c2c basketball

Fact or Fiction is an article written by Chris Clever, Matt Pipsair, and Jeff Wickman. They will be rotating with the duties, but will bring you the various topics around the league and debate about whether the statement is fact or if it is fiction.

It also gives me a good reason to post random/funny NBA related photos.

The New Jersey Nets will repeat as back-to-back champions. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: FICTION. While the New Jersey Nets do have there starting five returning with Kidd, Iverson, Finley, Gasol, and Shaq, I just don’t see it happening. Especially with the Pistons and Hornets becoming a title contenders and the previous contenders like the Bulls, Magic, and the runner up Kings. There is a chance of them winning it, but it will hinge on how they use there picks and Free Agency.

Pippy: Fiction. While I believe they will have a great year, there are too many teams that have vastly improved. It’s hard enough to win the c2c title once, much less twice in a row.

The New Orleans Hornets will have the most improved record from last season to this season. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: FACT. Things in the Bayou have changed dramatically since last season. Pippy has done a GREAT job of instead of waiting for the future to taking his team from a bottom dweller to a contender in a very short time. There starting five is intimidating with Jameer Nelson, Michael Redd, Tracy McGrady, Emeka Okafor and Tyson Chandler. WOW! This team is going to easily win 55+ games next year. Good job Pippy!

Pippy: Fact. I haven’t seen any other team that has improved as much as the Hornets. Going from less than 20 wins to 40+ isn’t a far stretch with a core of Redd, McGrady, Okafor and Chandler. Expect big things from New Orleans this year. The only team I see improving half as much as the Hornets will are the Blazers and I still think they are a season away from contending.

The Memphis Grizzlies trades this off-season will make them title contenders. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: FICTION. Sorry Evan, but while you may boast a nice starting three of Billups, Carter, and Joe Johnson…Your talent drops of considerably. I do think they have a chance of winning the Southwest division again but, I don’t see this team going farther than Western Semi’s with this current roster. Changes will be needed in order for the Grizzlies to make a trip to the Finals.

Pippy: Fiction. The Grizz made a few moves to improve their scoring but they decreased their defense and big men greatly. Who is gonna take Shaq’s position? Channing Frye? While Joe Johnson and Vince Carter are a hell of a combo, the problems down low are going to allow another team to win the Southwest division. Possibly the Rockets or Hornets.

With all the trades the Detroit Pistons are back to be Team Fundamental. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: TRUE. My boy Tree has done a good job with Pistons and returning to “Team Fundamental”. I know Tree has been working the trade lines in hopes of possibly dealing Yao and sending him on his way but his current team is looking pretty damn DIRTY if I say so myself. If they can improve there PG situation with an upgrade of Jack, this team will be very dangerous come playoff time. But the East is tough, so they won’t have an easy road, that’s for sure.

Pippy: Push. Team Fundamental? I really don’t know what that means. They have a damn good core but I am very hesitant to compare them to the real Pistons of the NBA. They aren’t disciplined enough to be considered Team Fundamental, sorry Tree.

When moving from 13th to 3rd the Philadelphia 76ers won this years NBA Draft Lottery. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: FACT. The 76ers may have pulled one of the luckiest balls to ever be pulled in the NBA Draft. A few years ago when the Pistons got lucky and received the #2 pick in the draft, I thought might have been the greatest NBA Lottery luck, but Sixers have changed that. It will be interesting to see who the 76ers take, but rumors coming out of Philly are they are looking to take Horford with the #3 pick.

Pippy: Push again. There were 2 winners, the Sixers and Cavs. The Cavs jumped up a few spots to gain one of only 2 elite talents in the draft. Oden or Durant are gonna be great additions to the core the Cavs have. The Sixers did win it as well. They got very lucky to land a lotto spot like that. They can say they won ONLY if they make the right pick at 3rd.

Another trade machine this off-season, the Sacramento Kings made them selves better. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: FICTION. The Kings will have a even tougher road in the playoffs this year. BDiddy and Wade are a great backcourt combo, but I’m not sold on a combo of Craig Smith and Juwan Howard. Sorry Brian, but this isn’t 1994 when Juwan Howard was beastly. And even with your draft pick, I don’t think it’s going to make that big of a difference whether you make the playoffs or not. It will be interesting how the Western conference champs do this season.

Pippy: Fact. The trades made them better but they won’t have the same amount of success as last season. With the teams in the West improving like they have, it will be a much tougher conference to win. They have no big help which will hurt them when they play teams with legitimate big men.

With the 2nd Overall pick and everyone a year older the Portland Trailblazers will be in the playoffs next year. Fact or Fiction?

Jeff: FICTION. Honestly, no matter who they take with the #2 pick, I don’t see this team doing that well either. Maybe I’m being hard on Norma’s Blazers, but Nate Robinson? Luther Head? They will have a chance to make a splash in Free Agency though and that will key for them to see how this team progresses next season. Hopefully though, that Norman won’t throw crap money at free agents who don’t deserve it. They should hold on to that cap for two season if need be because there not expecting to win a championship right away. If you asked me this question in two years though, I would definitely say that the Blazers will make the playoffs.

Pippy: Fiction. While they will push to be a playoff team, I believe they are still a year, MAYBE 2 years away. The core is young and alot of this is contingent on 2 things: If Norman can keep Monta Ellis in Portland and if Oden/Durant can make an immediate impact. Their current roster isn’t good enough yet and I don’t think 1 player will help them improve enough to make the playoffs in a much improved Western Conference.