I don't know as much about the NBA as I do with other sports, so some of my picks may seem a little odd. But, I'm becoming acquainted with the sport. And, I'm starting to understand what a team needs to do to win a championship in this league.
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
1. Boston Celtics - It's a no-brainer pick. The Big 3 shall always be called the Big 3. It's just tradition. But, as far as merit goes, the Boston Celtics essentially have four formerly big time veterans: Kevin Garnett, Shaquille O'Neal, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce. Rajon Rondo will continue to carry the load for this team, as the Celtics essentially bet their entire future on him. The Celtics also carry Jermaine O'Neal on their team, who wasn't a real presence for the Heat last season. Kendrick Perkins, the former starting center, is now on the bench. Glen Davis, Delonte West, and Nate Robinson should also produce off the bench. Luke Harongody fills the team's Irish big man requirement, previously left open by Brian Scalabrine. In college, Harongody needed the offense to cycle through him to put up his 20+ points a game and played weak defense. Doc Rivers has a job ahead of him. But, he's way down on the depth chart, which speaks of the strength of the Celtics up front. The Celtics are big, really big. They will miss Tony Allen, but Delonte West will provide energy and defense for this Celtics squad. And, his presence will certainly make Celtics - Heat games all the more interesting.
Here's the bottom line: Right now, the Celtics are my pick to win the NBA Title. They will have an easy walk through their division, unlike the Heat. And, depth wins championships. Not only that, while the Celtics have several players who could be made better by a superstar (And shall be by Rajon Rondo), they are all good in their own right. It will be Lakers - Celtics once again this season. I don't really care for ESPN's hype machine regarding the Miami Heat, but I'll get to that one later.
2. Philadelphia 76ers - If Elton Brand stays healthy, and I think it might happen this season, this team can compete for a solid playoff spot. They're better than people think. Evan Turner can play the 1, 2, or 3 spot, but he's better suited at the 2 in the NBA. He'll make an impact.
3. New York Nets - Derrick Favors has a lot of growing up to do. Pitino product Terrence Williams needs one more year to truly emerge. This team NEEDS another 20ppg scoring presence.
4. New York Knicks - Laugh out loud. Amare's stat line with the Knicks: 17pts, 6 boards, 2 assists, 4 turnovers, 58 games played.
5. Toronto Raptors - What did you expect? To be honest, I like what is going on in Toronto right now. They just really need Ricky Rubio to make this Euroteam in the making work.
Central Division
1. Chicago Bulls - This is a weak division. To be honest, almost every division in the NBA is weak right now. It's a very top-heavy league. For the Bulls, the story will be less shooting guard, more up front play. Expect the Bulls to win this "race" to the top.
2. Milwaukee Bucks - Brandon Jennings isn't a superstar. But, it isn't as if he's a slouch. They need another big time player, like most of the teams in this division. But, they should be fine.
3. Indiana Pacers - Unfortunately, they'll have a better record than their team deserves as a result of their weak division. This team needs a real superstar. Draft Danny Granger in your fantasy leagues.
4. Detroit Pistons - Yawn. Lots of guards, weak up front. They can't compete.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers - They'll be sellers at the deadline. They'll receive a lottery pick. They'll get a superstar. They'll come back in four years. This is a painful transition for Cleveland. But, they have a very loyal fanbase, myself included.
Southeast Division
1. Miami Heat - Uh, yeah. Can three men win a championship? No. Is Mario Chalmers capable of doing Rajon Rondo's job? No. Is their bench young? Yes. Does their bench have potential? Yes. Can three men win a division? Yes.
Last time I checked, the New Big Three is together for more than just this season. All trash talk aside, don't expect this team to win it this year. They could make it to the Eastern Conference Finals, but I'm willing to bet that Orlando has that spot on lockdown.
Keep an eye out for how many fouls are drawn by LeBron James this season. They number will be much smaller, as teams can no longer afford to foul him.
2. Orlando Magic - I'm absolutely sick and tired of this team. But, they're good.
3. Atlanta Hawks - Same team as last season. Miami moves up, Orlando moves down, Atlanta stagnates.
4. Washington Wizards - You have to like what this team is doing.
5. Charlotte Bobcats - They cannot make the playoffs this season. Bust.
(Now this preview becomes difficult to complete...)
Western Conference
Northwest Division
1. Oklahoma City Thunder - This team desperately needs a Center to compete with the big time teams in the West. There aren't any big time teams in Northwest Division, not anymore...
2. Denver Nuggets - ...With this possible exception. But, if I have to pick between their trio and Oklahoma City's trio, the Thunder would be my pick. And, Oklahoma City has a better bench. Denver may be a better post-season team. But, Oklahoma City will take the regular season title.
3. Portland Trial Blazers - This team really needed Greg Oden to pan out. If he stays healthy and lives up to his potential, to big ifs, this team could produce a better record. I'm not going to take that bet.
4. Utah Jazz - No Boozer = Utah fans boozing out.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves - I like their nucleus of talent. They need one more player to compete.
Southwest Division
Before I begin, I'd like to say that, aside from the Southeast Division, I like more teams in this division than in any other.
1. Dallas Mavericks - It's not as if they're going to win a championship this season, don't get me wrong. And, Dirk really needs to be on a team with a legit superstar. But, you can't bet against a team with players who just know how to win.
2. San Antonio Spurs - They won't do much in the playoffs. But, they're still a competitive team. They're old, but they play like a team.
3. Memphis Grizzlies - Playoff team. Mike Conley will do his job, OJ Mayo will put up 20ppg, as will Rudy Gay. Zach Randolph is a good #4 option in an offense. Marc Gasol will do his job, but could shift to the 4 if Hasheem Thabeet is ready to take on the 5 spot. As he probably isn't and looks like a bust, the Grizzles will not be able to grow to the point where they can win a championship. Also, who will take the last shot
4. Houston Rockets - The wear and tear of the salary cap, age, and injuries finally catches up with them. Yao Ming needs to be on a team with a legit superstar, like the Oklahoma City Thunder.
5. New Orleans Hornets - Chris Paul leaves in the offseason and joins...
Pacific Division
1. Los Angeles Lakers - The only no-brainer pick in this division. Kobe Bryant can still play the 4th quarter. They are the two-time defending NBA Champions. Their strength down low cannot be understated. They know what they're trying to do and they know how to do it. Bringing in players who Kobe once feuded with brings him up a notch or two and allows said players to do their jobs the right way. Steve Blake will be fine behind Derek Fisher, so point guard is set. Barring an injury to Kobe Bryant, this team will make it to the finals for the fourth year in a row (Which, by the way, is jaw-dropping).
2. Los Angeles Clippers - YES! The time HAS ARRIVED! Everyone's REAL FAVORITE Los Angeles team, the Clippers, is absolutely LOADED. Baron Davis has NEVER guarded a point guard with his back to the ball, so you KNOW he can shut down his defensive assignment. Eric GORDON! WOWZERS! People always say that if he played for a team other than the Clippers, he could score 25 POINTS PER GAME! WOW! Too bad the Clippers ARE LEGIT! Blake Griffin man. Jeez. You gotta love it. Chris Kaman will do his job too! And their small forward, Ryan Gomes, so serviceable, if his service is BUCKETS! Eric Bledsoe and Jon Scheyer as guard backups? LEGIT!
All sarcasm aside, this division really sucks and Blake Griffin is a solid talent. The Clippers should be able to take this spot.
3. Phoenix Suns - I know this team had players other than Amar'e Stoudemeire last season. But, they went where he was able to go. This team can't go anywhere without him.
4. Sacramento Kings - They're on their way. One more solid superstar on their team to go along with Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins will put this team in the playoffs.
5. Golden State Warriors - It really is too bad. If Brandan Wright had panned out, they wouldn't be in this spot.
All in all, aside from the obvious picks, the NBA is a crapshoot this season. So, let's just sit back, be surprised, and enjoy a great year of basketball.
Yes, it is going to be a great year.
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