Gunther
In Chill Mode
- Joined
- Jul 6, 2009
- Messages
- 4,612
- Reaction score
- 4,852
- Points
- 113
SOURCE
Brian Windhorst's NBA breakdown
By Brian Windhorst
October 25, 2009, 7:08AM
Eastern Conference
1. Cavaliers - Might not win as many regular-season games but they've come back stronger after addressing matchup problems.
2. Magic - From talent standpoint they might be deeper, but letting Hedo Turkoglu walk hurt their advantages.
3. Celtics - Serious contenders but top players are another year older, which is not a good thing.
4. Hawks - In this case, a year older is better. After some off-season upgrades, Hawks could make some noise in the East.
5. Bulls - Yes, Ben Gordon is gone. But yes, Derrick Rose is ready to take a big leap and carry team.
6. Wizards - Everyone's vogue pick for most improved team, but mostly because they were so ravaged by injuries last season.
7. 76ers - Elton Brand is back and that will help but Andre Miller is gone and that will hurt.
8. Heat - Mostly stood pat saving money for 2010, but it might cost them in short run.
9. Raptors - Made a lot of changes but it isn't clear if they're any better for it.
10. Pistons - They admittedly are rebuilding and it will show.
11. Pacers - Have some good players but they don't seem to all fit together.
12. Bobcats - Made a big trade to save money but it might cost them first playoff berth.
13. Knicks - Lots of talent on paper but little chemistry or teamwork incentive.
14. Bucks - Amazing how many quality players the Bucks have given away for nothing in return.
15. Nets - A team to watch but probably not until next season.
Western Conference
1. Lakers - Can't construct a better team from talent to size to experience to coaching.
2. Spurs - Mini-makeover made them better but Richard Jefferson isn't a major difference
maker.
3. Trail Blazers - Brandon Roy is poised to reach superstar status and team is maturing.
4. Mavericks - Big upside because of deep and expensive roster and bullets to make big
trade yet.
5. Nuggets - If Chauncey Billups still has it, so will the Nuggets but it will be hard to win
division.
6. Suns - If Amare Stoudemire is healthy they'll rack up some wins now that they're back to
their fast-break style.
7. Hornets - Trading for Emeka Okafor is a gamble; pressure is on coach to make it work.
8. Jazz - Have great players but they never seem to maximize their abilities.
9. Rockets - A bunch of savvy veterans and a good coach could overcome bad injuries to
make playoffs.
10. Thunder - Should be improved but might not have enough experience in strong West.
11. Clippers - Could surprise some people if they can stay healthy; good young core.
12. Warriors - This could be a playoff team but they can't get out of their own way.
13. Grizzlies - Which is worse: Using No. 2 pick on Hasheem Thabeet or thinking Zach
Randolph is savior?
14. Timberwolves - Al Jefferson is underrated but the rest of the roster is a jumbled mess.
15. Kings - Lowest overall talent level in the league.
What to watch for in the 2009-10 NBA season:
- Young players rising: The top of the last several drafts has produced excellent players. Look for some of them to start to establish themselves as forces in the league. Kevin Durant had a great summer and now in his third season could challenge for an All-Star selection. Derrick Rose's play in the playoffs as a rookie was inspiring, he's charted to take the next step. Courtney Lee and Brook Lopez could become pillars in New Jersey. Even Greg Oden, in his second season, is showing signs he's ready for a breakout year.
- Haves and have nots: Though there hasn't been much diversity in who wins the titles, the last decade has seen some parity in the league as there's been a steady progression of the churning in playoff teams and even teams not paying the luxury tax taking home the championship. But the economy's current state has changed that, creating a gap between the teams willing to spend to keep and buy new talent and those who sell everything off to stay afloat. As a result, there could be a wide gap between the spenders and the savers in the standings.
- Summer 2010 pressure: A number of teams have their superstars in the final year of their contracts. The implications for next year's free-agency period will guide perception and decision-making as the season wears on. Will there be teams that have to punt and trade their free-agent-to-be to cut their losses? Will there be teams willing to make risky short-term trades to keep their star happy? Will there be quick coach changes because of this speculation? It could be a weekly subplot as the season goes along and especially as the trading deadline approaches.
- Great games between loaded contenders: After a summer arms race that saw the top teams all get stronger, there could be a series of in-season classic games between the elites. Anytime the Celtics, Cavs, Spurs, Lakers or Magic play each other it will seem like an event, and some other teams are sure to emerge as contenders. Instead of the top games featuring one great individual matchup, say LeBron James-Kobe Bryant, these will have multiple attractive matchups because of the sheer star power on the top teams.
Underrated new faces in new places:
- Shaquille O'Neal to the Cavs, Ron Artest to the Lakers, Vince Carter to the Magic, Richard Jefferson to the Spurs, Shawn Marion to the Mavericks, and Rasheed Wallace to the Celtics were some of the high-profile transactions over the summer. But there are other ones that got less attention that could make key impacts.
- Antonio McDyess to the Spurs: Versatile and experienced big man to bring off bench is invaluable to a title contender.
- Jamal Crawford to the Hawks: Atlanta now has one of most talented backcourts in the league.
- Anthony Parker to the Cavs: Good size, solid shooter, quality defender, good presence in locker room, an all-around glue guy.
- Ryan Anderson to the Magic: Forgotten man in Vince Carter trade, perfect big man for their system because of his shooting.
- Marquis Daniels to the Celtics: Athletic wing player the Celtics got on the cheap when Pacers let him walk.
- Mike Miller to the Wizards: Great shooter with size will take pressure off Wizards' Big Three.
- Jason Kapono to the 76ers: Philly was a horrid jump-shooting team last season so they brought in one of the best.
- Drew Gooden to the Mavs: Starter-quality big man who will now be a quality backup and give versatility.
Rookie Rankings:
1. Blake Griffin, Clippers: Best overall talent in the draft, no question whatsoever.
2. Tyreke Evans, Kings: Great skill and poise and he's going to get a lot of playing time.
3. Brandon Jennings, Bucks: His attitude scared teams off but it might help him as rookie.
4. James Harden, Thunder: OKC did its homework. He has the mind-set to be a success.
5. Jonny Flynn, Timberwolves: His situation is muddy in Minny, and might hold him back.
MVP Rankings:
1. Dwight Howard, Magic: Dominant at both ends and proven himself by getting to Finals.
2. LeBron James, Cavs: Might have adjustment period with Shaq, plus media doesn't like to
vote same way two years straight.
3. Dwyane Wade, Heat: Team isn't going to be good enough for him to win it.
4. Brandon Roy, Trail Blazers: This writer is setting the bar very high.
5. Kobe Bryant, Lakers: Always in the discussion.
What national analysts are saying about the Cavs
Jon Barry, ESPN: The addition of Shaq, provided he's healthy, gives Cleveland a viable post-up option to take pressure off of LeBron. The Cavs will roll through the regular season.
Chris Broussard, ESPN The Mag: Last year's collapse in the Eastern Conference finals only made LeBron hungrier and more willing to expand his game. Now, opponents can expect to see him in the post more. Scary. And look for a resurgence from a truly motivated Shaq.
Doug Collins, TNT: I think Shaq will help on that front line. They really got hammered inside last year. They had no answers for Dwight Howard. These are two very dynamic personalities that you've put together. Also with Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker, they've got some size on that team.
Reggie Miller, TNT: I think the loss of coach John Kuester to Detroit to take over the Pistons ... he was the offensive guru - puts a lot of pressure back on head coach Mike Brown ... Is this offense going to jell without Kuester being there?
Jalen Rose, ESPN: LBJ is the best all-around player in the game. He probably could average a triple-double. Shaq wants his fifth ring. Mo Williams can play with the best of them at the point. Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker will have perimeter impact.
Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com: Opening night at home against the Celtics should be a blast. Let's see how the teams' difference in depth plays out in that opener and over the course of the season. Right now, I rank the Cavs a solid second in the East. Boston just looks better.
Chris Webber, TNT: You have Shaq who's a dominant post player, and you have an All-Star center in big Z coming off the bench to spread the defense and change the coverages. Now you have a guy who can shoot the jump shot, a guy who can offensive rebound.
