25. Detroit Pistons (25): Other than Greg Monroe, I think every other player on this team is expendable. It’s time to clean shop – the Pistons can easily write off this season for the reason of “okay, I know we’re four years overdue, but it’s time to rebuild.”
24. Milwaukee Bucks (22): To say that 2010-11 has been a disappointment for the Bucks would be an understatement. They won 46 games last year and didn’t lose anybody to free agency – in fact, they added. Credit a Brandon Jennings sophomore slump (well, he did break his foot) for that. But at the same time, the offense needs to go through him. He’s a scorer and a playmaker. Corey Maggette is good, but he’s not as offensively gifted as the man called “Black Ice.”
23. New Jersey Nets (24): They experienced a successful trip to London, where they knocked off the Raptors twice. Adding D-Will has certainly breathed life into this team and players are taking notice. Suddenly, playing for New Jersey doesn’t sound so bad now that players will have the opportunity to catch passes from one of the league’s top point guards.
22. Charlotte Bobcats (21): Depending on how the Pacers close out the season, the Cats still have a shot at the playoffs. However, I don’t think that Stephen Jackson and a bunch of role players are capable of pulling any first round surprises – especially with how tough the top half of the Eastern Conference is.
21. Los Angeles Clippers (23): They loose Eric Gordon to a wrist injury again, however, it might not be the worst thing in the world for the Clippers to struggle down the final stretch. They weren’t going to make the playoffs, and without Gordon, they are likely going to lose a little bit more than they would have if he was on the court. While I hate seeing them lose, this will get them a better pick in the draft in what will hopefully be the Clips’ last lottery season for some time.
Next: 20-16