I will Devil's advocate a little now that the Debbie Downers are back.
There is no question that we lost one of our best players in Adams. And that every year that passes we have to get incrementally more worried about BWP's speed and stamina.
But...here are some things that could happen:
What if we get a full year of "1st half" Kaku?
How would you feel about Muyl if he improves his scoring touch?
Or that crowded pack than can play RW creates enough competition that someone of Muyl, Valot Etienne, Ivan, Epps steps up enough to own that position in a positive way?
What if Ivan just needed an adjustment period (not claiming future superstar, just some real contribution).
What if Rza's bigger role results in more scoring from our CMs?
Duncan stays healthy and adds defensive bite in games where that is helpful either as a starter or as a sub to protect leads?
How about White improves enough to give greater rest to BWP during the season?
Jorgensen is signed and by 2nd half is contributing as nice weapon to throw at tiring defenses as a sub.
Casseres establishes himself as a solid CM, softening the departure of Adams.
Continuity should be a real positive as well.
Not all of this will happen, but none of these are huge reaches.