Predictions for Every NBA Team for the 2011-2012 Season
Daniel AbelsonContributor IIIDecember 24, 2011Predictions for Every NBA Team for the 2011-2012 Season
Last year, the Dallas Mavericks shocked the league and knocked off the Miami Heat in six games to be crowned the 2011 NBA Champions. With a shortened season, who will come out on top in the East and the West?
Click through to see my prediction for every team this season, followed by award and playoff predictions at the end.
Atlanta Hawks
Key Addition: Tracy McGrady
Key Loss: Jamal Crawford
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Jeff Teague
SG: Joe Johnson
SF: Marvin Williams
PF: Josh Smith
C: Al Horford
Analysis: Losing a player like Jamal Crawford is going to really hurt the Hawks this season. In a conference where many teams have improved drastically, the Hawks have gotten worse. Over the past few seasons, Atlanta has kept the same core, which has not been able to get the team over the hump in the Eastern Conference.
With other teams around them improving, I think this will be the year that the Hawks fall off.
Prediction: 34-32, Second in Southeast Division, Eighth in Eastern Conference
Boston Celtics
Key Addition: Brandon Bass
Key Loss: Jeff Green (heart surgery; out for season)
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Rajon Rondo
SG: Ray Allen
SF: Paul Pierce,
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Jermaine O'Neal
Analysis: The Celtics aren't getting any younger, but that didn't stop them from being very aggressive in the offseason. Boston was able to bring in Brandon Bass in a trade with the Magic, which sent Glen Davis to Orlando, signed veterans Marquis Daniels, Chris Wilcox, Keyon Dooling and re-signed Sasha Pavlovic and Jeff Green.
Unfortunately for the Celtics, Green will miss the entire season after undergoing heart surgery this month. Boston still has a great roster with a lot of talent, and will continue to be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference as long as they can stay healthy. With an aging roster, I think it's safe to say that this will be the last year the Celtics hold off the Knicks in the Atlantic Division.
Prediction: 44-22, First in Atlantic Division, Third in Eastern Conference
Charlotte Bobcats
Key Addition: Kemba Walker
Key Loss: Stephen Jackson
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: D.J. Augustin
SG: Gerald Henderson
SF: Corey Maggette
PF: Boris Diaw
C: Tyrus Thomas
Analysis: The Bobcats traded away their best player on draft night, but that enabled them to land two great picks in the top 10: Kemba Walker (pictured above) and Bismack Biyombo, who just reached an agreement to leave his team in Spain to play for the Bobcats this season.
After seeing what Kemba was able to accomplish during his senior year at UConn, I fully expect him to be the starting point guard by the end of the season. For now, he'll take a back seat to D.J. Augustin and will be quite a scoring threat off the bench in Charlotte.
Unfortunately, this team is very thin in the front court, and that will end up hurting them in the long run. The Bobcats have a bright future, but are still a few pieces away from competing in the Eastern Conference.
Prediction: 22-44, Fourth in Southeast Division, 12th in Eastern Conference
Chicago Bulls
Key Addition: Richard Hamilton
Key Loss: Kurt Thomas
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Derrick Rose
SG: Richard Hamilton
SF: Luol Deng
PF: Carlos Boozer
C: Joakim Noah
Analysis: The Bulls finished last season with the best record in the NBA, shocking many teams around the league. Third-year point guard Derrick Rose was crowned the league's MVP, but the team fell short in the Eastern Conference Finals to Miami.
Last season, their biggest weakness was at shooting guard, where Keith Bogans held down the fort for the bulk of the year. Now, with Rip Hamilton on board, and the rest of the gang still intact, Chicago will again be one of the league's best teams.
The Bulls were dominate defensively last year under new head coach Tom Thibodeau, and with the addition of Hamilton and continuity with the rest of the roster, they will be a bigger offensive threat in 2012.
Prediction: 53-13, First in Central Division, First in Eastern Conference
Cleveland Cavaliers
Key Addition: Kyrie Irving
Key Loss: J.J. Hickson
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Kyrie Irving
SG: Anthony Parker
SF: Christian Eyenga
PF: Antawn Jamison
C: Anderson Varejao
Analysis: The Cavs struck gold at the trade deadline last year when they traded Mo Williams to the Clippers in return for Baron Davis and LA's 2011 first-round pick. That ended up landing them Kyrie Irving, who will hope to turn this franchise around after losing LeBron James to the Miami Heat in 2010.
The Cavs also selected Tristan Thompson with the fourth overall pick, and hope that he and Irving can form a great duo for years to come. Unfortunately for Cleveland fans, this team is still nowhere near competing for a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.
Prediction: 17-49, Fifth in Central Division, 14th in Eastern Conference
Dallas Mavericks
Key Addition: Lamar Odom
Key Loss: Tyson Chandler
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Jason Kidd
SG: Vince Carter
SF: Shawn Marion
PF: Dirk Nowitzki
C: Brendan Haywood
Analysis: When the Mavs lost Tyson Chandler, I didn't think it would be possible for this team to improve on last year's championship roster. But somehow, Mark Cuban and the Mavericks front office worked their magic to sign Vince Carter (huge upgrade over DeShawn Stevenson), Delonte West (to replace J.J. Barea) and acquire Lamar Odom for a future first-round pick.
Odom is an incredible addition to a great bench, and will also help ease the pain of losing Chandler in the front court. With the new additions, expect the Mavericks to remain at the top of the Western Conference in 2012.
Prediction: 52-14, First in Southwest Division, First in Western Conference
Denver Nuggets
Key Addition: Rudy Fernandez
Key Loss: JR Smith
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Ty Lawson
SG: Rudy Fernandez
SF: Danilo Gallinari
PF: Al Harrington
C: Nene
Analysis: The Denver Nuggets had potential to be one of the best teams in the Western Conference this season, but unfortunately, three of their key rotation players from last year signed contracts with teams in China and are locked into those deals until March, at the earliest.
Without Kenyon Martin, J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler, Denver will turn to newly-acquired players including Rudy Fernandez, Corey Brewer and first round pick Kenneth Faried to help lead the charge this year. Look for Danilo Gallinari to have a break-out season in Denver, and the Nuggets to compete for the eighth seed in the Western Conference.
Prediction: 35-31, Fourth in Northwest Division, Ninth in Western Conference
Detroit Pistons
Key Addition: Brandon Knight
Key Loss: Richard Hamilton
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Rodney Stuckey
SG: Ben Gordon
SF: Tayshaun Prince
PF: Charlie Villanueva
C: Greg Monroe
Analysis: Last year, the Pistons had a lot of issues with head coach John Kuester, and therefore replaced him with Lawrence Frank in the off-season. Detroit also added rookie Brandon Knight, and brought back Tayshaun Prince and Rodney Stuckey. Losing Richard Hamilton and Tracy McGrady will hurt, but it will only open up more minutes for Ben Gordon, who looks to bounce back from the worst season in his NBA career.
Expect the Pistons to be more competitive than last year, but fall short of making it to the playoffs again.
Prediction: 24-42, Fourth in Central Division, 10th in Eastern Conference
Golden State Warriors
Key Addition: Marc Jackson, Head Coach
Key Loss: Vladimir Radmanovic
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Monta Ellis
SF: Dorrell Wright
PF: David Lee
C: Andris Biedrins
Analysis: The Warriors are back this year with a new head coach, Marc Jackson, and a virtually identical roster from last season. This team is young and exciting, but still a few pieces away from competing in the Western Conference.
It will be interesting to see how Jackson, a former point guard, will work his two small combo guards, Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis. If he can find a more effective way of using them, which Don Nelson and Keith Smart were unable to do, the Warriors have a shot to compete for the last playoff spot.
Golden State fans will see a better product on the floor this year, but don't expect them to make too much noise in the Western Conference this season.
Prediction: 30-36, Third in Pacific Division, 10th in Western Conference
Houston Rockets
Key Addition: Samuel Dalembert
Key Loss: Chuck Hayes
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Kyle Lowry
SG: Kevin Martin
SF: Chase Budinger
PF: Luis Scola
C: Samuel Dalembert
Analysis: People seem to forget that the Rockets may have been screwed over the most by commissioner David Stern's decision to veto the three-team deal which would have sent Chris Paul to the Lakers and Pau Gasol to Houston.
Now, new head coach Kevin McHale has to figure out a way to put the pieces together and help build a new Rockets team that is without Yao Ming, who was forced into retirement due to injuries over the summer.
This week, the Rockets signed Samuel Dalembert, who will have big shoes to fill but has a lot of help and depth behind him, including Jordan Hill. Look for Kyle Lowry to have a big year, and for the Rockets to sneak into the playoff picture with Kevin Martin and Luis Scola leading the way.
Projection: 36-30, Fourth in Southwest Division, Eighth in Western Conference
Indiana Pacers
Key Addition: David West
Key Loss: Josh McRoberts
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Darren Collison
SG: Paul George
SF: Danny Granger
PF: David West
C: Roy Hibbert
Analysis: Last year, the Pacers snagged the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, only to be swept by the Chicago Bulls in the first round. After that tough loss, the Pacers went out and acquired George Hill from the San Antonio Spurs and signed David West to a two-year deal.
These two acquisitions make the Pacers a bigger threat this season. Look for a great high-low game between West and Roy Hibbert this year to be a big part of the offense in Indiana. With head coach Frank Vogel, who served as the interim coach last year, this team should be one to watch in the Eastern Conference.
Expect to see them back in the playoffs in 2012.
Prediction: 35-31, Second in Central Division, Seventh in Eastern Conference
Los Angeles Clippers
Key Addition: Chris Paul
Key Loss: Eric Gordon
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Chris Paul
SG: Chauncey Billups
SF: Caron Butler
PF: Blake Griffin
C: DeAndre Jordan
Analysis: The Clippers made the biggest splash of the offseason when they were able to acquire Chris Paul from the New Orleans Hornets. Now, for the first time ever, the spotlight in LA seems to have shifted to them, and they will have to live up to the hype.
This team will be one of the most exciting to watch offensively, but defensively there are concerns with Chauncey Billups and Caron Butler. With that being said, this team is going to be tough to beat, but they're not ready to leap-frog the Lakers in the Pacific Division just yet.
Prediction: 45-21, Second in Pacific Division, Fifth in Western Conference
Los Angeles Lakers
Key Addition: Troy Murphy
Key Loss: Lamar Odom
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Derek Fisher
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Devin Ebanks
PF: Pau Gasol
C: Andrew Bynum
Analysis: Trading Lamar Odom away for a first round pick will come back to bite the Lakers, but this team still has a ton of talent. With new head coach Mike Brown, this team will be more focused defensively than they have been in the past, and despite the distractions off the court for Kobe Bryant, expect him to have an MVP-type season.
With Barnes and Artest leading the way off the bench, the Lakers still have a formidable second unit, and will once again reign supreme in the Pacific Division. All-in-all, don't expect the Lakers to fall off in 2012.
Prediction: 47-19, First in Pacific Division, Third in Western Conference
Memphis Grizzlies
Key Addition: Josh Selby
Key Loss: Shane Battier
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Mike Conley
SG: Tony Allen
SF: Rudy Gay
PF: Zach Randolph
C: Marc Gasol
Analysis: The Grizzlies shocked a lot of teams last year when they upset the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs. This year, with a healthy Rudy Gay, expect for the Grizzlies to compete with the elite teams in the Western Conference.
Even though they lost Shane Battier this offseason, Memphis is still in great shape with a lot of young, exciting talent. Look for the Grizzlies to make some noise in the playoffs again this season.
Prediction: 44-22, Second in Southwest Division, Sixth in Western Conference
Miami Heat
Key Addition: Shane Battier
Key Loss: Mike Bibby
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Mario Chalmers
SG: Dwyane Wade
SF: LeBron James
PF: Chris Bosh
C: Joel Anthony
Analysis: In their first season together, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh led the Heat to the NBA Finals, only to come up short to the Dallas Mavericks. Now, with a very similar roster, plus Shane Battier, this team looks to get back to the Finals and win this year.
With the players all accustomed to the hype and the spotlight, expect to see better basketball from the Heat this year. If this team falls short again this year, I think it's safe to say that Erik Spoelstra will be fired.
Prediction: 51-15, First in Southeast Division, Second in Eastern Conference
Milwaukee Bucks
Key Addition: Stephen Jackson
Key Loss: John Salmons
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Brandon Jennings
SG: Stephen Jackson
SF: Mike Dunleavy
PF: Drew Gooden
C: Andrew Bogut
Analysis: The Bucks quietly improved on draft night when they acquired Stephen Jackson in a three-team deal. Jackson will add a big-time scoring threat this team hasn't had on the wing since Michael Redd was healthy a few years ago.
The Bucks are hoping Brandon Jennings can bounce back from his sophomore season slump and return to the electrifying point guard he was two years ago. If he can do that, expect Milwaukee to compete for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference this season.
Projection: 33-33, Third in Central Division, Ninth in Eastern Conference
Minnesota Timberwolves
Key Addition: Ricky Rubio
Key Loss: None
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Luke Ridnour
SG: Wesley Johnson
SF: Michael Beasley
PF: Kevin Love
C: Darko Milicic
Analysis: The Timberwolves are loaded with talent this season and brought in a great, veteran head coach—Rick Adelman—to lead the way. With Ricky Rubio and Derrick Williams coming in as rookies this season, Minnesota should have one of the most explosive benches in the NBA.
With all of these young, exciting players, the Timberwolves will be a much-improved team this year, but are still a few years away from competing in the Western Conference.
Prediction: 24-42, Fifth in Northwest Division, 14th in Western Conference
New Jersey Nets
Key Addition: Mehmet Okur
Key Loss: Kim Kardashian
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Deron Williams
SG: Anthony Morrow
SF: Damion James
PF: Kris Humphries
C: Memhet Okur
Analysis: With Brook Lopez set to miss the first 6-8 weeks of the season, this team is in serious trouble. The Nets have struggled mightily to put their own superstar-led team together. After failing to land any big-time free agents in 2010, the Nets were able to acquire Deron Williams last season.
Now, Deron is alone in New Jersey, with little to no help. Since the Magic pulled Dwight Howard out of trade talks, the Nets will have to hope to land him in free agency next summer. For now, expect this team to remain towards the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Prediction: 23-43, Fourth in Atlantic Division, 11th in Eastern Conference
New Orleans Hornets
Key Addition: Eric Gordon
Key Loss: Chris Paul
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Jarrett Jack
SG: Eric Gordon
SF: Trevor Ariza
PF: Carl Landry
C: Emeka Okafor
Analysis: This was a rough offseason for the Hornets. First, they traded away Chris Paul and got a much-worse deal than the original proposed trade with the Lakers. Then, they lost David West to the Pacers, and are now left with a depleted roster.
Eric Gordon is now the face of the franchise, but won't have much scoring help around him this season. Hopefully for Hornets fans, this team will have two high first-round picks in June, after acquiring Minnesota's unprotected pick in the deal with the Clippers. For now, don't expect to see the Hornets back in the playoffs any time soon.
Prediction: 21-45, Fifth in Southwest Division, 15th in Western Conference
New York Knicks
Key Addition: Tyson Chandler
Key Loss: Chauncey Billups
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Toney Douglas
SG: Landry Fields
SF: Carmelo Anthony
PF: Amare Stoudemire
C: Tyson Chandler
Analysis: When the Knicks acquired Tyson Chandler in a sign-and-trade with the Dallas Mavericks, they formed the best front court in the NBA. Now, they have high expectations and a realistic chance at winning the Atlantic Division for the first time since 1994.
Chandler will anchor this team on the defensive end, where they struggled often last season. With Carmelo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire more familiar playing together, expect the Knicks to take big strides this season into the top-half of the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Prediction: 42-24, Second in Atlantic Division, Fourth in Eastern Conference
Oklahoma City Thunder
Key Addition: A Skinnier Kendrick Perkins
Key Loss: None
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Thabo Sefolosha
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Serge Ibaka
C: Kendrick Perkins
Analysis: The Thunder made it to the Western Conference Finals last year for the first time in franchise history, and continue to take big steps forward each season. With Durant playing at an MVP level, and Russell Westbrook continuing to improve, the Thunder will finish at the top of the Western Conference again in 2012.
After a mid-season trade, Kendrick Perkins made a huge impact on the Thunder's defense. Now, after losing a lot of weight, expect Perkins to flourish in Oklahoma City this season. This could be the year the Thunder get to the NBA Finals.
Prediction: 51-15, First in Northwest Division, Second in Western Conference
Orlando Magic
Key Addition: Glen Davis
Key Loss: Gilbert Arenas
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Jameer Nelson
SG: Jason Richardson
SF: Hedo Turkoglu
PF: Glen Davis
C: Dwight Howard
Analysis: The Magic are going to have the spotlight on them all season until they trade Dwight Howard. Assuming they keep him, they should still be one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. With Howard as the centerpiece, Orlando has almost all of their key players returning, and have added Glen "Big Baby" Davis, who should flourish alongside Dwight.
If the Magic do decide to trade Dwight Howard this season, it's possible this team won't make the playoffs.
Prediction: 38-28, Second in Southeast Division, Fifth in Eastern Conference
Philadelphia 76ers
Key Addition: Nikola Vucevic
Key Loss: None
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Jrue Holiday
SG: Jodie Meeks
SF: Andre Iguodala
PF: Elton Brand
C: Spencer Hawes
Analysis: This offseason, the Sixers were able to lock up Thaddeus Young for five years, and bring back Spencer Hawes with their one-year qualifying offer.
With the same roster back from last year, the Sixers look to replicate the final 66 games last season, when they went 38-28 after a 3-13 start. Elton Brand led the way last year, and looks to be in great shape again in 2012.
If Evan Turner is able to improve after a disappointing rookie season, the Sixers will be one of the toughest teams in the Eastern Conference.
Prediction: 36-30, Third in Atlantic Division, Sixth in Eastern Conference
Phoenix Suns
Key Addition: Shannon Brown
Key Loss: Vince Carter
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Steve Nash
SG: Jared Dudley
SF: Grant Hill
PF: Marcin Gortat
C: Robin Lopez
Analysis: This season looks no more promising for the Suns than last year. After failing to make the playoffs in 2011, the Suns lost Vince Carter and Aaron Brooks, Grant Hill and Steve Nash got a year older and the team made no big moves to continue to compete with the playoff teams in the Western Conference.
Last season, Marcin Gortat came to Phoenix and shined in Alvin Gentry's offense. If he can continue to play at a high level, it will help the Suns maintain some sort of relevance in an exciting Pacific Division.
Prediction: 28-38, Fourth in Pacific Division, 11th in Western Conference
Portland Trailblazers
Key Addition: Jamal Crawford
Key Loss: Brandon Roy (retirement)
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Raymond Felton
SG: Wesley Matthews
SF: Nicolas Batum
PF: Gerald Wallace
C: LaMarcus Aldridge
Analysis: Despite losing Brandon Roy to an early retirement, the Blazers are going to be one of the best teams in the Western Conference in 2012. With the additions of Raymond Felton and Jamal Crawford, this team added great depth to their back court.
Wesley Matthews shined while Roy missed time last year, and now will be the starting shooting guard in his second year with the Blazers. This team will be very tough defensively, and much improved offensively with Jamal Crawford fueling a deep bench. Watch out for Portland in 2012.
Prediction: 46-20, Second in Northwest Division, Fourth in Western Conference
Sacramento Kings
Key Addition: J.J. Hickson
Key Loss: Beno Udrih
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Tyreke Evans
SG: Marcus Thornton
SF: John Salmons
PF: J.J. Hickson
C: DeMarcus Cousins
Analysis: The Kings have a lot of exciting talent on their roster, and with the additions of J.J. Hickson and Jimmer Fredette, they got even better. While they are still a young team, they are building up a lot of great pieces around Tyreke Evans and DeMarcus Cousins.
Jimmer will be an electrifying scorer off the bench during his rookie season, and will be one of the top candidates for Rookie of the Year in 2012. The Kings were able to bring back Marcus Thornton this offseason to sure up their back court for years to come. The Kings should be much more competitive in the Western Conference this season.
Prediction: 25-41, Fifth in Pacific Division, 13th in Western Conference
San Antonio Spurs
Key Addition: Kawhi Leonard
Key Loss: Antonio McDyess (retirement)
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Tony Parker
SG: Manu Ginobili
SF: Richard Jefferson
PF: Tim Duncan
C: DeJuan Blair
Analysis: The Spurs are getting old, there's no way around it. With the rest of the Western Conference improving around them, expect them to slip up this year after getting embarrassed by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs last year.
If the Spurs can stay healthy, they'll still be one of the best in the conference, but don't expect to see the same team in San Antonio that NBA fans have gotten used to over the past decade.
Prediction: 43-23, Third in Southwest Division, Seventh in Western Conference
Toronto Raptors
Key Addition: Gary Forbes
Key Loss: Sonny Weems
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Jose Calderon
SG: DeMar DeRozan
SF: James Johnson
PF: Ed Davis
C: Andrea Bargnani
Analysis: The Raptors are going to be the worst team in the NBA this season. They have some young talent, but are overly-congested with wing players. This offseason, Toronto hired Dwane Casey, who will be entering his second stint as a head coach in the NBA after winning a title with the Dallas Mavericks.
He'll look to Andrea Bargnani and DeMar DeRozan to lead the Raptors this season, but don't expect great results from Canada's only NBA team in 2012.
Prediction: 13-53, Fifth in Atlantic Division, 15th in Eastern Conference
Utah Jazz
Key Addition: Enes Kanter
Key Loss: Andrei Kirilenko
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: Devin Harris
SG: Raja Bell
SF: C.J. Miles
PF: Paul Millsap
C: Al Jefferson
Analysis: After the Jazz traded away Deron Williams last season, this team set themselves up to begin the rebuilding process. Unfortunately, Devin Harris didn't live up to expectations, and the team struggled greatly after the trade.
Now, they enter the first full season without legendary coach Jerry Sloan, and a great front court featuring Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson, Derrick Favors and rookie Enes Kanter. If the offense runs through the big men, the Jazz will be tough to stop in the paint this season.
Prediction: 29-37, Fourth in Northwest Division, 12th in Western Conference
Washington Wizards
Key Addition: Ronny Turiaf
Key Loss: Josh Howard
Projected Starting Lineup:
PG: John Wall
SG: Jordan Crawford
SF: Rashard Lewis
PF: Andray Blatche
C: JaVale McGee
Analysis: The Wizards are building an exciting team in Washington, centered around John Wall, who had a phenomenal rookie season last year. In year two, he and JaVale McGee will likely hook up for more exciting plays.
Washington is hoping that their new uniforms will improve the team's culture, but they're not ready to compete in the Eastern Conference yet.
Prediction: 20-46, Fifth in Southeast Division, 13th in Eastern Conference
Season Predictions
Most Valuable Player: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Most Improved Player: Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets
Sixth Man of the Year: Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers
Rookie of the Year: Kemba Walker, Charlotte Bobcats
Coach of the Year: Nate McMillan, Portland Trailblazers
Eastern Conference Champions: Chicago Bulls
Western Conference Champions: Dallas Mavericks
NBA Champions: Chicago Bulls