Wings of Silver, Nerves of Steel

Our final look at individual divisions as we head into the homestretch for 2014. There’s six games left in the regular season but it looks like the divison title is locked up here already, as Sour Snails has a four game lead on Fat Jubas. Still, it’s been an uplifting season for Silverhawks as Fob Stars and Jedi Knights are both (finally) out of the cellar. [Pre-season Silverhawks look]

Sour Snails (11-2)
After starting off 2-2, Trieu’s team is on a nine game winning streak. They’ll have matchups against two division leaders in their next matchups but there’s no question Sour Snails are contenders for best team in the league. This is old hat for them, as they went 14-5 last year, and another division crown is a minor victory. Trieu is out for championships and they are clearly a model franchise as they just keep winning and winning, even while retooling on the fly. See: Rudy Gay trade. The trio of Steph Curry, Monta Ellis, and Klay Thompson has shot this team to great heights. And then there’s DeMarcus Cousins, averaging 22.6 PTS, 11.6 REB, 1.8 STL, 1.2 BLK and heck, even 3.0 AST per game. Boogie!

For a team loaded with shooters, Snails is a very respectable middle of the pack in FG%.  They are an explosive offensive team as they rank first in PTS, second in 3PT and AST, and are good from the field and the line. Plus they are first in STL. Their only weakspot, if it can be called that, is TOs, where they predictably are ranked last. For a team that used to be semi-small ball though, it’s impressive that their REB and BLK are almost average. Keep in mind, recent trade acquisition Tyson Chandler has barely played for them too -- just ten games total so far. Injuries have even decimated this team. From Chandler to Russell Westbrook (out for how long?) to now Cousins and Rudy Gay. Trieu has kept his team at the top by savvy GM moves and tons of lineup adds -- 69 total, ranking second behind Beast Brawlers’ 85. Sour Snails can afford to take a few weeks off to rest everyone, as they have this division locked up, barring a late miracle and collapse. Is it about time for Trieu to pick up his second championship?

Fat Jubas (7-6)
Our semi-recent champions have hit a bit of a slump recently. Of course, “slump” translates to playing about 0.500 ball, so that’s not bad at all. Still, after firing out of the gates 4-0, Jubas has only picked up three more wins since. That doesn’t sound like a true contender, and they’ll be hard pressed to win another title this year. Currently Jubas are first in AST, second in FT%, but pretty low in FG% and BLK. They aren’t great at PTS or REB either. Losing Chris Paul for a few weeks will hurt, as they could be overtaken for a playoff wild card spot.

At first glance, there’s not a lot of traditional star power on this team, but each part fits in nicely together around new franchise superstar CP3. Gordon Hayward (17.3 PTS, 5.4 REB, 4.9 AST, 1.3 3PT, 1.4 STL, 41.9 FG%) and Nicolas Batum are do-everything swingmen, while Tyreke Evans has finally found his groove as another all purpose asset after early season struggles. Ten games of Kendall Marshall has resulted in a PTS/AST double double average -- Eric is hoping Steve Blake never comes back. And the front line is steady with David West and Brandon Bass. It would be nice if young center Jonas Valanciunas wasn’t a flirtatious tease, but he’s not going to transform into Mr. Consistency till at least next season. Traditionally, Fat Jubas have always been a balanced powerhouse but this could be the year they officially slide back to the pack. Still, a playoff berth could be in the cards if Paul can return to pilot these guys the rest of the way.

Fob Stars (5-8)
After going 0.500 last year, we were hoping Jimmy’s team would take another step forward. Instead, they came out with five straight losses to begin 2014 and it wasn’t until a 4-1 mid-season run that they somewhat regain their footing. With three games against winning opponents to go, it’s conceivable Fob Stars could catch Fat Jubas or Eron, Joven and Chandler for a playoff spot, but slightly unlikely. Even if they don’t, this has been a season of continued growth for Fob.

For one, their 2014 draft was incredible, the best by any team. Third round pick Isaiah Thomas has been super steallar with 20.0 PTS, 6.3 AST, 1.4 STL, 2.0 3PT, and 44.8 FG%. Thomas has emerged as a fantasy star. First round pick Trey Burke is in the conversation for R.O.Y. and while he’s been a chucker, Burke can certainly put up nice stats. Second round pick Marcin Gortat has been the perfect addition to the front line. All that and fourth round pick Shawn Marion has been quietly having a resurgent year. Holdovers like Kemba Walker and Dion Waiters continue to grow, and the only thing it seems like Fob Stars lack is a true superstar to lead the way -- Zach Randolph and Joakim Noah have been the franchise stalwarts. Their team identity is a bit in flux too, as they are pretty average across the board, excepting being last in FG%, second to last in 3PT, with their only real strength being third in the league in REB. Still, we like the talent collection on this team and maybe Fob Stars can sneak their way into the post-season, or maybe they’ll be better served gunning for a Toilet Bowl win to secure a superstar?

Just for fun: We mocked Jimmy’s keeper of Gerald Henderson during pre-seasson but it looks like Henderson’s been okay with 15.1 PTS, 4.2 REB, 2.7 AST, and filled in admirably for thirty five games at shooting guard. What am I talking about!? Henderson still wasn’t keeper worthy! (Then again, he outlasted fellow keeper Lou Williams, who was dropped by Fob Stars in early December.)

Jedi Knights (4-9)
Lum’s team has set a new team record this year. No, not wins, although with one more victory this season they could eclipse their previous four win high mark. No, Jedi Knights have made double digit moves! Yes, after one move each in 2010 and 2011, seven in 2012, eight in 2013, GM Lum has made ten moves already this year. Sure, they’re still in last for that non-scoring category -- as they have been every year save 2011 when Bayside Bombardiers had zero moves -- but it’s an upward trend. Now, “moves” don’t signify anything and aren’t tied into wins or losses. For example, NJ All-Stars tend to make few moves, but they are likely doing it because they’re so successful and their rotation so solid. What’s Jedi Knights reasons for making so few moves?!

However, we are not here to pillory but to celebrate! Despite suffering three streaks of three losses already, the Knights are not the worst team in the league, not even one of the worst actually. Plus they have a roster full of wonderful young pieces and it seems like they can build around R.O.Y. candidate Michael Carter-Williams. On paper this team is well stocked, especially on the front lines with Chandler Parsons, Thaddeus Young, David Lee, and DeAndre Jordan. Between those four, it’s everything you want in a forwards and center combination. GM Lum probably wishes Jimmy Butler would step up and take O.J. Mayo’s spot at shooting guard, but that time will come. If Greivis Vasquez can get some minutes up in Toronto, he will serve nicely as a second point guard next to MCW. All in all, this team is strong in REB, FG%, and STL, third in TO, but with some significant weaknesses. They are second-to-last in FT%, pretty poor in 3PT and AST, and weak in PTS. It would also help to add a shot blocker to help DeAndre. The good news is this team is full of assets and a bit of owner involvement could be enough to launch them right into respectability.

[Edit: Those ten moves actually all came at the beginning of the season when draft players were added. GM Lum has made no moves all season long (and last year too actually)! Where are you Lum?! Come back, your basketball children need you! In related news: Congrats on a new baby!]