The Blazers have much to prove this season and show the entire League that theirs future is right now. I expect them to make the Playoffs and upset someone.
2. Houston Rockets (Last season record: 55-25; West 5th)
Perhaps, a first round elimination was a disgusting ending for this team. Perhaps T-Mac can’t go into the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Perhaps, Yao Ming would not be the same he used to be before his devastating knee injury. And perhaps, they were the worst team in NBA history to have 22 victories in a row.
Yes, all of this topics can be for real, but it is off-season time, and the Rockets are not the place for pessimistic at this point. They were a tremendous team last year, although they missed all-pro center Yao Ming for the second part of the season.
All the players stepped forward, and raised their level. In my opinion, during the second part of the season, and during their short trip to the Playoffs they built a chemistry of a championship team.
They know right now that the can face anyone, and they also know that there are so many problems you have to overcome during the season for be succeeded.
Coming into this year, they have this background, they are a settled team and the newcomer, Ron Artest, will help them to advance to the next level. I expect them to battle for a spot in the Western Conference Finals.
Perhaps, this is their season.
3. Philadelphia 76ers (Last season record: 40-42; East 7th)
The Sixers are the most intriguing team out of these three. They had a loosing record last year; nevertheless, they forced the Pistons to play six games to knocking down them. They were able to clinch a game at the Palace, and they nearly went for a 1-3.
In this case, this bright final, and the acquisition of all-pro Elton Brand gives the team a huge momentum coming into the season. Andre Miller and Andre Iguodala are an underrated although talented duo of perimeter players. They carry the scoring weight of the team, combining for 36 ppg. Louis Williams is a reliable option coming of the bench as he puts over 10 ppg.
At the low post, Brand joins Samuel Dalembert, and I’m sure that they are going to be a dominating couple. Dalembert is a defensive-minded player; a rebounding machine and an intimidator. Brand will complement him with his offensive talent and skill as he will also improve the overall level of the team.
In my opinion, this team will break out this year, making the postseason again and becoming a huge contender through the NBA Playoffs.
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