Conference Semifinals: Playoff Tree
Season Review – First Round Eliminations
16. Denver Nuggets (40-42)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Carmelo Anthony (92) (P), Nene (76) (P), Kenyon Martin (75), J.R. Smith (74), Arron Afflalo (71)After only just missing the playoffs last year, the Nuggets made little gain on their efforts this year, starting slow but just making it for the 8th seed. A strong showing against the top seeded Lakers, however with their playoff campaign now over, all eyes are looking straight at Carmelo Anthony and his player option, as well as J.R. Smith’s likely extension. In the middle of a crossroads, Melo will need more than Nene & Kenyon Martin down low to see Denver as his forever home.
15. New York Knicks (40-42)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: NoneAfter securing their golden goose and pairing him with a superstar sidekick, the New York Knicks certainly didn’t expect a below .500 season and a first round exit. The only solace Knicks fans can rest on is that their stars are all contracted, however LeBron James and Chris Paul must lift their game next year. There’s no more excuses, the city of New York expects greatness.
14. Orlando Magic (43-39)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Vince Carter (82) (T), Al Harrington (75), Matt Barnes (70)With their strongest roster in the past three years, the Magic underperformed greatly. Major changes could be expected in Orlando, as Dwight Howard heads into his player option year. It could be time for Orlando to clear house and collect some valuable young pieces for their star Center and his running mates.
13. New Jersey Nets (44-38)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Andre Miller (76) (T), Chris Douglas-Roberts (71), Keyon Dooling (70), Yi Jianlian (70)A solid season from the Nets as they added Carlos Boozer to their duo of stars in Brook Lopez & Devin Harris, but a less than ideal first round exit. Sixth Man of the Year honours should keep Andre Miller on roster, or could see him traded to a starting role if the right deal comes up. Young star Chris Douglas-Roberts could be in for a paycheck as the Nets “fourth horseman”.
12. San Antonio Spurs (44-38)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Richard Jefferson (75)Another disappointing first round exit for the Spurs, but with their trio locked up for another two years, the only piece that could be out the door is Richard Jefferson. Not the desired result, but it would be a huge surprise to see any big move come out of San Antonio as they make their 14th straight postseason.
11. Boston Celtics (47-35)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Kendrick Perkins (74), Glen Davis (71)A truly disappointing result for the Celtics, with so much promise mid-season at the top of the East, they were sent crashing back down to earth by a Pacers team not even at full strength. Much like the Spurs, it’s unlikely to see the Celtics make too many major changes heading into next season (besides the possible loss of Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis), but could it be the last in the era of “The Big 3”?
10. Utah Jazz (48-34)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: Andrei Kirilenko (75), Certainly a better regular season than most predicted, bouncing back incredibly well from the loss of star forward Carlos Boozer. Deron Williams carried the load for the Jazz, but has to be frustrated with a second-straight first round exit, especially after a much more convincing season. Okur and Kirilenko are aging, and it may be time for Deron to get some new, fresh teammates.
9. Los Angeles Clippers (50-32)
Notable upcoming Free Agents: NoneAnother nightmare exit for the Clippers, bounced after a phenomenal regular season. Blake Griffin continues to build into a superstar, with Eric Gordon supporting as a deadly sharpshooter. With Baron aging at PG, warning flags may be starting to appear as the Clippers have to batten down the hatches to bounce back next year after another demoralising finish.[/center]