Early Vacation: What's Next for the NBA's Non-Playoff Teams?

Michael Whittenberg by Senior Writer Written on April 20, 2008
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The Bulls already made their first move Thursday when they fired interim head coach Jim Boylan.

Although Scott Skiles started off the season as head coach, the Bulls just didn't buy into the coaching staff this season.

Since Boylan has been tossed, the next move is now getting a new head coach and re-signing both Luol Deng and Ben Gordon.

Chicago was clearly one of the disappointments in the Eastern Conference this season.

After sweeping the then defending champions Miami Heat in the first round, Chicago looked like a favorite to reach the conference finals this year.

Larry Brown and Rick Carlisle have been two guys that have come up in the conversation for their next coach, and either guy would be a good fit.

The trade that brought Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden to Chicago could be a plus for the Bulls next season if they are able to turn things around.

Point guard Kirk Hinrich also needs to have a turnaround season next year, because he took a huge step back this season.

 

Indiana Pacers (36-46)

Restricted Free Agents: Stephen Graham, David Harrison, Andre Owens

Unrestricted Free Agents: Flip Murray, Jermaine O'Neal, Kareem Rush

2009 Playoff Chances: Marginal

What's Next?

Now that former team CEO Donnie Walsh has left to be with the Knicks, Pacers owner Herb Simons will take on an added role in the franchise.

First they need to re-sign Jermaine O'Neal, and he must stay healthy next season for Indiana to have any hopes of reaching the postseason.

They also need to figure out if Jamaal Tinsley is going to be their point guard for next season. 

Most likely he will—but Tinsley has been injury prone the past few seasons.

Indiana will most likely end with a lottery pick in the upcoming draft, and former Texas point guard DJ Augustin could be a good fit for this team if he is available.

Some good news is that they have Danny Granger as somewhat of a building block.

Granger had a excellent season, averaging 19.6 PPG.

Mike Dunleavy also had a solid season, averaging 19.1 PPG.

The Pacers have the talent to make the playoffs, especially in the weaker Eastern Conference. 

Coaching wise, Jim O'Brien did a pretty exceptional job in his first year as Pacers head coach.

 

Miami Heat (15-67)

Restricted Free Agents: Blake Ahearn, Chris Quinn, Kasib Powell, Dorell Wright

Unrestricted Free Agents: Earl Barron, Ricky Davis, Shawn Marion, Alonzo Mourning, Jason Williams

2009 Playoff Chances: Pretty Good

What's Next?

Hard to believe that a team that won a championship two years ago is now lottery bound.

The Heat were so bad that they matched the record of their expansion season in 1988.

Good news is that they should have a healthy Dwyane Wade, and they are certain to end up with a top three pick in the upcoming draft.

They also need to re-sign Shawn Marion—who has said he wants to stay with Miami next season.

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written on April 20, 2008 Opinion

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