Hoops is back, and I'm giddy with excitement. In order of predicted finish, here are my conference previews:
WESTERN CONFERENCE
1. New Orleans Hornets/ Coach: Byron Scott/ Key Player: Chris Paul
Look out, here come the Hornets. As great as they were last year, New Orleans will be even better this season, finishing with the best record in the NBA. Chris Paul will be the league's MVP, and the addition of proven winner James Posey means that the Hornets are the team to beat in the West.
2. Utah Jazz/ Coach: Jerry Sloan/ Key Player: Deron Williams
All the credit goes to the aforementioned Chris Paul, and deservedly so, but teams overlook Deron Williams at their own peril. D-Will is one of the game's most spectacular players. The Jazz are a brutally physical team, thanks to the effective post presence of Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur. Say what you want about Jerry Sloan's style, but there is no denying the fact that all Sloan does is win.
3. Phoenix Suns/ Coach: Terry Porter/ Key Player: Shaquille O'Neal
With Mike D'Antoni no longer roaming the sidelines, the Suns probably won't run-and-gun as much as they used to. However, Terry Porter's team will follow a similar recipe. With Steve Nash running the show, and if a healthy Shaq dominates the paint, Phoenix will once again enjoy great regular season success. As for the playoffs, well, as Suns fans can attest, that usually is a different story.
4. Los Angeles Lakers/ Coach: Phil Jackson/ Key Player: Kobe Bryant
What do I want to happen? I want the Lakers to fall flat on their faces and have a disastrous season. What do I think will happen? I think they'll be very good, but not as great as advertised. Too much is being expected of Andrew Bynum. After all, how do we know he won't be rusty?
5. San Antonio Spurs/ Coach: Gregg Popovich/ Key Player: Tim Duncan
San Antonio remains the best team in Texas, and Popovich is one of the best coaches the game has ever seen. But these Spurs are aging. The starting five of Parker, Duncan, Finley, Bowen, and Oberto is too disciplined and talented for the Spurs to miss the playoffs. However, I see an early playoff exit in San Antonio's future.
6. Golden State Warriors/ Coach: Don Nelson/ Key Player: Al Harrington
Yes, I am a biased homer, but allow me to explain my reasoning. Sure, the absence of Monta Ellis until January is a big blow, but it's a blow we can overcome. Andris Biedrins will continue to be a rebounding machine, Ronny Turiaf will contribute big numbers off the bench, Stephen Jackson will continue to be deserving of the term "captain", Corey Maggette will be a welcome surprise, and Al Harrington will turn in his best season as a Warrior. Let's not also forget that outstanding Oracle Arena crowd. DeMarcus Nelson and C.J. Watson will do a great job of running the show until Monta returns in January. No Baron, no problem. GO WARRIORS!
7. Houston Rockets/ Coach:Rick Adleman/ Key Player: Ron Artest
Artest seems confident that his new team will be hoisting the Larry O'Brien trophy in June. Not so fast. However, the Artest-McGrady duo will carry Houston to the playoffs. And if the Rockets once again are defeated in the opening round, the blame should not fall in T-Mac's lap.
8. Dallas Mavericks/ Coach: Rick Carlisle/ Key Player: Jason Kidd
Dallas made a big mistake when they fired Avery Johnson. Rick Carlisle, though, will do a commendable job. Contrary to popular belief, Jason Kidd is still a terrific player. And although I'm not the biggest fan of Dirk Nowitzki, the guy is productive. The big question mark hanging over Mark Cuban's team is Josh Howard. Can he stay away from controversy?
9. Portland Trail Blazers/ Coach: Nate McMillan/ Key Player: Greg Oden
Count me amongst those who are not convinced that Greg Oden will turn the Blazers into instant contenders. Oden was fantastic in his lone year under Thad Matta at Ohio State, but how do we know that Oden can bounce back from last year's injury and be successful in the NBA. With this being said, however, Portland will be a decent team. Brandon Roy is one of the game's most exciting young talents, and the Blazers will contend for that final playoff spot, only to fall just a little short.
10. Denver Nuggets/ Coach: George Karl/ Key Player: Carmelo Anthony
I have the highest respect for Nene. To battle back from cancer and earn a spot in the starting lineup is an amazing feat. For this, Nene deserves every one's admiration. But Nene will not be able to replace Marcus Camby, who is now sporting Clipper red. As great as Iverson and Anthony are, George Karl's Nuggets will suffer in the absence of Camby, who for the last few years has been Denver's only defensive master.
11. Sacramento Kings/ Coach: Reggie Theus/ Key Player: Kevin Martin
Kevin Martin is one of the most underrated players in the NBA, and Reggie Theus is one of the most underrated coaches. The Kings will be entertaining, especially when they feed off the Arco Arena energy. But as the season wears on, Sacramento will really begin to miss Ron Artest.
12. Los Angeles Clippers/ Coach: Mike Dunleavy/ Key Player: Baron Davis
In the East, the Clips would have a chance. But outside of Baron and Marcus Camby, the Clippers are ill-equipped in the West. Al Thornton has great promise, but he is a year or two a way from reaching his full potential. Oh yeah, and Baron, you will regret your decision to leave Oakland.
13. Memphis Grizzlies/ Coach: Marc Iavoroni/ Key Player: O.J. Mayo
Mayo's flashy style worked wonders at USC, but will it work in the NBA? Will Marc Gasol be half as good as his brother? Will Darko Millicic ever stop being a punchline? The Grizzlies surely hope the answers to these three questions are yes, yes, and yes, but I wouldn't be surprised if the answers are no, no, and no.
14. Minnesota Timberwolves/ Coach: Randy Wittman/ Key Player: Al Jefferson
Jefferson is superb, but the T'Wolves are still suffering from Kevin Garnett withdrawal symptoms. At this point, Kevin McHale is wishing and hoping that he too was back in Boston.
15. Oklahoma City Thunder/ Coach: P.J. Carlesimo/ Key Player: Kevin Durant
Outside of Oklahoma City, where the fan support will be tremendous, the Thunder will go completely unnoticed. They will still be referred to as the Sonics. Bottom line: it will be a rough first year for this young team.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
1. Boston Celtics/ Coach: Doc Rivers/ Key Player: Kevin Garnett
The East will be far more more competitive this year, but the defending champs still have a great chance at a repeat. The Big 3 of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen show no signs of slowing down. Rajon Rondo and Kendrick Perkins have matured a year, and they will be evn better than they were last season. The loss of James Posey to New Orleans hurts Boston's bench, but it won't make too much of a difference. The Celtics will be back in the Finals.
2. Orlando Magic/ Coach: Stan Van Gundy/ Key Player: Dwight Howard
At first glance, the Magic lineup is not that intimidating. However, Orlando epitomizes teamwork. Together, they are a legitimate contender in the East. Jameer Nelson is a solid point guard, Hedo Turkoglu is lights out from downtown, Mickael Pietrus is the kind of scrappy player that all teams would love to have, and Rashard Lewis, although overpaid, is a scoring threat every time he steps onto the floor. There's also this guy by the name of Dwight Howard. I'm not sure if you've heard of him. He's only the best center in basketball.
3. Cleveland Cavaliers/ Coach: Mike Brown/ Key Player: Mo Williams
What??? Have I lost my mind??? How can I not have LeBron as Cleveland's key player??? Calm down, folks. LeBron is the best player in the world. He is the leader of the Cavs. There is no doubt about that. In order for Cleveland to have any shot at a championship, however, King James is going to need some help. That help comes from newly acquired Mo Williams. The former Milwaukee Buck must have an all-star caliber year alongside LeBron if the Cavs want to be playing in June.
4. Detroit Pistons/ Coach: Michael Curry/ Key Player: Chauncey Billups
Chauncey, Rip, Tayshaun, Rasheed, and company have their sights on winning another championship. You can't help but wonder, though, if their window has already closed. One thing is for sure: Rodney Stuckey will emerge as the Pistons' secret weapon.
5. Philadelphia 76ers/ Coach: Mo Cheeks/ Key Player: Elton Brand
Philly will be much improved, thanks in large part to the offseason acquisition of Elton Brand. Brand joins an already dangerous lineup that features the explosive likes of Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert. If Brand can stay healthy, the Sixers will contend.
6. Miami Heat/ Coach: Erik Spoelstra/ Key Player: Dwayne Wade
Basketball in South Beach will be awfully fun to watch this season. With a new duo (D-Wade and Michael Beasley), and a new coach calling the shots (Erik Spoelstra), the Heat will add to the party atmosphere in Miami. But the fun will likely end in the first round of the playoffs, when the Heat will struggle without an effective big man.
7. Toronto Raptors/ Coach: Sam Mitchell/ Key Player: Jermaine O'Neal
The biggest question regarding this promising team is the health of Jermaine O'Neal. After being sidelined for most of last season, can he return to his old self? I say yes. Add Chris Bosh to the mix, and Toronto is a trendy dark horse pick in the Eastern conference.
8. Atlanta Hawks/ Coach: Mike Woodson/ Key Player: Josh Smith
These Hawks are still on a high after their impressive showing against the Celtics this past April. When the euphoria dies down, Mike Woodson's team will realize that they will be in a fight for that eighth and final spot in the East. Chances are they win that fight, thanks to young stars Josh Smith, Marvin Williams, and Al Horford.
9. Washington Wizards/ Coach: Eddie Jordan/ Key Player: Antawn Jamison
Gilbert Arenas is plagued with a serious knee injury for the second consecutive season. Last year, the Wizards managed to win in the absence of Agent Zero. This year will be different. The East is no longer Junior Varsity, and the Wizards will be on the outside looking in at season's end.
10. Chicago Bulls/ Coach: Vinny Del Negro/ Key Player: Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose will be a star in this league for many years to come, and he will quickly find his way into Vinny Del Negro's starting lineup. Unfortunately for the Bulls, Rose will be one of few bright spots during what will be a frustrating season. New coach, same disappointment for the Bulls.
11. New York Knicks/ Coach: Mike D'Antoni/ Key Player: Zach Randolph
If nothing else, Mike D'Antoni will at least make the Knicks relevant again. New York will have some trouble adapting to D'Antoni's fast pace system, but D'Antoni is the right guy at the right time for the Knicks. They won't be good, but they will be improved.
12. Milwaukee Bucks/ Coach: Scott Skiles/ Key Player: Michael Redd
The Bucks may have lost Mo Williams, but the addition of Richard Jefferson will suffice. Michael Redd one of the most overlooked players in the game, and he will continue to be overlooked if the Bucks continue to lose. And unless Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva show drastic improvement, losing for Scott Skiles' team seems very probable.
13. Indiana Pacers/ Coach: Jim O'Brien/ Key Player: T.J. Ford
The Jermaine O'Neal-T.J. Ford trade was a win-win deal for the Pacers and Raptors, but only Toronto will see instant results. The Pacers are still stuck in the world of mediocrity. Danny Granger and Mike Dunleavy are very good, but they strike no fear in anybody. Like Kevin McHale, Larry Bird wishes he was back in Boston.
Charlotte Bobcats/ Coach: Larry Brown/ Key Player: Emeka Okafor
Why, oh why, did Hall of Famer Larry Brown take this job? I know the Bobcats have talent in the likes of Ray Felton, Emeka Okafor, and Jason Richardson, and I know that Larry Brown shares the North Carolina connection with Michael Jordan, now a member of the Bobcats front office. But honestly, this season will be sadly similar to Larry Brown's lone season as coach of the Knicks three years ago.
15. New Jersey Nets/ Coach: Lawrence Frank/ Key Player: Vince Carter
Yi Jinlian is a star in China, but he was unimpressive in his first NBA season with Milwaukee. He'll be better this year, but the Nets will be the worst team in the East. As a result of the Nets' poor season, Vince Carter will be traded.
So there are my predictions. Let the games begin!
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