NBA 2009-2010 Preview
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Divison
1. Boston Celtics
The storyline for this past NBA offseason was that the rich got richer. This applies most for the Boston Celtics. Two years ago, they added forward Kevin Garnett and guard Ray Allen. This year, they added forwards Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels. It’s very likely that this team gets off to a red-hot start, but I’m curious to see how this aging group progresses over the duration of the season. Most of the basketball world is also engrossed in seeing how disgruntled point guard Rajon Rondo performs in the wake of a summer where he was the focal point in many trade rumors. 
2. Toronto Raptors
Chris Bosh bulked up this offseason. That was only four years overdue. They signed Hedo Turkoglu to a major contract. That was a pretty solid move if you want to spend all your money on someone who can do nothing but shoot from the outside. The worst part about it is, he knows he can’t do anything other than shoot from the outside. He doesn’t try to do anything other than shoot from the outside. This team is a mess. Chris Bosh is on his way out after this year. The only thing keeping them in the playoff picture is the thought that maybe they can conjure up some chemistry courtesy of underrated, yet spectacular point guard Jose Calderon
3. New York Knicks
The Knicks could very well be much higher than I have listed them when playoff time rolls around. They’ve put together a solid core of role players and, with the exception of the male version of Aretha Franklin, Eddy Curry, all have accepted their position in Mike D’Antoni’s offense. Forward Al Harrington is capable of going off for thirty points a night. Center David Lee is looking to prove his worth as a consistent double-double threat. There’s no reason for this team to tank, seeing as they don’t have a first round pick next summer. Oh. And they want to give that LeBron guy a reason to sign with them.
4. Philadelphia 76ers
This team is flying under the radar for the 2009-10 season. Clearly, I don’t expect much out of them. Most other analysts don’t expect much out of them; however, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they somehow ended up in the playoff picture. They lost point guard Andre Miller to free agency, but if this team can stay healthy (particularly the richest bed-ridden man in America, Elton Brand), the Sixers could turn some heads.
5. New Jersey Nets
Did anyone know that in order to relocate your team, you must dispose of all its talent? I didn’t, but apparently that’s the Nets’ mentality. Their move to Brooklyn has been impending for four years now, and each year since then, they’ve gotten progressively worse. The only names that stand out on this team anymore are Devin Harris and Brook Lopez, and those two are hardly recognized outside of die-hard basketball fans.
Central Division
1. Cleveland Cavaliers
The big news out of Cleveland this year came when the Cavs traded for “The Big Nomad,” Shaquille O’Neal. In his initial press conference, he told the media his mission was to “Win a ring for the King,” however; LeBron James’ newfound help may come in the form of other acquisitions such as forwards JaMario Moon and Anthony Parker. It was clear to see that this team underachieved last postseason. This year, they’ll be on top of the Eastern Conference in the regular season, and may even possibly get the King his first ring. 
2. Chicago Bulls
No one imagined the Bulls would be as good as they were last year. Mid-season, they acquired guard John Salmons, who proved himself to be a bona fide scorer on a young, dynamic team. This past summer, they didn’t do much to develop their team; in fact, they did nearly nothing at all other than refuse to resign guard Ben Gordon. In not offering Gordon a contract, the Bulls assume they will improve their team chemistry as Gordon required at least twenty-five shots per game in order to be considered effective.
3. Detroit Pistons
The Pistons made some of the most useless moves professional basketball has ever seen this past season. They spent $94 million on two guys (Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva) who are both sixth and seventh men, at best. They freed up all their salary cap space last season by dumping their undisputed leader, Chauncey Billups, last season, and in return, all they got were two selfish, shoot-first role players. The Pistons, like their city of origin, are a mess.
4. Indiana Pacers
This Pacer team will be dynamic. They’ll score 120 points per night. They’ll contend for a title. They just won’t do it this year. Their front office, headed by Larry Bird, is finally putting all the pieces in place. They have a solid core of young athletes, and eventually, will be a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference. Let’s just hope none of their players get too fed up with losing and become impatient too soon, because this team will, in time, be very fun to watch.
5. Milwaukee Bucks
Their uniforms are just as ugly as their team’s chances to win twenty games
Southeast Division
1. Orlando Magic
Last season, the Magic surprised many people. They had effective three-point shooting, devastating defenders, and a tempo that was hard to match. When they faced the Lakers in June, however, it was apparent that they were missing a piece or two. Whatever they lacked last season, they picked up for this season, as they traded for all-star forward Vince Carter. Carter is someone who has always possessed the ability to create his own shot. It will be interesting to see how he fits in, seeing as he’s never played on a team of this caliber. 
2. Washington Wizards
In simple terms, the Wizards were forgotten about last season. They were plagued by misfortunes and look to regain the success they had two seasons ago when they lost to Cleveland in the conference semi-finals. With a healthy Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison, Washington could find itself deep into the playoffs once again. The additions of pure point guard Randy Foye and sharp shooter Mike Miller from Minnesota don’t hurt either.
3. Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have improved every year since they hired head coach Mike Woodson. This year should be no different; however, since they’re playing in a much more competitive Southeast Division, it will be difficult for them to repeat their past successes. Look for forward Josh Smith to be a frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year Award and his frontcourt mate Marvin Williams to contend for Most Improved.
4. Miami Heat
The Miami Wades were the most predictable team in the league last year. Either their stellar shooting guard went for thirty points or they lost. Look for them to continue that trend as they did nothing to change their team this summer. If once impressive forward Jermaine O’Neal can get his act together, and sophomore Michael Beasley can successfully return from his recent stint in drug rehabilitation, this team may overachieve. Either way, it’s not likely Dwyane Wade is in the black and red of Miami past this season.
5. Charlotte Bobcats
The Bobcats missed their calling when they refused to sign Allen Iverson. AI could have been the answer, no pun intended, to Charlotte’s problems. Iverson has already had experience with head coach Larry Brown, and, in spite of their past problems, the former all-star is now more mature and willing to sacrifice in order to see his first championship. Regardless, the Bobcats traded center Emeka Okafor, who simply did not fit into their offensive scheme, for the more versatile Tyson Chandler. This team is very capable of a playoff push late into the season.
Western Conference
Northwest Division
1. Utah Jazz:
Utah is one of the most underrated teams in the NBA. Deron Williams led them to a respctable 48-34, but they’ve only grown since. Williams, along with Paul Millsap and Mehmet Okur form a very powerful offense. Even if Carlos Boozer isn’t interested in playing, they an be successful without him. The big upside is, however, that Boozer is interested in signing somewhere, so when he plays he will do well. 
2. Denver Nuggets
Last year, Carmelo Anthony put his name int a conversation that included LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Oh how quickly we forget. ‘Mello will definately be in the mix again this season, but we aren;t sure if the Nuggets got much better. Chauncey Billups and K-Mart add depth to that scoring. There are just too many teams growing where Denver isn’t… And that’s why they’ll lose their hold on the number one spot.
3. Portland Trailblazers
Even if last year was considered a dissappointment, it was a stepping stone. Their very young lineup learned what it’s like to win. The Trailblazers added Andre Miller to the LaMarcus Aldridge/Brandon Roy combination. That move alone could put the Blazers in contention. Add that to a healthy and more agressive Greg Odom, and Portland is starting to look like a team. Put Odom on your list for most improved player this season.
4. Oaklahoma City Thunder
Oaklahoma City has done well considering their situation. However, they are young and inexperienced. Kevin Durant puts on a good show for fans every night, and rookie James Harden has all the potential in the world. If they keep improving, they may even mae the playoffs in a year or two. Look for the Thunder to keep it exciting this year – they will be that “close but no cigar” team all season.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
If their offseason was any indication, Minnesota isn’t going far. Jonny Flynn and Wayne Ellington may pan out in the long run but it’s hard to see anything but big names with no chemistry. The Ricky Rubio disaster is just a distraction for fans. There is some hope – picking up Ramon Sessions was a definate upgrade.
Southwest Division
1. San Antonio Spurs:
San Antonio needed to add a missing piece. Antonio McDyess needed a place to land. Both got a big break. Getting McDyess to compliment Tony Parker was a great idea. DeJuan Blair was a bad pickup, and he won’t have enough playing time to even matter. Parker, Tim Duncan, and Richard Jefferson are going to prove that they have this team in their hands… Especially because they may only have a year or two to do it. 
2. New Orleans Hornets:
Chris Paul is a one-ma recking crew, and he alone can make or break the Hornets. CP3 is the best point guard in the league, but it’s just not enough to win a championship. Paul won’t benefit from losing his better half in Tyson Chandler, but someone in the front office must like Emeka Okafor. If Okafor is a bust, Paul still has David West to dish off to. Even with the miscues built in, New Orleans is still ahead of most in the Southwest division.
3. Dallas Mavericks:
With the baby momma problems behind him, Dirk Nowitzki is in the spot light. Ultimately, his successes will make the Mavericks great again. Jason Kidd is too old to be considered a factor, but that difference can be made up if Josh Howard steps up his game from last year. Drew Gooden and Shawn Marion make excellent additions, but the Mavs will still be perennial underachievers. Maybe this year someone will duct tape Mark Cuban’s mouth shut.
4. Houston Rockets:
Houston just doesn’t have what it takes. Adding Trevor Ariza was a good start, but he can only do so much for a team that needs so much more help. And don’t be mistaken, he is not a number one scoring machine. Yao Ming is still out, and Tracy McGrady begins this year injured, so as of right now there’s not one player who averaged over 15 points per game last season.
5. Memphis Grizzlies
Mephis sis the most to assure that they would be competitive this seasn, but they ended up with too big of a personality pool. The Allen Iverson experiment should be the least of their concerns. OJ Mayo is explosive, but not mature enough to run a team, and Rudy Gay and Zach Randolph are way to inconsistant to help out. Don’t be fooled into thinking Hasheem Thabeet is the answer… He isn’t designed for offense at all.
Pacific Division
1. L.A. Lakers:
You want to know how good the Lakers are? Just look at their starting five. Derek Fischer, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum and new aquisition Ron Artest may be the best lineup in the league. They are so good, they have Lamar Odom on the bench! The 2009 champions aren’t relying on Kobe anymore; instead they are giving him many more options. In such a lame division, the Lakers take it easily.
2. Phoenix Suns:
The Suns showed some signs of life towards the end of last year, but they lost Shaq in the offseason. As much as he horses around, Shaq is an important part of play on both sides of the ball. Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire will continue to be a great duo, but outside of them the team looks bleak. Grant Hill is aging, and this year he may start showing it. They did muster the number one offense in the league, so they cant be that bad can they? Just good enough for second place.
3. Golden State Warriors:
Out of the three bottom feeding teams in this division, the Warriors have the most room to grow. Their lineup is young and now supplemented with Stephen Curry. The key is getting the kids to grow up together, instead of in their own seperate ways. They do have the potential to put up some poins, but defense will kill them in the end.
4. L.A. Clippers:
Blake Griffen won’t fix this team, but he sure can try. Behind Eric Gordon and Al Thornton, the Clippers offense seems recharged. Griffen should help them capitalize on those missed shots. This season will be a success if they hit 30 wins.
5. Sacremento Kings:
Yes, they drafted well. But the Kings needed more thank Tyreke Evans to make themselves a contender. Evans and Kevin Martin still won’t let the Kings be better than mediocre.
Los Angeles Lakers
favorite to win their respective conference year after year. Kobe Bryant, now widely believed to be the best basketball player in the world, was merely a sidekick in those days. This season, and for the past six, he’s been the top dog in the City of Angels, and his revived version of “Showtime” is making their third Shaq-less Finals appearance in the past three years.
The only problem with this is that he knows it. He knows how good he is and has often been accused of trying to do too much. If Bryant knows his boundaries and continues to trust his teammates like he has all season, the Lakers’ chances of winning the series improve greatly.
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