Preview Of The 2008-2009 NBA Season

We're only a week and a half from opening night of the NBA. Teams have changed all around. Players have been traded. Some players aren't even in the U.S. any longer. A team has a new name. With all that's gone in the past few months I thought I would take some time and give a full-on preview of this season.

Power Rankings:
1. Boston Celtics
2. Los Angeles Lakers
3. New Orleans Hornets
4. Houston Rockets
5. Utah Jazz
6. Cleveland Cavaliers
7. Orlando Magic
8. Phoenix Suns
9. San Antonio Spurs
10. Detroit Pistons
11. Toronto Raptors
12. Portland Trail Blazers
13. Philadelphia 76'ers
14. Denver Nuggets
15. Chicago Bulls
16. Atlanta Hawks
17. Dallas Mavericks
18. Golden State Warriors
19. Los Angeles Clippers
20. Washington Wizzards
21. Miami Heat
22. Indiana Pacers
23. New York Knicks
24. Minnesota Timberwolves
25. New Jersey Nets
26. Milwaukee Bucks
27. Charlotte Bobcats
28. Sacramento Kings
29. Memphis Grizzlies
30. Oklahoma City Thunder

Eastern Conference: *Predicted Record*
Atlantic:
1. Boston Celtics *60-22*
Boston is returning all of last year's championship starters. The only major loss the Celtics suffered was G/F James Posey who departed for New Orleans. Boston also had several additions: Darius Miles (free agency), Patrick O'Bryant (free agency), Bill Walker (Draft), J.R. Giddens (draft). Boston shouldn't be as good as they were last year simply because the main three have gotten a year older.

2. Toronto Raptors *51-31*
Toronto made a blockbuster trade acquiring Jermaine O'Neal from the Pacers for T.J. Ford and Rasho Nesterovic. O'Neal provides an inside presence and scoring ability with a jump shot. Jose Calderon will start at Point Guard with T.J. Ford no longer on the team.

3. Philadelphia 76'ers *46-36*
One of the biggest Free Agent signings was PF Elton Brand. Brand is the big power forward that the Sixers needed. Philadelphia also drafted a big man in Marreese Speights in the first round. They also resigned Andre Iguodala to a huge contract.

4. New York Knicks *38-44*
It's been a weird off-season for the Knicks. There were rumors that Stephon Marbury was either to be traded or released but currently he still holds a spot on the team. New York drafted Danilo Gallinari in the first round with the sixth pick. The Knicks should be much improved from last season but they are far too inexperienced to make it to the playoffs.

5. New Jersey Nets *33-49*
You trade away two of your best players in less than six months. Jason Kidd was traded to the Mavericks for Devin Harris and others. Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons were acquired for Richard Jefferson. New Jersey has a very young team and they could get even younger if they trade Vince Carter like the rumors speculate.


Central:
1. Cleveland Cavaliers *55-27*
It seems crazy that Lebron James is only 23 years old but is already playing his fifth season. Cleveland traded for PG Mo Williams for Joe Smith who went to Oklahoma City and Damon Jones who went to Milwaukee. In the draft Cleveland drafted Power Forward J.J. Hickson with their first round pick.

2. Detroit Pistons *53-29*
Detroit is starting to slip in to the middle of the pack in the East. Chauncey Billups is 32 years old and slowing down in his career. Richard Hamilton is almost 31 years old. Rasheed Wallace just recently turned 34 which means he has at best one or two more good years left in the tank. If Detroit doesn't get younger soon they will begin to fail.

3. Chicago Bulls *44-38*
Like most you were probably thinking "What happened to the Bulls last year?" I wonder the same thing. With how much young talent they have they shouldn't be so sad. In the 2007-2008 season injuries caught up to the Bulls. Chicago drafted Guard Derrick Rose with the number one overall pick in the draft. Chicago also managed to resign Ben Gordon to a one year deal.

4. Indiana Pacers *36-46*
A vastly improved team this year. Indiana had one of the better drafts in 2008 they picked up both Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert in the first round. Rush provides Guard depth and a jump-shot while Hibbert provides an inside presence and defensive skills. Indiana also traded Jermaine O'Neal for T.J. Ford who will likely start and Rasho Nesterovic who will split time with Roy Hibbert at Center.

5. Milwaukee Bucks *30-52*
Milwaukee made one important off-season move in acquiring Richard Jefferson from the Nets. Michael Redd is back to being healthy once again. Milwaukee is set at all positions except for Point Guard which should see Luke Ridnour splitting time with Charlie Bell, Damon Jones, Tyronn Lue, and Ramon Sessions. Still with the young talent the Bucks have they still lack talent across the board.


Southeast:
1. Orlando Magic *54-28*
Orlando is a young but experienced team. Jameer Nelson is a very talented point guard. Keith Bogans or Courtney Lee will split time at Shooting Guard. Hedo Turkoglu is a great shooter at Small Forward. Rashard Lewis is an extremely versatile Power Forward. Dwight Howard at Center equals trouble for the defense.

2. Atlanta Hawks *45-37*
Atlanta is a tremendous young team. Mike Bibby is the court general. Joe Johnson is the leader. Josh Smith is the defensive guru. Zaza Pachulia provides good defense and inside game. Al Horford brings size and good down-low offense to the Hawks.

3. Washington Wizards *43-39*
Things are going down-hill for the Wizards. Gilbert Arenas can't seem to stay healthy. Brendan Haywood could miss the whole season with an injury. Washington still has good starters when they are all healthy though.

4. Miami Heat *41-41*
Michael Beasley is a defensive monster as well as an offensive powerhouse. Dwayne Wade is healthy again and should go back to his dominate form. Shawn Marion is a talented player who can nail threes. Miami is a progressing team who can be much better than I have stated.

5. Charlotte Bobcats *29-53*
Not a good time for Bobcats fans. When Jason Richardson was brought in they thought that the franchise was sure to turn around-- well it hasn't yet. Emeka Okafor is still a good power forward/Center. Charlotte lacks great starters at every position though.



Western Conference:
Southwest:
1. New Orleans Hornets *59-23*
It's tough to beat New Orleans when they are hot which most of the time they are. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league in my opinion. James Posey is a talented three point shooter and defender. David West and Peja Stojakovic provide tremendous talent at the forward spots. Tyson Chandler is a shot-blocking maniac.

2. Houston Rockets *57-25*
A vastly improved team. Tracy McGrady is back to being the leader of the Rockets. Yao Ming is back healthy and ready to go. Ron Artest was a great addition who will provide defense and offense every night. An underrated point guard Rafer Alston will be the court general and passer.

3. San Antonio Spurs *53-29*
San Antonio is getting older every year. Most teams are looking to take them out of contention but hardly ever can. The Southwest division is too tough for San Antonio to make it very far in the playoffs. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are still a good one-two punch.

4. Dallas Mavericks *47-35*
What has happened to the Mavericks? From 60 plus wins to just under 50 wins. Dirk Nowitzki is still a great player. Jason Kidd is slowing down and at best has two years left in him. Josh Howard is always in trouble with something different. It's going to be tough for Dallas to make the playoffs this year.

5. Memphis Grizzlies *25-57*
They're slowly getting better but slow isn't good when you're in this division. OJ Mayo will bring plenty of offense to the Grizzlies. Rudy Gay is young and extremely talented. Other than these two players the Grizzlies are pretty weak and need to improve very soon.


Northwest:
1. Utah Jazz *55-27*
Deron Williams is phenomenal every night he plays. Ronny Brewer is young and improving by the day. Carlos Boozer could be traded but I'm sure he wants to stay. Utah will make a great run in the playoffs with the team they have.

2. Portland Trail Blazers *49-33*
I'm starting to like the Blazers a lot. Greg Oden is coming off injury which is always a good thing. Brandon Roy and Jerryd Bayless at the one and two spots puts trouble on every other teams minds. Portland is very young and very good. Look out for them this year.

3. Denver Nuggets *45-37*
Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony are one of the best duos the league has to offer. Marcus Camby being traded was a dumb thing to do. Nene is a good player but is often injured and often overpowered. Denver needs to make a trade soon if they wish to stay in the elite of the West.

4. Minnesota Timberwolves *38-44*
Minnesota looked improved in the preseason. Al Jefferson is a potential all-star. Randy Foye is healthy and should start most of the games. Rashad McCants will rebound this year and be one of the most improved players in the league. Mike Miller provides three point shooting. Kevin Love was a great pick-up in the draft for the Wolves because he's big and can shoot from distance.

5. Oklahoma City Thunder *23-59*
It should be a pathetic year for the Thunder. They may have changed locations but they haven't changed the fact that they are very bad. Kevin Durant is basically the only spark in a little fire for Oklahoma City.


Pacific:
1. Los Angeles Lakers *58-24*
Andrew Bynum coming back is huge for Los Angeles. Being able to put Pau Gasol at Power Forward will help immediately. Kobe Bryant is last seasons MVP and he looks to carry that in to this season.

2. Phoenix Suns *51-31*
Steve Nash is getting older but he has plenty left inside him. Amare Stoudemire is young and can put 40 points up when he's hot. Shaq provides defense and a little bit of offense when called upon. Could be a tough season for Phoenix but you never know what can happen.

3. Golden State Warriors *44-38*
Baron Davis will is a huge loss for Golden State. The Warriors lack a true identity on their squad. Corey Maggette was a good addition at the shooting guard spot. Monta Ellis is suspended which is another loss for the Warriors. I know they can rally with all that's gone on.

4. Los Angeles Clippers *43-39*
Baron Davis like talked about previously is now a Clipper. Los Angeles should have held on to Elton Brand. The Clippers Eric Gordon will be an impact player right away. Gordon doesn't get much credit but he should impress some folks within the first few weeks.

5. Sacramento Kings *28-54*
Ron Artest- gone. Mike Bibby- gone. Two great players traded in less than 6 months. Kevin Martin is an incredible player but he can't carry Sacramento all on his own. The Kings will need all the help they can get this season.



Playoffs:
East: Round 1
1. Boston Celtics
vs.
8. Chicago Bulls
Result: Boston wins in 5

2. Cleveland Cavaliers
vs.
7. Atlanta Hawks
Result: Cavaliers in 6

3. Orlando Magic
vs.
6. Philadelphia 76'ers
Result: Magic in 5

4. Detroit Pistons
vs.
5. Toronto Raptors
Result: Raptors in 7

East: Round 2:
1. Boston Celtics
vs.
4. Toronto Raptors
Result: Boston in 6

2. Cleveland Cavaliers
vs.
3. Orlando Magic
Result: Magic in 7

East: Round 3:
1. Boston Celtics
vs.
Orlando Magic
Result: Celtics in 7


West: Round 1:
1. Los Angeles Lakers
vs.
8. Dallas Mavericks
Result: Lakers in 5

2. New Orleans Hornets
vs.
7. Portland Trail Blazers
Result: Hornets in 5

3. Houston Rockets
vs.
6. Phoenix Suns
Result: Rockets in 7

4. Utah Jazz
vs.
5. San Antonio Spurs
Result: Jazz in 6

West: Round 2:
1. Los Angeles Lakers
vs.
4. Utah Jazz
Result: Lakers in 7

2. New Orleans Hornets
vs.
3. Houston Rockets
Result: Hornets in 6

West: Round 3:
1. Los Angeles Lakers
vs.
2. New Orleans Hornets
Result: Hornets in 7

NBA Finals:
1. Boston Celtics
vs.
2. New Orleans Hornets
Result: Celtics in 7



AWARDS:

MVP: Lebron James, Cavaliers

Rookie of the Year: Michael Beasley, Heat

Most Improved: Randy Foye, Timberwolves

Coach of the Year: Byron Scott, Hornets

Sixth Man of the Year: Manu Ginobli, Spurs

Defensive Player of the Year: Josh Smith, Hawks