First Look -- nor'Easter

Quick Draft Summary: Nor'Easter went big - real big - taking 4 top centers and 4 more towards the end of the draft. But he wisely complemented this with strong PGs and solid scorers. At this early juncture, this is the team to beat. Nice work, Joel

Frontcourt: Dwight Howard (1), Duncan (3), Okafor (7), Bogut (8)

That's a lot of missed free throws, but that's really the only downside here. No team can compete with Nor'Easter in either of the REB categories or BLK. FG% is probably in the bag as well. Thus, every week starts with a 4-1 lead, which will be hard to overcome. Especially since these C's get the line a lot, and should help (with Maggs and J-John) to provide a FTM advantage as well.

Backcourt: Nash (2), Harris (6), Foye (9), Nelson(10), Jack (19)

Nash is aging, but should still put up 10 APG, Foye and Nelson were very disappointing last year, Jack may not play much behind TJ Ford (especially if the Pacers have to play Tinsley), but is helpful if he gets minutes. If Harris is as good as expected, these PGs will keep Nor'Easter competitive in AST and make them very hard to beat indeed.

Swingmen: Joe Johnson (4), Maggette (5)

These guys should be very helpful - together with the C's they should get FTM, and provide enough points and FGs to compete. However, the team is basically punting 3s, as far as I can see.

X-Factors: Maxiell (16), Blatche (18), Monta Ellis (12) Al Thornton (11), Pietrus (14), RudyFern (13)

Maxiell, Thornton, and Blatche wlll surely break out sometime, but is this the year? Monta's injury is serious and we don't know how effective he will be upon his return. Pietrus could surprise now on a new team and finally live up to his promise. No one knows what Rudy will do, but everyone agrees he's badass.

Strengths: REB, BLK, FTM, FGM, FG%

Weaknesses: FT%, 3s, STL, TO, PF

Best Pick: Louis Williams (15) - I love Louis (I also love Pietrus!)

Worst Pick: Jeff Foster (17) - good value, but unnecessary on this team