2009-2010 NBA Preview

Ok, guys. Time to switch over from baseball/ football mode to football/ basketball mode. It’s that time again. All of the off season questions waiting to be answered…. What will Ron Artest do in L.A.? Or to L.A. , as the case may be. Is Shaq what King James needs? V.C. in Orlando? Everyone’s tied for first place, everyone’s a ‘few breaks’ from the playoffs. One big preseason mess… just as it ought to be. Let’s take a few moments to sneak that first look… time for the 2009-2010 NBA Preview.

Atlantic Division

1. Boston Celtics

   

   As it has for some time, the Celtics chances to return to the promised land hinge on Kevin Garnett’s health. If he’s around in June, The Celts might be, too. Losing Leon Powe will hurt the 2nd brigade, but adding Rasheed Wallace should help more. The presence of 2 future hall of famers should keep him in check.

2. Toronto Raptors

   

   Without really adding a single big name, the Raptors reaped in the free agency, improving that route more that any team in the NBA. Could be an upper tier playoff team.

3. New Jersey Nets

   

   With Vince Carter gone, can you name two other players on the Nets team? Would you want to?

4. Philadelphia 76ers

   

   With Andre Miller gone west, it will be a long year. The playoffs are a long reach this time.

5. New York Knicks

   

   It’s truly sad to see the knicks as the pathetic shadow of a franchise they have become. A season playing for a high draft choice and LeBron? Knicks Fans Deserve Better.

Central

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

   

   Shaq will of course have an impact, but the key figure will be Anthony Parker. He will be the difference between another flashy regular season and a ring.

2. Chicago Bulls

   

   Ben Gordon’s departure will take the Bulls back some. Gordan became a star in last years playoffs, but the league saw this for the blue collar team it is; you won’t outwork the Bulls. Fair chance to make the playoffs if Derrick Rose makes good progress.

3. Detroit Pistons

   

   Ben Gordon will help to make the Pistons a high scoring middls of the pack team. This isn’t a recognisable Pistons squad.

4. Indiana Pacers

   

   They were average and boring last year. They’ll be average and boring this year. Next.

5. Milwaukee Bucks

   

   Sorry, Wisconsinites. ‘Team of the Future’ translates into ‘You Suck Now.’

Southeast

1. Orlando Magic

   

   The Magic could very well have beaten the Lakers in last years finals; they were playing like the best the Eastern Conference when the year ended, and turned themselves into just that. With Vince Carter on board, they might just stay awhile.

2. Miami Heat

   

   This will be virtually the exact same Heat team as last year. Which should get them into the playoffs again this year.

3. Atlanta Hawks

   

   Expect a step back from the Hawks this year. This was a team of overachievers last year. Still a playoff bunch of misfits, but they won’t be a four seed this year.

4. Washington Wizards

   

   Is it redundant to say that this franchise lives and dies by Gilbert Arenas? With his return, they are an instant playoff team.

5. Charlotte Bobcats

   

   This could be the turnaround year for the Bobcats. Gone is bust Omeka Okeafor, replaced by Tyson Chandler. With a year of Brown under their belts, a playoff run is remotely possible.

Northwest

1. Denver Nuggets

   

   The Nuggets were, in the end, just too inexperienced on the big stage. Billups was expected to ease that, but some lessons need to be learned the hard way. They are going to be a better team for it this year. Top tier playoff team.

2. Portland Trail Blazers

   

   A team on the rise. Brandon Roy is the most underrated player in the league. If you don’t know him yet, you will…

3. Utah Jazz

   

   Boozer, Boozer, Boozer. As goes Boozer, so go the Jazz. Probably not good news in Salt Lake.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

   

   That still doesn’t sound right. I’m sure I’ll get used to it eventually, but… In the meantime, there is always a surprise team, and with a bit of luck, it could be the thunder. Durant is that good already, and his cast suits him well. A longshot, bit maybe…

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

   

   Nothing changes at the Bottom. Go watch the Vikings.

Pacific

1. Los Angeles Lakers

   

   Only one thing may stand between the Lakers and a chance to defend their crown. And it may be enough. It may also win them another one. “It” is Ron Artest.

2. Golden State Warriors

   

   They will be fun to watch. I can’t wait for these guys to play Detroit…. that’s one to TiVo. They’ll see the playoffs, anyway.

3. Phoenix Suns

   

   The Suns will be the Suns. Lots of points. Some wins. Maybe a few early playoff games.

4. Los Angeles Clippers

   

   They said that Blake Griffin was too soft in college; The Clippers pray it isn’t true. If he lives up to the hype, they could compete for a playoff spot.

5. Sacramento Kings

   
   

   Another ragtag outfit… there do seem to be a few, don’t there? Might be competitive. But probably not.

Southwest

1. Dallas Mavericks

   

   Same team (essentially) different year. We get it…. lotsa scoring, Dirk rules, no inside, early playoff exit. Uh… Ditto.

2. San Antonio Spurs

   

   You can never count them out, obviously. It’s the Spurs. But if Tony Parker isn’t 100% come playpffs, forget it.

3. New Orleans Hornets

   

   Nothing to report here, folks. Still a playoff team, but no more

4. Memphis Grizzlies

   

   Is it just me, or do we seem to start every year asking “How will A.I. get along with_______? Where is it this time? Oh yeah, memphis. At least no one will have to care. remember when they said he was the next Michael?

5. Houston Rockets

   

   No Yao, no playoffs. No kidding. Last years inspirational effort against the Lakers aside, this will be a very average club.

And we gotta get one of these in……

Finals Preview: Magic over Lakers!