What team has improved the most?

[Supergirl]

Of all the teams that have made big splashes this free agency, who has gotten better overall? That should include both short term gains and long term prospects for the team.

[Flo-Rida]

The miami dolphins

[VBM]

All jokes aside, the Chandler/Peja pickups in Dallas were pretty sick. The Heat still have some flaws, OKC is right up there with the Perkins deal, Spurs got better and younger, but Dallas I think is the squad nobody wants to face in the postseason.

[JamStone]

Out of the choices, New York. They're not title contenders this year and maybe won't be anytime soon. But they added the best player of any players moved mid-season (duly noting others might argue Deron Williams), they added a championship veteran PG as an underrated part of the deal, and now they have two bonafide superstar scorers. There defense will lack like it always has, but they made the most drastic improvement of any of the teams listed.

[VBM]

Whoops...misread the thread. Of the teams listed, OKC has all the pieces they need now. It's just a matter of whether Durant can take the next step and perform like a star in the playoffs. Presti's going to have a helluva time trying to keep this squad together, but if he can, look out.

[Rummpd]

LOL at the love for the Thunder for acquring a hurt career 6 point 6 rebound (never averaged a double double in his career) center who may be big but is hugely over-rated.

[Flo-Rida]

LOL at the love for the Thunder for acquring a hurt career 6 point 6 rebound (never averaged a double double in his career) center who may be big but is hugely over-rated.

A guy who was the difference in game 7 of the nba finals , sure is overrated .

[Cry Havoc]

Perkins and Robinson > Deron or Melo+Billups? Wow.

[VBM]

Perkins and Robinson > Deron or Melo+Billups? Wow.

It's about the total makeup of the team. Deron and the Nets ain't doing shit this year, and probably won't do anything unless they can attract other FAs. Other FA's might wait until Williams signs an extension with NJ to commit.

As for Melo/Billups, that team plays no defense whatsoever, and will be severly cash strapped if they break the bank for CP3 (and CP3 won't salvage NY's defense anyway).

OKC defends, scores, has a competent coach, solid front office. Durant's locked up, Westbrook will more than likely resign...I just think the future is bright there.

[Kobe_5_Duncan_4]

I'll go with New York.

While I like the Perkins move for OKC he's still not a difference maker for them in the West. Don't get me wrong, he should improve them but since they needed a low post scorer more than they needed a bruising defensive center I think the move still leaves a hole.

But considering what NY gave up to get Carmelo and Billups... put it this way, if it was LA instead of NY yall'd be crying a river right now.

[cheguevara]

I don't know why NY is in the list. They traded their entire team for a has been and a never defends.


Gotta be either Denver or OKC. Denver is deep as fuck. They are deeper than the Blazers of 3 years ago without the injuries. I'll go with OKC cause I think they'll be better in the playoffs.

In long term, Denver. Short term OKC. Close third, Nets.

[tlongII]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v513/tlongII/CRASH.jpg

[cheguevara]

It's about the total makeup of the team. Deron and the Nets ain't doing shit this year, and probably won't do anything unless they can attract other FAs. Other FA's might wait until Williams signs an extension with NJ to commit.

As for Melo/Billups, that team plays no defense whatsoever, and will be severly cash strapped if they break the bank for CP3 (and CP3 won't salvage NY's defense anyway).

OKC defends, scores, has a competent coach, solid front office. Durant's locked up, Westbrook will more than likely resign...I just think the future is bright there.

props. This man knows his shit

[JamStone]

Denver got deeper but not sure I agree they got better. I think what will be more telling is how they move forward in the off season and beyond with trading some of that depth to upgrade the caliber of players. Not sure how successful a team can have with crazy depth but no really great players. Aside from Nene, all the other rotation guys are essentially 20-24 MPG type of players considering the depth they have.

It's an interesting point on OKC because their move addressed a need more so than the Knicks' move did. OKC gets more balance to their roster and upgrades an identifiable need to get tougher on the interior. I think the question is now whether addressing a need actually makes a tangible difference. They were a dangerous mid playoff team before the trade that was capable of getting out of the first round (since they were in position to be a top 4 seed), but likely wouldn't beat the Spurs, Mavs, or Lakers (still giving them the benefit of the doubt) in the second round. Now while the move helps their chances, I still don't see them beating any of those three teams in a playoff series. So how much did they improve really? I guess if you truly think they can knock of the Spurs, Mavs, or Lakers, then I can see where you say they did. I personally don't think they can.

I chose the Knicks more because of the talent upgrade. Just like the Thunder, I don't think the Knicks really change their fortune for this season in terms of being able to knock of teams like the Heat, Celtics, Bulls, or Magic. But even with as much as they gave up, they got the best player in the deal and probably the best player moved in these mid season trades. When you get two superstars on the same team, it's much easier to build around them. So I expect the Knicks to find complementary pieces this offseason and going forward to help them become an elite team. A shotblocking center that can run the floor and a versatile perimeter defensive specialist would be a start.

Since I didn't think any of the moves meant the difference between say a first round exit and a conference finals appearance, no major improvement like that, I went with the move that seemed to upgrade talent the most. So I selected the Knicks.

[Cry Havoc]

Denver got deeper but not sure I agree they got better. I think what will be more telling is how they move forward in the off season and beyond with trading some of that depth to upgrade the caliber of players. Not sure how successful a team can have with crazy depth but no really great players. Aside from Nene, all the other rotation guys are essentially 20-24 MPG type of players considering the depth they have.

It's an interesting point on OKC because their move addressed a need more so than the Knicks' move did. OKC gets more balance to their roster and upgrades an identifiable need to get tougher on the interior. I think the question is now whether addressing a need actually makes a tangible difference. They were a dangerous mid playoff team before the trade that was capable of getting out of the first round (since they were in position to be a top 4 seed), but likely wouldn't beat the Spurs, Mavs, or Lakers (still giving them the benefit of the doubt) in the second round. Now while the move helps their chances, I still don't see them beating any of those three teams in a playoff series. So how much did they improve really? I guess if you truly think they can knock of the Spurs, Mavs, or Lakers, then I can see where you say they did. I personally don't think they can.

I chose the Knicks more because of the talent upgrade. Just like the Thunder, I don't think the Knicks really change their fortune for this season in terms of being able to knock of teams like the Heat, Celtics, Bulls, or Magic. But even with as much as they gave up, they got the best player in the deal and probably the best player moved in these mid season trades. When you get two superstars on the same team, it's much easier to build around them. So I expect the Knicks to find complementary pieces this offseason and going forward to help them become an elite team. A shotblocking center that can run the floor and a versatile perimeter defensive specialist would be a start.

Since I didn't think any of the moves meant the difference between say a first round exit and a conference finals appearance, no major improvement like that, I went with the move that seemed to upgrade talent the most. So I selected the Knicks.

This.

[JamStone]

As for Melo/Billups, that team plays no defense whatsoever, and will be severly cash strapped if they break the bank for CP3 (and CP3 won't salvage NY's defense anyway).

Strapped but defensive specialists and role players don't carry a huge price tag. It will obviously depend on the new CBA and its rules. But for the moment under the current CBA, having three max type players straps the team for cash but doesn't cripple it. The MLE allows for a really quality role player, and older former stars are always an option the way Boston did with Shaq or guys like Grant Hill or Antonio McDyess who can be had for cheaper but still provide valuable contributions to a great team. Even if New York ends up splurging on a max PG, there will be ways to continue to improve the roster. It won't be able to happen overnight. But I would rather my team have three superstars and work from there than to have no superstars but a lot of depth at every position but the quality of players aren't that great. That's what I currently get as a Pistons fan. I'd rather have the three superstars... even if they play zero defense.

[Venti Quattro]

Why is Boston in the list? They didn't get better with the trade they made.

[vato loco]

LOL at the love for the Thunder for acquring a hurt career 6 point 6 rebound (never averaged a double double in his career) center who may be big but is hugely over-rated.

Are you Hollinger's gay lover?

[lefty]

1. Portland
2. Denver
3. OKC





Lakers are gonna reach the WCF banged up

[Venti Quattro]

1. Portland
2. Denver
3. OKC





Lakers are gonna reach the WCF banged up

If they even reach the WCF.

[Venti Quattro]

Are you Hollinger's gay lover?

He's hollinger's The Good Doctor

[lefty]

If they even reach the WCF.
I think they will

I expect them to be a better team come playoff time

They must be bored right now, that's all

[vato loco]

Lakeshow imrpoved the most by simply not doing a damn thing. San Antonio stayed pat too but there just a reg season team like the Suns or old Kings. Trading away Perkins and his faggot ass scowl gift wraped #17 for us.

[Kobe_5_Duncan_4]

Apparently playing no defense in Denver is more admirable than playing no defense in New York. That makes sense.

Denver got a marginal PG, a couple role players and picks for a superstar and a savvy veteran PG.

Funny stuff.

[tlongII]

Definitely the Blazers. WE STAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKED!!!

[JamStone]

Detroit fans and Houston fans can tell you having crazy depth but no great players means absolutely jack squat. Anyone suggesting Denver is one of the most improved teams is smoking some really good shit.

[Kobe_5_Duncan_4]

Detroit fans and Houston fans can tell you having crazy depth but no great players means absolutely jack squat. Anyone suggesting Denver is one of the most improved teams is smoking some really good shit.


I thought this was pretty well known too...

Then I come to the twilight zone where guys like Gallinari and Ray Felton are "better" than Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups.

[Venti Quattro]

Jam, Denver has good players but they have no clear-cut go to guy that's why they're kind of going to suck.

[Reggie Williams]

Blazers had a really underrated trade. Aldrige with Wallace is a good combo.

However, the Rockets would have the best trade day if they traded that chucker Kevin Martin

[sefant77]

Dallas is missing for not doing any move

Maybe not fucking up the chemistry as usual during the deadline was the best thing they could do

[Jt.ONE]

without a doubt its the knicks
but i do like the wallace pickup by portand.

tlong, :toast

[Killakobe81]

Out of the choices, New York. They're not title contenders this year and maybe won't be anytime soon. But they added the best player of any players moved mid-season (duly noting others might argue Deron Williams), they added a championship veteran PG as an underrated part of the deal, and now they have two bonafide superstar scorers. There defense will lack like it always has, but they made the most drastic improvement of any of the teams listed.

Agreed. i know it is fashionable to bemoan Chauncey the "Big shot" nickname because he has hit few lately ... but the fact they got Chauncey WITH Melo makes them the obvious choice here.

I like the players that denver got ... but ultimately New York is the biggest winner followed by NJ & OKC if perk is healthy ...

[Venti Quattro]

I think the Battier acquisition of Memphis is underrated.

[Kobe_5_Duncan_4]

I think the Battier acquisition of Memphis is underrated.

No, that's properly rated as irrelevant.

[Venti Quattro]

No, that's properly rated as irrelevant.

In the bigger scheme of things. But for Memphis themselves, that would be a good pickup imo. Battier has been in the playoffs and he can share some experience on these bunch new guys who are poised for a PO slot.

[cheguevara]

Apparently playing no defense in Denver is more admirable than playing no defense in New York. That makes sense.

Denver got a marginal PG, a couple role players and picks for a superstar and a savvy veteran PG.

Funny stuff.

who said the Nuggets are not planning to play defense? They got rid of their 2nd worst defender in Melo. Karl is quoted as saying he plans to play D and that is the reason they got rid of Melo. They seemed to play pretty good D vs. the Celtics last night.

Again you don't get rid of 3 very solid starters and a couple of good bench players for a washed up Billups and Melo. I understand NY did it mostly for the name. Melo + Amare + New York. Whatever. But that does not mean they are improved.

[lefty]

Nuggets D looked good

Yes, the Celtics had a shorthanded roster yesterday, but still, Denver was pretty agressive

[Kobe_5_Duncan_4]

who said the Nuggets are not planning to play defense? They got rid of their 2nd worst defender in Melo. Karl is quoted as saying he plans to play D and that is the reason they got rid of Melo. They seemed to play pretty good D vs. the Celtics last night.


Show me the quote from Karl that says:

"We got rid of Carmelo so we can play defense."

Even if it doesn't exist, the Nuggets still won't play adequate defense. They replaced Carmelo with Gallinari who's an even worse defender. Brilliant analysis.

But to reiterate what's already been echoed by several in this thread; without a superstar teams are irrelevant.

[Kobe_5_Duncan_4]

Nuggets D looked good

Yes, the Celtics had a shorthanded roster yesterday, but still, Denver was pretty agressive



I'm sure that energy will sustain for several seasons. Heck they might even win a championship.

[cheguevara]

Show me the quote from Karl that says:

"We got rid of Carmelo so we can play defense."



It was in last night's broadcast.



Even if it doesn't exist, the Nuggets still won't play adequate defense. They replaced Carmelo with Gallinari who's an even worse defender. Brilliant analysis.

But to reiterate what's already been echoed by several in this thread; without a superstar teams are irrelevant.

define adequate. And no, they did not replace Melo with Gallo. Check your facts.

Agree without a goto superstar Denver is not a contender. But neither are the knicks a contender. Not even in the weak East.

[lefty]

I'm sure that energy will sustain for several seasons. Heck they might even win a championship.
That's not what I said

[JamStone]

Denver did play with a lot of energy last night, but I'd hold off on calling them a good defensive team just yet. Wilson Chandler is a pretty good defender, versatile too. Afflalo definitely is and Kenyon Martin can be at times depending on his health. They do have guys who can defend. And George Karl did take a shot at Carmelo's defense on the broadcast last night. But George Karl's idea of defense is players causing turnovers and pushing the tempo to get transition steals. Not really how you set a foundation for overall good defense.

I also think some of the players on the Celtics were still shellshocked. They played horrible last night. KG shot the ball well, but Glen Davis might have been the only guy really going after it last night. And the lack of a bench really did hurt. Boston scored 23 points and 24 points in the first and third quarters, but only scored 13 points and 15 points in the second and fourth quarters. No bench was definitely an issue.

[VBM]

But I would rather my team have three superstars and work from there than to have no superstars but a lot of depth at every position but the quality of players aren't that great.

But OKC nearly has that combination now.

Westbrook - Superstar

Durant - Superstar

Then mix in Harden, Thabo, Ibaka, Perkins...I think OKC is at least as dangerous as say Chicago in the East. Again, it'll fall on Durant to perform better in the postseason than he did last year, and there's no reason to think that he won't improve.

Melo is a building block for NY (Billups probably won't be around long). I don't think they'll ever truly seek defensive pieces in NY because D'Antoni could give a damn about defense. So really, Melo is a building block for a potential offensive juggernaut, but NY's success really hinges on how fast Boston falls off a cliff with their aging stars.

OKC, if they can hold onto Perkins, have the scorers, defenders, and hustle-type players to make life difficult for opposing teams.

[Venti Quattro]

The problem with Durant is still the same though -- he's ordinary without freethrow attempts.

[VBM]

The problem with Durant is still the same though -- he's ordinary without freethrow attempts.

I wouldn't go that far. With that said, superstars usually tend to get the foul calls in the second season. The key for Durant is going to be keeping his composure. Artest clearly mindfucked him in that LA series last year...KD needs to learn from that.

[baseline bum]

It's gotta be New York since Anthony is there to stay whereas the Nets are going to have a tough time retaining Williams.

[JamStone]

But OKC nearly has that combination now.

My comment you quoted goes to the difference between the Knicks and the Nuggets.



Westbrook - Superstar

Durant - Superstar

Then mix in Harden, Thabo, Ibaka, Perkins...I think OKC is at least as dangerous as say Chicago in the East. Again, it'll fall on Durant to perform better in the postseason than he did last year, and there's no reason to think that he won't improve.

Melo is a building block for NY (Billups probably won't be around long). I don't think they'll ever truly seek defensive pieces in NY because D'Antoni could give a damn about defense. So really, Melo is a building block for a potential offensive juggernaut, but NY's success really hinges on how fast Boston falls off a cliff with their aging stars.

OKC, if they can hold onto Perkins, have the scorers, defenders, and hustle-type players to make life difficult for opposing teams.

I still don't think either team goes further in the playoffs than they would have before the trades. That's the point. OKC was a pretty good team before the trade, in position for a top 4 playoff seed, and already on pace for 52-53 wins and likely a second round appearance. Perkins addresses a need, but I don't think he helps beat the Spurs, Mavs, or Lakers. If you choose to think he does, that's fine. And if he actually does, then I'll be more than happy to eat my crow for not thinking he could be. It's a difference in opinion though.

But that's the basis of me selecting the Knicks. None of the teams put themselves over the top with the trades they made, so I chose the team that I felt made the most significant talent upgrade, and that's the Knicks. You're free to disagree.

[Kobe_5_Duncan_4]

It was in last night's broadcast.



define adequate. And no, they did not replace Melo with Gallo. Check your facts.

Agree without a goto superstar Denver is not a contender. But neither are the knicks a contender. Not even in the weak East.


Haha, bullshit. Nobody is that stupid but apparently people are stupid enough to believe a tongue in cheek comment.

Adequate defense would be a team defense that is good enough to make them a really good team even without offensive firepower. They're not that and they'll never be that with the coach / team they have. They're a run and gun team that looks jack up shots and outscore teams and they'll remain that way until they get a good defensive anchor that blocks shots in the paint.

Scraps for a superstar typically never works out better for the team getting the scraps.

I think the 3 players Denver got are ok players too, they're just not good enough to make what's left of Denver good enough.

[The Reckoning]

wow the nuggets looked good yesterday. melo might have really been the overrated ball hog people see him as.

[lefty]

wow the nuggets looked good yesterday. melo might have really been the overrated ball hog people see him as.
They did look good, but it's 1 game

[Venti Quattro]

And the Celtics were vastly undermanned.

[VBM]

But that's the basis of me selecting the Knicks. None of the teams put themselves over the top with the trades they made, so I chose the team that I felt made the most significant talent upgrade, and that's the Knicks. You're free to disagree.

I got you, and that makes complete sense. I guess I was viewing the poll on what team moved itself the closest to championship status. As far as a straight up talent upgrade, I'd give that to NY (the jury is out on Williams for Favors...gotta see what DF can bring to the table with more minutes).

[LnGrrrR]

I said Portland just because they stole Gerald Wallace. OKC would be second.

[cheguevara]

Haha, bullshit. Nobody is that stupid but apparently people are stupid enough to believe a tongue in cheek comment.

Adequate defense would be a team defense that is good enough to make them a really good team even without offensive firepower. They're not that and they'll never be that with the coach / team they have. They're a run and gun team that looks jack up shots and outscore teams and they'll remain that way until they get a good defensive anchor that blocks shots in the paint.

Scraps for a superstar typically never works out better for the team getting the scraps.

I think the 3 players Denver got are ok players too, they're just not good enough to make what's left of Denver good enough.

Cleveland 115 NY 109

again, you don't trade your entire team for a borderline franchise player

Hope you learned something today Kobe :D

[VBM]

Cleveland 115 NY 109

again, you don't trade your entire team for a borderline franchise player

Hope you learned something today Kobe :D

Letting the cavs score 115...D'Antoni's anti-defense outdid itself

[The Reckoning]

lol okc

[The Reckoning]

denver up on portland by 10 in the fourth. why isnt g wallace playing???

[The Reckoning]

portland tied it up and game is in ot

[xellos88330]

I am going to have to say Denver. That team is crazy deep now.

[lefty]

The Nuggets have really impressed me on the defensive end

[tlongII]

I am going to have to say Denver. That team is crazy deep now.

lol

[lefty]

lol

Almost beat you at home if it wasnt for that fluke 3

[Beau]

Carmelo's such a waste. He's allowing himself to become Big Dog Robinson. Sad...

But not nearly as sad as his slap and retreat technique, though.

[NBA Champs]

I would've voted Hornets...put I couldn't find an app for that @ OP.

[LkrFan]

I voted for OKC, but Denver is changing my mind. I love watching them play. They seemingly improved since the trade. Melo who?

[Janko]

nuggets and thunder

[VBM]

I voted for OKC, but Denver is changing my mind. I love watching them play. They seemingly improved since the trade. Melo who?

Jury's still out until Perkins plays for OKC (looks like we're about a week away from that). But I agree, Denver is less predictable on the offensive end, and none of their guys is afraid to shoot the rock in big situations.

[tlongII]

LOL @ Denver. We beat them with Brandon Roy playing stretches at power forward. :lol

[Supergirl]

I feel bad for Deron Williams. I've always liked him, and now he's going to Where NBA Players Go To Watch Their Careers Die.

[Supergirl]

I voted for Perkins, but I'd like to take that back until I see him actually suit up for OKC. I think he may actually be more injured than Boston let on, which should make the whole trade void.

If that turns out to be the case, I cast my vote for Denver. NY may have gotten the most talent on paper, but they took a few steps back as a team.

[Budkin]

OKC is not the most improved. They were very good already and just got a little better. NY on the other hand just went from being irrelevant to pretty good once they get their chemistry going.

[Supergirl]

OKC is not the most improved. They were very good already and just got a little better. NY on the other hand just went from being irrelevant to pretty good once they get their chemistry going.

The reason I don't think NYC improved that much is that they are just collecting big name stars so they can sell tickets, not actually build a team that can win a championship. No D'Antoni team will win a championship because defense wins championships, and they picked up the two superstars who may be the WORST defensively.

[Kobe_5_Duncan_4]

Yup still the New York Knicks.

Lol @ the idiot Che Guevara.

[cheguevara]

I don't know why NY is in the list. They traded their entire team for a has been and a never defends.


Gotta be either Denver or OKC. Denver is deep as fuck. They are deeper than the Blazers of 3 years ago without the injuries. I'll go with OKC cause I think they'll be better in the playoffs.

In long term, Denver. Short term OKC. Close third, Nets.

well well well

looks like I was spot on once again :hat

[cheguevara]

Yup still the New York Knicks.

Lol @ the idiot Che Guevara.

:lmao at this idiot

[cheguevara]

Out of the choices, New York. They're not title contenders this year and maybe won't be anytime soon. But they added the best player of any players moved mid-season (duly noting others might argue Deron Williams), they added a championship veteran PG as an underrated part of the deal, and now they have two bonafide superstar scorers. There defense will lack like it always has, but they made the most drastic improvement of any of the teams listed.

:lol

[TampaDude]

Clearly, it's the Thunder now. They had always been a good shooting team, but Perkins gives them that solid interior D they had been lacking.

[Keyser soze]

well well well

looks like I was spot on once again :hat

:wtf The knicks have won 7 in a row and are one of the hottest teams in the league, having won their last two without Stoudemire. They are easily better than they were before the trade. How were you "spot on", again?

[Bito Corleone]

Keyser, the Knicks are sitting on a record of 42-28, and 14-12 (even with said 7-game win streak) with Melo. They were 28-26 without him. I wouldn't say that they are clearly better.

Of course the move is good for them in the long run, but they shouldn't have given up that much of their roster just to bump up their record by that small of a margin when they most likely would have gotten him this summer anyway.

[Axe Murderer]

Keyser, the Knicks are sitting on a record of 42-28, and 14-12 (even with said 7-game win streak) with Melo. They were 28-26 without him. I wouldn't say that they are clearly better.

Of course the move is good for them in the long run, but they shouldn't have given up that much of their roster just to bump up their record by that small of a margin when they most likely would have gotten him this summer anyway.

Whoa....Wait a minute!!! I just heard the most craziest thing! Some ugly sloppy guy is like...."It isn't hard to make out with a hot girl in a club!." Ummm, well if you aren't me and the people I hang out with then it'd be VERY hard, but you aren't us ha!

[Hoops Czar]

Definitely NOT Atlanta.... They wreak.

[Keyser soze]

Keyser, the Knicks are sitting on a record of 42-28, and 14-12 (even with said 7-game win streak) with Melo. They were 28-26 without him. I wouldn't say that they are clearly better.

Of course the move is good for them in the long run, but they shouldn't have given up that much of their roster just to bump up their record by that small of a margin when they most likely would have gotten him this summer anyway.

There's no chance Melo would have waited until Free agency. He was signing that 65 million dollar extension with someone. He said recently (I think a few days ago) that he thought he was going to be a Net for most of the trade-rumor weeks/months. That tells you all you need to know.

Also, yes, the Knicks are only 14-12 since the Melo trade but they are 8-4 against winning/playoff teams. (before the trade they were well below .500 against winning teams) They had a horrible stretch where they went 1-9 (losing mostly to bad/losing/non-playoff teams during that span of games) and clearly lacked cohesion/unity. However, since then, Melo has been on fire, Billups has played quite well, and the Knicks have looked like a different team.

And Finally, the trade clearly made the Knicks better for the long run. They have two superstars to build around for the future . . . Denver has none. I'll make a bet with anyone on here that the Knicks get a lot closer to a championship over the next 3-5 years then the Nuggets ever do. I'd even go so far as to say that the Knicks will almost definitely win a playoff series before the Nuggets do.

[tlongII]

It's definitely the Blazers. Not close really.

[DMC]

Has to be Denver. They didn't gain from what they acquired as much as they did from what they shed. Not having that crybaby motherfucker Carmelo has really gotten the team galvanized. It's a tougher squad than I remember them being in the past, and Karl is a happy man. That's what counts.

Dallas did ok too, but injuries have softened the impact Chandler brought to the team.

OKC with Perkins... (forget Nate), that's huge for them too, but I still have to say Denver over all of them.

[Yorae]

Picked OKC but it sure is Denver now.