With all the talk of players saying there teams could be "special" and win 60 games or the championship, which teams do you think have a chance to achieve something special this year?
For me it's hard to choose just a couple. The Blazers have a chance to really be special if all things come together. the Rockets have a chance at winning a title if nobody is hurt and Artest plays nice. The Lakers have a chance to win 65+ barring injuries. The 76ers could make it to the finals if Brand provides them with what I think he will, and the team clicks.
lakers too i guess if odom/gasol/bynum can figure out a way to play together. oh and the cavs if lebron decides to drop 40, 12, and 12 every night.
I think the Lakers have the best chance out of any team in the league to win 60+. They'll likely have one of the top 3 starting lineups in the NBA and probably one of the top 3 benches in the NBA too. And for thsoe worried about chemistry, remember, Phil Jackson is the coach. If anyone in the NBA can figure out how to make things click for this team, it's him. I personally don't think there will be chemistry issues. Bynum isn't going to speak out and demand 20 shots a game, and Odom and Pau are just as happy setting others up as they are with getting their own. Plus, Kobe has matured A LOT and realizes he doesn't need to take 25 shots to make an impact on the game anymore. So really, chemistry shouldn't be an issue at all. As for those that say the Blazers, I think you really overrate them. They have a young and talented roster, but they don't have 60 win potential. I don't think Oden is worth an added 19 wins. He's going to be good, no doubt, but I doubt he comes in and averages much more than 13/10 as a rookie.
The Blazers are at least 1 year probably 2-3 away from realizing their potential. The Lakers could win 60, but probably not 66 given how top heavy and tough the West is. The Celtics can win 60 games too IMO. The Spurs won't The Hornets have the talent to do it too. that's about it IMO
i wasn't talking about chemistry when i mentioned odom/gasol/bynum playing together. none of them can defend small forwards. none of them can knock down outside shots to stretch the defense. it has yet to be seen whether those 3 can play together and it be a good thing for the lakers. oden doesn't have to be worth 19 wins himself as bayless and rudy are being added to the team as well and aldridge and roy are still just entering their 3rd years and it's not too hard to see them improving some. added wins really is a bad way to look at things though. the blazers absolutely do have 60 win potential even for this season, though it's doubtful they actually reach 60 wins this year.
I never said anything about Portland winning 60 games. Them making the playoffs alone would be a special season for Blazer fans since we have had like a 5 year drought. I see them doing that, and possibly making it out of the 1st round, which would be special for such a young team.
Sixers are a special team. I don't about a 60+ win season or even the ECF, but they will be a much improved team from last year.
Don't sleep on the Hornets either. They were real good last year, and added Posey to help address their depth issues, as well as another year of Julian Wright development. If they can stay healthy (admittedly, a big if), they're going to have a hell of a season.
Wizards - if Jamison and Butler can keep the team afloat until Gilbert's return. After which if all 3 can stay healthy, have some time to gel, they could be very dangerous in the playoffs. -Petey
