NBA 2008-09 Preview: Bobcats, Nets, Pacers, Kings, Blazers, Warriors

This six teams that I talk about today were very close to making the playoffs this season, but for so many reasons such as injuries (Gerald Wallace, Jermaine O'Neal, Kevin Martin, Greg Oden), trade (Jason Kidd) or suspension (Stephen Jackson) they have to wait until next season to fight for their title hope.

They are in the position to make a huge impact next season if they can get a good draft.

Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats need a good bench player to support their starting five. Most of their bench players will become free agents this summer, and new head coach Larry Brown will make sure their team's defense will make a difference in next season.

They need help at the guard and center positions. They can also draft a big man and trade for a experienced player like last year with Jason Richardson. With the ninth overall pick, the Bobcats should select Russell Westbrook.

New Jersey Nets

The Nets need a small forward or shooting guard who can back up their leading scorers Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson. The trade of Jason Kidd really hurt their playoff push.

This is a team who made the NBA Finals just five years ago, and they are not far away to do it again. They also need to get better on their defense if they want to stay deep in the playoffs. With the 10th overall pick, the Nets should select Eric Gordon. With the 21st overall pick, they should select Marreese Speights.

Indiana Pacers

They need a center who can play alongside Jermaine O'Neal, who didn't play most of this season because of injury. With a healthy O'Neal, who is a Top 15 player in the league, the Pacers will have no problem making the playoffs with the current roster.

There is not much room for them to move in either free agent or trade market, as most of the players still have two years left in their deals. With the 11th overall pick, the Pacers should select DeAndre Jordan.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings need a point guard to run this team with Kevin Martin, who missed 21 games due to injury. The trade of Mike Bibby during the season also makes the point guard position even worse, as all the team's point guards will become free agents.

I fully expect Ron Artest to  stay for another year. With the 12th overall pick, the Kings should select D.J. Augustin.

Portland Trail Blazers

They need a guard who can back up either Brandon Roy or Jarrett Jack. Both will be in the starting backcourt next year (Steve Blake will be a free agent this summer). They would have already made the playoffs if Greg Oden had played this season.

They may also trade the pick for a experienced player, as this is one of the youngest teams in the league. With the 13th overall pick, the Blazers should select Brandon Rush.

Golden State Warriors

They need a player who can be their leader for next eight to 10 years. This team has a lot of free agents and may rebuild the entire roster, even though head coach Don Nelson will come back for another season.

It is hard to tell which type of player they will need base on how it goes with the free agent market this summer. With the 14th overall pick, the Warriors will select Darrell Arthur.