NBA Preview Part 5 & 6: Northwest and Pacific

Due to running out of time as the season is officially underway, I will rapid fire the last two divisions of our NBA preview.

Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets

Last Year: 53-29, lost in first round

Additions: Al Harrington, Shelden Williams, 

Subtractions: Linus Kleiza, Carmelo Anthony

O/U: N/A

Yeah I added Carmelo to the subtraction list, as there is no doubt in my mind that he gets traded during the season, probably to the Knicks.  Mix that with injuries to Kenyon Martin and Birdman to begin the season and the uncertainty with George Karl, who is the glue that keeps these volatile personalities together, and I see a freefall for the Nuggets. 

Prediction: 37-45

Utah Jazz

Last Year: 53-29, lost in 2nd round  

Additions: Al Jefferson, Gordon Hayward, Raja Bell

Subtractions: Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, Wesley Matthews

O/U: 49.5

The Jazz got worse in the offseason, as they loss their best outside shooting threat with Korver going to the Bulls and their best perimeter defender in Wesley Matthews to the Blazers.  Mehmet Okur is also still recovering from an Achilles injury and will miss the beginning of the season.  They still make the playoffs as they have Deron Williams and they will be able to score inside, but I will be going with the under.  

Prediction: 48-34 5th place 1st round exit

Portland Trail Blazers

Last Year: 50-32, lost in first round

Additions: Wesley Matthews, Luke Babbit, Greg Oden

Subtractions: Martell Webster, Steve Blake, Jerryd Bayless

O/U: 51.5

After a injury-riddled season last year where they still won 50 games, the Blazers come back deeper and better then ever.  The frontcourt consist of Greg Oden, LeMarcus Aldridge, Marcus Camby, Joel Pryzbilla, and first round pick Luke Babbitt.  Nicolas Batum is a rising player on the wing who can shoot 3s.  Brandon Roy is a star.  Only weakness I see right now is this:  Can you win the West with Andre Miller as your point guard?  I bet they trade for something better during the season.  

Prediction: 53-29 4th place Western Conference Finals

Oklahoma City Thunder:

Last Year: 50-32, first round exit

Additions: Morris Peterson, Cole Aldrich

Subtractions: No one of note

O/U: 51.5

The rise of the Thunder the past few seasons will continue as they climb the next rung of the ladder in the West. With Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook rising to another level during the World Championships, the Thunder have two franchise players they can build around.  If the rest of the young players on the roster improve from last season, which you would expect from a young team, and they are not devastated by injuries, they will compete for the one seed in the West.   But they a still a year away from major playoff success. Side note: Serge Ibaka's real name is Sergeballu LaMu Sayonga Loom Walahas Jonas Hugo Ibaka. Fitting since he is known for his length on the court.  

Prediction: 58-24, 2nd place, semifinal exit

Minnesota Timberwolves

Last Year: 15-67

Additions: Wes Johnson, Martell Webster, Michael Beasley, Luke Ridnour

Subtractions: Al Jefferson, Ramon Sessions

O/U: 23.5

After a disastrous season, the Timberwolves reconstructed their roster and placed their future in the hands of unbridled youth. They only have two players over the age of 25 on their roster.  They will be bad again this year, although improved from last year,  but with the youth movement comes potential for growth like the Thunder have done, and sometimes it better to be in rebuilding mode (as the Wolves have been since KG left) than stuck in no man's land like Dallas and Atlanta.  

Prediction: 26-56

Pacific Division

Los Angeles Lakers

Last Year: 57-25, NBA champs

Additions: Steve Blake, Matt Barnes

Subtractions: Jordan Farmar, Josh Powell

O/U: 58.5

Clear favorite again to win it all.  I really liked the Steve Blake signing, as he is much better than Jordan Farmar and will replace Derek Fisher in the starting lineup eventually. If Kobe Bryant stays Kobe Bryant,  I predict back to back titles.
Prediction: 60-22 1st place, Champion

Phoenix Suns

Last Year: 54-28, Western Conference Finals

Additions: Hedo Turkoglu, Josh Childress, Hakim Warrick

Subtractions: Amare Stoudemire, Leandro Barbosa, Lou Amundson

O/U: 41.5

Had a great playoff run, at one point tied 2-2 with the Lakers in the West Finals. But the offseason wasn't as kind.  They decided not to pony up the money for Stoudemire in the offseason, and used the money to sign mediocre players to big contracts, which they could have used just to resign Stoudemire.  They will still score points with Nash running the point and great shooters on the outside, but the defense still isn't there and they will be a terrible rebounding team with their two best rebounders from last year gone.  If the Clippers don't achieve my expectations, then the Suns will probably take their spot.  Otherwise they are on the outside looking in.
Prediction: 42-40

Los Angeles Clippers

Last Year: 29-53

Additions: Blake Griffin, Eric Bledsoe, Ryan Gomes

Subtractions: Marcus Camby, Al Thorton, Drew Gooden

O/U: 36.5

My surprise team from the West that makes playoffs.  Blake Griffin is already a Top 20 player in the league.  Eric Gordon is proven to be a top shooting guard in the league. Chris Kaman is a solid interior player. Capable players off the bench  The key will be Baron Davis. If he plays within the team, gets his teammates involved, improves his shot selection, which therein improves his efficiency on offense, then they improve dramatically and will sneak into the playoffs.
Prediction: 45-37 8th place, 1st round exit

Golden State Warriors

Last Year: 26-56
Additions: David Lee, Dorell Wright, Lou Amundson, Epke Udoh
Subtractions: Corey Maggette, Anthony Randolph, Anthony Morrow
O/U: 30.5

This team will be fun to watch offensively with two great guards in Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis playing pick and roll with newly acquired David Lee.  But the defense and rebounding will continue to struggle and the bench is worse than last season. Warriors will be slightly better this year and is a young team on the rise with playoff potential as soon as next year,  but not this year.
Prediction: 32-50


Sacramento Kings
Last Year: 25-57
Additions: DeMarcus Cousins, Samuel Dalembert,
Subtractions: Andres Nocioni, Spencer Hawes
O/U: 27.5

Sacramento has some good young pieces in Evans and Cousins that if they keep out of trouble and focusing on improving their games, then they could be an exciting team that possibly flirts with the playoffs down the road.  But I'm skeptical to say the least that both will stay on the straight and narrrow.  At least now there is hope and striking gold with their last two 1st round picks will possibly prove dividends in the years to come, just not this season.
Prediction: 26-56

NBA Preview Part 4: Southwest Division

NBA previews continue with the Western Conference and the Southwest Division.  With the Western Conference I will be using actual Over/Unders released by Vegas instead of last year's win total.

Dallas Mavericks
Last Year: 55-27, lost in first round
Additions: Tyson Chandler, Dominique Jones
Subtractions: Erick Dampier
O/U: 49.5

Basically the same team except they are one year older, and that is a important year as the entire starting lineup and 6th man Jason Terry will be on the wrong side of 30.  Nowitzki was as good as ever last year, and Haywood and Chandler in the middle along with Nowitzki is one the biggest frontcourts in the West. Jason Kidd is 37 and Caron Butler's play fell dramatically last year, so they need to play young guard Rodrigue Beaubois more as he is a player that could emerge as a dependable scorer alongside Nowitzki and who could replace their old guards sooner rather than later.  They are still a middle of the road playoff team who could make it out of the first round, but they won't win the West.  With the general improvement of the West, I will go slightly under.
Prediction: 48-34, 6th place, first round exit


San Antonio Spurs
Last Year: 50-32, lost in semifinal
Additions: Tiago Splitter, James Anderson
Subtractions: none of note
O/U: 50.5

The triumvirate of Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili are looking to make one more run before father time catches up to them. Last year many things went wrong, as Duncan had his worst numbers as a professional averaging 17 and 10, Parker missed 26 games due to injury, and Richard Jefferson was completely underwhelming as a new addition.  But they were still able to scrap together a great ending to the season, giving them promise that they have enough left in the tank to challenge the Lakers before the window closes.  With the additions of George Hill and Dejuan Blair last season, and Tiago Splitter and James Anderson this season, they have infused enough young talent around their Big Three that beyond injuries or a total collapse in production from one of them, they will build upon the end of the last season and finish high up in the standings in the West.  But  is Duncan too far removed from his prime to for them win a title?
Prediction: 55-27, 3rd place, semifinals exit


Houston Rockets:
Last Year: 42-40
Additions: Yao Ming, Brad Miller, Courtney Lee, Patrick Patterson
Subtractions: Trevor Ariza, David Anderson
O/U: 48.5

The Rockets overachieved last season, as their two highest paid players last season, Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, never stepped on the floor, and the rest of roster of support players led the Rockets to a winning record.  They received career years from Aaron Brooks, Luis Scola, Kyle Lowry, and Chuck Hayes.  They also did this with their best offseason acquisition last year Trevor Ariza mostly a disappointment and then traded during the season.  They addressed their weakness in the frontcourt with the addition of Brad Miller, Patrick Patterson, and obviously the return of Yao Ming from foot surgeries.  He will be limited in minutes and in games played, but his size and scoring ability inside was missed.  If Yao can contribute close to his production before the injuries, and Kevin Martin can stay healthy and regain his form from a few years ago, then they will improve their win total and make the playoffs, as we saw last year what the floor is for this team.  But the over is too rich for my blood, so I will go slightly under.
Prediction: 47-35, 7th place, first round exit


4)  Memphis Grizzlies
Last Year: 40-42
Additions: Tony Allen, Xavier Henry, Grevis Vasquez
Subtractions: Ronnie Brewer
O/U: 38.5

Good turnaround last season for the Grizz, as they took advantage of something that most teams do not have, interior scoring. Its rare for NBA teams to have a big man who can reliably score in the post but can also hit the outside jumper, and the Grizz are blessed with two such players.  Zach Randolph had a career year and Marc Gasol has established himself as somebody other than Pau Gasol's brother.  They are great scorers inside and out, but they also are great offensive rebounders, and they were the best offensive rebounding team in the league.  Their defense is their biggest obstacle to becoming a playoff team as they were bottom 5 in points allowed.  They need Hasheem Thabeet to bounce back from a disastrous rookie season, and they need newly signed Tony Allen to provide some defensive intensity and have it rub off on Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo.  Mike Conley is a below average point guard who doesn't distribute well, and they don't have much of a bench behind the starters.  I will pick the over, but they won't take the next to step.
Prediction: 40-42


New Orleans Hornets
Last Year: 37-45
Additions: Jerryd Bayless, Willie Green, Trevor Ariza, Aaron Gray
Subtractions: Morris Peterson, Darren Collison, James Posey
O/U: 41.5

Major changes in the offseason for the Hornets as they cleaned house after a disappointing 37-45 season.  They rebuilt the foundation by hiring a new GM and a new head coach, two guys I know nothing about but from what I read have excellent pedigrees.  There were wholesale changes on the roster again as only 6 players remain from last year's team and only Chris Paul, Peja, and David West remain from their playoff team two years ago.  Their best offseason move was to keep Chris Paul, as their are very few transcendent players like him and anything they would have received in a trade would have been pennies on the dollar and began a massive rebuilding project, something I'm not sure this franchise can survive in this economic climate. They have created some cap flexibility and will be well under the cap for next season, but they will need to be successful this season to prove to CP that they can win in the future, and that cap space can help provide leverage in signing an impact player next offseason.  As for this season, they have a solid starting five with Paul, rising guard Marcus Thorton, Ariza, West, and Emeka Okafor. But they lack toughness and defense in the interior and they have one of the worst benches in the league.  Ultimately if the starting five can stay healthy, they can possibly sneak in the playoffs.  Any injuries to West or CP though will prove devastating.  Important year for the Hornets.
Prediction: 44-38 9th place

Southeast Division Profiles: Andray Blatche, the Pharmacist

Russ previewed the Southeast Division a few days ago, and I followed that up with a story about Dwight Howard walking Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis like dogs, and here's a story about the potential of Andray Blatche:

Before Dr. Blatche received his doctorate, he was known simply as Mr. Blatche, or Blatche, or Andray, and sometimes just Dre.

Southeast Division Profiles: Dwight, the Dog Walker

Russ previewed the entire Southeast Division earlier in the week, and to go along with that, here's a fictional profile of Dwight Howard:

On the horizon to any Saturday morning coffee sipper who happens to peak over the ledge of his or her newspaper, Dwight Howard's body rises like a great wooden mast, and the leashes that run out from his hands resemble the knots and grids of a ship's riggings, as he sails across the crosswalk.

NBA Preview Part 3: Southeast Division

NBA preview continues with part 3 and the Southeast Division.

1)  Orlando Magic
Last Year: 59-23, lost in Eastern Conference Finals
Additions: Chris Duhon, Quentin Richardson,
Subtractions: Matt Barnes

The Magic have been a Top 4 team in the NBA the past two seasons and for the foreseeable will a team to contend with, but will they ever have what it takes to get over the hump?  They dominated the last part of last season, winning 27 of their last 34 games and dominating the first two rounds of the playoffs against Charlotte and Atlanta.  But if a team has a big man that can defend Dwight Howard one on one,  like Boston could with Kendrick Perkins, then the offense crumbles around Howard.  Howard is not offensively skilled enough at this point in his career to carry a team on his shoulders unless he can just overpower the opposing front line. If he can't demand a double team, the Magic have a hard time scoring against the elite.  The defense will always be elite with Howard guarding the rim and Stan Van Gundy's ability to coach defense.  But until Howard develops an offensive repertoire beyond dunking, the Magic will have a difficult time getting over the hump, espeically with aging players like Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis on the perimeter. Howard is still young, but he is also entering his seventh season.  Have we seen the best he can offer on offense?
Prediction: 54-28, 4th place


2)  Atlanta Hawks
Last Year: 53-29, 1st round exit
They virtually have the same team as last season, no major additions or subtractions


The Atlanta Hawks are basically in the same position the Wizards were two years ago.  The Hawks have maxed out what they can get out of this roster and were put in a terrible position to sign their top player Joe Johnson (Gilbert Arenas) in order to show that the Hawks were serious about winning, even if it would cripple the franchise financially long-term. In what was easily the worst contract this offseason, the Hawks signed a good player to max money, with Johnson receiving 124 million in a 6 year deal (Gilbert Arenas received an extension worth 6 years 111 million). The Hawks have a solid core of good players, but lack the superstar power needed to a serious threat in a revamped Eastern Conference, with little flexibility to improve the team in the future.  They also had everything go right injury wise last year, and that is bound to not happen this season.  They won't win as many as this year in reaching the playoffs, and they will lose in the first round.
Prediction: 47-35 6th place


3)  Miami Heat
Last Year: 47-35, 1st round exit
Additions: Lebron James, Chris Bosh, Mike Miller, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Eddie House
Subtractions: Michael Beasley, Jermaine O'Neal, Quentin Richardson, Daquan Cook, Dorell Wright

Unless you are living under a rock, you know about the productive offseason the Miami Heat had.  They have 3 of the top 10 best players in the NBA on one team. They will be unstoppable on offense in both the half court and in transition.  But their success is not guaranteed like most everyone predicts.  They still don't know who is playing center from the litter of veterans they signed in the offseason and a series against the Magic and Dwight Howard will pose quite the mismatch.  And as the preseason has already shown injuries to any of the Big 3 could slow down this juggernaut.  With that said, I expect the Heat to get the number 1 seed and to win the Eastern Conference.  They won't challenge for 70 wins because they will rest their players once they lock up a one seed, but 60 wins or more seems likely.
Prediction: 65-17 1st place 


4)  Charlotte Bobcats
Last Year: 44-38, 1st round exit
Additions: Shaun Livingston, Kwame Brown, Sherron Collins
Subtractions: Raymond Felton, Tyson Chandler, Larry Hughes

I don't really know how this flawed lineup made the playoffs last year, which is a testament to Larry Brown's ability to get the best out of his players.  But the roster moves made by Michael Jordan and Brown over the offseason leaves me scratching my head and the team much worse off .  They decided to part ways with Ray Felton for monetary reasons, but did not find a viable replacement and will have either Shaun Livingston or DJ Augustin as the starting point guard.  They traded Tyson Chandler for nothing but cap relief from the luxury tax, leaving them with Nazr Mohammad and DeSagana Diop at center.  They have two decent scoring options in Gerald Wallace and Stephen Jackson, one promising young player in Tyrus Thomas, an overweight Boris Diaw, and then huge question marks.  Not good.  They don't make the playoffs this year.
Prediction: 36-46

5)  Washington Wizards
Last Year: 26-56
Additions: John Wall, Kirk Hinrich, Yi Jianlian
Subtractions: Mike Miller, Randy Foye, Quinton Ross

This is my surprise team in the Eastern Conference.  I will simply give my three reasons for why they make the playoffs this year.

1)  Youth Movement. Out with the old, in with the new. John Wall will provide off the charts athleticism at the point guard position with the ability to blow by defenders and create easy opportunities for teammates inside and out.  Andray Blatche had his best numbers last season with 15 and 6 in 27 minutes per game, displaying huge progress as a scorer. JaVale McGee is a young and improving center that will be relied on heavily for his shot blocking, rebounding, and ability to finish around the rim.

2)  Focus:  From the death of Abe Pollin and subsequent ownership change, to Gilbert's legal issues, to the trading of Jamison, Haywood, and Butler, there were huge distractions throughout last season where the team was answering more questions about news off the court than the play on the court.  It was a huge burden and it showed with a 26 win season.  With a new season comes the breath of fresh air of the John Wall era. With the maturity gained by the young players on last year's team, the influx of new players, and a coach who will be able to coach and not babysit, you will see a more focused Wizard team with more consistent energy and effort each and every game.

3)  Eastern Conference.  Even though the Heat and the Bulls got stronger, they were already playoff teams last year.  After the Heat, Celtics, Magic, and Bulls, the rest of the east is pretty wide open.  The Cavs, Bobcats, and Raptors will be much worse. Only the Knicks and the Nets are going to be leaps and bounds better.  The last 2-3 spots have the potential to be filled by the unexpected.
Prediction: 42-40 7th place 1st round exit

Central Division Profiles: Danny Granger, the Hustler

Russ previewed the Central Division earlier, which was followed by a profile piece on Joakim Noah.  Now we've got the story of Danny Granger, who will either prove to be a franchise player or a fraud as the Indiana Pacers continue their search for respectability:

Danny always swore he could hear God whisper to him through the wood of a pool cue, or maybe it was money, or maybe the feeling of fresh bills in one's pocket is the same as being touched with the spirit, speaking in tongues and a choir full of angels.  Whatever it was, Danny liked it, felt in tune with it, and went from pool hall to pool hall in search of it, cocky as all get out.

Central Division Profiles: Noah, the Greeter

Russ previewed the Central Division earlier, giving us the tale of the tape, and now here's a bit on Joakim Noah, inspired by Chicago's constant use of him as trade bait and the idea that they really hate the player they just might need the most:

Every day Mr. Thibodeau comes to work he parks his car in the manager's spot right next to the sidewalk.  He steps out of his Lexus, shined like a black dress shoe, and walks around to the front of the building.  He could use the back door, but he doesn't.  He could use the side door, but he doesn't.  He could use any door he pleases, but he doesn't.  After he locks his car doors with a beep, the keys go in his pocket and stay there.  The man wants to go in the front door, and he wants to see the place through the eyes of the customer, so every morning Mr. Thibodeau assesses the professionalism and class of his dining establishment.  He wants it to come off as five stars even if it only deserves three.  He wants the the sum to be greater than its parts, and that's why he hates Joakim Noah, the matradee.

He looks Noah in the eye every morning and says, "You're an ugly son of bitch.  I hope you know that."

To which Noah responds, "Ugliness ain't nothin' but a flesh wound, and I'm all bone--tough shit, man, that's me, and beauty ain't got nothin' to do with what I do.  Feel me."

"That's some superficial bull shit if I ever heard it.  You think a salesman, a face of a franchise, looks and talks the way you do?  You think Dwight Howard welcomes people to Stan's Steakhouse with that kind of gibberish?  No, he doesn't.  The man smiles and flexes like an Adonis, while you smirk behind a freakin' bow tie, and for God sakes tuck in your shirt."

"The bow tie ain't got nothin' to do with sayin' hi.  The people get me," Noah responds, as Mr. Thibodeau continues to walk through the foyer, lit by a crystal chandelier.  "Mr. Thibodeau, I'm the people's champ, which means even if I go--I'm still here.  Sir, beg your pardon, but I'm a G."

Mr. Thibodeau does not turn around but quickens his pace and shakes his head.  He hates Joakim Noah. He hates his twisted face and his untamed hair, which clashes with the floral arrangements and swans made out of napkins.  He hates the way the man speaks, like a rough stretch of asphalt, dotted with yellow lines from Confucius.  He even hates the man's energy and how it has him there every morning before anyone else is even awake.

Mr. Thibodeau hates Joakim Noah.  He even hates Noah's loyalty because Noah puts up with his daily harassments, smiling and waving like some Wal-mart greeter, and that's just the thing--he can't fire Joakim Noah because Noah makes people feel as confidant in eating foods they can't pronounce as they do when buying frozen pizza and Doritos.  Noah makes people confident in possibility, despite making a tuxedo look like a blue vest and a yellow smiley face that gets by on little health insurance and crooked teeth.

Photo Credits: Langston deserves the credit for both of these photos.  Personally, I'm not sure which one looks more believable, maybe both?

NBA Preview Part 2: Central Division

NBA previews continue with a look at the Central Division. One correction from the Atlantic preview, I project the Celtics to win the division and get the 2nd seed in the East.  Now on to the Central.

1)  Cleveland Cavaliers
Last Year: 61-21, lost in Eastern Conference Semifinals

Additions: Ramon Session, Samardo Samuels, um....Joey Graham?
Subtractions: Lebron James, Delonte West, Shaquille O'Neal

Atlantic Division Profiles: Amare, the Messiah

Russ previewed the Atlantic Division earlier this week, and I followed that up with Rondo, the Dreamer, and here's the fictional back story on Amare, inspired by his move this offseason to New York and his delving into his Jewish heritage: 

Amare stands on the Brooklyn Bridge, suspended over one of America's great rivers by the stone and concrete and steel cables that once helped one of America's greatest cities cross into modernity.  His yellow taxi is pulled up against the curb, smoking like a meteorite or a capsule from Krypton, the vapors rising from the yellow dented hood like steam off a desert lake.  Are such scenes possible?  They must be, for this is what the scene is.  Are such scenes laden with irony?  They must be, for here is a man, used to being hailed down by pedestrians with their hands raised like a holy man's trying to catch the spirit, now standing on the side of the road with his own arm extended, waiting to be rescued.  Life does this to us: bouncing us back and forth, like a ping pong ball, between the stations of being what is needed and what does the needing, maybe there isn't even a distinction, like how Superman needed a planet where capes weren't in fashion in order to make his special.

Atlantic Division Profiles: Rondo, the Dreamer

Russ gave us a factual breakdown of the Atlantic Division, and I'll be bringing you the stories of the Atlantic Division.  Langston and I did a couple of these last Spring and thought we'd have another go at it, so here we have the Rajon Rondo story, as inspired by his departure from the US national team this summer:

The night before he was scheduled to go to the moon Rajon Rondo dreamed he was sharpening knives, outside a carnival tent.  After he finished shaping each blade, he would polish it with a blue and white basketball jersey, as a dream catcher swayed over his head like a nylon net underneath an orange rim.

NBA Preview Part 1: Atlantic Division

It's October.  You have the NFL and college football in full swing. The MLB playoffs run throughout the month (Go Giants).  But it is also three weeks from the beginning of the most anticipated NBA season in recent memory.  Since we can't hold in this bottle of anticipation any longer, and aren't sure when we will see basketball again after this season, LCB is getting a head start with today's Atlantic Division preview.  I wanted to do an over/under regular season wins based on Vegas, but since it's still early, I haven't seen any released yet. For right now, I will use last year's win totals to make predictions, and in the coming days, Teach will be posting player "profiles."

1)  Boston Celtics
Last Year: 50-32, Lost in NBA Finals
Additions: Shaquille and Jermaine O'Neal
Subtractions: Rasheed Wallace, Kendrick Perkins until the All Star Break.

The Celtics made a surprise run to the NBA Finals and brought back the Big Three for one more opportunity at a title.  After Kendrick Perkins tore his ACL in Game 6 of the finals and will be shelved for the beginning of the season, the Celtics have turned to two old centers with the same last name.  The O'Neals will be needed to provide stability in the frontcourt and will need to stay healthy, which neither have been able to over the course of their careers.  If they can provide enough until Perk comes back, Rondo continues to be Rondo, and the Big 3 can stay relatively healthy, then I like the Celtics to slightly increase their total.
Prediction: 52-30


2) Toronto Raptors
Last Year: 40-42
Additions: Leandro Barbosa, Amir Johnson
Subtractions: Chris Bosh, Hedo Turkoglu

The Raptors offseason as been terribly similar to the Cleveland Cavs offseason, as the lost their franchise player Chris Bosh and didn't really add anybody of note. They should have attempted with Bosh what the Nuggets are doing with Melo. Trade him for something or lose him for nothing. They have a roster of good shooters and occasionally will be able to get hot and just outscore teams.  They also had the worst defensive team in the league last season, and have no proven interior scoring as Bargnani likes to camp out on the perimeter and shoot threes.  The will need to scrape together a season where they will be challenging for the league's worst record and depending on the bounce of a lottery ball. No brainer they will be lower than last year.
Prediction:  22-60


3)  New York Knicks
Last Year: 29-53
Additions: Amare Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, Anthony Randolph
Subtractions: David Lee, Al Harrington, Chris Duhon


It was a rather disappointing offseason for the Knicks as they are left wondering what could have been.  They lost out on the Lebron James sweepstakes and weren't able to pull in Dwyane Wade either.  They were able to grab Amare Stoudemire as a consolation prize, but the future of the franchise can't be reliant on a guy with a huge injury history, lack of defensive prowess, no proven leadership capacities, and abilities that are totally reliant on a pass first point guard like Steve Nash.  But he can be a piece of the puzzle, and the Knicks have some other pieces: Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Anthony Randolph.  The Knicks will be better and they have players that are better suited to run Mike D'Antoni's system, but the future is still unknown, and they will need more to contend.
Prediction: 41-41 8th place first round exit


4)  Philadephia 76ers
Last Year: 27-55
Additions: Evan Turner, Andres Nocioni, Spencer Hawes
Subtractions: Samuel Dalembert, Allen Iverson

The 76ers had the pinball bounce their way in the draft lottery and were able to land a stud college player in Evan Turner with the second pick.  They made a good move by firing Eddie Jordan last year, as I don't believe he knows how to teach defense, but the Doug Collins hire was perplexing to say the least.  Just doesn't seem to fit with a team chock full of young players.  Most of their best returning players are young (Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Jrue Holiday, Louis Williams, Marreese Speights) and I would expect them all to improve from a year ago.  There major weakness is in the interior, and they didn't do anything to address it and it will be hard to with the bad contract of Elton Brand. They will improve their win total and will challenge for a playoff spot, but won't be a serious factor because of the youth and lack of frontcourt defense.
Prediction: 38-44


5)  New Jersey Nets
Last Year: 12-70
Additions:  Avery Johnson, Derrick Favors, Jordan Farmar, Troy Murphy, Anthony Morrow, Brian Zoubek
Subtractions: Crappy players from a 12 win team.

Here is your cliche review of the Nets last season that you will see everywhere, "It couldn't get any worse for the Nets last season on their way to winning 12 games, but the good news is that they can only up from here"

Now that we can move on, I liked what the Nets did in the offseason.  When you only have 4 players left from a team that won 12 games, you have done what you can to change the culture of losing.  They were in the Lebron sweepstakes and lost, but it won't be disastrous like I think it was for the Knicks and Cavs.  They couldn't really grab any of the top flight free agents, but they didn't go overboard with any of the contracts they signed. They have some quick guards that can penetrate and have outside shooting, so their offense will be much better. Derrick Favors and Damion James will be productive NBA players. Brook Lopez and Troy Murphy will be provide interior scoring, but will have trouble with good interior players. They have some pieces, but this won't be an overnight fix and they won't be the worst team this year.
Prediction: 29-53