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

14. Blazers

Portland has to be recognized as THE up-and-coming team in the West. Their lineup was solid last year, and with their new additions they seem poised to battle for a spot in the postseason.

Jerryd Bayless looks poised to be a star point guard in the league. Greg Oden will be a major bonus inside as he will be a significant upgrade over Pryzbilla, who can go back to his customary backup role.

Last but not least, the player that really excites me. Watching Rudy Fernandez at the Olympics was an absolute thrill. This guy can flat out score! From a lethal quick-release jumper to an array of drives, he has an NBA-effective offensive arsenal already.

Prediction: Portland showed a lot of poise for a young team last year, so if Nate McMillan can integrate his new recruits effectively, they will definitely challenge for one of the lower playoff seeds. Personally, I feel that it will be their inexperience that leaves them short in what should be some pressure games through March and April.

15. 76ers

The signing of Elton Brand has transformed this team to an instant contender in the East. Brand will give them the much-needed inside threat they sorely lacked in years past, as well as defensive  help for Samuel Dalembert.

The best part of this signing, though, is the fact that it removes the franchise tag that in reality was never meant for Andre Igoudala.

Philly also signed a couple of key role players that address their biggest issues of last season. Kareem Rush and Donyell Marshall will give this team decent outside threats off the bench. That, combined with the team's overall athleticism, will make for a very fluid offense.

Prediction: Will finish as the fifth seed in what is now a very competitive Eastern Conference. There are a bunch of teams in the East now that aren't quite at that elite level, but they are all very solid teams that have the potential to go far, and how well Philly does depends on whether they can emerge from that bunch.

*PART 2 PREVIEWING THE REST OF THE TEAMS WILL BE AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY*

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