did.

Los Angeles Clippers: 32-11 

Point Guard: Chris Paul - (A)
-Paul has done everything the Clippers have asked from him and more. He is second in the league in assists, and third in the league in PER(just behind Lebron and KD). Even more important, Paul has become the vocal leader of this year, and as long as he is healthy come playoff time, he should get to the Conference finals he's wished for.

Shooting Guard: Willie Green - (A-)
-You might be surprised by this grade, but Green is doing everything asked of him. He plays solid defense, doesn't complain about being the 5th option, and didn't complain when Billups took his starting role, and then he was asked to take it back when Billups got hurt again. On every title team, their are always one or two unselfish guys who are more than happy to do the things everyone doesn't want too. Green is that guy.

Small Forward: Caron Butler - (B)
-Butler has been steady. He has not been the he once way(averaging six less points a game than his career high), but the Clippers also aren't asking that out of him with so many other scoring options. Butler has bought into the team defense, and many times is asked to guard the other team's best scorer. Butler is everything the Clips have wanted from him.

Power Forward: Blake Griffin - (B+)
-He would be in the "A" range if not for the early season troubles. Griffin has taken on the role of the other leader on this team, and has enjoyed doing it. He has somehow kept his fun loving attitude while also setting an example on this team(something other big men in this division haven't mastered yet, AKA Dwight Howard). Griffin has developed a mid range game, and has improved defensively down low where he won't have to be taken out of games late anymore. 

Center: DeAndre Jordan - (B-)
-Jordan is averaging above his career highs marginally in most major categories, but he still hurts the Clippers offensively in some situations. As of now, they still can't use him late in game unless it's in a pick and roll format. Still, his defensive work down low and ability to protect the rim can't be disregarded. 

Bench: - (A+)
-I mean come on, was this even a question? The league leader in bench scoring has a player in Jamal Crawford who has a legitimate case for an All-Star spot. Matt Barnes is making the Lakers look like fools for letting him go. Eric Bledsoe is probably working himself into quite the contract. If the Clippers win a title, it will be because of the bench mob in LA.


Golden State Warriors: 26-15

Point Guard: Stephen Curry - (A-)
-Curry returned this week and went on one of this shooting rampages against the Clippers, and then followed it up with a clutch performance in a win over the Thunder(31Pts, 7ASTS, 4STLS). When Curry is on, he is most certainly on, and is one of the deadliest shooters in the game. The reason he doesn't get a full A here is because of the ankles. As long as they are a minor setback every now and then, the Warriors can live with that. But if Curry misses any playoff time, the Warriors have no shot.

Shooting Guard: Klay Thompson - (B+)
-Klay Thompson is the scoring guard Steph never had in Monta Ellis. He can create his own shot, and can get hot just like Ellis, but he isn't selfish. Plus, he is a better defender, which hides Curry's inefficiency's on that side of the ball. While Thompson may be successful on another team, he is in the perfect situation for himself in Golden State.

Small Forward: Harrison Barnes - (B)
-Many people thought Barnes would be the steal of the draft after all the picks had been made. And four teams may be kicking themselves for not taking Damian Lillard, Barnes is certainly a player who has proven himself. Barnes has fallen into place, and isn't making the same mistakes most rookies do. Plus, he has shown some of the athleticism that once had people calling him the next Lebron James.

Power Forward: David Lee - (A+)
-If David Lee isn't named an All-Star tonight, I don't plan on watching the game. He has bided his time in GS to be on a winner, and is thriving in the role of the unquestioned leader on this team. Lee's demeanor of work hard, ask questions later has spread throughout this team, and he is the leader of a team that isn't afraid of anyone. 

Center: Festus Ezeli - (B-)
-When the season started, no one was expecting Ezeli to be playing this many minutes. Once Bogut went down however, the Warriors had no other choice. Ezeli has shown that he was worth the pick the Warriors spent on him. While his stats aren't impressive(and Andres Biedrins gets alot of run), Ezeli is doing all the dirty work: Block shots, protect the rim, and use his six fouls. Every contender needs a brute.

Bench: - (B+)
-While everyone knew Carl Landry would be a big step up for the Warriors bench, I'm not sure people expected this type of production from Jarrett Jack and Draymond Greene. Jack could be starting for some of the team in the NBA with his play at the point this year, and Greene is looking like the one second rounder who finds his niche on the perfect team. The Warriors are definitely getting more help from the bench than every in the past, and are thriving because of it.


Los Angeles Lakers: 17-25

Point Guard: Steve Nash - (B-)
-Nash has done everything in his power to try to turn this ship, but it isn't working. His injury at the beginning of this year was their excuse, but Nash's play hasn't changed the downward spiral. Nash is taking less shots in his career than ever before, and seems uncomfortable without the ball in his hands within this offense. Even further, he is PUTRID on defense. They have not been able to hide his inconsistencies some of the past Suns teams could. I wouldn't be surprised if Nash is elsewhere next year.

Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant - (A+)
-You're damn right I gave him an A+. I don't care that the Lakers have an awful record when he scores thirty or more. I don't care that for the first time in his 16 year career he might actually be earning a first team all defensive instead of just being given it. Kobe is doing EVERYTHING in his power to make this work. Do you think Kobe Bryant would be a part of a team meeting in 2006? Hell no. He knows his window is closing, and he wants to win now. Kobe is 2nd in scoring in the league at 34, and is 8th in PER despite all of the shots he is forced to take. Kobe deserves all the praise in the world for this year, and this is from a Celtic's fan who has literally cursed his name thousands of time.(Not an exaggeration, thats a legitimate stat.)

Small Forward: Metta World Peace - (C+)
-Peace was signed by the Lakers a few years ago to be the defensive stopper they didn't have, so that Kobe could roam and save his legs for offense. The Lakers fans owe him thanks for the 2010 title(he had both the clinching shots in the Conference and NBA finals), but his time in LA is running thing. Peace is a step slow on D, and can't stay in front of opponents like he once could. Plus, Peace still thinks it's okay for him to take 4-5 threes a game, where he should probably only be taking 1-2. 

Power Forward: Pau Gasol - (D)
-I suppose you could put Earl Clark here now, which just proves why Gasol deserves such a failing grade. Two weeks ago, I felt bad for him. Yup, not so much anymore. Gasol showed in the 2012 Olympics that he can be dominant when put in the right system, but he should still be better than most bigs in the league no matter where he is used. Pau is averaging career lows across the board, and has looked out of sorts on both sides. The only fix might be a different uniform.

Center: Dwight Howard - (D)
-Howard has really let LA get to him, he is a drama queen. I was all ready to give him a C because his averages are still worthy of recognition(17 and 12). While they are below his best, on a team next to all of the other talent that should be more than enough. But with the awful free throw shooting, and the latest dramatics where he was carrying around a stat sheet, Howard needs to be traded. I would put money on him not being in a Laker uniform next year.

Bench - (C-)
-It's tough to give a grade to the Lakers' bench, because it has changed so often. None the less, no one is producing in anyway that is worth mentioning. Jamison has been inconsistent(and crabby), Blake has been injured, and Robert Sacre has been, well, a rookie. Earl Clark is the one bright spot here, who have averaged 10 & 8 since becoming more prominent in the last 10 games.


Sacramento Kings: 16-27

Point Guard: Isaiah Thomas - (C+)
-Isaiah has been just as his grade suggests, average. He has been averaging just over 11 points a game, but hasn't been able to dole out enough assists to make a different on this team team. With just over three a game, you would expect much more out of your starting point guard. Then again, it has to be tough to get any assists on a pick up basketball team.

Shooting Guard: Tyreke Evans - (C-)
-At times Evans has played at the three spot for the Kings, but he is a true guard. Since his rookie year, Evans play has regressed. His is once against scoring his career low, and is passing at a career low as well. Evans has not been able to show the type of talent he once had in his rookie year. At this point, I think it is time to cut the chord. Evans could be a much stronger role player on a good team. 

Small Forward: John Salmons - (C)
-Salmons looks like a lost veteran in this system. He has not been able to have a breakout scoring year since 2010(the last year he averaged over 10 points a game), and the Kings aren't the place for it. Salmons has shown flashes of him old self, but his defense isn't helping anyone.

Power Forward: Jason Thompson - (C+)
-Thompson is probably the most likely to get traded before the deadline, as he is taking minutes away from Thomas Robinson. While Thompson has shown that he can produce( 10 and 6, PER of 15), he simply doesn't get the ball enough. Thompson has also shown that he can't be depended on at all times on the defensive end. 

Center: DeMarcus Cousins - (B-)
-The grade may come with some questioning, but when Cousins is on the floor, he is by far and away the best player on the Kings. Cousins is averaging career highs in points and rebounds, and could be a great player on the right team. It is just tough to see him growing maturely at all on this King's roster. As Steve Kerr said, you can only have one knuckleball.

Bench - (D+)
-The Kings bench is 22nd in scoring, and are in the bottom half of all defensive categories. You have to think if the King's are going to get any better, they are going to need some veteran leadership outside of their top five. 


Phoenix Suns: 14-28 

Point Guard: Goran Dragic - (B)
-Dragic is doing everything he should be doing. He is a solid point guard who has done well in the situation he has been put in. Dragic is averaging 14 and 6 this season, and has tried his best to improve on the defensive end. Much like Thomas' situation in Sactown, it is tough to make average players look better. Dragic unfortunately, may have been given more than he can chew.

Shooting Guard: Jared Dudley - (B+)
-Dudley has quietly been averaging career highs in points and assists, and is also shooting a little better from the field. While his three point shooting is down, Dudley has tried his best to fill the leadership void that Nash left. A great on ball defender, Dudley has to be on the mid of alot of teams looking for unselfish players come playoff time.

Small Forward: P.J. Tucker - (C-)
-Tucker took over for Michael Beasley early on in the season, and while he has shown more effort on the defensive end, there is not much here. Tucker is averaging just four points a game in 28 minutes, well below the starter average for the small forward position. This is one of the areas you should definitely see the Suns shoot for in the draft.

Power Forward: Luis Scola - (C+)
-Scola is earning career lows in most of the major categories, and has looked underwhelming at time. Whether it is age, a new situation, or what have you, Scola can't seem to get it together in Phoenix. For someone who was supposed to be the big scorer on this team, he has been anything but.

Center: Marcin Gortat - (C)
-Gortat looks disinterested in Phoenix. He has still shown that he can be a great option inside, and is averaging career highs in points and rebounds with the added minutes. Yet for a playoff team, Gortat could be huge. Expect teams like the Celtics, Heat, and maybe even the Warriors to come calling.

Bench - (C-)
-Underwhelming is probably the best way to put it. Michael Beasley is not an option anymore, and I wouldn't be surprised if the Suns trade him. While Markieff Morris and Shannon Brown has been stable, the rest of the bench hasn't. Brown could be dependable elsewhere, but he simply has been given too much responsibility on this team.

-Bford

Atlantic Division Mid-Season Grades Part 1: Team Grades

At this point every season, we can begin to evaluate the long term prospects of every team. Some teams look to be getting in their grove, making a case as a legitimate contender, while others falter and look headed toward a lottery pick.  For Part 1 of the mid-season grades, I will evaluate each team and give their area(s) of success and places for improvement.  Part Two, which will drop next Monday, will give grades to individual players.

New York Knicks:

Strengths: 3pt Shooting, Turnovers, Pace

The Knicks continue to lead the division due to their prolific 3 point shooting and ability to take care of the ball.  They are first in the NBA in attempts and makes per game from downtown at 28.8 and 11.2 respectively.  They are 5th in overall percentage at 38.8%.  The ability to score points in bunches thanks to Carmelo, JR Smith, Steve Novak, Jason Kidd and pretty much every player on their roster allows them to play with a looseness that I believe helps Carmelo feel comfortable in removing some of the scoring burden.

What Jason Kidd has done for this team can't be overstated.  Having such a veteran and poised 2nd unit PG allows for the offense to run smoothly no matter which unit is on the floor. The Knicks flat out value the rock more than anyone else as they turn it over only 11 times a game.  I remember having a coach in my high school days who always used to say to us during timeouts, "The ball is F****** Golden" and no team plays into this mantra more than the Knicks.

Area to Improve: Team Shooting Percentage, Rebounding

Despite Tyson Chandler doing his best to single handely make this team's shooting percentage look decent, having both Carmelo and JR Smith hoisting a high number of jump shots will kill any teams shooting percentage.  They need to improve ball movement in order to get better shots.  Both the aforementioned volume shooters are highly skilled yet frustrating players.  This team also needs to rebound more effectively, but I think once the front line is healthy again, we will see some improvement there.

Grade: A

Could you have asked for a better season to date for the Knicks? Well sure you could have, but that would just have been greedy.  Despite falling back down to earth somewhat, this team is the best in the division right now and is being lead by Carmelo Anthony who is having his best season yet as a pro. The Depth of this team is near the top of the league, but it looks as though they need it as they injuries have started to pile up for the older group.  If they can stay healthy, they will be there in May, if not, a first round exit seems possible.

The Brooklyn Nets:

Strengths: Offensive Rebounding, Starting Unit, Guard Play

The biggest strength of this team is their starting lineup as the big 4 on this team plus either Humphries of Bogan has plus minuses over +30. They do a great job offensive rebounding, whether it's Brook Lopez, Gerald Wallace, or Humphries along the starting unit, or Reggie Evans and Andre Blatche off the bench, this team crashes the offensive boards hard, getting nearly 13 extra possessions a game.

The Nets also have the added advantage of having 2 very good guards, both of whom can handle the rock and create there own shot.  Neither Deron Williams or Joe Johnson have hit their peaks this season, and once they do this team could be very dangerous.  We have seen Deron start to turn it around since Avery Johnson was let go...the Knicks are right in front of them and they are charging fast.

Areas to Improve: Pace, 3pt shooting, Overall Defense

This team just plays the game way too slowly. They are second last in the NBA in pace with only the lowly Hornets worse.  While there overall rebounding numbers look good, it's because there offensive rebounds save casual fans from finding out that they allow 27% of shots they defend to be offensive rebounded by their opponents.  They won't win a lot of playoff games giving up extra possessions like that.  Lastly, and I believe this has to do with team still gelling, the Nets give up too many points per 100 possessions.  Due to their very slow pace, they don't give up a ton of points, but per possession they are bottom half in the league.  I do think this team can be a pretty good defensive unit if they get on the same page in rotations.

Grade: B+

If you asked me two weeks ago, I'd have given this team a C-, but they really look to be turning it around and have the Knicks right in their site.  If at the beginning of the year, someone asked the Nets if they would be OK (sure they'd love 1st, but lets be honest) with being 2 games back in the division at this point I think they'd be alright with it.  I've been very impressed with their execution on the offensive end since PJ took over the coaching reigns.

The Boston Celtics:

Strengths: Shooting, Defense, Ball Movement

Well as long as Rajon Rondo is healthy, this team will rely on ball movement and good screens to get themselves into beneficial scoring positions.  The Celtics are 4th in the league in assists per game, but score a lot less points than those ahead of them, meaning that per bucket they have a higher assist rate than those other teams. The Team continues to hang its hat on the defensive end behind anchor Kevin Garnett.  The team is 9th in the league in defensive efficiency, but should skyrocket up that list with a healthy Avery Bradley.

Areas of Improvement: Rebounding, 3pt Defense

As has been the C's biggest issue over the past 5 years, rebounding continues to hinder their success.  Jared Sullinger is doing all he can to help the C's overcome this issue, but he is the only one who offensive rebounds.  The C's do an average job on the defensive glass, but still don't get enough defensive rebounds to make up for their lack of offensive boards.  They know they could use some front line help as this will become even more pivotal come the postseason.

The team does a great job of shutting down penetration, but doing so allows opponents who are rotating outside the three point line offensively to be open.  Currently they are 9th to last defending the three, allowing opponents to shoot almost 37% from downtown.  Doc may need to work on some closing-out drills in practice.

Grade: B

Similar to the Nets, I would have given the team a much worse grade had they not had some recent success. The team shows stretches of top-tier defense combined with highly efficient offense.  Consistency is the biggest problem, but now that players are getting healthy, I see this team making a strong second half run.

Philadelphia 76ers:

Strengths: Jrue Holiday, Turnovers

Phili is near the middle or lower in almost all statistical categories, so it's difficult to choose a strength based on something they don't do well statistically  but one part of the game they excel at is turnovers.  The give up the ball a mere 12.8 times a game, good for 3rd in the league. Interestingly enough, the top 3 turnover teams are in the Atlantic and every team in this division is top 10 in the league in the category.

The biggest thing the 76ers have going for the is a young man named Jrue Holiday. Holiday is averaging Nearly 19 points and 9 assists to go along with 4 boards.  His shooting has improved as he has been asked to take a greater responsibility for the offense.  Once he gets the interior presence of Bynum back, I expect him to flourish to a 20-10 type player.

Areas to Improve: No Interior Presence on either end, Offensive Efficiency, Pace, Free Throw Shooting

As mentioned above this team really has no interior presence on either end. Offensively, they shoot only 27% of their shots at the rim, which 4th to last in the league.  this team does not have the shooters to be taking long jumpers all game and expect to win.  They are also bottom half of the league in blocked shots.  The team also plays with far too slow a pace and shoots free throws at only 72%.  Lastly, due to both the lack of interior presence and the lack of an uptempo game, there offensive efficiency yields only 99.2 points per 100 possessions.  They need a healthy Bynum and they need to work on ball movement as this team settles for way too many jump shots.

Grade: C

They are slightly worse than expectations, but without Bynum (or Iggy if they never made the trade) this team has no star to lean on.  Despite both Holiday and Turner showing great promise, this team is headed for the lottery unless Bynum returns at an all-star level.

Toronto Raptors:

Strengths: Tournovers, Youth, offensive Efficiency

The Raptors are 12th in the NBA in offensive efficiency, pretty solid for a team with a not so solid record. They score 103 points per 100 possessions and only the Lakers and Jazz are ahead of them for teams outside of the top 8 seeds in their conferences. They Turn the ball over only 12.7 times a game, good for 2nd in the NBA.  This team is also very young, with  a lot of pieces to help build around in their future. They really just need that one big player and then all the other players can fill their respective roles.

Areas to Improve: Getting to the Rim, Defensive Efficency

They shoot way to many 3's and long jumpers per game and in doing so, rarely shoot the ball near the rim.  Sure there Center, who is hurt, Andrea Bargnani is more comfortable along the 3pt Line, so i won't kill the team for this, but they definitely need an interior offensive presence.  The Raptors also struggle defensively in almost all areas.They give up nearly 104 points per 100 possession, 10th worst in the league.  No Team worse than them, except the Blazers are playoff bound.  Defense wins championships and this team is nowhere close.

Grade: B

This team has done better than the expectations I had for them.  I certainly thought they would finish last in the division and would be near the bottom of the league, but so far they have found themselves playing pretty well, especially after the poor start to the season.  They have some nice building blocks and once they get everyone healthy again, they may overtake Philly for 4th in the division.  They will certainly be headed to the lottery too, but this team doesn't seem quite as far away from success as it did just a year ago.


Lee me know your grades for these teams in the comments and don't forget to JOIN ME NEXT WEEK FOR INDIVIDUAL PLAYER GRADES!