by dare on Fri Dec 17, 2010 9:04 pm
Team Summary
Don’t expect too much from them
These are the following teams that you might see in the bottom of the standings.
Charlotte Bobcats
-Gerald Wallace is not with the team anymore after years of disappointment, Devin Harris cannot carry this team alone and most likely the team will end up with the worst record again.
Detroit Pistons
-Brook Lopez is not showing the star caliber the team expects from him, the team is not really build to be a playoff team so Rip Hamilton might finally leave Motor City.
Denver Nuggets
-Much like the Pistons the Nuggets are on their way to rebuild, Chris Kaman is one of the most talented big men on the league but you can’t really expect a lot with his teammates unless the old T-mac will come back.
Memphis Grizzlies
-This team missed the playoffs even with the huge efforts from Martti Must last season, so what more can you expect when he is not with the team?
Houston Rockets
-Even with the talented young men I don’t expect Houston to be better, not with an injury prone franchise player shouldering all the load of his team.
It could happen
These are teams that maybe can qualify in the playoffs but by a long shot.
Chicago Bulls
-They have a good balance team; the key is if Derrick Rose plays like the franchise player he should be. Stephen Jackson is a great player and can compliment Rose but they need to add more shooters in the team.
Indiana Pacers
-Danny Granger is definitely the star of the team, but if Ricky Rubio can’t improve his offense the team can wave goodbye to their playoff dreams.
Washington Wizards
-With the recent signing of Elton Brand and Klemen Pirc the team got the talent to make the playoffs, they just need to learn how to play with each other.
San Antonio Spurs
-It looks like this team will take a long time before they become a contender again. But you can’t deny the fact that they still got Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, they will be as competitive as ever.
Philadelphia 76ers
-Losing three starters is a big deal as those players were the key with their great defense last year. Unless Wilcox and Perkins can matched Brock and Brand’s numbers.
Keep a close watch to them
These are teams that can be the surprised team this season, teams that can make a major move that will rock the league.
Boston Celtics
-Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. I doubt those three want to be a lottery team again. They have their so called Celtics pride with them and I’m sure they will make a huge move for a final run.
LA Lakers
-When you have a player named Kobe Bryant no doubt that you’re going to play hard. Ariza and Calderon are great acquisition and this might all they need to get that trophy.
Minnesota Timberwolves
-A young and talented team. With the acquisition of Kevin Martin they bring a great scorer. Luol Deng is a good veteran that can help the team through tough times. This year is the best chance for the Wolves to make the playoffs.
Toronto Raptors
-Coby Clark did struggle on the Summer League but I think he is ready to contribute on this team. Chris Bosh name is still mentioned on trade rumors but with the talent they got playoffs spot is not possible.
Phoenix Suns
-If Martti Must carries the Grizzlies then it would be fun to see what he can do with Suns. If they get to the playoffs then Must can be consider as a MVP candidate.
On the bubble
These are teams that made the playoffs last year but in danger to lose their spots or go down a little bit.
LA Clippers
-Other teams in Western Conference improve their team but the Clippers did not do much. They need to add more depth if they want to have a shot of being a playoff team.
New York Knicks
-They made it last year despite having a poor record, they still eyeing Reshawn Tyson but they continue their losing ways Tyson might lose interest on them. Everybody wants to be on a winning team.
Utah Jazz
-They have Lawrence, Johnson, and Williams as their core. But they need more to stay in the wild wild West. They should focus on getting a better center.
Portland Trailblazers
-They really missed Steve Nash now, Ramon Sessions is a good guard but cannot compliment Roy and Gordon. Gordon must realize that he throwing a lot of shots is hurting the team.
Miami Heat
-The failed trade might hunt them this season, J.R Smith can’t really play with Beasley and Wade. Also aside from those three the team lacks great role players. Expect some more trade for this team.
Pretenders
These are teams that are great on paper and maybe division leaders but lack something to be called contenders.
Golden State Warriors
-Their high scoring offense managed to get 50 wins but to be a great team they need to learn to play defense. Defense is the key to win championships.
Milwaukee Bucks
-They made a great run last year and Jay Gray is one of the reasons of it. But the guy needs some serious help. The Bucks need to trade for another player that can carry the team if Gray is not performing well.
New Jersey Nets
-The team got the talent and loaded with great players, they looks good on paper the only problem is they don’t know how to compliment each other. Carmelo Anthony needs to step up as the leader of this team.
Orlando Magic
-Well they got rid of Lewis and managed to sign Gerald Wallace. Also Dwight Howard is becoming one of the most dominating men on the league. This team looks great on the defensive end but how about on offense?
Atlanta Hawks
-They still think that they can be champions; they have amazing leaders with Ginobili and Prince. Unless Josh Smith and Al Horford step up their game they are far from competing with the real contenders.
Contenders
The great teams, the team to beat, the contenders.
New Orleans Hornets
-The team got knocked out on the first round but with Chris Paul being more comfortable with his new teammate Mark Moore expect this team to make a huge run in the season.
Dallas Mavericks
-With the acquisition of Andrew Watson the team now got the depth that they lack before. Dirk Nowitzki is still the star; they got good bench players with Aaron Brooks and the improving Leo Lai.
Seattle Stealth
-Kevin Durant continues to be one the great player in the league and he also bowed that they will win it all this year. The only problem now is the age of this team and the chemistry.
Cleveland Cavaliers
-They got Byron Brock and Raymond Felton in the off season. With these two they now have the most talented staring five in the league. Not to mention the “King” Lebron James is hungry for a ring.
Sacramento Kings
-Loaded from 1 to 12, the defending champions added another scorer with Rashard Lewis. The Kings can pushed to back to back titles and also have back to back MVP with Moses Chara leading the team.