Yes, Budinger can average 19 ppg. If you were remotely watching the summer league and the preseason (thus far) you would know that he average 17 ppg in the summer league and is currently averaging 11.6 ppg in the preseason… while only starting four games combined (he’s played in 14 total). If he starts (or at least gets starter minutes) dude is going to get more shots which is going to see him get more buckets. The only problem I see standing in the way of that is the fact that Ariza, Battier, and McGrady (when he comes back) will eat into any time he could see at SF/SG so, more than likely, he will see back up minutes (if that) and, of course, his lack of real defense is always going to make him an unlikely choice at SG whenever Brooks is on the floor too. Honestly, the best situation for Chase is for McGrady to come back so Adelman can trot out an offensively potent (and tall) backcourt of Chase and McGrady. Pair that with a frontcourt of Pops, Scola/Landry, and Ariza and you’ve got a pretty potent offensive line-up on the court for Houston. I am a Houston fan so maybe I am biased a little, but this team (while worse than the past few previous teams) does not seem as bad as a lot of people think and I think they will surprise more than a few people.

spurs are contenders dallas are semi contenders and houston are contenders to be in the playoffs hehe

denver, portland and utah are all semi contenders

First off, thanks for the input. But just to set the record straight, I’m not calling Ariza a go-to guy. I’m saying he could emerge as so simply because there’s no one else.

Second, this isn’t an analysis predicting anything, nor is it primarily for this year, only. This is merely an observation for the future, based on last years events and this past off-season’s moves. It’s not a diss on any of the three Texas teams, but it is just an observation of the evident balance and parity there is in the west, as compared to how they used to dominate. And, obviously anything can happen in any given season.

Have a good one, all!

And there’s nothing fun about team consisting of a bunch ballbrakers like Battier, Scloa and Landry. They’ll be grunging those W’s. No fun at all. Good team though

Spurs are easily better than last season and they have the best shot at the Lakers in the West. RJ on board, Hill and Mason gonna be better as Spurs sophomores, Blair and McDyess there to grab boards now. Tough!

Dallas will never win the chip with Ericka Dampier AND Drew Gooden on the same team. They will have nights where they look plain nasty, all the shots fall, and they score 130 points. Then the next game they gonna look like good ol’ Allas again. Entertaining maybe, but not chip-caliber.

. . . . . . . .

Oh yeah, and the Spurs will OWN the Jazz as long as Duncan is in the league.

Blazers are making the right moves (if Oden can stay healthy), but I don’t think they’ll ever get over not drafting Durant. Aldridge needs to figure out how to grab 10 boards in a game on occasion. Andre Miller is gonna be a mistake within 2 years.

Nuggets? They’re the new Phoenix Suns, scary when they are on, but just too inconsistent to win it. JR Smith gotta mature someday. Kenyon Martin is 7 years past his prime. Nene needs to stay healthy. Birdman gotta stay away from them dunk contests.

SOUTHWEST DIVISION, way stronger y’all

Ariza as a go-to player? thats just sad.. and NO WAY IN HELL are houston gonna come close in SNIFFING anywhere in the playoff race… Looks like this is the year they’re in the John Wall sweepstakes.

Mavs are older but they have tons of talent to make noise this year.

I hate the spurs but they will definately do damage especially if Manu is healthy. WIth new addition of RJ and his 19pts a game, that takes a good load off TD and parker to rest for the playoffs.

nothing really matters cuz the lakers will repeat anyways!!!