NBA season sets to start in 2 days and here are my predictions and rankings for the upcoming season. Please be aware that this is base on the current rosters and injury news after the preseason.
Eastern Conference
All eyes will be on Miami's Big 3. Hope they will not disappoint ro else.
(1) Orlando - Finishing the preseaon with an 8-0 mark, Dwight Howard's improving game is the key to their deep play-off run. Thanks to Hakeem Olajuwon.
(2) Miami - Can the new Big 3 win it all in their first season together ala Celtics? Nope. Jerry Stackhouse's signing is good while Mike Miller recovers from injury.
(3) Atlanta - Intact line up with a very atlethic frontcourt of Horford, Smith and Williams.
(4) Chicago - Carlos Boozer's acquisition answers their need of a low post threat.
(5) Boston - The regular season won't be as important to them anymore since they will try to rest the aging Big 3. Kendrick Perkin's absence will be a big void even with Shaq and Jermaine on board.
(6) New York - Welcome Amare, you will now experience how hard to score without a very good point guard.
(7) Philadelphia - How I love rookie Evan Turner plays, reminds me of young Grant Hill. Good complement to ball hogs Igoudala and Brand.
(8) Milwaukee - If Andrew Bogut fully recovers from the injury he suffered from last year, the Bucks will be competitive again.
(9) Indiana - I'm expecting Roy Hibbert to have a break out season this year. I expect them to battle for a playoff spot this year.
(10) Charlotte - Not as solid as a year ago as Felton and Chandler left, big holes to fill to reach the play offs.
(11) New Jersey - No way to go but up. Harris and Brooks plus Terrence Williams and rookie Derrick Favors will be fun to watch.
(12) Washington - Will John Wall and Gilbert Arenas co-exists? Their relationship will determine the Wizards' success.
(13) Detroit - Looks like Joe Dumar's days as GM is coming to an end. Another wasted season coming up to Detroit fans.
(14) Toronto - Frontcourt is very thin now after Bosh's departure.
(15) Cleveland - Post Lebron will be very traumatic to Cavs fan.
Western Conference
Another 3-peat for Kobe?
(1) Lakers- Solid line up with key acquisitions Steve Blake and Matt Barnes. Hope Kobe's knees will hold up.
(2) Oklahoma - I'm starting a "Kevin Durant MVP" debate right now. Any objections?
(3) Dallas - Very competitive lineup in every position as well as bench is fully loaded. Their defensive mindset will determine their playoff push.
(4) Utah - Al Jefferson could shine under Deron Williams direction.
(5) Portland - Brandon Roy said he wants the ball more. He should be. Greg Oden should be healthy to play out the West bigs.
(6) San Antonio - Like the Celtics, they don't need the regular season.
(7) Houston - Welcome back Yao!
(8) Phoenix - Even without Amare, they will be still scoring lots of points especially on the arc.
(9) New Orleans - Chris Paul's frustrations will continue to grow as season goes on.
(10) Denver - The Melo drama will be the distraction to this team. Will he heads to NY?
(11) Memphis - Very tough frontline with Gasol, Randolph and Gay. Very young team and still needs a year or two to challenge the West elites.
(12) Sacramento - Rookie Demarcus Cousins is the best in the batch. Good complement to Evan Turner.
(13) Clippers - Blake Griffin is the next big man coming though Baron Davis' primadona attitude will disrupt the Clippers play.
(14) Golden State - Ellis and Curry will be scoring in bunches but that will not translate to W's.
(15) Minnesota - Nothing's going right to Twolves especially when they selected Favors over Cousins. They will be very disappointed if they will see Cousins developed in three years.
