2007-08 NBA Preview: Pacific Division

Al Harrington is an athletic 4 who's adept at creating his own shots around the basket. Harrington has been prone to disappearing in games—and like most of the Warriors, is a chump on defense.

Andris Biedrins took a huge step forward last year as a rebounder, shot-blocker, and offensive anchor. With so much firepower on the roster, Biedrins doesn’t have to concentrate on improving his limited offensive game—but he does need to bulk up considerably to be the force the Warriors need in the paint.

Austin Croshere is a reliable shooter and adequate defender who may not be able to keep up with his high-flying teammates.

Marco Belinelli’s sweet-shooting, no-defense game meshes perfectly with the roster.

If the Warriors can make up Jason Richardson’s scoring, a trip to the playoffs is probable—and another upset win is possible if the Warriors draw an inferior defensive team like Denver or Phoenix, or if they get a chance to bully the Mavs again.

But all-offense, no-defense teams rarely make any noise in the postseason. And last season’s epic first-round upset may be the high point for Golden State.



4) Sacramento Kings

Is there another roster out there as mismatched as the Kings'?

The core players are either too finesse (Mike Bibby, Brad Miller, Shareef Abdur-Rahim) or too rugged (Kenny Thomas, John Salmons, Ron Artest); too old (Bibby, Miller, Artest, Abdur-Rahim, Mikki Moore) or too young (Kevin Martin, Quincy Douby, Francisco Garcia).

And the roster is completely devoid of athletes besides Artest and Martin.

At least Bibby is clever at using screens and setting up opponents for his lethal midrange jump shot. But now he’s on the shelf for two months.

The only way this team makes the playoffs is if Martin elevates his game three levels, Artest is unselfish for the first time in his career, and the young players all develop exponentially.

Unless that happens, which it won't, the Kings will be one of the more depressing teams in the league this year.

 

5) Los Angeles Clippers

With Elton Brand, the Clips might've had enough to sneak into the playoffs with the No. 8 seed.

Without him, this season looks to be a disastrous one in Tinseltown.

Sam Cassell returns for his 15th NBA season and is unquestionably the leader of the team now that Brand's out. In the past, though, Cassell has been a cranky, selfish player on bad teams.

If the Clips don’t get out to a fast start, will Cassell sour with the losing?

Brevin Knight is a slick backup who can adequately spell Cassell for 20 minutes a night. If Knight is asked to start, his lack of size and lack of a jump shot will be exploited by opponents.

Cuttino Mobley can shoot and drive and do nothing else, while Quentin Ross can do a little of everything but shoot and drive.

Chris Kaman’s stiff game and lack of focus were hidden with Brand playing alongside him. With Kaman asked to do more to offset the loss of Brand, expect his flaws to be exposed as the year goes on.

Tim Thomas talks tough but never plays tough. Ruben Patterson plays tough, but is prone to poor decision-making, off-court troubles, and ugly jump shots.

Corey Maggette is a powerful scorer who's seemingly always at odds with the Clipper coaches and front office.

All hope this team had of making the postseason ruptured with Brand’s Achilles. The question is now this:

Do the Clippers play out the string this year and look to rebound next season with Brand, or do they play the kids at every opportunity?

The way that question is answered will determine the team the Clippers field in '08-'09.

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