EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW
ATLANTIC DIVISION
Acquisitions: Karl Da Conciecao (R), Lamont Jonathan (R), Steve Blake, Sergio Rodriguez
Boston's hopes of bringing a championship home in 2008 went down the drain when they suffered a third round loss to the more experienced Detroit Pistons. But with the acquisitions of the sharpshooting rookie center in Karl Da Conciecao and guard Steve Blake, Boston looks better than ever. Their only flaw is they have four active point guards, but I still have them coming in first in the Atlantic Division.
Acquisitions: Ben Gordon, Kevin Kearley (R), Leon Worthy (R), Jemareo Davidson, Michael Doleac, CJ Miles
They had the worse record in the NBA last year, but they made some excellent moves this off-season. Including signing star guard, Ben Gordon and drafting the Naismith Player of the Year in Kevin Kearley. When you team these guys up with the 2008 Most Improved Player, Andre Iguodala, the shot blocking force in Samuel Dalembert and the high caliber guard in Andre Miller, the 76ers will be strong for years to come.
*a database glitch caused two Louis Williams' to appear on the 76ers roster
Acquisitions: Damien Fuentes (R), Josh Reid (R)
They lost in the first round again, but don't expect a repeat. Bryan Colangelo shocked the world by not making any transactions at all this off-season. Besides drafting two talented rookies, Colangelo re-signed guard Jose Calderon to a 5-year, $24M extension. The Raptors are the team to look out for in the long run.
Acquisitions: Shareef Lloyd (R), Eddie Conners (R)
The Knicks were the surprise team of 2008, slipping into that eight seed in the playoffs. Isaiah Thomas did something right for once drafting one of the biggest steals in the NBA Draft, Shareef Lloyd an 82 overall rookie at #15. But Isaiah's major problem is that he loaded his team with too many forwards, so they're chances of getting into the playoffs again are very slight.
Acquisitions: Marc Snow (R), Charles Schwarz (R), Trenton Hassell
The Nets are almost on the verge of the rebuilding process. They didn't make any major moves in the off-season (besides drafting two big men), so don't expect them to be too major this season. Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson aren't getting any younger, so look for guys like Maurice Ager and Trenton Hassell to step up their game. For now, Jay-Z's Nets will stay at the bottom.
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CENTRAL DIVISION
Acquisitions: James Jones, Travis Outlaw, Channing Frye, Zach Myers (R), Timo Cruz (R)
Making the Finals again, and losing again really hurt the Pistons. Trading away Tayshaun Prince hurt even more. But in return, they received a lot of depth in James Jones and Travis Outlaw. And with rumors of Antonio McDyess retiring this year, Channing Frye and Jason Maxiell make good candidates for the starting position. The Pistons should be able to defend their division crown.
Acquisitions: Sean Robinson (R), Robert Swift, Frank Lorenzo (R), Jose Barea
The Cavs didn't make too many moves, but they made just enough to keep second place in their division. Though, they could regret not re-signing Daniel Gibson and his three point range. Rookie guard Sean Robinson will look to take a load off of King James. But it doesn't really matter, LeBron James always delivers night in and night out.
Acquisitions: Brian Fagundes (R), Hakeem O'Farrell (R)
Losing Ben Gordon is a real painkiller for the Bulls. But drafting 86 overall Brian Fagundes with the 12th pick in this year's draft could be the missing piece to the Bulls' puzzle. He's being started over Luol Deng, which shows he's no joke on the ball court. Benching Deng is pretty risky, but the Bulls' bench becomes deeper than ever.
Acquisitions: Lamar Stewart (R), Denzel Flanagan (R)
The Bucks are probably the most underrated team coming in 2008. They're full of talent and potential, but they'll have to work extra hard if they want a spot in the playoffs. The backcourt duo of Michael Redd and Mo Williams will have defenders spreading out. And if Lamar Stewart can deliver the range he showed in college, the Bucks will be a force to be reckoned with.
Acquisitions: Howard Lawrence (R), Andre Bender (R)
If Jermaine O'Neal could stay healthy, I would have the Pacers at least at #3 in the division. But the injury bug always gets him every year. Guys like Danny Granger were able to step up last year, and Mike Dunleavy Jr. was able to show his true potential. Now they've added the best point guard in this year's draft. Yet the question remains, can Jermaine O'Neal play at least 70 games this year? If yes, Indiana still has a bright future. If no, it's time to start rebuilding.
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SOUTHEAST DIVISION
Acquisitions: Jeff Marin (R), Ben Hughes (R)
This is the year Washington will finally be ahead of Miami. Gilbert Arenas had a solid year as usual, while Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler had spectacular seasons of their own. They drafted the Deron Williams-like Jeff Morin, who will learn a lot playing alongside Arenas. And guys like Nick Young and Andray Blatche still have room to blossom. The Wizards will have a promising year.
Acquisitions: Allan Worthy (R), Jamal Alvarez (R)
Losing Shaq wasn't so bad. The Heat proved they could make the playoffs without the help of the Diesel. Dwyane Wade has taken grasp of the leadership role in Miami. Sadly, Alonzo Mourning has retirement plans set up so he didn't re-sign with the Heat. But 7"4 Allan Worthy, who's full of potential is looking to make Heat fans forget about Shaq or Zo. Miami has a good young core, but they won't finish first this year.
Acquisitions: Albert Castillo (R), Andy MacDonald (R), Alando Tucker
Dwight Howard is slowly blossoming into the superstar he is, making Orlando a tough playoff contender. Guys like Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu also make an impact on the perimeter. The team is great offensively, but needs a lot of help of on the defensively. If the Magic can step up their defensive game, they'll be a beast in the east.
Acquisitions: Mike Merino (R), Michael Pietrus, Darius Miles, Dashem Ahidjo, Josh McRoberts, Ryan Hollins
If it wasn't for Dwight Howard's monster campaign last year, I would have the Hawks at #3 no doubt. They're roster is just flawless now. They've drafted the Chris Paul-like player in Mike Merino (who's college rival was Jeff Marin), Michael Pietrus and his heart for the game, a more healthy Darius Miles, who missed all 82 games last year due to injury and don't forget the rookie for Senegal, Dashem Ahidjo. The Hawks have a bright future ahead of them.
Acquisitions: Reyshawn Roux (R), Chuck Diez (R), Ronny Turiaf
The BETcats are still years away from the playoffs. Gerald Wallace is still looking fresh and Emeka Okafor has yet to hit his prime. Jason Richardson on the other hand, showed the league last year that he can do other stuff besides dunk. For now though, the Bobcats will remain a lottery team at the bottom.
WESTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW
NORTHWEST DIVISION
Acquisitions: Jim Stuart (R), Kenny Jackman (R)
They got two rookies, and that's it. Yet the talent still remains excellent. Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony still look to be the strongest guard-forward combo in the league. And Marcus Camby still remains a shot-blocking force. Don't be surprised if you see a repeat of last season.
Acquisitions: Jimmy Kruger (R), Trevor Ariza, Ty Harris (R)
The Jazz were a big surprise last season. They just made it into the playoffs, as the 7th seed. And they lost in 6 games to the Dallas Mavericks. Don't expect another slump like this by Salt Lake City's finest. The Jazz have an elite, playoff bound team and another big three is forming in Carlos Boozer, Deron Williams and Andrei Kirilenko. Ronnie Brewer is also on the verge to stardom after winning Rookie Challenge MVP honors last year. Watch out for Utah this year, they'll be one of the top teams in the West.
Acquisitions: Tayshaun Prince, Shammond Stevenson (R), Rodney Stuckey, Thaddeus Young, Donyell Marshall, Jalen Rose, Speedy Claxton, Adrian Griffin
The Blazers had a busy off-season and are the most anticipated team in the league. The addition of Tayshaun Prince should add some more defense to these Blazers. Guys like Donyell Marshall, Jalen Rose and Speedy Claxton provide some well rounded playoff experience and a spark off the bench. But the most anticipated part of the Blazers is Greg Oden's return. The 2007 #1 pick missed all of the 2008 season due to micro fracture surgery. They're at #3 simply because the Nuggets and Jazz are superb coming into this season.
Acquisitions: Eddie Jones, Andre Vidal (R), Marcus Feehan (R), Kendrick Perkins, Ronald "Flip" Murray
The Sonics will have a better season this year, on one condition. Kevin Durant is in the starting lineup. I don't know what PJ Carlisemo is thinking starting the veteran Eddie Jones over the more talented Durant. Durant exploded last season winning the Rookie of the Year award and leading the team in points. The Sonics have the fourth spot as long as Durant will start more games than Eddie Jones.
Acquisitions: Jerome Gimenez (R), Nathan Sorokin (R), Al Castillo (R)
They're still in the post-Garnett era, so don't expect too much from the T-Wolves. Al Jefferson has taken the leadership role in Minnesota. And the young supporting cast fills up with promising talent, Randy Foye, Jerome Gimenez, Rashad McCants etc. In a few years, and with the right moves, the Timberwolves will become a contender in the West.
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PACIFIC DIVISION
Acquisitions: Carlos Fuentes (R), Lance Kane (R), Ryan Gomes, Adonal Foyle, Luke Jackson
The Suns have had an interesting off-season. After losing in the first round of the playoffs, Steve Kerr actually let Mike D'Antoni keep his job. The acquisition of Ryan Gomes gives Amare Stoudemire a good backup. Also, the Suns actually kept their lottery picks this year. Though they weren't the best selections. They drafted two shooting guards putting four active shooting guards on the Suns' roster. Suns' fans hope Shaq is true to his word when he said: "The sun will rise in Phoenix."
Acquisitions: Deon Duran (R), Robert Leon (R), Chris Quinn, Eddy Dixon (R)
The Warriors probably won't be the division champs this year, but they'll come close to it. Golden State had one of their best seasons in franchise history last year, until the Dallas Mavericks got their revenge and advanced to the conference finals. The Warriors made their share of good and bad moves this off-season. They talked Chris Webber out of retirement, but failed to re-sign Michael Pietrus and Matt Barnes due to the load of money they offered to Monta Ellis. But Don Nelson will find a way to make his Warriors succeed.
Acquisitions: Donnie Davies (R), Ronnie Price, Jeffrey Pearson (R)
It's about time. Kobe Bryant finally got his long awaited MVP trophy last year, but the Lakers failed to catch any Finals action. Phil Jackson also made a gutsy move shifting Pau Gasol to center and Lamar Odom to power forward so 81 overall, 21st pick Donnie Davies can get into the starting lineup. Can the Lakers finally get back to their glory days this year? Only time can tell.
Acquisitions: Keon Battie (R), Henry Barnes (R)
After having a career year in 2007, Elton Brand topped it off in 2008. The Clippers' team managed to stay healthy through last season. Al Thornton looks to have a great sophomore year, and veteran Clippers like Chris Kaman and Corey Maggette are improving rapidly. Due to how powerful the West is, the Clippers will likely miss the playoffs but have a good run at it.
Acquisitions: Anthony Good (R), Kevin Dante (R), Thomas Gardner
If Brad Miller and Shareef Abdur-Rahim could stay healthy, the Kings wouldn't be down so low. The loss of Mike Bibby gives rookie Anthony Good the starting role, and the chance to make the 38 other teams regret not drafting him. Ron Artest is looking to stay out of trouble while Kevin Martin is causing trouble.. for the opponents on the ball court that is. We'll have to wait and see what Reggie Theus can do with these "Kings".
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SOUTHEAST DIVISION
Acquisitions: Deron Marshall (R), Buddy Delgado (R), Jannero Pargo
The critics of the Jason Kidd trade are shutting they're mouths right about now. Since trading for Kidd, the Dallas Mavericks have won the NBA Championship and made Mark Cuban happy. The roster is still pretty much the same, besides the two rooks and the backup point guard. The Mavericks are looking to defend their title, but in case they forgot, they're in the toughest division in the NBA.
Acquisitions: DeAndre Flanagan (R), Juanito Nikolic (R)
They lost a lot of players due to retirement. But the aging Spurs still remain a threat. Tim Duncan led the league in rebounds and blocks last year, and Tony Parker showed that his scoring off the court is even better on the court. As for Manu Ginobili, he'll be happy to know that he has his starting role back. Gregg Popovich is going to have a hard time working with only a 12-man roster. But you can expect just about anything from the 2008 NBA Coach of the Year.
Acquisitions: Iggy Ribeiro (R), Joey West (R)
The Rockets weren't the best team in 2008. Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming stayed healthy, but they missed the playoffs. They didn't make many changes this off-season, and surprisingly, Rick Adelman kept his job. But the 2008 Houston Rockets look determined this year and McGrady finally believes he can make it past the first round. We'll just have to wait and see.
Acquisitions: Ivan Salmons (R), Javaris Crittenton, Cordell Reilly (R)
The Hornets had a good year in 2008. Not great, just good. Chris Paul was outstanding.. up until all-star break when things just turned around. Paul was on a slump after all-star break. But things look better for CP3 this year. David West and Tyson Chandler have been working on their post game and Peja Stojakovic and Morris Peterson have been improving their range. The Hornets are looking good, and could possibly slip into that last playoff seed this year.
Acquisitions: Louis Hermann (R), Vernon Rose (R), Juan Dixon, James White, Julian Wright
They have the #1 pick and a lot athleticism, but the Grizzlies aren't really up to the playoff or division winning standards JUST yet. The departure of Pau Gasol made Rudy Gay the new franchise of the team. Gay delivered last season, and is looking to do some more damage again this season. The Grizzlies still lack a bit of defense, but in time, they can possibly achieve those missing standards.
