- Celtics-The defending champs will have alot to prove, considering the big three are all a year older. Can they still do it?
- Lakers-Kobe is ready after a Gold Medal win, and wants another NBA title. He will have a much improved team with Bynum back and Gasol for the entire season.
- Cavaliers-Lebron is on the same boat as Kobe, as he also is NBA title hungry. He will once again have to carry his team that still hasn't found his counterpart. But in the end this team will be there.
- Rockets-Adding Ron Artest to this stacked team makes them one of the best in the West, if they are healthy. Yao and T-Mac will need to play at least 70 games for this team to stay competitive.
- Hornets-Chris Paul is one of the best players in the NBA, and needs to lead this team to the playoffs. He has a great supporting cast and he will continue to shine as long as he is healthy. I expect them to go far into the playoffs.
- Pistons-A solid team who once again released another coach. I don't know how a team can stay focused with this coaching musical chairs. They are all veterans but are no longer the young players they just were. If they start off bad, this season may be a failure.
- Spurs-A veteran team that will look for another deep postseason. They are all older but have not done anything to improve their team. The West is much improved and this team may slide.
- Suns-One of the most impressive offensive in the league may finally be ready for a serious postseason run. They are one of the best teams in this team when healthy and start off the season healthy.
- Jazz-They will be without Deron Williams for a few weeks but will still be a tough team to play without him. Once he comes back they will be one of the top teams in the West.
- Magic-This team is more mature and is looking for a serious postseason run. They haven't added any big names but have Dwight Howard which is all they need.
- Raptors-Jermaine will help this team later in the season as they will look for another playoff berth. But it all depends on how they perform in the postseason.
- Blazers-This team almost made the playoffs last year, without Greg Oden. They are young and talented and will turn the West upside down.
- Sixers-A Big addition in Elton Brand will help this team go to the postseason for consecutive years.
- Mavs-This team is another year older and may not be the team they used to. Look for a decline this year.
- Nuggets-AI and Melo will need to lead this team if it wants another postseason appearance. They can be the best offense in the league when it runs and guns, but their defense needs to be improved.
- Wizards-This team is to injury prone, and is only good when healthy. This is not one of those seasons.
- Clippers-Can they draw the crowd away from Kobe and over to Baron Davis? I highly doubt it, but this team lost Elton Brand and is a little worse.
- Warriors-Losing Baron Davis just makes way for new star Monta Ellis. But what can he do with this inexperienced team?
- Heat-This team will be the most improved in all of the NBA. Wade, Marion and Beasley will help lead this team to a possible playoff berth.
- Bulls-A team that has the potential to be a top team, but hasn't performed up to it's standard. Most likely they will lose the big games and won't be the team Chicago once had.
- Hawks-This team hardly got into the playoffs last year, and took the Celtics to a game seven. They are talented but have not improved since last year.
- Bucks-A retooled team that will try to make a push for a playoff berth. They may be able to sneak in if other teams falter.
- Knicks-A new coach may be what this team needs, but is it ready to run and gun? It has a young team and players with talent, but it depends if they all mesh together.
- Pacers-This team loses Jermaine O'Neal and loses all hope for a possible playoff berth.
- Twolves-A team that is now nothing without the big star it used to have. Now it is time to rebuild.
- Grizzlies-Besides Mayo and Love, this team has no excitement. Sorry Grizz.
- Thunder-Kevin Durant will try to lead this young team who is in a new city. They will need the support of their fans to start off strong.
- Nets-Vince Carter came to this team to play with RJ and Kidd. Now both are gone and he still remains, but i doubt for long. Carter will want out of this team early in the season.
- Kings-A team that has not improved and didn't sign any big names. They will be at the bottom of the West as their weak line up will not be able to compete.
- Bobcats-Still not a good team, and may need MJ to get on the court and help them out.
Monday, October 27, 2008
NBA Power Rankings
Thursday, September 25, 2008
NBA Eastern Conference Central Division Preview
Detroit-This team has had it's postseason problems over the last few years, since winning the championship in 2004. After getting ride of Hall of Famer after Hall of Famer, they bring in Michael Curry, who has no professional coaching experience. The Pistons have won more then 50 games each of the last 7 seasons, and will likely do the same this season. They could have the best starting lineup in the NBA, and have terrific youth behind them. Michael Curry will just have to sit back and relax until the playoffs, which is when he will realize what it takes to make it in the NBA. Their team is another year older, which means that defense will be a little slower this year. These players won't be together forever, and really need to pull it together if they want to make use of their deep playoff runs.
Cleveland-This team once again shifts their lineup around Lebron James, trying to find someone to mesh with him. They don't need another star, just someone to help Lebron when hes getting double teamed. Mo Wiliams comes in from the Bucks and brings 17 points and 6 assists, giving Lebron a little help. Mo and Daniel Gibson will have to really help Lebron, so he isn't forced to take the game into his hands each and every night. He is a star who can have a triple double every night, but since he came into the league he hasn't had a helper. Two years ago he alone brought this team to the finals, and last year came within a game to making it again. He can only grow as a player and a score, and just needs to be more selective when shooting. But they could find his Robin, or his Pippen, then this team is unstoppable. They will really challenge for that division lead, and will need to win against Detroit. Lebron will once again make some noise in the East.
Indiana-The Pacers were only a game out of the playoffs last year, but 7 game below .500, which proves how bad the East is. They have a very young team and lost Jermaine O'Neal which will really hurt this teams chances. Although they have a lot of top notch young talent, like TJ Ford and Jarrett Jack, it may not be enough to finish above .500 this year. They lost their only big name player and the heart of the organization. Jeff Foster and Troy Murphy are now the veterans on the team but will struggle to keep this team focused. They will most likely finish at the bottom of their division.
Chicago-Are the Bulls Back? They bring in college star Derrick Rose and feel they are a top notch team again. But with all this youth, they may not work together well. There is no leadership on this team, since all of the players are young and want the ball to themselves. Vinny Del Negro, another coach with no experience, will try to lead this team back to its glory days. Well Vinny is going to need to make sure his team wins the games they are suppose to if they want to attempt to make the playoffs. The East is getting stronger and this team hasn't grown to much since last year. Vinny better rent a house, because I don't think he will be there to long.
Milwaukee-This team could be the most improved in this division, bringing in Richard Jefferson and Luke Ridnour. Damon Jones has been on ESPN gloating about his 3-point shooting, so we will see if he has what it takes. Bogut has also been impressive in the paint and will continue to dominate, being one of the largest man in the division. Jefferson brings in a winning attitude which will really help propel Michael Redd's game. Redd is growing as a star and is attempting to keep his All-Star status. They will make a big push for the playoffs, and their youth will help them get there. They have a lot of talent young players on this team, and has the veteran leadership to make some noise in the East.
Cleveland-This team once again shifts their lineup around Lebron James, trying to find someone to mesh with him. They don't need another star, just someone to help Lebron when hes getting double teamed. Mo Wiliams comes in from the Bucks and brings 17 points and 6 assists, giving Lebron a little help. Mo and Daniel Gibson will have to really help Lebron, so he isn't forced to take the game into his hands each and every night. He is a star who can have a triple double every night, but since he came into the league he hasn't had a helper. Two years ago he alone brought this team to the finals, and last year came within a game to making it again. He can only grow as a player and a score, and just needs to be more selective when shooting. But they could find his Robin, or his Pippen, then this team is unstoppable. They will really challenge for that division lead, and will need to win against Detroit. Lebron will once again make some noise in the East.
Indiana-The Pacers were only a game out of the playoffs last year, but 7 game below .500, which proves how bad the East is. They have a very young team and lost Jermaine O'Neal which will really hurt this teams chances. Although they have a lot of top notch young talent, like TJ Ford and Jarrett Jack, it may not be enough to finish above .500 this year. They lost their only big name player and the heart of the organization. Jeff Foster and Troy Murphy are now the veterans on the team but will struggle to keep this team focused. They will most likely finish at the bottom of their division.
Chicago-Are the Bulls Back? They bring in college star Derrick Rose and feel they are a top notch team again. But with all this youth, they may not work together well. There is no leadership on this team, since all of the players are young and want the ball to themselves. Vinny Del Negro, another coach with no experience, will try to lead this team back to its glory days. Well Vinny is going to need to make sure his team wins the games they are suppose to if they want to attempt to make the playoffs. The East is getting stronger and this team hasn't grown to much since last year. Vinny better rent a house, because I don't think he will be there to long.
Milwaukee-This team could be the most improved in this division, bringing in Richard Jefferson and Luke Ridnour. Damon Jones has been on ESPN gloating about his 3-point shooting, so we will see if he has what it takes. Bogut has also been impressive in the paint and will continue to dominate, being one of the largest man in the division. Jefferson brings in a winning attitude which will really help propel Michael Redd's game. Redd is growing as a star and is attempting to keep his All-Star status. They will make a big push for the playoffs, and their youth will help them get there. They have a lot of talent young players on this team, and has the veteran leadership to make some noise in the East.
NBA Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Preview
Celtics-A year after winning the NBA championship, and having a rediculous payroll, the big 3 are a year older, and possibly a year too old. Although they were set for the Finals last year, this year will be alot tougher, as alot of teams are improved. The Celtics made no serious moves to improve their team, even though they had Allen, Garnett and Pierce. Now that Garnett and Pierce won a ring, what will they do? My guess is return to being an above average team, but not having enough to make a difference in the East.
Raptors-Germ O'Neal, 6'11, and Chris Bosh, 6'10, are two powerful people to have in the paint at all times. With another short playoff appearance last year, this team is hoping that O'Neal can boost them in the East. Although the team will not rely on Germ and Bosh, they will need to rely on their role players. If Calderon, Kapono and Moon can make the big shots, then this team really has a shot at making some noise in the East. Calderon, although he only averaged 11 points a game, also averaged 8 assists a game, will be a big part of this team. He shot 52% from the field, 42% from three, and 91% from the line, proving with the ball in his hands he is dangerous. Look for his stats to sky rocket as O'Neal and Bosh will draw alot of double teams.
76ers-Another team that had a short playoff run, but almost pulled off the upset against Detriot. With their young stars like Iquodala, and picking up Kareem Rush and Royal Ivey, this team has a shot at winning this division. Signing Elton Brand was huge for this team, as they finally have a big guy to throw into the paint. Andre Miller needs to have another solid season for this team really to prosper. As for Samuel Dalembert, who averaged 9 points and 9 boards against Detriot, he will put up bigger numbers having Brand play inches away from him.
Nets-Years ago this team was in the playoffs, putting out year after year of solid play, now are on the way down. Sure they got alot of youth for J-Kidd, this team no longer has the leadership it once had with Kidd and Jefferson. Vinsanity is now the leader of this team, and must use his veteran play to help guide this team to an above .500 season. Devin Harris and Yi Jianlian are two solid players, but are new to this system, and may struggle. I expect Vince to take the ball into his hands most of the time to attempt to take over this team.
Knicks-Ahh the Knicks, I just don't know where to start. This team brought in Mike D'Antoni to help propel this offense, but with this roster, im not sure even he can help. Zach Randolph and Q Richardson need to step up their play if they expect to be competitive in this division. With Duhon running the point, he has alot of options, but it will come down to if he will chose the right option. In all honestly, I do expect this team to be one of the best improved, simply because of the coach and the potential of their offense. But it is all about chemistry, and if this team cant click, or if Starbury is to much of a distraction, then this team will falter, again.
Raptors-Germ O'Neal, 6'11, and Chris Bosh, 6'10, are two powerful people to have in the paint at all times. With another short playoff appearance last year, this team is hoping that O'Neal can boost them in the East. Although the team will not rely on Germ and Bosh, they will need to rely on their role players. If Calderon, Kapono and Moon can make the big shots, then this team really has a shot at making some noise in the East. Calderon, although he only averaged 11 points a game, also averaged 8 assists a game, will be a big part of this team. He shot 52% from the field, 42% from three, and 91% from the line, proving with the ball in his hands he is dangerous. Look for his stats to sky rocket as O'Neal and Bosh will draw alot of double teams.
76ers-Another team that had a short playoff run, but almost pulled off the upset against Detriot. With their young stars like Iquodala, and picking up Kareem Rush and Royal Ivey, this team has a shot at winning this division. Signing Elton Brand was huge for this team, as they finally have a big guy to throw into the paint. Andre Miller needs to have another solid season for this team really to prosper. As for Samuel Dalembert, who averaged 9 points and 9 boards against Detriot, he will put up bigger numbers having Brand play inches away from him.
Nets-Years ago this team was in the playoffs, putting out year after year of solid play, now are on the way down. Sure they got alot of youth for J-Kidd, this team no longer has the leadership it once had with Kidd and Jefferson. Vinsanity is now the leader of this team, and must use his veteran play to help guide this team to an above .500 season. Devin Harris and Yi Jianlian are two solid players, but are new to this system, and may struggle. I expect Vince to take the ball into his hands most of the time to attempt to take over this team.
Knicks-Ahh the Knicks, I just don't know where to start. This team brought in Mike D'Antoni to help propel this offense, but with this roster, im not sure even he can help. Zach Randolph and Q Richardson need to step up their play if they expect to be competitive in this division. With Duhon running the point, he has alot of options, but it will come down to if he will chose the right option. In all honestly, I do expect this team to be one of the best improved, simply because of the coach and the potential of their offense. But it is all about chemistry, and if this team cant click, or if Starbury is to much of a distraction, then this team will falter, again.
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