Let's do it. I'll just copy and paste my explanations from another site, because I'm not writing that shit all over again. EAST 1. Celtics -- Defending champs, and no one in the East improved to the point where they can realistically catch us. The C's did lose Posey, but I don't think that's a huge loss at all. A healthy Tony Allen can fill his role no problem. That said, I do think the C's will see a sharp drop in regular season wins this time around, possibly by double digits. Reason being, there isn't the same anticipation and pressure around the team as there was this time last year. Guys are more inclined to relax, and the core guys have nothing to prove. I still say we're the favorite to win the East though. 2. Magic -- I think they have to be the clear cut 2nd best team in the East right now. 4/5 of their starting five is just outstanding (Shard, Howard, Nelson, Turkoglu), and they picked up two guys in the offseason to help at shooting guard, which was their weakest position last year. Howard and Nelson are only going to improve, and Shard should fit in better his second year in Orlando. 3. Pistons -- Billups and Hamilton are starting to get up there in age, but the Pistons have Rodney Stuckey backing them up, who figures to have a breakout season. Detroit has a solid enough frontcourt to keep them going strong. I see a dip in wins for them this season, but there's no reason to think they won't be around in mid to late May. 4. Heat -- This is my sleeper team, obviously. Assuming Wade comes back and plays at least 75 healthy games, Miami has a good enough cast around him to bounce right back into the playoffs. I think it will happen. Another thing, this team was no where as bad as their final record indicated. Wade was hurt, Shaq was old, they got off to a really bad start out of the gate, and more or less quit after that, fielding D-league lineups by March. Wade has a quality supporting cast, with Shawn Marion, Michael Beasley, Mario Chalmers, and Daequan Cook, to name a few. Don't forget Shaun Livingston, who's coming off a horrific knee injury that cost him all of last season. If he can tap into his potential and give Miami a solid point guard presence, that would be a huge boost. 5. 76ers -- Signing Brand was a low-risk, high reward move for a Sixers group already on the rise. This team figures to have one of the best starting fives in the league (Miller, Iguodala, Young, Brand, Dalembert), and spent much of the offseason getting cheap help for their bench, such as Donyell Marshall, Theo Ratliff, Kareem Rush, etc. to help Willie Green and Louis Williams. The Sixers have all the tools to do well their first year together. A championship may be a stretch though, at this point, as I doubt they can really compete with Boston, Detroit, or Orlando... yet. 6. Cavaliers -- The Mo Williams trade was one of the most pointless trades they could have made. Cleveland already had two solid point guards that could drain it from 3, why did they need a third (who isn't much better than the other two)? Cleveland is one year removed from an Eastern Conference title, but they only had to beat one team to get there. This team is just like all the other Cavs teams in the past 4 years; good, but not nearly good enough. LeBron is still lacking in the help department. Time's getting short, Cleveland. 7. Raptors -- Toronto acquiring Jermaine O'Neal was also a lateral (and pointless) move, at best. The Raptors had one of the very best PG tandems in the NBA, what's the sense in abandoning that to take on an injury prone forward/center who does pretty much the same things Bosh does? The Raptors will stagnate this season, as opposed to improving. 8. Pacers -- For those who payed attention to the Pacers last season, there were two major issues with last year's team. First, Jermaine O'Neal could not get healthy, was counter-productive to the team when he was healthy, and Indiana was hell-bent on getting rid of him. Second, the remaining players on the floor played very good basketball, surprising even, and what killed them was the point guard position; Tinsley is a waste of space, and Travis Diener is not a starting point guard. They settled both problems this summer by trading O'Neal to Toronto for T.J. Ford and Roy Hibbert. Ford is a speedy, slashing guard who really helps Jim O'Brien's up-tempo style, and he'll create more shots from distance for guys like Dunleavy and Murphy. Considering how Indiana played last year without any point guard to speak of, they're in great position to return to the playoffs after a two year absence. 9. Bulls -- Still a very cluttered backcourt combined with a weak front line. That said, they have way too much talent to place them too far out of contention. Derrick Rose will be a stabilizing force, drafting a true, steady, point guard can rarely hurt you. They need to aim for an offensive big man in next year's draft. Or sign one of a couple of potential free agents. 10. Wizards -- Gilbert Arenas was hurt last season and Washington didn't miss a beat. That's not what gets them this low. Center Brendan Haywood had a breakout season in 07-08, and gave the Wizards a solid presence in the paint to draw some attention away from Washington's wing scorers (Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, DeShawn Stevenson, Arenas when healthy). He's out for four months. Talented team that is once again too injury rattled to be a threat. Only this time, they'll miss the playoffs altogether. 11. Bucks -- Richard Jefferson is a solid #2 to Michael Redd. Scott Skiles does have a way of coaxing wins out of his teams in his first couple of seasons with them, by preaching toughness and defense. With this team, I just don't see it. They're hoping Ramon Sessions can fill a hole at point guard, but if he isn't ready, Milwaukee is in deep trouble there. Power forward is another position that concerns me. Charlie Villanueva is a nice player, but not the conventional PF that the Bucks need on the block. David Noel's a dunker/energy guy. The bench could also be an issue. Chicago was knee deep in talented players (though no all-stars) when Skiles was hired there. Rough year in Milwaukee. 12. Hawks -- Last year was an overachievement, plain and simple. Winning 37 games was overachieving, let alone the fact that it somehow allowed them to slip into the playoffs. This offseason, they lost Josh Childress to a Greek team. He was a solid contributor during his time Atlanta, and his departure now makes the bench, for lack of a better word, terrible. There's also a possibility they could miss Salim Stoudamire's deadly shooting touch more than they think. 13. Bobcats -- Early word is that the Bobcats are already complaining about Larry Brown's coaching style and personality. Meaning that this season has the potential to be like the 05-06 Knicks, complaining and lurching their way through the season, only they have far less talent (though are also far less mismatched). Or, Larry Brown could rekindle his coaching magic and have this team in playoff contention. Its not out of the question. 14. Nets -- What a mess. If they're lucky, they could unload Vince Carter by midseason to a contending team. If they get unlucky, they're stuck with him and the crying he's bound to do by the time January comes around and the Nets are battling the Knicks for being the laughingstock of the East. Devin Harris I really like, he'll be a great point guard in Brooklyn. The rest of the roster is random mismatched career role players such as Keyon Dooling, Jarvis Hayes, and Eduardo Najera, or young players that have yet to really pan out, and in some cases its doubtful they ever will. 15. Knicks -- Isiah is gone, but his mess remains. That is, Zach Randolph, Stephon Marbury, and Eddy Curry all still play for the Knicks. Until New York can find a way to get all three of them out of town, as well as draft some meaningful players, they'll be garbage. D'Antoni is in way over his head here. WEST 1. Lakers -- At least for the regular season, this is not debatable. The Lakers will run away with the regular season wins crown. Bynum is returning, and to help ease what would have been a crowded frontcourt, they send Odom to the bench, with Luke Walton being the likely new starter as the SF. That move can only help, as Odom will be better served backing up Pau Gasol as opposed to playing with him. You only play with one basketball. However once they get to the playoffs, there is plenty of stiff competition in both conferences that could take them out. 2. Jazz -- This team is constantly overlooked by pretty much everyone, but they have a basketball tandem in Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer that may rival Stockton and Malone. Just look at the success they've been having in two years together, if you don't believe me. There is plenty of depth around the two of them (Kirilenko, Brewer, Okur, Miles, Knight, Millsap) for Utah to be at the top of the standings again, and to be a legitamite Finals threat. 3. Rockets -- The newest big three in the NBA came together when the Rockets went for it and acquired Ron Artest. Its a risky move, but I think it will pan out. Houston has arguably the league's premier defensive team with that move, and I consider them as much of a title contender as anyone. 4. Spurs -- I've learned my lesson: don't bet against the San Antonio Spurs. Manu Ginobili is out until mid-December with an ankle injury, but the Spurs have depth surrounding Parker, Ginobili, and Duncan. They have three nice looking young players, Salim Stoudamire, Ian Mahinmi, and George Hill, that could handle a decent-sized role this year if need be. The Spurs might see an end to the 55 wins a year streak, but they are still a championship contender. Its also an odd year. 5. Hornets -- The Hornets were a surprise team last year, coming out of nowhere to place 2nd in the elite west. One thing I've learned following the NBA, surprise teams like that often come back down (or closer to, at least) to Earth the following season. This team had the same squad, except for Morris Peterson, the season before last, and they were completely absent from the playoffs that year. For this year, New Orleans will take a step back as opposed to another step forward. 6. Mavericks -- Rick Carlisle's free flowing offense will probably save this team from plunging into mediocrity. Nowitzki won't be forced into being a post player anymore, he can be the perimeter that he's supposed to be. Jason Kidd should also be revived, as this system/team is a little friendlier toward his style of play. Dallas has plenty of firepower at point guard, with Kidd and Barea, and solid center and power forward combos (Dampier/Diop, Nowitzki/Bass respectively). On the wings right now they are a little thin, but they have two former first-round draft picks in Gerald Green and Antoine Wright, who still have time to turn things around. I think there is way too much talent on this team to miss the playoffs, even if they aren't a real title contender. 7. Trail Blazers -- Yes they are young, but there is just too much to love about the talent they have. Brandon Roy's an established stud, Outlaw and Aldridge are very nice players, and we'll be getting our first look at Jerryd Bayless, Rudy Fernandez, and Greg Oden (yes, that Greg Oden). All three figure to contribute heavily in the near future, if not this year. Enough teams in the West sunk out of the picture this offseason for Portland to slip comfortably into the playoffs. 8. Kings -- No one noticed, but the Kings were closing in 40 wins last season, for a team that was projected to win no more than 30. For the time that Ron Artest was playing for the Kings, they actually played better when he wasn't in the lineup. They traded him to Houston this summer, and got a solid prospect in Donte Greene (they also re-acquired Bobby Jackson to help at guard). There is no doubt Sacramento is in rebuilding mode, but led by Kevin Martin, who can contend for the scoring title this year, the Kings are a surprise team perfectly capable of making the playoffs and being heard from. 9. Suns -- This new style of play under Terry Porter will kickstart the Suns' inevitable drop in the standings. A slower pace and more emphasis on defense will once again expose Nash's defensive incapabilites, and will also mean Amare Stoudemire actually has to play defense now and also can no longer just run the floor and guarantee himself two points. On top of the way if affects Phoenix's two best players, this roster is just plain old. Shaq is finished, and he wouldn't have stated a 2010 retirement if he himself believed otherwise. Grant Hill lost his job to Matt Barnes, who over the course of his career was only effective in Don Nelson's system. 10. Clippers -- They probably were screwed by Elton Brand, so you can't really fault the Davis signing, but other than that it's been a series of panic moves that Clipper fans are all too familiar with. New to the fold this time around are Ricky Davis, Marcus Camby, Steve Novak, Brian Skinner, and Jason Hart. The Clippers will lack chemistry all season, and just throwing a team together like they have, without any real plan, is not a good way to try and win basketball games. 11. Grizzlies -- I like the talent here, quite a bit. Rudy Gay, O.J. Mayo, Mike Conley, and Marc Gasol all have terrific careers in front of them. Its only a matter of time before that talent, Gay and Conley in particular due to having some NBA experience already, begins to materialize, and I think we could see some flashes this season. O.J. Mayo is a leading candidate for ROY, and Marc Gasol, despite not having NBA experience, has been playing pro ball for a while. Memphis is pretty much set for the future. Once thing they still have to do midseason, find a contending team that needs depth, offer them Antoine Walker, attach Javaris Crittenton, and hope they bite. 12. Timberwolves -- Similar situation to Memphis. Al Jefferson should be an all-star this season, and is a big guy perfectly suited to having a franchise built around him. I think he should be moved to center to accomodate Kevin Love. They have a slew of recent first round picks on their roster, Telfair, Foye, Brewer, and McCants. If some of that talent ever starts to take effect, Minnesota could end up doing better than we all thought. 13. Warriors -- Monta Ellis is out half the year, they lost Baron Davis and signed Corey Maggette in his place. Both of the core components of their team are gone, and they'll have to rely on pretty unknown players such as Brandan Wright, Anthony Randolph, and Marco Belinelli to stay afloat. I don't see it happening. Even Don Nelson won't be able to do much with this bunch. 14. Nuggets -- They're in line for a big collapse. They're an even worse defensive team than last year, something I thought impossible, they don't have any legitamite post game, and they also don't have a quality, true point guard of any kind. The only thing they do have is three great wing players who are very likely to stir the pot in a big way once the losing starts. George Karl's time is running out, I can't see him making it to the all-star game. 15. Thunder -- Seattle's revenge. Nice cast of young players, but Kevin Durant has absolutely no help here. OKC fans got their wish of a pro sports team, but unfortunately it will struggle to scrape 20 wins. Still, the future is bright, and Sam Presti has a ton of draft picks at his disposal, which he can manuever with however he pleases.
He's already said he's embraced the leadership role. Doubt he demands a trade, but I wouldn't upload him; his value seems like it will be very high by playoff time. No mismatched at all. Yi, Brook, Anderson, CDR, and Williams all have great chances to be damn good players. I'd say at least one has a large impact THIS year, with 2-3 having good careers.
He says he embraces the leadership role, wait till things get rough. Mismatched was referring to the additions of Hayes/Najera/Dooling. Three random vets they bought in that are likely going to be forced into much larger roles than they're suited for. As for the young guys, once of them almost HAS to make a noticable impact. They'll get their fair share of oppurtunities, given how thin the roster is.
Eastern Conference 1. Boston Celtics - While I highly doubt they scratch their 66 wins last year, they're still the best team in the East, even with the loss of Posey. I think Tony Allen could have a very good year as the teams 6th man and don't look past Rajon Rondo. I think he'll continue to improve on both ends of the court. He's already a very good defensive point guard and I think he'll be even better on offense this year. If he can start hitting his jump shot consistently, teams will have to think twice about doubling KG in the post or PP on the perimeter. Did I mention they'll still be the best defensive team in the league? Yea, they'll still be damn good. 2. Detroit Pistons - While they're getting older, that didn't stop them from racking up the wins last year, and it won't stop them this year. They still have one of the top starting fives in the NBA, despite the age, and their bench is just getting better. Rodney Stuckey will be even better this year, as will Maxiell. And if I'm correct, McDyess is coming off the bench this year as well, which will definitely help the bench depth as well. 3. Orlando Magic - I think the addition of Mickael Pietrus could be overlooked. He's a solid shooter, good defender and a great athlete. If he can keep his head on straight, he could really help the Magic. Also, look for Dwight to be even better this year. He's improved every year he's been in the league, and I don't see any reason to bet against him having an even better year this year. And as mentioned earlier, Rashard Lewis should be even better this year. He's now more accustomed to playing with his teammates this year, and I think that chemistry factor will help that tremendously. 4. Philadelphia 76ers - They were already a good, up and coming team last year, and this year, they'll be even better. The addition of Elton Brand should put this team over the top and easily help them to homecourt advantage. Despite what some think, I think his addition will do absolutely no harm to Iggy. I actually expect him to have an even better year this year because of all the attention Brand is going to demand in the paint. Also, good luck scoring in the paint. Dalembert and Brand should be one of the top defensive frontcourts in the NBA this year. 5. Washington Wizards - I don't really see why some people are sleeping on this team. Sure, they lost Haywood for the year, at least in all likelihood, and Arenas is out for the first month and a half. However, this team coped with all sorts of injuries last year and still succeeded, so I don't see why they can't do it again. Butler and Jamison will have their regular outstanding seasons, and I wouldn't be surprised if Blatche has a breakout season. Also, Etan Thomas is going to be back, and by all accounts, he should do a solid job replacing Haywood, and if not, the aforementioned Blatche could potentially fill that void as well. The biggest issue I could see with this team is, if they're playing well come December when Arenas is due back, could him coming back actually hurt this team? I doubt it, but ya never know. 6. Toronto Raptors - While JE doesn't like the addition of O'Neal, I love it. I think that gives them one of the top frontcourts in the Eastern Conference and it also prevents them from having to find minutes for both PGs. I also think Bargnani is in for a breakout season. No real reason why, I just can't see him digressing again this year. He's got too much potential to have another rough season. I think the only thing that could prevent this team from making the playoffs again is defensive struggles, but again, I think the addition of O'Neal will help them on that end tremendously. 7. Cleveland Cavaliers - Their window is closing pretty quickly. They made a relatively lateral move in bringing in Mo Williams. He's not much of an upgrade over Delonte West or Daniel Gibson, at least not in my book. While people are thinking he's going to be that complimentary scorer that the Cavs have wanted, I don't think he will be. Sure, he'll put up solid scoring numbers, but he's far too inconsistent to be relied on completely. Oh yea, and they might have one of the worst offensive frontcourts in the NBA. Big Z is nothing but a face up shooter now, Big Ben is worthless and Varejao is an offensive liability. To be honest, I wouldn't be surprised if they actually slip out of the playoff picture this year. 8. Miami Heat - They have tons of talent, it's just a matter of staying healthy. Wade has had injury issues for the last couple of years, and if he misses more than 10 games or so, that could seriously hurt their playoff chances. I also think their playoff chances hinge on what they do with Marion. If they keep him, I see no reason why they can't make the playoffs. He'll be a great complimentary player to Wade and will provide a lot on both sides of the ball. If they trade him though, they need to get someone that can come in and score, because as much as I love Michael Beasley, I don't know how smart it would be to rely on a rookie to be your 2nd scoring option. He is great and all, but he's going to have his really good games and his really bad games, and you may not know when, and that's what comes with being a rookie. 9. Atlanta Hawks - I still think they could make the playoffs again. I don't really look at the loss of Childress to be that huge. I think Marvin Williams is finally going to have a huge season for them, and having Mike Bibby for a full season should definitely help as well. 10. Chicago Bulls - I LOVE what Derrick Rose brings to this team. He's uber-quick, has great vision on the court and can get to the rim whenever he wants. However, Chicago still has too many front court questions and still have a cluttered back court. I also don't like the idea of having a rookie coach. While I think Chicago has the talent to make it back to the playoffs, I still think they might just be a year or two away. Regardless though, they should be a very fun team to watch this year. 11. Indiana Pacers - I like the talent, but I don't know if the addition of Ford is going to be quite enough to vault them in to the playoffs. 12. Charlotte Bobcats - They have a good coach now, but they'll still have issues staying on the court. Okafor and Wallace have been injury plagued for the last couple years, and if it happens again this year, they'll be doomed. Having a PG controversy won't help chemistry matters either. 13. New Jersey Nets - Another team with good talent but not even close to playoff ready. Their best player is going to be exiting the prime of his career and aside from Devin Harris, I'm not sure how ready some of their players are to be big enough contributors for a playoff push. This team is still at least a year or two away from the playoffs in my book. 14. Milwaukee Bucks - Moving Mo Williams was a good move. However, now they'll be leaning on basically a rookie in Ramon Sessions to run this team and they lost their second best scorer. If they're going to do anything this year, Redd has to be spectacular and Bogut needs to have a huge year and live up to the huge contract he just got. 15. New York Knicks - Do I need to explain? They have too many headcases on this team. Eddy Curry and Zach Randolph are absolute wastes of cap space that need to go. They're bringing in an entirely new coaching system that's going to take time to adapt to. And, in reality, the only players on this team fit to run in that system are probably Nate, Duhon and QRich. This team is a mess, and it's going to take a lot to fix it. I hope D'Antoni is prepared for a really rough season. I'll do the West later.
The Pacers were on the verge of making the playoffs last year, the thing that held them back was crappy point guard play.
Well I appreciate you trying to start this discussion JE. Radman is our starter for now though (Ariza is second string), just for accuracy's sake. I'll have to do my predictions later too; sorry about that man.
To each their own, that's about all I have to say. While you think the addition of a good PG puts them over the top, I don't see it. At least not at the moment. I do think they're one of those bubble teams though that could make it if all the pieces fall in the right place.
Western Conference 1. Los Angeles Lakers - There is no doubt in my mind that they're the best team in the West, and not just that, but the best team in the NBA. They should have the best frontcourt in the West with Gasol and Bynum, and they'll have the best bench in the NBA. Odom off the bench gives them a hell of an option there, and I think Farmar is due to have a huge season. Look for him to be in the running for 6th Man and MIP come seasons end. Did I mention they also have the best coach in the NBA, as well as the reigning MVP? This team is loaded in every sense of the word. They were good last year when Bynum was out, and with him back, they'll be even better. From top to bottom, they are quite easily the best team in the NBA. 2. New Orleans Hornets - I don't think they're a fluke. They have talent every which way. Paul and West are a great 1-2 punch, and a healthy Peja is as good as a 3rd option as you can get. They have one of the top centers in the NBA, and James Posey should give them a great boost off the bench. I also think Julian Wright could be due for a pretty big year as well. I don't see this team taking a step back at all this year. With Chris Paul in the drivers seat, they should be the 2nd best team in the West next season. 3. Utah Jazz - A team a lot of people sleep on. Williams and Boozer make a great tandem on the P&R and are a great 1-2 punch. They also have great depth and great talent around their two stars. Look for Ronnie Brewer to continue his emergence as well. The kid is a solid jump shot away from being an All Star. They aren't without their issues though. Williams will be MIA for the first couple weeks of the regular season with a sprained ankle, which could really hurt them in the W/L column, and the Boozer contract issue. He's a FA after the season, so you know he's going to try and have a huge year, but that could easily become a distraction, and that's something they don't need. If they can get past the first couple weeks in solid shape and overlook the Boozer issue, this team could make a run for the Finals this year. 4. San Antonio Spurs - I will not be one to count them out. Ever. I don't care if Ginobli is hurt til January or so. They still have Tim Duncan. They still have Tony Parker. Aside from them, they have a very solid cast built around them. Gregg Popovich is going to have a rough couple months ahead of him, but if anyone can coach them through this, it's him. Oh, and they're still outstanding on defense, and that alone will help them win ball games. 5. Houston Rockets - I love the talent they have. Yao, McGrady and Artest is as good of a trio as you might find in the league. I also love what they could do on defense. Now that I have what I love about them addressed, lets talk negatives. Artest, McGrady and Yao have not played full seasons in a long time. They've all had their share of injuries, and if any of them get hurt for extended period of time, the Rockets could be in trouble. That being said, I think it's inevitable that one of them will get hurt and miss 20 or so games. However, they're still too good to finish any lower than 5th. Well, unless they lose a couple of their key guys for an extended period of time...but we'll talk about that if that time comes. As it stands, they're looking to be a very good team, as long as they stay healthy. 6. Portland Trailblazers - I don't care how young they are. They're very good and very talented. They're also very well coached. They have an All Star in Brandon Roy and have a rookie phenom in Greg Oden. I also should mention how much I love the frontcourt. They have a fantastic high and low post combination in Aldridge and Oden, and they're both also solid rebounders and defenders. This team has talent in every which way and are deep beyond any stretch of the imagination. I love what this team has built, and I think the only thing holding them back could be chemistry issues - trying to find minutes for all the talent they have. That being said, the have a great coach in Nate McMillan who will figure out the rotation, and if need be, they can trade away some of that talent to prevent those potential issues. 7. Dallas Mavericks - The window is now starting slam shut on the Mavs. They still have a solid team, but too many teams in the West have caught or surpassed them. Dirk, while he is good, isn't a franchise player, at least not anymore. The one thing that should keep this team in the playoffs is a change in coaching philosophy. Rick Carlisle is going to open things up in a big way. He's going to give the shooters more freedom and give Kidd more freedom, something that Johnson was notorious for NOT doing last year. While they still have the ability to finish in the top 4 of the West, I don't know if they're going to. 8. Phoenix Suns - A change in coaching philosophy will be good and bad for this team. Good in the aspect that they'll actually attempt to play some defense, bad in that it exposes the many weaknesses of this team. Amare and Nash will both be heavily exposed, and Shaq will probably continue to show his age. The only thing keeping them in the playoffs for me is how talented they are. I like the roster they have, especially if they're still allowed to get out and run, but the window is closing. If Porter tries to slow things down too much though, disaster could ensue and the Suns could miss the playoffs for the first time in the Steve Nash era. 9. Denver Nuggets - A bad defensive team just got worst. While many call Camby overrated on defense, his length and shot blocking made up for the mistakes of everyone else. While they should still finish above .500 with all the offensive talent this team has, I think their defense alone will prevent them from making the playoffs. If that's the case, look for Karl and AI to be on their way out. 10. Sacramento Kings - I love the talent (seems to be a recurring theme), but I still think they're a year away. Kevin Martin is going to have another huge year, and I fully expect Spencer Hawes to be the full time starter at some point...mainly because I think they'll be trading Miller to a contender. I think John Salmons can step in and be a very solid player on both ends of the court for them (again), and I love Donte Greene. Their bench should also be pretty solid as well - Hawes, Greene, Garcia, etc. Again though, as much as I like the talent, they're still a year or two away in my book. 11. Los Angeles Clippers - Brand screwed them, but it happens. The NBA is a business, so you have to expect things like that to happen. However, they did bring in Davis, who will provide entertainment at the least. What they will be lacking though is chemistry. Will Kaman and Camby survive together in the front court? Will Davis be able to coexist with his new teammates? And, as noted earlier, their roster is kind of a random array of parts, something that, once again, won't help chemistry. Oh, and it doesn't help that their three best players are injury prone, and if any of them go down, that could spell the end of any playoff hopes. 12. Minnesota Timberwolves - This is another team loaded with talent. Jefferson, McCants, Foye, Love, Miller - all of them have the ability to be All Stars in this league. However, until they mature and are more consistent, the Timberwolves will continue to be on the outside looking in for the playoffs. Again though, the talent is absolutely there. 13. Memphis Grizzlies - These guys are basically the Timberwolves in a different city. They are loaded with young talent, but aren't quite ready to make a legitimate playoff push. Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo should provide plenty of scoring and entertainment for Memphis fans this year, and Marc Gasol is a very good prospect big man. Mike Conley also looks like he could be a star in this league given the time. With all the talent thought, there are some black holes on the roster. Walker is useless and Darko and his huge contract needs to go. They also have an unnecessary commodity in Javaris Crittenton who needs a new home or could become a headache at some point. He needs playing time, and he's not going to get that in Memphis with Lowry and Conley ahead of him, and I think that could get to him at some point. 14. Golden State Warriors - Their best player is out for half the year. Their second best player jetted in free agency. They did bring in a big time scorer in Maggette...but again, their best player is out for half the year. This team still has the talent, but it's going to be relying on too many unproven commodities to really succeed this year. As much as I like Anthony Randolph, Marco Bellinelli, and Brandan Wright, there's no way this team can succeed if those guys have to play major minutes this year. 15. Oklahoma City Thunder - (<---That still looks weird) As good as Kevin Durant is, he alone can't stop the Thunder for competing for the worst record in the NBA. Aside from him, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook, this team doesn't have a lot. They have a void in the center spot and their best players are all too young to be ready to carry this team. The team does have plenty of young talent and draft picks to toy with though, so it's only a matter of time before they jump back in to basketball relevance, it just won't happen this year, regardless of how brilliant Durant is.
Western Conference 1. Los Angeles Lakers - There is no doubt in my mind that they're the best team in the West, and not just that, but the best team in the NBA. They should have the best frontcourt in the West with Gasol and Bynum, and they'll have the best bench in the NBA. Odom off the bench gives them a hell of an option there, and I think Farmar is due to have a huge season. Look for him to be in the running for 6th Man and MIP come seasons end. Did I mention they also have the best coach in the NBA, as well as the reigning MVP? This team is loaded in every sense of the word. They were good last year when Bynum was out, and with him back, they'll be even better. From top to bottom, they are quite easily the best team in the NBA. 2. New Orleans Hornets - I don't think they're a fluke. They have talent every which way. Paul and West are a great 1-2 punch, and a healthy Peja is as good as a 3rd option as you can get. They have one of the top centers in the NBA, and James Posey should give them a great boost off the bench. I also think Julian Wright could be due for a pretty big year as well. I don't see this team taking a step back at all this year. With Chris Paul in the drivers seat, they should be the 2nd best team in the West next season. 3. Utah Jazz - A team a lot of people sleep on. Williams and Boozer make a great tandem on the P&R and are a great 1-2 punch. They also have great depth and great talent around their two stars. Look for Ronnie Brewer to continue his emergence as well. The kid is a solid jump shot away from being an All Star. They aren't without their issues though. Williams will be MIA for the first couple weeks of the regular season with a sprained ankle, which could really hurt them in the W/L column, and the Boozer contract issue. He's a FA after the season, so you know he's going to try and have a huge year, but that could easily become a distraction, and that's something they don't need. If they can get past the first couple weeks in solid shape and overlook the Boozer issue, this team could make a run for the Finals this year. 4. San Antonio Spurs - I will not be one to count them out. Ever. I don't care if Ginobli is hurt til January or so. They still have Tim Duncan. They still have Tony Parker. Aside from them, they have a very solid cast built around them. Gregg Popovich is going to have a rough couple months ahead of him, but if anyone can coach them through this, it's him. Oh, and they're still outstanding on defense, and that alone will help them win ball games. 5. Houston Rockets - I love the talent they have. Yao, McGrady and Artest is as good of a trio as you might find in the league. I also love what they could do on defense. Now that I have what I love about them addressed, lets talk negatives. Artest, McGrady and Yao have not played full seasons in a long time. They've all had their share of injuries, and if any of them get hurt for extended period of time, the Rockets could be in trouble. That being said, I think it's inevitable that one of them will get hurt and miss 20 or so games. However, they're still too good to finish any lower than 5th. Well, unless they lose a couple of their key guys for an extended period of time...but we'll talk about that if that time comes. As it stands, they're looking to be a very good team, as long as they stay healthy. 6. Portland Trailblazers - I don't care how young they are. They're very good and very talented. They're also very well coached. They have an All Star in Brandon Roy and have a rookie phenom in Greg Oden. I also should mention how much I love the frontcourt. They have a fantastic high and low post combination in Aldridge and Oden, and they're both also solid rebounders and defenders. This team has talent in every which way and are deep beyond any stretch of the imagination. I love what this team has built, and I think the only thing holding them back could be chemistry issues - trying to find minutes for all the talent they have. That being said, the have a great coach in Nate McMillan who will figure out the rotation, and if need be, they can trade away some of that talent to prevent those potential issues. 7. Dallas Mavericks - The window is now starting slam shut on the Mavs. They still have a solid team, but too many teams in the West have caught or surpassed them. Dirk, while he is good, isn't a franchise player, at least not anymore. The one thing that should keep this team in the playoffs is a change in coaching philosophy. Rick Carlisle is going to open things up in a big way. He's going to give the shooters more freedom and give Kidd more freedom, something that Johnson was notorious for NOT doing last year. While they still have the ability to finish in the top 4 of the West, I don't know if they're going to. 8. Phoenix Suns - A change in coaching philosophy will be good and bad for this team. Good in the aspect that they'll actually attempt to play some defense, bad in that it exposes the many weaknesses of this team. Amare and Nash will both be heavily exposed, and Shaq will probably continue to show his age. The only thing keeping them in the playoffs for me is how talented they are. I like the roster they have, especially if they're still allowed to get out and run, but the window is closing. If Porter tries to slow things down too much though, disaster could ensue and the Suns could miss the playoffs for the first time in the Steve Nash era. 9. Denver Nuggets - A bad defensive team just got worst. While many call Camby overrated on defense, his length and shot blocking made up for the mistakes of everyone else. While they should still finish above .500 with all the offensive talent this team has, I think their defense alone will prevent them from making the playoffs. If that's the case, look for Karl and AI to be on their way out. 10. Sacramento Kings - I love the talent (seems to be a recurring theme), but I still think they're a year away. Kevin Martin is going to have another huge year, and I fully expect Spencer Hawes to be the full time starter at some point...mainly because I think they'll be trading Miller to a contender. I think John Salmons can step in and be a very solid player on both ends of the court for them (again), and I love Donte Greene. Their bench should also be pretty solid as well - Hawes, Greene, Garcia, etc. Again though, as much as I like the talent, they're still a year or two away in my book. 11. Los Angeles Clippers - Brand screwed them, but it happens. The NBA is a business, so you have to expect things like that to happen. However, they did bring in Davis, who will provide entertainment at the least. What they will be lacking though is chemistry. Will Kaman and Camby survive together in the front court? Will Davis be able to coexist with his new teammates? And, as noted earlier, their roster is kind of a random array of parts, something that, once again, won't help chemistry. Oh, and it doesn't help that their three best players are injury prone, and if any of them go down, that could spell the end of any playoff hopes. 12. Minnesota Timberwolves - This is another team loaded with talent. Jefferson, McCants, Foye, Love, Miller - all of them have the ability to be All Stars in this league. However, until they mature and are more consistent, the Timberwolves will continue to be on the outside looking in for the playoffs. Again though, the talent is absolutely there. 13. Memphis Grizzlies - These guys are basically the Timberwolves in a different city. They are loaded with young talent, but aren't quite ready to make a legitimate playoff push. Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo should provide plenty of scoring and entertainment for Memphis fans this year, and Marc Gasol is a very good prospect big man. Mike Conley also looks like he could be a star in this league given the time. With all the talent thought, there are some black holes on the roster. Walker is useless and Darko and his huge contract needs to go. They also have an unnecessary commodity in Javaris Crittenton who needs a new home or could become a headache at some point. He needs playing time, and he's not going to get that in Memphis with Lowry and Conley ahead of him, and I think that could get to him at some point. 14. Golden State Warriors - Their best player is out for half the year. Their second best player jetted in free agency. They did bring in a big time scorer in Maggette...but again, their best player is out for half the year. This team still has the talent, but it's going to be relying on too many unproven commodities to really succeed this year. As much as I like Anthony Randolph, Marco Bellinelli, and Brandan Wright, there's no way this team can succeed if those guys have to play major minutes this year. 15. Oklahoma City Thunder - (<---That still looks weird) As good as Kevin Durant is, he alone can't stop the Thunder for competing for the worst record in the NBA. Aside from him, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook, this team doesn't have a lot. They have a void in the center spot and their best players are all too young to be ready to carry this team. The team does have plenty of young talent and draft picks to toy with though, so it's only a matter of time before they jump back in to basketball relevance, it just won't happen this year, regardless of how brilliant Durant is.
JE I'm sorry but its insane to think that the Kings will make the playoffs, especially over the Suns. Also I think you have Washington and ATL too low in the east.
panic moves?? what are you smoking i dont disagree about the chemistry part but i disagree with you on the rest only because of the injuries in preseason. jason hart was on the clippers a few seasons ago and he almost got to the playoffs with them. brian skinner and steve novak are role players and if you think they will have a big enough impact to shape games into losses than i dont think you realize they are their bench player, not the starters. they still have a great sophmore in al thornton who continues to fly under the radar. kaman, who hopefully will bounce back from a bad preseason, is a top 7 nba center. they are definitely going to get some 3pts this season because they now have some people who can actually shoot. the only real problems i see keeping them from the playoffs are injuries and chemistry.
Kings = major sleepers Wizards = injuries mounting, no presence on the low block with Haywood gone Hawks = it'll take more than 37 games to make the playoffs this time around, and the only thing Atlanta did this offseason was lose Josh Childress.
And those are very real problems. Talent alone won't get you anywhere, the Knicks can elaborate on that. Steve Novak didn't even play in Houston. If you're counting on Brian Skinner to give you a meaningful contribution, you're in deep trouble. Marcus Camby won't provide this team with what Elton Brand did, not even close. Aside from Kaman, Thornton, and Davis, these are a bunch of random players just thrown together. Which means chemistry problems. Two of your three best players are prone to injuries. In the East you might get in, but in the West, nope.
How does that statement prove that they will make the playoffs? They lost Artest and acquired Bjax, who is old and near retirement. You really think that Kevin Martin could contend for the scoring title, that is a horrible prediction.
When you say they played better without him, what do you mean? I haven't followed the Kings much the past couple years. I just quickly checked, and last year the Kings were 30-27 with him in the lineup, and 8-17 without him. And 82games says that his On/Off differential was +9.1 points/100poss. Were the Kings doing something much better without Ron that doesn't show up in the record? I have to think that by replacing Artest with Donte Green, they'll lose a lot more. I think the 8th seed team will have to win at least 45 wins in the West, and the Kings will struggle to hit 35.
Kevin Martin (who will average at least 26 ppg) is a dynamite scorer and he'll lead the charge. They will have a solid center rotation with Brad Miller and Spencer Hawes. Jason Thompson is being overlooked because of the small school he comes from, he has all the talents to be a steady presence for the Kings down low, and he'll be given the oppurtunities. The Kings won't miss Artest, I'm sure of that. Francisco Garcia is a good enough defender to take his place. Their perimeter players can bomb it from three. Sacramento has the pieces to do their part. Remember, this team won 38 games last season. In their division they went 3-13 last year, and their division got a lot weaker. Phoenix is not nearly the same team, the Clippers revamped their roster (again), and Golden State lost Baron Davis and is without Monta Ellis for half the season; they're not a threat. They'll win more games against those teams, how does that not boost last season's win total? Now, look at some of the other teams people are throwing in the lower playoff spots. Phoenix is primed for a noticable drop in the standings; Nash is getting older and a more physical style of play is not going to help him. Stoudemire can no longer get all those free points by simply running the floor and dunking. Shaq is finished. Matt Barnes was only effective in Don Nelson's offense. Hill is old, and likely finished. Phoenix's days in serious contention are through. The Nuggets had three players on last year's team that played defense; all three are gone. The Clippers threw together a random roster of other team's cast-offs. Golden State lost a heap of talent. The Kings have a much better chance at the playoffs than any of them.
