smakeddog - you have touched on another aspect that is overlooked by local writers - context. No franchise is standing still and everyone is working to get better.
There is a reason the pick up games at Houstons Athletic club were so popular. They were the among the closest thing to NBA quality competition available during the Summer. In Atlanta, it was not uncommon to see six pros (out of ten dudes) going full court in a "pickup" game at the Peachtree Center Athletic Club. The point being, if these reporters were as diligent about their off season research and fact-finding - the world would be a better place.
