A Hurricane of an Offseason: NBA Predictions (Part 1 of 2)

The 2008 NBA offseason struck with fury, with franchise players finding new homes via free agency and marquee players being swapped.

This is due to the fact that more teams are in the running for the championship than ever before—and sensing this, teams' front offices are desperate for that potential deal or signing that could take them over the hump.

Since it is safe to say that all the significant moves of the this off-season have been made except one—yes Ben Gordon, I'm referring to your lack of commitment here!), I have decided to analyze all the teams moves, or lack thereof, and who will make the biggest leaps as far as improving upon last season is concerned.

In this NBA season preview, I will look at all teams, seeing which GMs coasted through the summer, and which ones earned their paycheck. At the end of it all, I will reveal updated rankings based on all the teams' summer ventures—or lack thereof.

Firstly, lets look at my team rankings prior to the offseason, which will be the order of my team outlook:

1. Celtics

They will be the champs till someone takes that away from them. Unfortunately for Celtics fans, that someone is  James Posey.

His defensive presence, timely scoring. and championship swagger gave the Celtics a dimension they will now be severely lacking. Yes, the rest of the roster now knows what it takes, but what  will happens when Paul Pierce or Ray Allen exit the game?

Tony Allen has struggled in pressure situations and Eddie House leaves too big of a hole defensively. Darius Miles is a big question mark and isn't even expected to be 100 percent until the new year.

Prediction: Won't have the dominant regular season of last year, but still the class of the East. The big CHAMPION bulls-eye however will be enough to deny the Celtics a repeat.

2. Lakers

The return of Andrew Bynum will function the same as a morale-boosting trade. He will give them everything they were lacking in the Finals, rebounding, shot-blocking, and an imposing inside presence.  Allowing the French energizer Turiaf to walk was a clear statement that they believe Bynum is back at full strength.

Kobe's decision to forego surgery was surprising, but I guess he realizes just how tight the West will be, and any amount of time off would jeopardize their shot at first place.

One point to note—they have the best animal nicknames in the league.  A black mamba and a monkey king are definitely something to be proud of.

Prediction: Best record in the mighty West. Anything but a trip to the Finals should be termed a disappointment for this team.

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