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1990 Pacific Division: Deeper Look
Topic Started: Aug 1 2009, 07:06 PM (257 Views)
Maverick41
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"1990 Pacific Division: Deeper Look"

When looking at the Western Conference, it is no doubt that it is the weaker of the two conferences. However, there's much talent on the teams in the West. This article focuses on the Pacific Division, more specifically serving as a means to introduce teams' origin, highlight teams' most important player, some statistics, and trade analysis.

Posted Image Seattle Supersonics
Origin:
The Seattle Supersonic franchise officially began on Dec. 20th, 1966, when two business men from LA, Sam Schulman and Eugene V. Klein, were awarded an NBA franchise in the city of Seattle. The name "Supersonics" comes from a Boeing project that was known as the SST project. The SST project built the Boeing 2707, which was supposed to be the American supersonic transport (SST). The Supersonics officially began play in October 1967.
MIP: PG John Stockton
This PG is truly one of the best in the league. There was a reason why the Sonics took him with their 1st pick of the creation draft. Stockton not only leads to this on the court, but he is a great lockerroom presence, helping characters like PF Dennis Rodman in check. He may not be the most vocal person, but he can definitely lead by example. He has made GF Xavier McDaniel a lot better player, helping McDaniel be the team's best scorer.
Stats:
PPG: 94.7 - 21st in the league
OPPG: 95.4 - 4th in the league
RPG: 48.1 - 22nd in the league
APG: 25.9 - 1st in the league
SPG: 9.7 - 13th in the league
BPG: 4.5 - 23rd in the league
TOPG: 14.6 - 13th in the league
Trade Analysis:
Sonics trade:
Sonics get F Tom Chambers for 3 1sts (91, 92, 93) + Fillers
This trade shows that the Sonics are in a win now mode. Chambers, an aging scorer, was a nice pickup, especially for their anemic offense. Getting him has helped the Sonics climb into that #8th spot, but will they be able to hold onto that spot? Outside the picks, the Sonics didn't have to give up much at all. However, the 92 and 93 picks are up in the air, because the Sonics will have to resign basically 4 of their starters, McDaniel, Rodman, Parish, and Chambers.
Grade: B

Posted Image Sacramento Kings
Origin:
The Kings have a pretty deep history. The franchise that would finally be known as the Sacramento Kings initially started in Rochester, New York. The franchise was there from 1945-1957. After winning the NBA title in 1951, the Royals moved to Cincinnatti. That franchise lasted from 1957-1972 with minimal success. The Kings went onto to Kansas City, and now finally where they have settled in Sacramento. Playing in Arco arena is a real tough thing to do for opposing teams, as it has brought many sold-out crowds and one of the loudest fans in the country.
MIP: SF James Worthy
Brought in a trade from the Spurs, Worthy has been worth every single thing the Kings traded for to get him. The forward is a do-it-all type player, and has become the anchor for the Kings defense. Not only a godd scorer and defender, but he has brought the Kings back to their winning ways, as they are hungry for the Ship.
Stats:
PPG: 93.0 - 24th in the league
OPPG: 89.6 - 1st in the league
RPG: 49.4 - 17th in the league
APG: 24.8 - 8th in the league
SPG: 10.2 - 6th in the league
BPG: 5.8 - 11th in the league
TOPG: 13.8 - 7th in the league
Trade Analysis:
Kings get SF James Worthy for PG Kenny Anderson + Fillers
The Kings got their star that the team needed. Knowing that they weren't able to get in on Payton or Coleman, the Kings decided that enough is enough, and it's time to finally have a winning team in Sacramento. Yes, Anderson has potential to be a nice PG in this league, but the Kings made the right choice, when they already have a good enough PG in Webb. Worthy will be an expiring at age 30, but that doesn't matter when you are trying to build a winning team.
Grade: A
Kings get C Brad Daugherty for SG Hersey Hawkins + Cavs 92 1st + Magic 92 1st + fillers
Another move to move their franchise in the right direction, the Kings went out and got their starting C Brad Daugherty. Brining in Daugherty made the Kings offense instantly more potent. His rebounding and scoring are good, but he'll need work on his defense. Hawkins was not a good fit in the Kings system, so he became expendable. Another great trade.
Grade: A
Kings get GF Steve Smith for Fillers + 1sts(93 ORL 1st, 92 DEN 1st, 94 ORL 1st)
On the same day after getting Daugherty, the Kings went out and got Smith, which has proved to be a good move. This allowed the Kings to move Edwards, a fine backup, back to the bench. Smith is still a rookie, and surrounding him with great talent will hopefully let him develop into a fine player. The Kings did have to give up possibly two good 1sts in the Magic, but that is really still unknown with the direction of the current Magic GM. Smith had a decent TC, but is still young and definitely should have potential to get better.
Grade: B+
This GM has done a great job with his trades and signing PF Taylor Person. He gets my vote for GMOTY.

Posted Image Portland Trailblazers
Origin:
The Blazers franchise began in 1970. The name "Trailblazers" was selected in a contest, held two weeks after the NBA granted a franchise in Portland. In 1977, the Blazers won their 1st Championship. Blazers fans around the world are all about loyalty. They play in the Rose Garden.
MIP: PF Karl Malone
Their 1st pick in the creation draft, the Blazers selected without question, the best PF in the league right now. Malone is such a hardworker and always motivated, and that puts even more value onto a player. Malone is a vocal leader and a very physical player. The forward is having a better season than last, and has helped the Blazers hold a Playoff spot. He is also an MVP candidate.
Stats:
PPG: 102.5 - 4th in the league
OPPG: 99.3 - 18th in the league
RPG: 49.4 - 16th in the league
APG: 25.8 - 2nd in the league
SPG: 10.8 - 3rd in the league
BPG: 4.8 - 19th in the league
TOPG: 15.1 - 19th in the league
Trade Analysis:
Blazers get SF Tyrone Corbin + C Brad Louhas for PG Bimbo Coles + Blazers 1993 1st + Filler
This was a cheap deal, considering Corbin instantly filled into the starting spot at SF for the Blazers. Coles will only be a backup, and the 93 1st shouldn't really hurt the Blazers.
Grade: A-
Blazers get F Roy Hinson + Celtics 1995 1st for SF Cedric Ceballos + Filler
This was a decent trade for the Blazers. They got a more ready SF than Ceballos and the potential winning prize, the Celtics 1995 1st, since Bird, King, and McHale aren't getting any younger. Hinson now has served as a bench player.
Grade: B+
Blazers get SG Sarunas Marciulionis + Celtics 1991 1st for SG Drazen Petrovic
Both Marciulionis and Petrovic are exprings, so that isn't much of an issue. From the Blazers outlook, Sarunas probably fits in their system better right now, especially defensively. However, the Blazers were playing just fine with Petrovic at the SG position. The Mavs got the better end of the deal, based solely on potential. Sarunas did have a great offseason, but I just don't see him improving unless camped.
Grade: B-

Posted Image Phoenix Suns
Origin:
The Suns started off as an expansion team, and officially joined the league in 1968. The Suns were also the first major professional sports franchise in the state of Arizona. The nickname "Suns" earned the name to be the name of the franchise after it was the most entered named in a contest held by the Arizona Republic. The Suns enjoyed a finals appearance during the 1976 season.
MIP: PG Dana Barros
For these scrappy Suns, it has undoubtedly be PG Dana Barros. Barros might be small (5'11'', 165 lbs.) but he's got a big heart, and an even bigger and greater jumper. This PG is one of the best shooters this league has to offer. He's not your traditional PG, but he has got the job done for the Suns this season. He's an expiring, but after a great regular season and a possible deep playoff run, this Sun could be locked up for a very long time.
Stats:
PPG: 102.8 - 3rd in the league
OPPG: 101.0 - 25th in the league
RPG: 50.1 - 11th in the league
APG: 20.7 - 29th in the league
SPG: 9.4 - 15th in the league
BPG: 4.6 - 21st in the league
TOPG: 15.1 - 20th in the league
Trade Analysis:
Suns get SG Dell Curry + Filler + Rights to swap either 92 or 93 Celtics 1st for SG Bernard King
The trade was officially the first major trade of the 1990 season for the Suns. King, an aging scorer, did not fit into what the Suns wanted to do with the team. They wanted to go with a much younger core, and Curry was a nice fit. Curry won't ever be a #1 or #2 type scorer, but he is a very good role player. But then again, Curry has been #1 for the Suns, and they have been winning. Regardless, this was a vey good move, and that 1993 Celtics 1st looks to have some promise.
Grade: A-

Posted Image Los Angeles Lakers
Origin:
The Lakers franchise originally started in Detroit in 1946, as the Lakers were known as the Gems. The franchise only last one season in Detroit, as the franchise moved to Minneapolis, where it stayed until 1960. The "Lakers" nickname was earned because of the fact that Minnesota is the "Land of 10,000 Lakes". In 1960, the Lakers moved to Los Angeles, where they have been ever since. The Lakers have had many HOF's and have won many Championships throughout the years, making it one of the greatest major professional sports franchises of all time.
MIP:F Shawn Kemp
Coming off of a season where the Lakers almost reached the finals, expectations were really big on Kemp and the Lakers for this season. However, Kemp didn't have a strong offseason, and it has shown, as he is still going though growing pains. However, the forward is only 20 years old, and still has the potential to be a force. Kemp really needs to work on his rebounding, TO's, and scoring. Since the Lakers are rebuilding, Kemp is still the perfect cornerstone for a rebuilding franchise.
Trade Analysis:
The Lakers have yet to make a huge trade.
Grade: D

Posted Image Los Angeles Clippers
Origin:
The Clippers franchise began in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves. They lasted in Buffalo until the 1978 season. This was because of their poor play and terrible ticket sales. The franchise relocated to San Diego. The Clippers franchise last from 1978 to 1984 in San Diego. They also experienced very poor play and were finally sold to LA real estate developer Donald Sterling. The Clippers have been on the right track at times, but are still looking for more successful seasons than in the past.
MIP:PF Danny Manning
Manning was the first selection by the Clippers in the creation draft. Manning is a very talented and crafty scorer around the basket. He has the potential to be a very good scorer in this league, but he really needs work on his defense and rebounding. However, the Clippers are still building their team, and Manning is a good player to build around.
Trade Analysis:
The Clippers haven't been acquiring any players only picks, but at the expense of their younger talent. Minus the Smith trade to the Kings...
Grade: A-
If you are a young team, building up a team to an eventual contender, I like to have younger talent than future 1sts. Therefore, I really didn't like that Smith trade. Those Orlando 1sts might have potential, but there are too mayn variables to count on that. The Clippers GM had their reason why to build around Manning and Strickland, but why not include Smith?
Grade: C+

Posted Image Golden State Warriors
Origin:
The Warriors franchise started off as the Philadelphia Warriors in 1946. In their inagural season and of the BAA (eventually known as NBA), they ended up winning the Championship. The franchise then reloacted to San Francisco in 1962 until 1971. They had limited success before finally moving to their permanent home in Oakland. "Golden State" was chosen because of it being one of California's main nicknames. In Oakland, the Warriors won the Championship in 1975, but since then, have faced struggles.
MIP: C Hakeem Olajuwon
Not only is Hakeem the MIP for the Warriors, but he's also most likely the MVP of the league as well. From the start of the season, Hakeem has put up ridiculous numbers on a consistent basis. The Warriors franchise did replace its GM during this season, and the new GM has been fielding offers for Hakeem. I really doubt the GM would move him, because he is just that great. Hakeem will be a top player in the league for years to come, and possibly one of the greatest Centers to play in the league as well.
Statistics:
PPG: 97.4 - 15th in the league
OPPG: 95.5 - 5th in the league
RPG: 49.7 - 15th in the league
APG: 23.9 -10th in the league
SPG: 9.9 - 10th in the league
BPG: 9.0 - 1st in the league
TOPG: 15.8 - 26th in the league
Trade Analysis:
No trades.
Edited by Maverick41, Aug 2 2009, 09:03 PM.
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Maverick41
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This is going to take some time, so I'll be finishing this little by little.
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Maverick41
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Decided to break this down from Division to Division since this takes a long time. Stats should stay the same, so I'll hopefully finish this by seasons end.
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ib4
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nice
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Maverick41
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Show me the money!
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theschmaranz
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Bears... Beets... Battlestar Galactica
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$1























































Nah, $250
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Maverick41
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Puny
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