Yeah, I might have written off Dallas too soon. I'll say the Warriors, Spurs, OKC, Rockets and Clippers are locks and contenders. You could arguably throw Memphis in there as well. That leaves 2 spots up for grabs. Dallas, Portland, and New Orleans made it last year. I just dont see Dallas being better. Chandler was huge for what they do and the Rondo trade really messed them up. Mathews and Deron Williams come with huge if's.
New Orleans is going to be the same team, but I'm not sure if thats good enough. The Brow is already beasting so he cant get much better. Utah's guys could develop and build on last year and with the Kings would be the main other challengers for the last spots. Minny is going to be better but probably another year (and draft) away. Hell the Lakers will be better, basically adding a whole new team compared to last year with Hibbert, Randle, Russell and whatever is left of Kobe (I'm thinking he plays till he catches Kareem).
New Orleans is going to be the same team, but I'm not sure if thats good enough. The Brow is already beasting so he cant get much better. Utah's guys could develop and build on last year and with the Kings would be the main other challengers for the last spots. Minny is going to be better but probably another year (and draft) away. Hell the Lakers will be better, basically adding a whole new team compared to last year with Hibbert, Randle, Russell and whatever is left of Kobe (I'm thinking he plays till he catches Kareem).