Post by rommie on Jul 14, 2005 22:40:55 GMT -5
With just days away from the start of the reagular season here is a short team by team outlook.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics:
They played extremely well late last season and kept the team together for the most part. The additions of Bill Laimbeer, Joel Przybilla, and Rafer Alston should have this team competeing for a Atlantic Division tittle.
Miami Heat:
This is a very young and talented squad featuring Michael Ray Richardson, Jameer Nelson, and Jamal Crawford in the backcourt with Marvin Williams, Dwright Howard, and Anderson Varejao up front. Look for them to compete for a late playoff spot.
New Jersey Nets:
They probably won't make the playoffs. They should be close though with veterans Tony Parker, Peja Stojakovic, and Brad Miller leading the way.
New York Knicks:
Probably the best team in the division. With Tim Duncan as there star at center he is nicely complamented by Skitti, Antwan Jamison, Monta Ellis, and Jason Kidd. Stephen Jackson and Jay Williams lead the charge off the bench.
Orlando Magic:
They got lucky and landed Larry Bird in the draft and then traded alot of young talent to get Dwyane Wade. With Chris Webber and Daniel Gibson also in the lineup this team looks nice 1-4 but they need a center to become serious contenders. Sidney Moncrief is a great asset to have coming off the bench.
Philadelphia 76ers:
The team should be in the playoffs. They traded for Pau Gasol which should help them tremendously. With Gasol, Andre Iguodala, and Jason Terry leading the way along with some other nice players the team has a positive outlook.
Washington Wizards:
They made no big additions in the off-season keeping a pretty nice team togehter. Look for Stephon, Carmelo, Corey, Al, and Nene to lead them to a good season.
Central Division
Atlanta Hawks:
They made a big trade sending Ben Gordon to the defending champion Utah Jazz for Richard Jefferson. With most of there young players even better than before the team should have similar success as last season.
New Orleans Hornets:
Easily one of the most talented teams in the BBS with Shaun Livingston, O.J. Mayo, Luol Deng, Tyler Handsbrough, Josh Boone, and James Donaldson as there main players. Might need more to get a playoff spot but don't be suprised if they make it.
Chicago Bulls:
They made some big changes trading away Tracy McGrady for talent and depth but will it be enough? They look great on paper but can't seem to put the Ws together to get that 4th championship.
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Probably won't see them in the playoffs. They have talent but it will be tough to make it. The team needs better defense to seriously compete.
Detroit Pistons:
They brough back Kobe Bryant showing that they are very serious about winning a championship. They also sent longtime fan favorite Lamar Odom to Memphis along with Marcus Banks. The team is one of the best on paper but like Chicago they haven't put the wins together when it counts the past 2 years.
Indiana Pacers:
With a new GM in place things have looked a little brighter in the heartland of basketball but they still have a very long ways to go before they are good.
Milwaukee Bucks:
Ahh the team everyone loves to hate and is jealous of for getting Magic. I know I am. They have a fairly deep team but lack the other good players to put along side Magic to be a lock for a playoff spot.
Toronto Raptors:
They kept there team together for the most part and should once again be in the playoffs with them pounding the ball inside to Elton Brand, Chris Bosh, and Kwame Brown. Raymond Felton, Shane Battier, Manu Ginbol, and James Posey should give the players on the perminter fits and keep them from getting the lane.
Western Conference
Midwest Division
Dallas Mavericks:
They look good with Steve Nash, Vince Carter, Jason Richardson, Antoine Walker, and Jamaal Magloire but they only have 9 players leaving them to add atleast 3 players with just a few days before the start of the season. Look for them to struggle to make the playoffs unless they upgrade there bench with some defense.
Denver Nuggets:
The team has some talent but there success relys on the shoulders of Tracy McGrady. Rajon Rondo will lead them at the point and Amir Johnson shall patrol the paint. The team will have to have there other young talents step up there games unless T-Mac has a career year.
Houston Rockets:
The team has the deepest point guard rotation in the whole entire league but need to spread some of the depth out a little bit to add another quality big man for them to make it in the Western Confrence finals.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
The team is very good all around except for power forward. While Zach Randolph can score 20 points per game he is likely to let his oppenant score as many if not more with his lack of defense. Look for them to rack up the wins but not go past the second round in the playoffs unless they trade Zach for a little more defense at the 4.
San Antonio Spurs:
The team doesn't look like they were the best in the West last season on paper but they do sim great together. With the additions of Tim Thomas and Eric Dampier look for them to atleast repeat there great success last season.
Utah Jazz:
The defending champions made a big trade by moving Richard Jefferson to Atlanta for Ben Gordon. Although Ben Gordon is a very good player we will have to wait and see how well he fits in Utah to say they can repeat. On paper they looks very good though.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Defense is the word that comes to mind. Probably the second best defenseive squad in the whole league right behind the Seattle SuperSonics. The Grizzles don't have a go to guy but if they play a fast pace they can get by with there defense.
Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors:
The champions of 2 years ago still are looking for an answer at point guard. They have good players there but are shopping Troy Hudson. They probably miss Stephon and his defense but they should be the Pacific champions.
Los Angeles Clippers:
This team has great defense on the inside but need it from the 1, 2, and 3 positions to make the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers:
Could this be there last year to win a tittle anytime soon? Probably so as Shaqiule O'Neal is 36 years old and is getting closer to retirement. Look for them to have a great season and make a push for a championship.
Phoenix Suns:
They have some great talent in Serigo and Josh Childress but will need alot more defense to not be in the lottery. Look for them to be on the outside looking in at the playoff picture.
Portland Trailblazers:
The team had some tough luck with the injury to Kevin Garnett but they should have a good season with KG leading the way. They also have one of more talented backcourts in the BBS starring Brandon Rush and Devin Harris.
Sacramento Kings:
Poor lumley hasn't found the answers to get a winning team together but the Kings keep on trying. They are to young to be in the playoffs but they have some very good talent in Mo Cheeks, Reggie Theus, and Sean Banks.
Seattle Supersonics:
Defense once again. They traded for Michael Reed to be there go to guy and look for them to compete heavily for the Western Confrence crown. They could use a better backup point guard though. Kenny and Brevin are great defenders but lackluster ball handlers.
That is the team by team season preview. Good luck to all the GMs and have fun in what should be an exciting season once again.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics:
They played extremely well late last season and kept the team together for the most part. The additions of Bill Laimbeer, Joel Przybilla, and Rafer Alston should have this team competeing for a Atlantic Division tittle.
Miami Heat:
This is a very young and talented squad featuring Michael Ray Richardson, Jameer Nelson, and Jamal Crawford in the backcourt with Marvin Williams, Dwright Howard, and Anderson Varejao up front. Look for them to compete for a late playoff spot.
New Jersey Nets:
They probably won't make the playoffs. They should be close though with veterans Tony Parker, Peja Stojakovic, and Brad Miller leading the way.
New York Knicks:
Probably the best team in the division. With Tim Duncan as there star at center he is nicely complamented by Skitti, Antwan Jamison, Monta Ellis, and Jason Kidd. Stephen Jackson and Jay Williams lead the charge off the bench.
Orlando Magic:
They got lucky and landed Larry Bird in the draft and then traded alot of young talent to get Dwyane Wade. With Chris Webber and Daniel Gibson also in the lineup this team looks nice 1-4 but they need a center to become serious contenders. Sidney Moncrief is a great asset to have coming off the bench.
Philadelphia 76ers:
The team should be in the playoffs. They traded for Pau Gasol which should help them tremendously. With Gasol, Andre Iguodala, and Jason Terry leading the way along with some other nice players the team has a positive outlook.
Washington Wizards:
They made no big additions in the off-season keeping a pretty nice team togehter. Look for Stephon, Carmelo, Corey, Al, and Nene to lead them to a good season.
Central Division
Atlanta Hawks:
They made a big trade sending Ben Gordon to the defending champion Utah Jazz for Richard Jefferson. With most of there young players even better than before the team should have similar success as last season.
New Orleans Hornets:
Easily one of the most talented teams in the BBS with Shaun Livingston, O.J. Mayo, Luol Deng, Tyler Handsbrough, Josh Boone, and James Donaldson as there main players. Might need more to get a playoff spot but don't be suprised if they make it.
Chicago Bulls:
They made some big changes trading away Tracy McGrady for talent and depth but will it be enough? They look great on paper but can't seem to put the Ws together to get that 4th championship.
Cleveland Cavaliers:
Probably won't see them in the playoffs. They have talent but it will be tough to make it. The team needs better defense to seriously compete.
Detroit Pistons:
They brough back Kobe Bryant showing that they are very serious about winning a championship. They also sent longtime fan favorite Lamar Odom to Memphis along with Marcus Banks. The team is one of the best on paper but like Chicago they haven't put the wins together when it counts the past 2 years.
Indiana Pacers:
With a new GM in place things have looked a little brighter in the heartland of basketball but they still have a very long ways to go before they are good.
Milwaukee Bucks:
Ahh the team everyone loves to hate and is jealous of for getting Magic. I know I am. They have a fairly deep team but lack the other good players to put along side Magic to be a lock for a playoff spot.
Toronto Raptors:
They kept there team together for the most part and should once again be in the playoffs with them pounding the ball inside to Elton Brand, Chris Bosh, and Kwame Brown. Raymond Felton, Shane Battier, Manu Ginbol, and James Posey should give the players on the perminter fits and keep them from getting the lane.
Western Conference
Midwest Division
Dallas Mavericks:
They look good with Steve Nash, Vince Carter, Jason Richardson, Antoine Walker, and Jamaal Magloire but they only have 9 players leaving them to add atleast 3 players with just a few days before the start of the season. Look for them to struggle to make the playoffs unless they upgrade there bench with some defense.
Denver Nuggets:
The team has some talent but there success relys on the shoulders of Tracy McGrady. Rajon Rondo will lead them at the point and Amir Johnson shall patrol the paint. The team will have to have there other young talents step up there games unless T-Mac has a career year.
Houston Rockets:
The team has the deepest point guard rotation in the whole entire league but need to spread some of the depth out a little bit to add another quality big man for them to make it in the Western Confrence finals.
Minnesota Timberwolves:
The team is very good all around except for power forward. While Zach Randolph can score 20 points per game he is likely to let his oppenant score as many if not more with his lack of defense. Look for them to rack up the wins but not go past the second round in the playoffs unless they trade Zach for a little more defense at the 4.
San Antonio Spurs:
The team doesn't look like they were the best in the West last season on paper but they do sim great together. With the additions of Tim Thomas and Eric Dampier look for them to atleast repeat there great success last season.
Utah Jazz:
The defending champions made a big trade by moving Richard Jefferson to Atlanta for Ben Gordon. Although Ben Gordon is a very good player we will have to wait and see how well he fits in Utah to say they can repeat. On paper they looks very good though.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Defense is the word that comes to mind. Probably the second best defenseive squad in the whole league right behind the Seattle SuperSonics. The Grizzles don't have a go to guy but if they play a fast pace they can get by with there defense.
Pacific Division
Golden State Warriors:
The champions of 2 years ago still are looking for an answer at point guard. They have good players there but are shopping Troy Hudson. They probably miss Stephon and his defense but they should be the Pacific champions.
Los Angeles Clippers:
This team has great defense on the inside but need it from the 1, 2, and 3 positions to make the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers:
Could this be there last year to win a tittle anytime soon? Probably so as Shaqiule O'Neal is 36 years old and is getting closer to retirement. Look for them to have a great season and make a push for a championship.
Phoenix Suns:
They have some great talent in Serigo and Josh Childress but will need alot more defense to not be in the lottery. Look for them to be on the outside looking in at the playoff picture.
Portland Trailblazers:
The team had some tough luck with the injury to Kevin Garnett but they should have a good season with KG leading the way. They also have one of more talented backcourts in the BBS starring Brandon Rush and Devin Harris.
Sacramento Kings:
Poor lumley hasn't found the answers to get a winning team together but the Kings keep on trying. They are to young to be in the playoffs but they have some very good talent in Mo Cheeks, Reggie Theus, and Sean Banks.
Seattle Supersonics:
Defense once again. They traded for Michael Reed to be there go to guy and look for them to compete heavily for the Western Confrence crown. They could use a better backup point guard though. Kenny and Brevin are great defenders but lackluster ball handlers.
That is the team by team season preview. Good luck to all the GMs and have fun in what should be an exciting season once again.
.
