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

11. Magic

Dwight Howard was definitely Superman against the Raptors in the playoffs, but found nothing but kryptonite against the Pistons. Can he get to a level where he doesn't get bogged down by hard postseason fouls followed by free-throw misery? He will no doubt look to improve his offensive arsenal, and impose even more of a presence in the post if possible.

Anthony Johnson brings in a much needed veteran presence, and Pietrus will be an upgrade over Maurice Evans. This team will go as far as Howard takes them, and it will be interesting to see if Turkoglu was a one-season wonder or whether he truly has turned the corner.

Prediction: I really feel like they will have a down year. Orlando was a "new" team last year due to the play of Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu. Teams will be better prepared for them and so I see them finishing up as the fourth seed in the East. The point-guard situation still leaves them short of being true championship contenders.

12. Nuggets

Yes, the trade with the Clippers was bad—very bad. A player that is one year removed from Defensive Player of the Year honors should never be traded for a second-round pick. Yet, the Nuggets cap situation demanded it and the team won't suffer as much as people think.

The fact is they never truly were a championship contender. They still have the best scoring duo in the league, and now their frontline reads Nene, Kenyon Martin, Steven, Hunter, and Chris Anderson. Combined with AI and Melo, that's still a very solid, entertaining team.

Prediction: Play great, high-octane offense and be the most entertaining team in the league. Will lock up the seventh seed, but their lack of defense will leave them served with another first-round spanking.

13. Warriors

This could be a very difficult year for them. For all the promise they showed over the last couple of seasons, this will most likely be a year of turmoil.

Their entire offseason seems to have backfired with the injury to Monta Ellis. Their best point guard is now Marcus Williams, a severe downgrade from Baron Davis. He was unable to cope as a backup in the East, but did put up solid numbers in the short time he had as a starter (11 P, 6 A) in the absence of Jason Kidd and Devin Harris.

Golden State will be hoping Williams can do that on a consistent basis, since Don Nelson's teams depend so much on the play at the point position. Don't be surprised to see Stephen Jackson take the bulk of the ball-handling responsibilities until Ellis returns.

Prediction: Ellis' return will be too little, too late for the Warriors. They will miss the postseason, but improved health and a solid lottery pick could set this team up very nicely for seasons to come.

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