What if... the San Antonio Spurs had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Marc J. Spears/ Getty Images from http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--spurs--kawhi-leonard-taking-on-an-impossible-mission--stopping-lebron-james-184112531.html

                                   
          The Spurs are off to an average start of 30-17. But they're 7th in the West. 7TH! Since the Tim Duncan era, the Spurs have managed to win 50 games each season, not counting the shortened season of 2011-12. With the way the West is shaping up to, the Spurs will not have homecourt advantage in the playoffs. Homecourt or not, they have enough experience in the playoffs and it will play a key role because coach Gregg Popovich knows how to prepare his team. He knows when to rest his players and when to limit players minutes on a daily basis. He utilities each player to their full potential like Boris Diaw and Kawhi Leonard especially in the playoffs. Leonard has already missed 18 games this season due to a hand injury. But he has come back strong and put career numbers in all categories including 15.3 points and 8 rebounds on a star-studded roster. Leonard is a great complementary role player for Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli, and Tony Parker.

          Kawhi Leonard is not vocal and to become a team leader for the San Antonio Spurs when Tim Duncan retires, he needs to communicate with his teammates. Right now, it is still early in his career and is still learning from the best of the best. He is known for his one-on-one defense like the one in the NBA finals against Lebron James. If the organization offers him a max contract, great for him. If Tim Duncan wants another ring, Kawhi Leonard needs to step up his game just like last year when he won the NBA Finals MVP. He doesn't speak up but his game handles most of the talking for him. The San Antonio Spurs are a winning organization and signing Leonard is a great piece to keep after Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli, and Tony Parker aka the "Big Three" are done with their Hall of Fame
basketball careers.

What if... the Sacramento Kings had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Bill Baptist/ Getty Images from http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1907837-dont-blame-sacramento-kings-strggules-on-demarcus-cousins

          A stability in the coaching position would be a good start. Early in the season, head coach Mike Malone was fired after going 11-13. DeMarcus Cousins has already played with four different coaches in his first five seasons in the NBA. This doesn't show much faith in the organization but Cousins is sticking to the program. With the addition of Rudy Gay last year, they team has an athletic wingman who can create their own offense and drive to the basket. The arrival of Darren Collison has certainly been an upgrade over Isaiah Thomas on defense. He can be pesky against other guards averaging 1.6 steals per game. What the Kings need to work on is at the power forward and shooting guard position. A player like Taj Gibson would be a great pickup because he can be a defensive presence inside the paint with Cousins. The duo could be similar to Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah, or Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan. Sometimes it's tough to handle the paint by yourself and with the help of Gibson, it might ease up at times for Cousins, resulting in more energy on offense whom they heavily rely on. Playing for Team USA, Cousins has shown signs of maturity which has led to his first All-Star appearance selection for the West. Congratulations, Demarcus Cousins!

           What can the Kings hope for? We know DeMarcus Cousins and Rudy Gay are not enough to bring them to the playoffs especially with a crowded Western Conference. They can also go after a shooter to kick out to when Cousins is doubled in the post. Someone like Wesley Matthews who is a perfect fit for Lamarcus Aldridge, would be a great pickup. He can shoot the three ball and more importantly, defend his position. Kyle Korver is another player who can space the floor but it looks like he won't be leaving the Atlanta Hawks who seems like a perfect team for him. His impact doesn't show in the stats but he creates easier shots for his teammates because of his lethal outside shooting, a major reason why the Atlanta Hawks are 38-8 and winners of 17 straight games. Having any one of these players for the Kings who be great. Let's see if the Sacramento Kings can improve on their weakness and fight for a playoff spot where they haven't been to for over nine years.

What if... the Portland Trailblazers had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Jesse Johnson from http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2013/01/05/trail-blazers-timberwolves-nicolas-batum-wesley-matthews/1811637/

          The Portland Trailblazers are on the verge of homecourt advantage in the playoffs. Separating them from the 8th seed is only five games. There is no room to slack off if they want to maintain their position as the 3rd seed of the West. With rising point guard, Damian Lillard, and team leader, Lamarcus Aldridge, their star duo are capable of bringing their city a championship. That is to say if Aldridge does not re-aggravate his thumb forcing him to have surgery. What's their resolution? Staying healthy just like last year. Between the starters for the Blazers, they have only accumulated 13 missed games total which was all from Lamarcus Aldridge. That is a remarkable number considering the number of minutes they play each game. This year, they have played numerous games without Robin Lopez, Nicolas Batum, and Lamarcus Aldridge. The chemistry will be a bit off because it won't be as consistent as last season. It's tough to past the first round like last year. Any team they face in the first round will be a worthy opponent whether it's the Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, or last year's matchup, Houston Rockets.

          Chris Kaman has been a great addition who adds a post-up game and solid offense whenever Aldridge heads to the bench. The key to the Portland Trailblazers doing well in the playoffs are Wesley Matthews and Nicolas Batum. Matthew's 3-point shooting is important when Lamarcus Aldridge is double-teamed and needs someone to kick out for an open jumper. We can't give Batum enough credit. He has to defend the elite wings like Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and Paul Millsap. Sometimes he has to guard the quicker guards like James Harden, Demar Derozan, and Monte Ellis. Nicolas Batum may not have plays called for him but he keeps the job done. It's great to have a player like Batum on your team because he's not a one-dimensional player. Let's hope the core of the Portland Trailblazers stay for many years to come.

What if... the Phoenix Suns had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Reuters/File from http://www.christianpost.com/news/la-lakers-trade-rumors-news-2014-eric-bledsoe-trade-would-be-unlikely-126722/

                                         
          The last spot in the Western Conference playoffs is between the New Orleans Pelicans, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the Phoenix Suns. This will be an on-going battle for the rest of the season. The West is just so deep and the position of the teams in the West will come down to the wire. Much similar to a team like the Atlanta Hawks, the Suns have great players but not superstar players. The Hawks have improved dramatically because of the return of Al Horford. He is the anchor of their defense and without him, there's no rim protector. As long as they play team basketball, they will win games with a record of 37-8, a franchise best.

          Alex Len of the Phoenix Suns, has been a nice addition since being inserted into the starting lineup. He has provided a solid contribution with increased minutes since his rookie season. What he needs to work on is his body because he's going to take a beating if he wants to compete with other centers in the league like Dwight Howard or Marc Gasol. We will see where he progresses from here. But signing the Morris brothers in the offseason, which I thought, was a great decision for the organization. The Suns have enough stability in the forward position and Markieff Morris, at times, can play center if they decide to go with a smaller lineup. Both Markieff and Marcus can shoot the ball as well as handle the ball which is a great skill to have if you're a big man. I think their resolution should be defense. We know what they are capable of scoring but defense wins championship.

          The three-headed monster between Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic, and Isiaah Thomas is a match-up nightmare for the league. Just not when they play defense. The Suns score an average of 107.4 points per game, good for 3rd in the league. But that doesn't generate wins as they allow 105.3 points per game. I believe they are one player away from contending for a title. Someone like Jimmy Butler or Draymond Green who can guard Lebron James and Kevin Durant. They could work on their interior defense as well. Until they change from their high octane offense system, they are only trying to get into the playoffs. The West is just too competitive as they are in the 8th seed for now. Don't be surprised if they fall down one or two spots. Can they commit themselves defensively for 48 minutes?

What if... the Philadelphia 76ers had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports from http://www.usatoday.com/sports/services/photos/USATSI-186772/

          The fans were joyous when Andrew Bynum joined the 76ers. Unfortunately, he played no games and they were in the bottom of the East. Jrue Holiday made the All-Star team when Evan Turner and Thaddeus Young were with the team but the organization decided to head towards another direction and draft Michael-Carter Williams. Last year, it was bad luck of Nerlens Noel  missing the whole season due to ACL injury. Now this year, young prospect Joel Embiid, is injured and will miss the whole season as well. With what we know so far, it's not looking good for Embiid. Rumors has it, he gained extra pounds and hasn't participated in mandatory workouts. The 76ers need a veteran player who brings leadership like Andre Iguodala when he was with the team. They are building through the draft like Oklahoma City Thunder. Imagine where the Thunder would be if they still had James Harden along with Serge Ibaka, Russell Westbrook, and Kevin Durant as their core roster. Be sure to check out my other blogpost, "What If... Oklahoma City Thunder still had James Harden?" for more information.

          The Philadelphia 76ers are trying to solidify their team and have a foundation of young players with high draft picks every year. In time, Nerlens Noel will be in chase for Defensive Player of the Year and develop an offense game with post up moves. He is a high motor guy much like Kenneth Faried who has years to improve. So far he is averaging 1.6 blocks as well as 1.6 steals. He can give these goodies and they are great for your fantasy league team but his free throws are an issue. Like Blake Griffin, I can see him work on it in the gym and gradually improve to a 70% free throw shooter. Until they make a trade for a superstar, the 76ers are not ready for the playoffs. Fans will have to wait a few more years until big things happen in Philly.

What if... the Orlando Magic had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Tyler Perez/ Fox Sports from http://thesportsaga.com/why-nikola-vucevic-is-a-top-5-center/

          Nikola Vucevic and Victor Oladipo are the future of the Orlando Magic organization. After the Magic traded Dwight Howard to the Los Angeles Lakers in return for Nikola Vucevic from the Philadelphia 76ers, they thought no one would replace Howard. Vucevic has improved his scoring each of the last three seasons he was with the Orlando Magic and made it clear this year, he is the first option for offense. They are a great duo to build around with the draft pick of Elfrid Payton. Tobias Harris who was acquired from the Milwaukee Bucks has been a great complement player next to Vucevic. Harris is having a steady season averaging 17.8 points per game through 39 games. The Orlando Magic also has Channing Frye who can play the stretch four position and open up the lane for Oladipo and Harris. The Magic are still young who has high potential under head coach, Jacque Vaughn.

          Victor Oladipo is someone who can average a triple-double and give you steals and blocks because he doesn't take a day off on the defensive end. He was in the run for Rookie of the Year last year right behind Michael-Carter Williams of the Philadelphia 76ers. With Nikola Vucevic, he can easily give you a double-double, sometimes in one half. On occasions, he can get you more rebounds than points. In the upcoming years, the team will need to develop their younger players on the bench like Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier. Don't be surprised if you see Nikola Vucevic or Victor Oladipo in the All-Star game within the next five years. They remind me of a young Shaquille O'neal and Kobe Bryant duo. Who am I kidding? I know they are not superstars but it doesn't hurt to see what they can be. For now, their goal is to develop their young players and give their fans hope their team can make a push for the playoffs soon.

What if... the New York Knicks had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Dan Favale, Featured Columnist/ Getty Images from http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1990273-carmelo-anthony-says-phil-jackson-wont-have-impact-on-free-agency-decision

          With Carmelo Anthony as the New York Knicks franchise player, they have the worst record in the league, percentage wise, with a record of 7-36. The Knicks recently won two games in a row. The fans still love them. I still watch them. Phil Jackson still believes them. Let's give them a few years and see what he can do with the team. Amare Stoudimire is in the last year of his 5 year, $100 million contract and we will see if Jackson wants him back in New York. Carmelo Anthony is the obvious center piece Jackson wants to build around but is he the right player?

          Carmelo Anthony has pointed out he doesn't want the team's mentality of tanking for the season. At the beginning of the season, they traded away Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton to the Dallas Mavericks and in return for Jose Calderon and Samuel Dalembert who was waived in the beginning of this year. I had a problem trading away Tyson Chandler because he was a crucial player who won a championship with the Mavericks but I guess Phil Jackson didn't believe he fit in the triangle offense. In the middle of the season, they also traded away Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Lou Amundson and Lance Thomas, who are both on 10-day contracts at the moment. Can they develop rising player, Tim Hardaway Jr. into two-way shooting guard who can dominate the game? Hardaway has shown signs of greatness but at times can take too many shots like Carmelo Anthony. As of now, the Knicks are running two point guards, Langston Galloway and Jose Calderon, on the floor at the same time. According to Galloway, he is basing his game on Chauncey Billups. He brings defensive intensity which the Knicks lack. The Knicks need to develop their young players to help bring Carmelo Anthony into the playoffs before he gets too old.

          According to rumors within the last week, Tobias Harris would love to win a championship with the Knicks. If the Knicks do reach a deal with Harris, the small forward position would be clogged. Tobias Harris needs to work on his defense but he is only 22 years old so he has time. Tobias Harris does not seem like a good fit with Carmelo Anthony because they play a similar role. The Knicks need to go after a player like Marc Gasol who can play both ends. It would have been great if Pau Gasol signed with the Knicks but instead took his talents to the Chicago Bulls. He has done a wonderful job playing alongside Joakim Noah, Jimmy Butler, and Derrick Rose. Pau Gasol is also starting for the All-Star game as well as his brother, Marc Gasol, for the West. Congratulations to both players as they both deserved it this year. More importantly, let's see if Phil Jackson has something up his sleeve and pull off a trade to turnaround the Knicks franchise.

What if... the New Orleans Pelicans had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Pace Maier from http://isportsweb.com/2014/01/10/new-orleans-pelicans-eric-gordon-trading-block/

          In his third year in the league, Anthony Davis will most like start for the West in the All-Star game. So far this year, he is averaging 24.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks. At times, the Pelicans look like a great team but due to the depth of the West, teams like the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns, will have a tough time making the playoffs. Davis was part of Team USA and he has grown to be the team leader. He has a good work ethic and has improved his body so he can handle the front court presence of the opposing team. But we all know you can't win a basketball game with just one player. Jrue Holiday and Tyreke Evans has done a decent job running the point guard position. With the addition of Omer Asik, Ryan Anderson is coming off the bench and provides a scoring punch from the second unit. Anthony Davis needs another superstar on his team to make the playoffs like Oklahoma City Thunder with Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook.

          Eric Gordon has been a disappointment after signing a four year, $58 million dollar contract. He has not played a full season in his career due to his injuries and his points averaged has decreased each season he was with the New Orleans Pelicans. He has gone from 20.6 points to 17 to 15.4 to 11.8 this season. Gordon has not shot higher than 46% from the floor. As a player who is 26 years old and entering their prime, his numbers are going down. That is not attractive when he becomes a free agent. Will the Pelicans decide to hold onto Eric Gordon or will they look for another shooting guard like Jimmy Butler who can help Anthony Davis make the playoffs?

What if... the Minnesota Timberwolves had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Nathaniel S. Butler/ NBAE/ Getty Images from http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/andrew-wiggins-lebron-james/

          The Minnesota Timberwolves are the definition of rebuilding. They traded away Kevin Love and in return for the number one draft pick of last year, Andrew Wiggins. He started slow but has increased production since the dawn of the new year. The Timberwolves has only two wins in the month of January, meanwhile, Wiggins is averaging 19.9 points in January and 15.1 points
for the season. Mo Williams has been a solid contributor after Ricky Rubio when down. A young and athletic team like the Timberwolves are just not ready for the playoffs. They are developing players like Andrew Wiggins, Zach Lavine, Gorgui Dieng, and more draft picks to come in June. Their resolution is to have Wiggins become that leader for the Timberwolves in the next three or four years. He has playing extremely well for his rookie year and has tons of time to develop his game. Once Wiggins is comfortable on the court, he will make his teammates better because he'll communicate with others. It's been a great start for him and they will be a fun team to watch in the next few years.

          It will be good for Andrew Wiggins to continue this run even after Kevin Martin returns from his wrist injury. We will see if Wiggins moves from the shooting guard position into the small forward spot. Wiggins has exceeded at the two guard spot and he is the Timberwolves bright spot. The future relies in the hands of Andrew Wiggins. If they can get another top five pick from this year's draft, the Timberwolves might have a chance at the eighth seed of the Western Conference. In the meantime, all the fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves can do is watch Wiggins grow.

What if... the Milwaukee Bucks had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Jeff Hanisch- USA TODAY Sports from http://www.rantsports.com/nba/2014/07/18/milwaukee-bucks-guard-brandon-knight-said-jason-kidds-recent-hiring-was-unexpected/

          The Milwaukee Bucks are ahead of their schedule. Many teams had doubts about them winning games and had them no where near the playoffs. They are currently two games over .500 and more importantly, 5th seed in the East. They have won more games than all of last year and we haven't reached the All-Star weekend yet. Head coach, Jason Kidd, has done a remarkable job with a team of young players led by Brandon Knight. He is averaging around 18 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists and it's obvious Kidd made him the focal point of the team. Jason Kidd was also a point guard in the league who knows the importance of having a point guard making good decisions. He understands if they want to have a great ball club, it starts with the point guard  running the show.

          Another rising player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has averaged 11.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 rebounds. He has shown great signs of potential playing the point guard position as well as a forward who can post-up. He is a headache guarding on the defense end because of his length and quick first step. So far, it has been a great first half for the Milwaukee Bucks and could upset in the first round. Their maturity level has been on point but Larry Sanders career has been going on a downhill since signing a 4 year, $44 million dollar contract. He hasn't averaged double digit points and rebounds so far in his career. If he can start producing and start contributing, this Bucks team can be very dangerous in the next few years. Otherwise, he could be waived like Josh Smith from the Detroit Pistons.

What if... the Miami Heat had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Starting Blocks, Associated Press from http://www.cleveland.com/ohio-sports-blog/index.ssf/2010/06/lebron_james_dwyane_wade_and_c.html

         
          It hurts how Lebron James left the Miami Heat in the offseason. James moved on with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade has to play without him. Bosh has to go back to the roots when he was with the Toronto Raptors. He is almost averaging 22 points and 8 rebounds per game. They are fighting for playoff position but this will be the first time in five years they are not considered as a title contending team. They are a below .500 team and without Bosh, they wouldn't be a playoff team at all. Dwyane Wade just turned 33 years old ( Happy Birthday, Dwyane Wade!) and unfortunately we can't turn back time. However, they do have Mario Chalmers who has been stepping up his game after the absence of Lebron James. Luol Deng has done a solid job averaging 14.9 points and 4.9 rebounds but not enough to cover for James. They need more help if they want to pass the first round this season.

         What's the next move for Pat Riley? There were rumors floating around trading for Brook Lopez or Lance Stephenson. Certainly Brook Lopez would shift Chris Bosh to the power forward spot but it doesn't help the team defensively. We can talk all day about Lance Stephenson's attitude and his role with the Charlotte Hornets. Dwyane Wade doesn't have many years left in the league with his nagging knees causing him to miss a bunch of games each season. They need to go out and find a point guard or develop Norris Cole. He's been in the league for only three years and he has plenty of potential because he can drive into the paint with his speed like Eric Bledsoe and hit the three-point shot. The Miami Heat has to adjust their game and it's certainly going to take time while blossoming center Hassan Whiteside was a great pickup. He had a 23 points and 16 rebounds game in under 30 minutes against the Los Angeles Clippers. The Miami Heat will need to rely on their young players for them to rebuild their organization after Lebron James left.

What if... the Memphis Grizzles had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Carter Johnson from http://isportsweb.com/2014/10/20/memphis-grizzlies-season-preview-player-projections/

                                 
          The Memphis Grizzles have an inside game and an outside game. They also have an identity preaching defense first. Their New Year's resolution? Why not the NBA championship? The Grizzles have all the tools to win a seven game series against any team in the league. Newly acquired Jeff Green from the Boston Celtics is a great upgrade over Tayshaun Prince. He is younger than Prince but won't be asked to be part of the offense for the Memphis Grizzles. Green is the 4th option after Marc Gasol, Zach Randolph, and Mike Conley Jr. His role will be adjusted as he can focus more on defense. Head coach, David Joerger, is using Green as part of a great secondary unit the Memphis Grizzles has. With Green part of the bench, the depth of their roster is key to their success because they have so many weapons.

          Despite having 27 wins, they are still the third seed of the West. The West is so stacked, if you go on a three game losing streak, they might end up as the fifth seed. Between the first seed and eighth seed of the West, there is just a difference of eight games. But the Memphis Grizzles have an established objective coming into each game where defense always comes first. The team is still young and they will have many more years contending for a title if Marc Gasol stays. There are not many centers like him who can run the pick-and-roll, make a hook shot, pass the ball, and make the mid-range shot. It would be nice to have Jeff Green play a similar role like Andre Iguodala. His role from the bench is defense and leadership. Green was never known for his defense and the team doesn't need to rely on his scoring. Green might need to sacrifice playing time for team to succeed. Limited minutes might equal to more wins. Instead of scoring, he could be setting better screens or taking charges. These small changes can be two or three more wins which is critical if they want to maintain home-court advantage. They have a really good chance this year getting to the NBA Finals.

What if... the Los Angeles Lakers had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

Kevin C. Cox/ Getty Images from http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2136767-why-lakers-fans-should-cherish-kobe-bryants-2014-15-campaign

          The Los Angeles Lakers as a whole are lacking stability. Kobe Bryant knows this team is not a playoff team. He is shooting too much and the team needs help. Bryant's supporting cast has been inconsistent with Bryant resting games. The Lakers do not have a cohesive unit on a nightly basis. When the season started, Jeremy Lin and Carlos Boozer were in the starting lineup. After 20 or so games, Ronnie Price and Ed Davis took over. Julius Randle went down due to a leg injury in his NBA debut which is really unfortunate. It just seems to go downhill game by game. The Lakers need a top five pick in this year's draft or a free agent like Marc Gasol or maybe even go after Lebron James if the Cleveland Cavaliers continue to struggle.

          Next season, they have money to spend but should spend it wisely. Kobe Bryant has only a few years left and they need to built through the draft and trades. Behind Bryant, there seems to be no one to build around. Jeremy Lin has not been consistent enough for head coach, Bryon Scott, to play heavy minutes. Carlos Boozer is on the wrong side of 30 and gives you only points and rebounds. Ed Davis is a solid defender with raw offense. The Lakers organization are not used to losing many games. After the Houston Rockets waived Tarik Black for Josh Smith, the Lakers picked up Black. He seems to be a player full of energy when he played behind Dwight Howard. He doesn't complain and works very hard on both ends of the floor. The Lakers need to start thinking about the future because Kobe Bryant is not going to be with the Lakers forever. They need young talent like the Orlando Magic with Victor Oladipo and the Minnesota Timberwolves with Andrew Wiggins. They will struggle for the upcoming years but in the long haul, it will be worth it.

What if... the Los Angeles Clippers had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Troy Taormina, USA TODAY Sports from http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/03/nba-chris-paul-iowa-university-mccafferty-fran-pat-cancer

          Is Chris Paul and Blake Griffin enough to bring the Clippers to the NBA finals? Not until the powerhouse of the West starts to decline. If the Clippers were to shift to the Eastern Conference, they will have a  better chance but the West is so loaded. We have the Golden State Warriors led by new head coach, Steve Kerr. Portland Trailblazers is on the rise as well as the Memphis Grizzles and Dallas Mavericks. Then there's the Los Angeles Clippers standing right in the middle of the clump. The team is good but not great. Each year, it will be a struggle to make it pass the first round.

          Can DeAndre Jordan be like Tyson Chandler? Chandler is a decent free throw shooter and can shoot the mid range at times. DeAndre Jordan as of now, is a poor man's Chandler. He can get you rebounds, defend the paint, and block shots. If he wants to stay on the floor at the end of games, he needs to work on his free throws, otherwise the organization might be heading towards another direction. We see signs of Blake Griffin improving his jumpshots and free throws. Maybe he needs to practice in the gym with Griffin and dominate on both sides on the floor. The West is very competitive and if the Clippers aren't improving, Chris Paul might decide to move around because we can't control time. Age is part of life and Paul is inching close to 30. He has championship mindset but is his team ready?

What if... the Indiana Pacers had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports from http://www.azdesertswarm.com/basketball/2014/11/9/7180157/solomon-hill-arrived-indiana-pacers

                               

          The Indiana Pacers are in a developmental stage where the playoffs doesn't matter. They need their franchise player, Paul George, healthy at the start of next season. So far, no one on the team is averaging more than 15 points per game. Is this a bad thing or a good thing? Well, we understand David West and George Hill are coming back from injuries and it will take time to shake off their rust. With the absence of majority of the starters, Roy Hibbert should be the offense who controls the paint on both sides of the floor. He's not an athletic big man like Anthony Davis but he should be scoring more when Paul George is still sidelined. Through 35 games, Hibbert is only averaging 11.4 points per game. The offense should run through him because he can post up, make hook shots, and capable of hitting that mid-range shot. He is also a great passer but not the transition type player who can run the fastbreak. Roy Hibbert is one of the many concerns head coach, Frank Vogel, has to fix.

          The Pacers resolution is all about Solomon Hill. He is the type of player who can play a similar role like Jimmy Butler. When Derrick Rose was down, Jimmy Butler stepped up and played extremely well. His tough defense allowed him to stay on the court and thus play major minutes. Hill has had a reduced role since C.J. Miles and Rodney Stuckey are taking up the small forward minutes. Solomon Hill has shown signs where he can be a slasher who can get easy baskets and go to the free throw line. He has so much potential and the Pacers need a player who can step up and contribute next season when Paul George is healthy. We will see if the Indiana Pacers decide to trade away players for Solomon Hill to expand his game. 

What if... the Houston Rockets had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Kevin C. Cox/ Getty Images from http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/12004016/nba-truth-james-harden-defense

         
          2013 playoffs. First round elimination. 2014 playoffs. First round elimination. 2015 playoffs? Make it pass the first round. Since the trade for James Harden, they have made it to the playoffs both years. Exciting as it sounds, they should be doing more damage with Dwight Howard in the paint. Last year was tough to swallow. The Houston Rockets were ready for a game 7 with the Portland Trailblazers when all of a sudden, Damian Lillard made a clutch three pointer that sent them to the second round and the Rockets back to the drawing board. They were 54-28 on the season, enough to clinch home court advantage.

          James Harden is only 25 years old and have just entered his prime. He is considered as one of the top shooting guards in the league, right behind future Hall of Famer, Kobe Bryant and Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade. With the addition of Josh Smith from the Detroit Pistons, they have a deeper bench who can create their own offense along with Corey Brewer. Josh Smith needs to sacrifice his game and become more like Andre Iguodala who plays an important role for the 29-5 Golden State Warriors. Steve Kerr knows he's a great player and he needs someone who can lead their bench. Kerr has a lot of trust in Iguodala which is one of the many reasons why the Warriors are among the top in the West. Once Terrence Jones is back in the rotation, he will provide more interior defense the Rockets need alongside Dwight Howard. If they don't make it pass the first round, their will be changes made to the team.

What if... the Golden State Warriors had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Saam Esfandiari from http://www.warriorsworld.net/2014/11/18/draymond-green-should-start-at-pf-for-the-foreseeable-future/

         
          We would have thought the Golden State Warriors were going to be the #1 seed in the western conference middle of January? They are currently 29-5 and have only lost one game at home which was against the San Antonio Spurs. Their resolution is to make it to the Western Conference Finals which is doable. They have the Splash Brothers, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, who are carrying the offense and Draymond Green, who is their glue guy. He does all the little things like going for lose balls and offensive rebounds. Andre Iguodala is buying into the system and coming off the bench bringing the leadership they need for their second unit. First year head coach, Steve Kerr, is doing a nice job slowly bringing David Lee back into the rotating after suffering a hamstring injury. Draymond Green is having a fantastic season and would likely remain as a starter averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 assists, and 8.4 rebounds. For his height, he is plays as an undersized power forward for the Warriors but Kerr likes his ability to run the floor and make smart decisions for the team. Green reminds me of Kawhi Leonard, who doesn't need plays for him to be on the floor. He knows his role and if he's open on the offensive end, he will take the high percentage shot.

          Since they are in the Western Conference, it will be a difficult task to reach the Western Conference Finals but they have all the tools with their roster. Usually, each round gets tougher but in the West, it's different. This year, they might end up going against a team like the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder first round. The Golden State Warriors are heading in the right direction and the fans couldn't be more happier to see their team finally having a successful season.

What if... the Detroit Pistons had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Gregory Shamus/ Getty Images North America from http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/1NVysp9b40w/Indiana+Pacers+v+Detroit+Pistons/57ZcAj-eZVR/Brandon+Jennings

            

          Boy, what a turnaround after my blog about the Detroit Pistons as the most disappointing team so far in the NBA. Let's see the position they were in about a month ago. The Pistons were 5-19 and went on to lose four more games. After the Josh Smith trade, they were on to win seven game straight and here we are today. They just lost to the Atlanta Hawks which is reasonable considering the Hawks are on top of the East. Now the Pistons are 12-24 who are creeping for the 8th seed, Miami Heat. They are just three games back and if the Pistons can make it to the playoffs this season, it was be a great season. Their goal is to get to the playoffs this year and maybe even try to pass the first round.

          The Detroit Pistons should be getting better year by year. With Andre Drummond as their center, he is a great piece to build around. Now that Brandon Jennings and D.J. Augustin is able to handle the ball instead of Josh Smith, they have been playing great team basketball and winning against quality teams such as Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, and Dallas Mavericks. The Piston's resolution is to go get a player like Draymond Green who can play the small forward position and make the hustle plays. His defense and second chance opportunities are what's going to make the coach happy and Green is one of those special players who doesn't need plays to have an impact on the game. The future is bright for the Pistons who will be on the rise.

What if... the Denver Nuggets had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Gerren Keith Gaynor from http://www.blackenterprise.com/lifestyle/kenneth-faried-fights-homophobia-in-sports/

         
          For the past decade, the Denver Nuggets have always been a team around the 6th-8th seed in the West. We all know what Kenneth Faried is capable of. After displaying a showcase of both offense and defense playing with Team USA, he would surely make a huge contribution with the Denver Nuggets. Despite playing like a MVP with Team USA, he is only averaging a dash under 12 points per game and only 8.6 rebounds through 33 games. Head coach, Brian Shaw, at times is bringing him off the bench and that's a huge question mark. Kenneth Faried brings intensity to the team because he works hard on every possession. He should average around 30-35 minutes per game. The Denver Nuggets are a solid team and Ty Lawson has to become that leader the Nuggets need to surpass their current position.

          In the NBA today, it is the league of point guards. If the team has a great point guard, they will have a higher chance of making the playoffs like Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, John Wall, and Damian Lillard. Every night Lawson will have to go against solid players and it allows him to develop his game further. Like Jeff Green from the Boston Celtics, Ty Lawson has to be more consistent in order to consider him as an All-Star caliber type of player. I would like to see Kenneth Faried improve on the New Year as he has been stepping up his game lately. On December 26th, Faried has a 26 points and 25 rebounds night. That is unbelievable considering the fact he only played 30 minutes. He has so much upsides and if Brian Shaw starts giving him more minutes, he won't disappoint coach Shaw. There's a reason why Faried's nickname is "The Manimal".

What if... the Dallas Mavericks had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Kevin Jairaj/ USA TODAY Sports from http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/mavericks

         
          The presence of Jae Crowder and especially Brandan Wright will be missed because they fitted into the Dallas Maverick's system so well. They have downgraded their backup frontcourt and anytime Tyson Chandler or Dirk Nowitzki gets into foul trouble, the Dallas Mavericks will have to rely on smaller power forward/ centers of Charlie Villaneuva and Greg Smith. On the other hand, they did get Rajon Rondo in return, who can be the point guard the Mavericks needed.

          The Mavericks need to find a frontcourt player who plays defense and doesn't necessarily need to score. It will be tough for them reach the Western Conference finals since the West is loaded with elite teams such as Golden State Warriors, L.A. Clippers, Houston Rockets, Portland Trailblazers, and Memphis Grizzles. A great team with great players needs to play together for a longer duration like the Miami Heat who lost in the NBA finals when Lebron James and Chris Bosh first came together as the Big Three with Dwyane Wade. In the upcoming years, Rajon Rondo's presence will be a factor if Dirk Nowitzki wants any chance of another ring before he retires.

What if... the Cleveland Cavaliers had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Elise Amendola, AP from http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/cavaliers/2014/07/11/lebron-james-cleveland-cavs-home-return-decision-miami-heat/12431349/

       
          Lebron James hurt. Kyrie Irving hurt. A 19-16 start. 5th in the East. Lost to the Philadelphia 76ers who are 5-28, tied for least wins with the New York Knicks. It can't get any worse for the team, can it? With the addition of Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith from the New York Knicks, they still have not found a replacement for Anderson Varejao who is out for the rest of the season due to an Achilles injury. Thristan Thompson has been a great replacement as of now if they want to play small ball. Once the Cavaliers match up against teams with bigs like Al Horford and Nikola Vucevic, size will mater and it will be hard for him to guard. When Tarik Black was waived by the Houston Rockets, I thought the Cavaliers were going to try to pick him up because he was playing great when Dwight Howard was out. He's only a rookie and has already shown he can do the little things by playing defense and hustling on every possession. The Cleveland Cavaliers are not ready for the playoffs if they don't have a quality center.

          If the team continues to get injured and stack up more loses, Lebron James will take matters into his own hands and leave the team if he feels the team is not ready to play championship basketball. Their resolution? Simple: Less drama and more winning. We thought Lebron James returning home was enough, but this? Now that Dion Waiters is out of the picture, the key piece of the trade is Iman Shumpert. Once he's healthy, his defense can be really annoying for the opposing team. I felt J.R. Smith was a throw-in due to his contract. He gives you defense but can make the coach crazy at times. Let's see where the Cleveland Cavaliers are by the All-Star break because there will more changes if they don't take their roles seriously.

What if... the Chicago Bulls had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Sportabsorb from http://www.sportabsorb.com/2014/07/derrick-rose-dunking-practice/

                                         

          The Chicago Bulls are in a great spot to be in when the playoff arrives. Tied for second place of the Eastern Conference with Toronto Raptors, they will get home court advantage but more importantly they will have Derrick Rose back for the playoffs for the first time since the 2012 playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers. It will be a dream come true for the Bulls fans if Derrick Rose is the starting point guard for the Chicago Bulls. It would be such a remarkable story for the city of Chicago if they can reach the NBA finals because they have all the tools to make a deep run in the playoffs. Head coach, Tom Thibodeau, has done a good job maintaining Rose's minutes. This season, they have a really good chance only if, ONLY IF, the players are healthy. And that is why the Bull's resolution is to have their starting unit and bench unit healthy. Everyone has missed the Derrick Rose that brought the house down with his vicious dunks. He is not the only threat anymore as they have Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah, and Pau Gasol. Unfortunately, injuries are part of the game and each team has to play through those events. The NBA was never the same when Rose missed the whole 2012-2013 season and I wish him all the best to be ready for the playoffs in April.

What if... the Charlotte Hornets had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by David T. Foster from http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/11/03/5288306/charlotte-hornets-lance-stephenson.html#.VKYFqSvF-08

                                                 
          The Charlotte Hornets had high expectations coming into the beginning of the season. A fresh start from the Charlotte Bobcats to the Charlotte Hornets. With the addition of  Lance Stephenson, they were a legitimate top five team of the East. Led by Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker, he looked like a great fit for the Hornets. 33 games in, they have only won 10 games. Stephenson is only averaging 10 points and almost 7 rebounds per game. When he was with the Indiana Pacers, he played behind Paul George, David West, and Roy Hibbert while still averaging almost 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists. With Lance Stephenson out with a pelvic sprain and Al Jefferson missing the first four weeks of the new year due to groin strain, the season is looking more grim for the Charlotte Hornets. They could only play the wait game as the season has been a struggle. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been a disappointment pick after going second in the 2012 draft, right behind Anthony Davis. There are rumors Lance Stephenson is on the trade market but he is the type of player who can average a triple-double which is very rare in this league. For a guard, he is a great rebounder but needs to work on his mid-range and basketball I.Q. When the core of the Hornets is back, they will start to gel and play as a team but is still missing a superstar player. They might need to wait until the draft because they are lacking an athletic wing-man who can shoot the three, drive into paint and finish.

What if... the Brooklyn Nets had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Bruce Bennett, Getty Images North America from http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/sKm20-vGweh/Detroit+Pistons+v+Brooklyn+Nets/9fgkVXKsOCV/Mason+Plumlee

                                               

          The Brooklyn Nets are currently 15-16 which gives them a 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. Nets owner, Mikhail Prokhorov, expected the team to contend for a championship after acquiring Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce from the Boston Celtics. Looks like it's not happening after he promised a title unless they win it this year. Prokhorov spent tons of money and is well over the salary cap yet the team wasn't winning much games for the past two seasons. The Brooklyn Nets need an all-around player for them to be successful. Brook Lopez is a great offensive player but he lacks on the defensive end. Kevin Garnett is no longer the type of player he was ten years ago and we shouldn't expect much from him unless he turns back the clock like Tim Duncan. Deron Williams is playing better basketball compared to the past few seasons with the Nets but still needs consistency in order for him to be a top five point guard. The team has many injuries with Deron Williams and Brook Lopez. They need to build up better chemistry with a consistent line-up who new head coach, Lionel Hollins, is trying to find. For several games of this season, Brook Lopez and Deron Williams came off the bench and the team has won.  While spending time and winning a gold medal with team USA, Mason Plumlee gained confidence and has played great for the Nets when given the opportunity. Plumlee is only a sophomore and he's one of the key players who need to develop quickly if the team wants to win soon. They need to trade for a player like Mike Conley Jr. or John Wall who can make the players around them better who has a sense of urgency.

What if... the Boston Celtics had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

                                      by Brian Robb from http://www.celticshub.com/2014/02/09/report-hawks-interested-trading-jeff-green/                                    

          

          The Boston Celtics are in a rebuilding stage after trading away Rajon Rondo to the Dallas Mavericks. It's obvious they are not ready compete against teams like the Golden State Warriors or Chicago Bulls. After the acquisition of Brandon Wright and Jae Crowder from the Dallas Mavericks, their roster is filled with more good players, not great players. They have a young star in Marcus Smart who was a great offensive player in college. With a few more years playing with one another, each player from the Celtics should understand their roles better. 

          I want to talk about Jeff Green for a moment. He was traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2011 so he can backup Paul Pierce and replace him after he leaves the organization. He averaged around 15 points and 5 rebounds before he left the Thunder. I assumed he would play a major role because he had to play behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Those are pretty decent stats playing behind two superstars. His first season with the Boston Celtics was a tough one as he went from averaging 37 minutes to around 24 minutes. After Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce left for the Brooklyn Nets, many people assumed it was the year Jeff Green was going to have a break-out season. Unfortunately, it was another disappointing season for him. Fast-forward to his 5th season with the Boston Celtics, he is finally posting career high 18.5 point per game through 29 games. He produces monster statlines sometimes but sometimes is not enough. Green needs to be more consistent for the Celtics to have a chance winning against teams above .500. Another player who needs to improve his game is Jared Sullinger. Analysts have compared Jared Sullinger to Kevin Love when he just entered the league. He has great size and range for his position. What he needs to work on is his defense and mobility. In time, the Boston Celtics would need Jeff Green to become their veteran leader. Budding young stars of Jared Sullinger and Marcus Smart are key for the Celtics if they want to make the playoffs. They might have a few more disappointing seasons but through the draft and experience playing together, the Boston Celtics will be an elite squad sooner rather than later.

What if... the Atlanta Hawks had a New Year's Resolution, what would it be?

by Lauren Moranor from http://www.sportsworldreport.com/articles/18083/20130712/milwaukee-bucks-rumors-jeff-teague-asks-atlanta-hawks-match-offer.htm

                                       
          Surprisingly, the Atlanta Hawks are in a great situation. Who would've thought they would be the second best team on the East with a remarkable 23-8 start. Even though the Hawks are off to a great start, they need a few more adjustments to make it to the next level and call themselves title contenders. They need to find that one player who can make the last shot of the game whether it's Jeff Teague, Al Horford, or Paul Millsap. In order for the Hawks to advance deeper into the playoffs, I believe Teague has the ability to take that one extra step and be that team leader. We all know what Paul Millsap is capable of with his mid-range, post up, and defense tenacity. Kyle Korver is a great teammate to have who can shoot the three and DeMarre Carroll is a player to watch out for. He's the type of player who can defend Lebron James or Kevin Durant. He won't stop them but he will slow them down. Al Horford is coming back from a shoulder injury and should play like the way he did a season ago. Jeff Teague has shown improvements and could be the go-to player for the Atlanta Hawks in a few years.

          The team has a great starting five led by head coach, Mike Budenholzer. Last year, they made it to the playoffs but it was as a eighth seed with just a record of 38-44. This group of players has been meshing for a few years and their chemistry will grow game by game with the return of Al Horford. In order for the Hawks to be a threat, Jeff Teague must make himself a leader how Mike Conley Jr. did for the Memphis Grizzles. It's not going to happen overnight but he will gradually learn. The Atlanta Hawks are in a good spot and their fans should be proud of them.