1.) Dallas Mavericks.Dallas has to be one of the deepest teams in the league, They have pretty much everybody returning from there fantastic season. The additions of veterans Anthony Johnson, Devean George, And Greg Buckner were major, It added much needed permimeter defense and depth. Devin Harris and Josh Howard will each be a season smarter. The NBA Finals has developed there games even quicker.Key additions: Anthony Johnson, Greg Buckner, Devean George, Maurice Ager, Austin Croshere.Key losses: Darrell Armstrong, Adrian Griffin, Marquis Daniels.2.) Phoenix SunsThe Suns finished with the 5th best record in the entire NBA last season, With a Healthy Amare Stoudemire who knows what kind of damage Phoenix can do. The signings of Marcus Banks and Eric Piatkowski should improve there depth problems. Both signings are perfect for this offense. I dont see the loss of Tim Thomas as much of an issue, They were racking up the wins before he came to town.Key additions: Marcus Banks, Jumaine Jones,Key losses: Steve Nash's hair, Eddie House, Tim Thomas.3.) Chicago BullsI want to kick myself putting them this high but I am taking my chances. They improved there main weakness with interior defense/rebounding. Chicago might be the deepest team in the league. All of there young players will continue to develop. They had a very good draft taking Tyrus Thomas and swingman Thabo Sefolosha. They added veteran leadership with Ben Wallace and PJ Brown. Adrian Griffin should bring some perimeter defense.Key additions: Adrian Griffin, Ben Wallace, Tyrus Thomas,PJ Brown.Key losses: Othella Harrington, Tyson Chandler.4.) Miami HeatThey have everybody returning from there championship season, Age could catch up with them. Dwyane Wade will be one more season developed if he improves even a little bit he could lead Miami back to the Finals alone.Key additions: None.Key losses: None.5.) San Antonio SpursThey have the oldest team in the league which was there downfall last season, They didn't make any notable moves even though they should have. Expect Tim Duncan to work his 2nd half magic like always.Key additions: Eric Williams, Francisco Elson.Key losses: Rasho Nesterovic.
Tottally agree (especially Nash's hair) but I'd switch Miami and Chicago...The Heat have a verys similar team, and they were great with what the had and I wouldnt be surprised to see them in the finals of very near again.I guess this is mostly because I've seen the Heat pretty much as they are now, I have yet to see the Bulls. But looking at their roster... man it has EXTREME talent. They will be a team to beat.Man are we ever anxious for a new season... so many topics about it
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BALLAHOLLIC @ Sep 11 2006, 02:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>1.) Dallas Mavericks.Dallas has to be one of the deepest teams in the league, They have pretty much everybody returning from there fantastic season. The additions of veterans Anthony Johnson, Devean George, And Greg Buckner were major, It added much needed permimeter defense and depth. Devin Harris and Josh Howard will each be a season smarter. The NBA Finals has developed there games even quicker.Key additions: Anthony Johnson, Greg Buckner, Devean George, Maurice Ager, Austin Croshere.Key losses: Darrell Armstrong, Adrian Griffin, Marquis Daniels.2.) Phoenix SunsThe Suns finished with the 5th best record in the entire NBA last season, With a Healthy Amare Stoudemire who knows what kind of damage Phoenix can do. The signings of Marcus Banks and Eric Piatkowski should improve there depth problems. Both signings are perfect for this offense. I dont see the loss of Tim Thomas as much of an issue, They were racking up the wins before he came to town.Key additions: Marcus Banks, Jumaine Jones,Key losses: Steve Nash's hair, Eddie House, Tim Thomas.3.) Chicago BullsI want to kick myself putting them this high but I am taking my chances. They improved there main weakness with interior defense/rebounding. Chicago might be the deepest team in the league. All of there young players will continue to develop. They had a very good draft taking Tyrus Thomas and swingman Thabo Sefolosha. They added veteran leadership with Ben Wallace and PJ Brown. Adrian Griffin should bring some perimeter defense.Key additions: Adrian Griffin, Ben Wallace, Tyrus Thomas,PJ Brown.Key losses: Othella Harrington, Tyson Chandler.4.) Miami HeatThey have everybody returning from there championship season, Age could catch up with them. Dwyane Wade will be one more season developed if he improves even a little bit he could lead Miami back to the Finals alone.Key additions: None.Key losses: None.5.) San Antonio SpursThey have the oldest team in the league which was there downfall last season, They didn't make any notable moves even though they should have. Expect Tim Duncan to work his 2nd half magic like always.Key additions: Eric Williams, Francisco Elson.Key losses: Rasho Nesterovic.</div>Wow, I agree 100%. It's risky to put the young Bulls over the experienced Heat, but I'm with you and I'm going with the gut. Chicago is looking exceptional, and they have done an unbelievable job this summer.Sorry if this post seems way too short and somewhat pointless, but I really agree with absolutely averthing Balla said. No arguments. The only thing I can add is that Van Horn was a key loss for Dallas, and Matt Bonner was added in the Rasho trade (going to San Antonio).
I can't put Chicago over Miami or Detroit yet. If Wade can tear apart the Dallas defense then he can do the same to the Chicago defense which is arguably worse. Even though Detroit loss Ben, they will still be a top 5 team defensively and defense wins championships.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Heatfan32 @ Sep 11 2006, 11:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>I can't put Chicago over Miami or Detroit yet. If Wade can tear apart the Dallas defense then he can do the same to the Chicago defense which is arguably worse. Even though Detroit loss Ben, they will still be a top 5 team defensively and defense wins championships.</div>Chicago's defense is NOT worse than Dallas'. Not at all. Avery has done an excellent job with Dallas on the defensive end, and they are very solid, but Chicago's defense is KEY. The Bulls have a lot of excellent 1-on-1 defenders (Big Ben, Sefolosha, Hinrich, Deng, Brown is solid, Griffin), and their team defense is incredible. Skiles stresses defense more than anyone, and he's done a great job. Chicago's defense is better than Dallas'.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (CelticBalla32 @ Sep 11 2006, 11:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Chicago's defense is NOT worse than Dallas'. Not at all. Avery has done an excellent job with Dallas on the defensive end, and they are very solid, but Chicago's defense is KEY. The Bulls have a lot of excellent 1-on-1 defenders (Big Ben, Sefolosha, Hinrich, Deng, Brown is solid, Griffin), and their team defense is incredible. Skiles stresses defense more than anyone, and he's done a great job. Chicago's defense is better than Dallas'.</div>Last year, Chicago's defense was NOT better then Dallas' who was seventh in points allowed per game. Chicago was sixteenth in points allowed per game and adding Ben will help that but it still does not make them a better defensive team. The Bulls are the most overhyped team of the century, had they not gotten Ben who won't be good in a few years, people will still be looking at them as the fourth, fifth seed in the east.
I think people are overrating the Bulls wildly in my opinion...And when Francisco Elson and Eric Williams are considered 'key additions' you know you didn't have a good off-season.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Heatfan32 @ Sep 11 2006, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Last year, Chicago's defense was NOT better then Dallas' who was seventh in points allowed per game. Chicago was sixteenth in points allowed per game and adding Ben will help that but it still does not make them a better defensive team. The Bulls are the most overhyped team of the century, had they not gotten Ben who won't be good in a few years, people will still be looking at them as the fourth, fifth seed in the east.</div>My point exactly. The Bulls have proven nothing yet and all of the sudden they are instant contenders.I would say that losing Nazr Mohammed is a bigger loss to the Spurs then losing Rasho Nesterovic. The Pistons could be anywhere between 4 and 6 in my opinion, but I think that until proven otherwise they are ahead of the Bulls.
I don't think that the Bulls are overhyped, but they need 1 more scoring option, OR Ben Gordon/Luol/Kirk need to step up their scoring. Defensively they probably got the best team in league. Their perimeter D is amazing, really slowing down DWad ein playoffs, and interior now has arguably the best defensive player in league, Big Ben.As for my top 5 teams, in orderhoenix Suns (if everyone is fullly healthy)Dallas MavericksSan Antonio SpursMiami HeatHouston (again, if everyone is fully healthy)
my top five:1. Phoenix Suns. With Amare coming back, I can't see how this team can even be slowed down. They have the running game of course, but now they also have the ability to play in the half court with Nash handling and all the shooters finishing. They are a much better rebounding and defending team than they were a few years ago, as they actually have a big line-up now. Not to mention the great defenders is Marcus Banks, Raja Bell, Shawn Marion, and Kurt Thomas. Oh, and did I metnion Eric Piatkowski? 2. Dallas Mavericks. Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry have formed arguably the best offensive duo in the league. Both are very pure shooting, and just find ways to score, no matter what the situation. I'm continued to be awed by what Jason Terry can do on the offensive end. His effortless stroke and precise ballhandling makes for a hell of an offensive player. This paired with the right mentality (thanks to coach Avery Johnson) makes them big time contenders.3. Miami Heat. This team is just loaded with talent. Most of it is aging, but still good. Let's face it, an injury-prone, worn down shaq is still one of the most valuable pieces in the league to have. Not to mention Dwyane Wade flat out dominating the playoffs. I expect a bigger role from Jason Terry this year.4. San Antonio Spurs. Yep, they're still there. Tony Parker will be another step along, and there's a shot that Tim Duncan could actually be healthy. If so, this team is defeinitely a contender. This is the year the hang on for dear life tho. If they don't make some noise this year, I think they're done.5. Detroit Pistons. The loss of Ben Wallace hurts, but is a little overrated. They still have Rasheed in the middle, and they recovered nicely with Nazr Mohammed. They look a little different, but they are a way more flexible team, and more adept to Flip Saunders' style of coaching. Tayshaun will take another step forward this year, and the only player I can see going downhill is Rasheed, and he'll still contribute close to a double-double every night. Just look at all the offense: Chauncey Billups, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, Flip Murray, Antonio McDyess. and the defense: Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, Nazr Mohammed. This team is still a contender, and in my eyes still better than the Bulls.
No way in hell the bulls are #3. 1. Miami Heat: They are the returning championships. They deserve respect.2. Phoenix Suns: If Amare and the rest of the team are healthy, it should be a walk in the park this year for them, but health is alot to ask from this team apparently.3. Dallas Mavericks: They didnt get worse so how can they be lower than #3.4. San Antonio Spurs: I feel that they didnt need any additions in order to get better. Their top 3 is still among the best in the league and Tony will have gotten even better.5. Cleveland Cavaliers: Lebron James.
I agree with you, but I say switch Chicago and Miami. At least until they do something to prove they deserve that high of a rank.
Cant put the Bulls on that list yet because they havent even played a game with Tyrus Thomas, Big Ben and Thabo
Tony, you should be kicking yourself for keeping Detroit out of the top 5.1. Dallas2. San Antonio3. Miami4. Detroit5. Cleveland. Sorry PHX fans, your not top 5 to me.
Phoenix isn't top 5? that's ridiculous. Just look at the roster. What gives you justifications on detroit and cleveland being better, when phoenix got better, yet cleveland didn't make any new acquisitions and detroit got worse?
The Spurs got worse yet you dont critisize them for being in the top 5. And Detroit was just as good if not better than the Spurs last season. There are alot of good teams in the NBA. If he doesn't think Phoenix is top 5, then it shouldnt be THAT big of a suprise. Amare is not fully healthy and unless he is, they arent going to make it out of the west and I personally dont see them making it to the WCF.
Amare IS healthy. he's in great shpae. he may not be fully 100% healthy, but amare at 90% can still get you 20 and 10. My point about Cleveland not making any new acquisitions was that phoenix had a better record last year, and then they got even better. They are clearly a better team than the Cavs.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (SunnyD @ Sep 12 2006, 07:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Tony, you should be kicking yourself for keeping Detroit out of the top 5.1. Dallas2. San Antonio3. Miami4. Detroit5. Cleveland. Sorry PHX fans, your not top 5 to me.</div>Sorry sunny but I'd keep detrioit out of the top 5 too! They wont be the same without Big Ben IMO But Also Chicago would miss ot too.1. Dallas2. Phoenix3. Miami4. San Antonio5. Sacto /Clevland --- everyone is underrating Sacto in this upcoming season!
How do you know that Amare is 90 percent healthy? And even if he is, his type of injury is something that can happen again very easily. I am almost positive that he will miss at least 10-15 games this season. Also, Phoenix may have a gotten better but so did Lebron James. Nash is getting older as well. Also, Amare is just going to take away minutes from Boris and others so I dont think they will improve THAT much from last year. Also, even though the East isnt as weak as it used to be, they are still worse and it will be easier for them to make it out.<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (clangus @ Sep 11 2006, 07:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div><div class='quotemain'>Sorry sunny but I'd keep detrioit out of the top 5 too! They wont be the same without Big Ben IMO But Also Chicago would miss ot too.1. Dallas2. Phoenix3. Miami4. San Antonio5. Sacto /Clevland --- everyone is underrating Sacto in this upcoming season!</div>well if Sacramento isnt the biggest joke I have ever seen. How do you think they even come close to the #5 spot? They are at BEST #10. And I mean at the very best. I wouldnt be incredibly surprised if they miss the playoffs actually. I think that they will but it wont be any better than a #6 or #7 spot.
