NBA 2007/08 Season Preview
Claiming their fourth title in nine years, the San Antonio Spurs capped another magnificent and memorable NBA campaign. With the announcement of the new season’s fixtures on Friday a wave of hysteria has hit supporters despite the league not getting underway for another four months. In a bid to keep everyone’s finger on the pulse of the World’s greatest basketball League we take a look at exactly who may be hoisting ‘The Larry O’Brien Championship’ in ten months time.
The Favourites
Dallas Mavericks (67-15)
Head Coach: Avery Johnson
Last Season’s Performance: Western Conference Champions, lost to Golden State in the Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Fairly stable off season for the Mavs in which they resigned Jerry Stackhouse and are expected to complete a deal to bring Eddie Jones onto the roster before the season begins.
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…After destroying all before them in the regular season last year Dallas’s miserable failure was a shock to the system and proved that anything can happen in the NBA. Still reeling from their first round playoff exit the club will be determined to improve next team and expect them to start playing some of the excellent ball instantly in a bid to prove they are still a force to be reckoned with.
Reasons they may falter…In decent positions in the last two seasons, the Mavericks have led themselves to gain the dubious title of being ‘bottlers’. Having swept all in their path away last season with some superb performances and earning comparisons to the great Chicago Bulls team, the Mavs let everyone down by choking to the Warriors in round one. Having not lived up to their pre playoff billing of certainties for the finals, the pressure placed on Dirk and the rest of the gang may now be too great to handle.
Key Player: Dirk Nowitski
It’ll be an achievement if…The Mavs can blow away the competition as they did in the regular season before claiming their first ring with an equally impressive playoff performance.
It won’t be a surprise if…They are now caught up by teams who have worked out how to cope with their blistering style of play and they once again struggle to reach the finals.
Phoenix Suns (61-21)
Head Coach: Mike D’Antoni
Last Season’s Performance: Conference Semi Finals
Major Changes: The Suns brought in experience in Grant Hill but have made few other changes to their roster.
1st Round Draft Pick: Rudy Fernandez and Alando Tucker
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With the return of big hitter Amari Stoudamire last campaign the Suns were able to step it up at the defensive end as well as continuing their expansive ‘over 100 points a night game’. Veteran Grant Hill will add experience and with more depth in their squad, the Suns could finally live up to their potential.
Reasons they may falter…Running wild in the regular season, the Suns have struggled when it comes to the playoffs in the last two seasons. The Western Conference is by far the toughest and with competition high amongst all eight teams, Phoenix sometimes need to compromise their stylish attacking play in a bit to avoid another failure.
Key Player: Steve Nash
It’ll be an achievement if…Steve Nash can once again claim the MVP award leading the Suns to another top three spot in the Western Conference.
It won’t be a surprise if…The Suns come up against a strong Spurs team once again and their Championship experience lets them down.
San Antonio Spurs (58-24)
Head Coach: Gregg Popovich
Last Season’s Performance: NBA Champions, defeating Cleveland by 4-0
Major Changes: Forward Matt Bonner resigned along with Fabricio Oberto whilst Vassilis Ppanoulis was traded in for Jackie Butler and the rights to another player.
1st Round Draft Pick: Tiago Splitter
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing… With another NBA Championship in the bag, the Spurs showed last season that despite being a relatively veteran side, they should never be underestimated. With few changes made to their roster and hunger for another ring bound to be greater than ever, the Spurs will be the team to beat.
Reasons they may falter…Due to the fact that they will be the team to beat, the Spurs will no longer be underestimated and having failed to put back to back Championships together last time they hoisted the O’Brien trophy high it might be too much to expect them to be able to repeat the feat this time around.
Key Player: Tim Duncan
It’ll be an achievement if…They come through the Western Conference Playoff’s as simply as they did last season.
It won’t be a surprise if…The Spurs are taken more seriously by their rivals this season and find themselves but under great pressure in the playoffs.
The Playoff Certainties
Detroit Pistons (53-29)
Head Coach: Flip Saunders
Last Season’s Performance: Eastern Conference Finalists
Major Changes: Despite much speculation surrounding changes to the squad ahead ot the new season the major business for Detroit was to resign Chauncy Billups and Antonio McDyess
1st Round Draft Pick: Rodney Stucker and Aaron Affalo
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing: Having claimed the NBA Championships in style before losing it to the Spurs three seasons ago, the Detroit Pistons showed themselves to be worthy to claim a title in ’07 but fell at the last hurdle against Cleveland. With plenty of playoff experience and knowledge of knowing what it takes to win a Championship they can never be counted out if the favourites do not perform to the very highest of standards.
Reasons they may falter: Very much like the Spurs last season, they were unexpectedly stronger than the more fancied teams in their conference when it came to the playoffs. This season they will be considered far more of a threat to their rivals crown and making very few changes to their squad, teams already know what they are about.
Key Player: Chauncy Billups
It’ll be an achievement if… The Pistons can return to the finals by showing their dominance of the East.
It won’t be a surprise if… They are once again defeated by the young and hungry teams who are able to dominate through desire and not experience.
Boston Celtics (24-58)
Head Coach: Doc Rivers
Last Season’s Performance: 15th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: Boston have without doubt been the busiest of all NBA teams this Summer having being involved in a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Seattle Supersonics. They resigned Ray Allen and brought in Kevin Garnett in a bit to reverse their recent fortunes.
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Having finished bottom of the weaker Eastern Conference last season there is only one way the Celtic’s can go, upwards. With the addition of Kevin Garnett their front court is now a serious threat and with the three pronged attacking line involving the former Timberwolves star there is a realistic possibility that Boston could be bringing home a Championship this year.
Reasons they may falter… Making wholesale changes doesn’t always guarantee success and although they were not performing last season trading several of their recognised players out of the club could affect them in the long term, as they say, ‘one player doesn’t make a team’.
Key Player: Kevin Garnett
It’ll be an achievement if… Boston are able to surprise everyone and reach the heights of the Eastern conference playoff finals.
It won’t be a surprise if…It takes some time for the new line up to settle in and Boston make the eighth spot in the East or just miss out.
Houston Rockets (52-30)
Head Coach: Rick Adelman
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round, Eliminated by Utah
Major Changes: The Rockets brought back Steve Francis from his nightmare in New York but lost Juwan Howard and potentially face losing Dikembe Mutumbo.
1st Round Draft Pick: Aaron Brooks
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing… For several years now the Rocket’s have been ‘there or there about’s’ with the combination of Yao and McGrady. The addition of Francis finally gives them an offensive outlet and takes the scoring pressure of Tracy McGrady meaning they are almost certainties to make the playoffs.
Reasons they may falter…Injuries almost cost the Rockets a place in the playoffs last season and with Yao and McGrady being so valuable to the team there is no way the club can do without either of their top stars.
Key Player: Tracy McGrady
It’ll be an achievement if…The Rockets are able to over throw the tag of ‘playoff certainties’ and become genuine Championship contenders.
It won’t be a surprise if…The West once again proves a tough minefield for them to navigate.
Cleveland Cavalliers (50-32)
Head Coach: Mike Brown
Last Season’s Performance: NBA Finalists, Swept 4-0 by the Spurs
Major Changes: Cleveland have surprisingly made no changes to their roster in the off season.
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Having made their first apperence in the Finals navigating past a tricky field in the East it would make sense that once again the Cavs will be fancied to prove themselves more than just a ‘flash in the pan’.
Reasons they may falter…God forbid anything happened to Lebron James or the Cavs would be in serious danger of finishing way out of contention. Not just his scoring ability but his all round play is vital in ensuring that the Cavs are much more than also rans. They have however failed to build on last season successes and therefore could be overtaken by those who have added to their squad.
Key Player: Lebron James
It’ll be an achievement if…The Cavs can make the NBA Finals for a second season in a row.
It won’t be a surprise if…They are piped at the post by the now strengthened Celtics and the experiences hardened Pistons.
Washington Wizards (41-41)
Head Coach: Eddie Jordan
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Washington have also made few changes to their roster, their only tranasction of not was to resign Deshawn Stevenson.
1st Round Draft Pick: Nick Young
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With Gilbert Arenas in their team, anything is possible for the Wizards and having led the East for a number of months before slipping down the positions they will fancy their chances of comfortably making the playoffs.
Reasons they may falter…Very much like the Cavs, a lack of depth in their squad threatens their chances of not only making the conference Semi Finals but with only Arenas who can be considered a ‘World Class’ talent it would take a superhuman effort to overhaul the ‘Superpowers’ of the East.
Key Player: Gilbert Arenas
It’ll be an achievement if…They can get past round one of the playoffs
It won’t be a surprise if…They finish exactly the same in the new season as they did in the last.
Denver Nuggets (45-37)
Head Coach: George Karl
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Having conducted most of their business in the middle of last season by signing Allen Iverson, the Nuggets only real movement was to sign Chucky Atkins
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Having joined half way through last year in a major trade to save their season, the addition of Allen Iverson got the Nuggets to play more like the team that Carmelo wanted to be part of in his second year. With the blend of determination from the two it should be enough to confirm them as mainstays in the playoffs.
Reasons they may falter…An injury to one of their two top stars or an ugly head rearing of either personalities if things aren’t going well and the Nugget’s could be back as a struggling team with no star names in their roster.
Key Player: Carmelo Anthony
It’ll be an achievement if… The Nugget’s on court pairing of ‘Melo and AI can combine to get them into a top four spot in the conference.
It won’t be a surprise if… They are once again left to nurse the wounds of a first round defeat.
Miami Heat (44-38)
Head Coach: Pat Riley
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Miami have been fairly busy during the Summer securing deals to sign Smush Parker, Penny Hardaway and Jeremy Richards. Dwayne Wade has also had surgery and is expected to be fit for the start of the campaign.
1st Round Draft Pick: Dariquan Cook
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Having failed to defend their trophy last season Miami felt the pain of first round elimination. With Shaq and Wade now having recovered from injuries which dogged them for most of last season and the addition of Parker and Penny in the back court Miami has options to turn them back into realistic Championship contenders.
Reasons they may falter…Last season proved what we all knew, that Dwayne Wade is the most vital cog in the Miami machine and without him in their line up they are increasingly vunrable. Having postponed surgery to play in the final stages of the regular season and the playoffs they will be hoping that their star man suffered no ill effects of the postponment.
Key Player: Dwayne Wade
It’ll be an achievement if…Miami are able to return to the NBA Finals in a bid to claim their second championship.
It won’t be a surprise if…Shaq and Mourning’s old legs at centre leave them with too many voids to fill.
Chicago Bulls (49-33)
Head Coach: Scott Skiles
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Chicago have made several changes to their roster resigning Andres Nocioni and bringing in Jameson Curry, Aaron Gray and Joe Smith.
1st Round Draft Pick: Joakim Noah
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…When Ben Wallace joined last season, everyone expected Chicago to be the team to beat in the East, everyone except the Bulls themselves. Joining a young crowd of upcoming players they proved that they have a solid base to recreate the golden era of the 1990’s and with a season or two’s experience under their belts they may now be ready to take the next step and throw their name into the hat as contenders.
Reasons they may falter…The sheer weight of expectation on the Bulls is huge and the way in which they over achieved in their first season under Skiles has raised the bar or performance even higher.
Key Player: Ben Wallace
It’ll be an achievement if…The rawness of youth can push them on from playoffs to conference finalists.
It won’t be a surprise if…They find it too tough once more this time around
Utah Jazz (51-31)
Head Coach: Jerry Sloan
Last Season’s Performance: Conference Finalists
Major Changes: Utah have been fairly inactive after their run to the conference finals last season with Morris Almund being the only player to sign during the off season.
1st Round Draft Pick: Morris Almund
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Surprising even their own fans by reaching the conference finals last year the Jazz must have thought this was finally their time with no Suns or Mavs in their way but having being out fought by the Spurs they will be hoping that they can learn from their experiences once again and fight their way into the finals.
Reasons they may falter…Very much like their opponents in the Western Finals last year, no one expected them to be there, now the bar has been raised for a performance of equal standards in 2008.
Key Player: Andrei Kiralenko
It’ll be an achievement if…The Jazz can match anything like 2007’s performance
It won’t be a surprise if…They are ousted by the stronger Suns, Mavs and Spurs before they can get there.
The Maybe/Maybe Nots
LA Lakers (42-40)
Head Coach: Phil Jackson
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Surprisingly and to the dislike of Kobe, the Lakers have made very few changes resigning Derek Fisher has been their only off season move.
1st Round Draft Pick: Javaris Crittonton
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With Kobe Bryant in their side, anything is possible. His superhuman performances last season and also in the FIBA Championships in the Summer show he is motivated for success and very much in the way the Bulls are working with youth there is nothing to stop Kobe leading this team into the playoffs once again.
Reasons they may falter…A real lack of depth not only bugs Kobe but supporters of the Lakers. With their disechanted ‘leader’ demanding a trade away from the Lakers and then the club doing nothing to appease him by bringing in talent to support him it is questionable whether he will be interested in playing for a team which no longer challenges for titles on a regular basis.
Key Player: Kobe Bryant (If he’s still playing in purple and gold)
It’ll be an achievement if…Bryant can link together with the young players around him and start to build something successful at the Lakers.
It won’t be a surprise if…After another season of disapointment Kobe jumps ship
Toronto Raptors (47-35)
Head Coach: Sam Mitchell
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Toronto have made two big changes in the off season bringing in Carlos Delfino after he found himself a free agent and also signing Jason Kapono from the Miami Heat.
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Having performed well above expectations by making the playoffs and finishing on a strong note during the regular season, the Raptors have added to their staff with the talented Kapono and Delfino they could also be a threat this time around
Reasons they may falter: With everyone underestimating the Raptors last season, it is unlikely to be the same this time around. The Raptors will now be considered amongst the favourites in their division and will face a much harder challenge to hold onto their playoff position.
Key Player: Jason Kapono
It’ll be an achievement if…The Raptors can do anything like last season and finish with a superb record.
It won’t be a surprise if…The fail to deal with the weight of expectation and suffer from expectations of a second season of success.
New Jersey Nets (41-41)
Head Coach: Lawrence Franks
Last Season’s Performance: Eastern Conference Semi Finals
Major Changes: The Nets big news in the Summer was to resign Vince Carter who took the option of the extra year on his contract. They also signed Jamal Magloire.
1st Round Draft Pick: Sean Williams
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With the completed bedding in of the Carter/Kidd system, the Nets picked up some big wins on their way to the Eastern Conference semi finals last season. Although they were not able to get past the stronger Cavs or the Pistons they will once more be a big threat to those who have aspirations for the Championship.
Reasons they may falter…Despite starting well last season the Nets faded to an equal win and loss record during last season. As they were considered as respectable candidates for the Championship last year the pressure will be on for them to succeed greater next time around.
Key Player: Vince Carter
It’ll be an achievement if…The Nets can make it to the Eastern Conference finals to give themselves a shot at making the NBA Championship series.
It won’t be a surprise if…They once again fail to make the grade and perform exactly as they did last campaign.
LA Clippers (40-42)
Head Coach: Mike Dunleavy
Last Season’s Performance: 9th in Western Conference
Major Changes: Having just missed out on the playoff last season the Clippers have made changes by signing Quentin Ross.
1st Round Draft Pick: Al Thornton
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing...Much improved over the last two campaigns the Clippers were just shaded out of the playoff picture last season but if they can continue to play consistently throughout the regular season then they have a realistic chance of finishing above their city rivals once again.
Reasons they may falter…Elton Brand’s injury means that the leading light of the Clippers may miss most of the regular season which puts them in peril of not making the playoffs yet again.
Key Player: Elton Brand
It’ll be an achievement if…The Clipper’s can hold their own without their star man and make a late assault on the playoffs.
It won’t be a surprise if…Brand’s injury takes it’s toll on the squad and they finish in a worse position than they did last campaign.
Golden State Warriors (42-40)
Head Coach: Don Nelson
Last Season’s Performance: Western Conference Semi Finalists
Major Changes: Shocking the favourite Mav’s in last seasons playoffs they have traded Jason Richardson for a selection in next years draft pick but made no other changes.
1st Round Draft Pick: Brandon Wright
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…The confidence which was given to them by their defeat of the Mavs’ cannot be understated and having kept a relatively similar squad this time around may be an opportunity to prove that it wasn’t just fluke which earned them so much praise last season.
Reasons they may falter…With the knowledge that they have the quality to beat even the top sides they are likely to be considered a threat and this means they are highly unlikely to ever be underestimated.
Key Player: Baron Davis
It’ll be an achievement if…The Warriers can achieve a Semi Finalists position
It won’t be a surprise if…They struggle to hit eighth and miss out all together this time around.
The Also-Rans
Orlando Magic (40-42)
Head Coach: Stan Van Gundy
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Orlando Magic extended the contract or allstar forward Dwight Howard and also traded Rashard Lewis.
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With a losing record last season it’s easy to right off the Magic as nothing more than also rans. The talent of Dwight Howard is undoubtable but whether or not they have the squad to once again make the playoffs is.
Reasons they may shock us all…The performance of the eighth ranked Warriers last season gave everyone hope and with Howard growing as a player in stature and experience don’t write them off as a shock candidates in the East.
Key Player: Dwight Howard
It’ll be an achievement if…The addition of Rashard Lewis turns them into contenders rather than also rans.
It won’t be a surprise if…They make the playoffs but go no further than the 1st round
New York Knicks (33-49)
Head Coach: Isiah Thomas
Last Season’s Performance: 12th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: The Knicks have made no significant additions to their roster in the off season.
1st Round Draft Pick: Wilson Chandler
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…For what seems like eternities now, the NBA’s most famous basketball side have been playing like nothing more than prize Thanksgiving turkeys and nothing has changed to suggest this won’t be another season of over acheievement.
Reasons they may shock us all… At one point last season it did look as if the Knicks might be in the hunt for the 8th playoff spot and with the East being significantly weaker than the West there is an opportunity for them to surprise us all.
Key Player: Quentin Richardson
It’ll be an achievement if…They can make the playoffs for the first time in way too long.
It won’t be a surprise if…Knicks fans are once again let down but the underachieving generation at Madison Square Garden.
Portland Trail Blazers (32-50)
Head Coach: Nate Macmillan
Last Season’s Performance: 13th in Western Conference
Major Changes: Although the Blazers waived the opportunity to sign Steve Francis they resigned Travis Outlaw and also brought in Steve Blake who was a free agent.
1st Round Draft Pick: Greg Oden
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Missing out on the opportunity to sign Steve Francis the Trail Blazer’s pretty much waived their right to be little more than a forgotten team in the West. With few additions to their squad it is unlikely that anything will change.
Reasons they may shock us all…Number two draft pick Greg Oden. Having looked at the effects of players like Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony who have almost single handedly changed the fortunes of struggling teams, Oden could play a major role in a season or progression in Portland.
Key Player: Greg Oden
It’ll be an achievement if…They can finish inside the top ten in the west.
It won’t be a surprise if…This is yet another transitional season.
Sacramento Kings (32-49)
Head Coach: Regie Theus
Last Season’s Performance: 12th in Western Conference
Major Changes: The Kings added two free agent signings to their team in the off season Justin Williams and Mustafa Shakur.
1st Round Draft Pick: Spencer Hawes
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…As their record and position last season suggests Sacremento are finding the Western Conference tough to crack and another season without the playoff beckons unless serious improvement can be achieved.
Reasons they may shock us all…With few expectations being aimed their way this time around there is no pressure for the Kings to succeed and they could therefore sneak in under the radar.
Key Player: Ron Artest
It’ll be an achievement if…They can achieve a positive record.
It won’t be a surprise if…Ron Artest makes more headlines than the team in 2008.
Milwaukee Bucks (23-54)
Head Coach: Larry Krystkow
Last Season’s Performance: 14th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: The Bucks made a couple of changes to their roster for the new season resigning Mo Williams and bringing in Desmond Mason, Jake Voskuh and Awvee Storey as free agents.
1st Round Draft Pick: Yi Jianlian
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…An apauling record last season the Bucks need a serious shake up to avoid finishing bottom in the far weaker Eastern side of the NBA.
Reasons they may shock us all…The addition of four players, and the resiging of Mo Williams may boost confidence. Add to that the talents of Yi and they could cause a surprise.
Key Player: Michael Redd
It’ll be an achievement if…Their record becomes anything like respectable last season
It won’t be a surprise if…They finish well off the playoff pace.
New Orleans Hornets (39-43)
Head Coach: Byron Scott
Last Season’s Performance: 10th in Western Conference
Major Changes: The only major addition to the Hornets squad for the upcoming season is Mo Peterson who signed as a free agent.
1st Round Draft Pick: Julian Wright
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…New Orleans, since their move from Charlotte have consistently been the whipping boys in the West and with no major changes on the court expect this to continue.
Reasons they may shock us all…Back in their home city of New Orleans, the Hornets can only hope that they received divine inspiration during the new campaign as well as continuing brilliance from Chris Paul.
Key Player: Chris Paul
It’ll be an achievement if…They can finally break into the playoff picture.
It won’t be a surprise if…They once again finish as below average side in the NBA.
Seattle Supersonics (31-51)
Head Coach: PJ Carlesimo
Last Season’s Performance: 14th in Western Conference
Major Changes: In a trade with the Celtics the Supersonics brought in Kurt Thomas and also signed Jeff Green as a free agent.
1st Round Draft Pick: Kevin Durrant
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Way off the pace in the West last season the natives have been unsettled by talk of a move and with things off the court uncertain, there is a danger this could affect on the field events. Too much rebuilding in one season could tall the room to cave in in Seattle.
Reasons they may shock is all…As with Greg Oden in Portland, this could be a season of change in Seattle. With nothing to lose and no expectations placed on anyone but Durrant the ‘squad’ players could be inspired by the number two draft pick and push Seattle up the West.
Key Player: Kevin Durrant
It’ll be an achievement if…Kevin Durrant wins rookie of the year and the Supersonic’s make the playoffs.
It won’t be a surprise if…They struggle with the transition and struggle to hit anything like eighth spot.
Indiana Pacers (35-47)
Head Coach: Jim O’Brien
Last Season’s Performance: 9th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: In a busy Summer for the Pacers they signed four players as free agents, Kareem Push, Andre Owens, Stephen Graham and Travis Diener.
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined.
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Making several changes to their roster in the off season, there could be a largely unsettling current of uncertainty coming from the Pacers as they look to chance that 8th spot in the East.
Reasons they may shock us all…As they didn’t finish that far off the pase last season it is concieveable that O’Neal could be appeased by another promising season in Indiana.
Key Player: Jermaine O’Neal
It’ll be an achievement if…The Pacers can make the playoffs and also attract Kobe Bryant
It won’t be a surprise if…They miss out once again and O’Neal demands a trade.
The Not Likely Lads
Charlotte Bobcats (33-49)
Head Coach: Sam Vincent
Last Season’s Performance: 11th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: The Hornets made two notable resignings in the off season Gerald Wallace and Matt Carrol.
1st Round Draft Pick: Jared Dudley
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With a poor record last season and only a couple of resignings in the off season, there is very little to suggest that anything will change.
Reasons they may shock us all…Resigning Gerald Wallace was a massive move for the Bobcats and although it is unlikely that such a move will impact on their fortunes immadietely it could help secure their future.
Key Player: Jason Richardson
It’ll be an achievement if…A Wallace and Richardson inspire Bobcats can grap 8th spot
It won’t be a surprise if…They finish in an extremely similar position as to the one they did in 2007.
Philadelphia 76ers (35-47)
Head Coach: Mo Cheeks
Last Season’s Performance: 10th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: Philli have made no changes to their roster before the new season.
1st Round Draft Pick: Jason Smith
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Having lost AI last season the played like a team freed of his shackles when he departed to join the Nuggets but with no more changes made since then it may be a case of the club stagnating rather than going forwards or backwards.
Reasons they may shock us all…To say they played almost the full season without Allen Iverson the 76ers performed well above expectations and with very little expected of them once again they could provide us all with a surprise again.
Key Player: Andre Igoudala
It’ll be an achievement if…They can push on and make the playoffs
It won’t be a surprise if…They are overtaken by teams who have made changes such as the Celtics
Atlanta Hawks (30-52)
Head Coach: Mike Woodsun
Last Season’s Performance: 13th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: The Hawks have opted to make no changes to their playing staff.
1st Round Draft Pick: Al Horford
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Since the loss of Mutumbo the Hawks have been nothing but also rans in their attempts to put together a side of some strength in the East. Finishing 13th last campaign was a respectable achievement but with no changes made to their team it is hard to see them improving.
Reasons they may shock us all…The Eastern conference is wide open and a good run at the right time could see the Hawks make the grade.
Key Player: Josh Smith
It’ll be an achievement if…They can continue to improve and get back to their mid 90’s form of hitting the playoffs
It won’t be a surprise if…They are over powered by more experienced and better teams in the East.
Memphis Grizzlies (22-60)
Head Coach: Marc Lararoni
Last Season’s Performance: 15th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: The Grizzlies in a bid to improve on last seasons poor performance have signed three players as free agents, Darlo Milicic, Adnre Brown and Caseu Jacobson.
1st Round Draft Pick: Mike Conley
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With nearly three times as many defeats as victories and more changes made in pre season, realistically the Grizzles should go backwards this campaign
Reasons they may shock us all…Anything can happen in the NBA and in the East there is very little difference between the 8th and 15th placed sides
Key Player: Pau Gasol
It’ll be an achievement if…The Grizzlies finish anything but bottom of the conference
It won’t be a surprise if…They prop up the NBA once again
Minnesota Timberwolves (32-49)
Head Coach: Randy Wittman
Last Season’s Performance: 11th in Western Conference
Major Changes: Being involved in a huge trade with Boston Minesota aqquired a number of players in return for Kevin Garnett. Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes and Gerald Green will all be playing for the T’Wolves next campaign.
1st Round Draft Pick: Corey Brewer
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With their failure to satisfy the hunger of Garnett by once more failing to make the playoffs without their talisman it will be no surprise if they struggle even more in the new campaign.
Reasons they may shock us all…Having now lost their biggest hitter, the willing galvonisation of the new players to prove they do not need Garnett may cause them to be underestimated and surprise us all.
Key Player: Juwan Howard
It’ll be an achievement if…The squad and gel immediately and prove that without their talismanic leader they are a much better all round team.
It won’t be a surprise if…They struggle to cope with the loss of Garnett and so many new players being added to their roster
Claiming their fourth title in nine years, the San Antonio Spurs capped another magnificent and memorable NBA campaign. With the announcement of the new season’s fixtures on Friday a wave of hysteria has hit supporters despite the league not getting underway for another four months. In a bid to keep everyone’s finger on the pulse of the World’s greatest basketball League we take a look at exactly who may be hoisting ‘The Larry O’Brien Championship’ in ten months time.
The Favourites
Dallas Mavericks (67-15)
Head Coach: Avery Johnson
Last Season’s Performance: Western Conference Champions, lost to Golden State in the Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Fairly stable off season for the Mavs in which they resigned Jerry Stackhouse and are expected to complete a deal to bring Eddie Jones onto the roster before the season begins.
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…After destroying all before them in the regular season last year Dallas’s miserable failure was a shock to the system and proved that anything can happen in the NBA. Still reeling from their first round playoff exit the club will be determined to improve next team and expect them to start playing some of the excellent ball instantly in a bid to prove they are still a force to be reckoned with.
Reasons they may falter…In decent positions in the last two seasons, the Mavericks have led themselves to gain the dubious title of being ‘bottlers’. Having swept all in their path away last season with some superb performances and earning comparisons to the great Chicago Bulls team, the Mavs let everyone down by choking to the Warriors in round one. Having not lived up to their pre playoff billing of certainties for the finals, the pressure placed on Dirk and the rest of the gang may now be too great to handle.
Key Player: Dirk Nowitski
It’ll be an achievement if…The Mavs can blow away the competition as they did in the regular season before claiming their first ring with an equally impressive playoff performance.
It won’t be a surprise if…They are now caught up by teams who have worked out how to cope with their blistering style of play and they once again struggle to reach the finals.
Phoenix Suns (61-21)
Head Coach: Mike D’Antoni
Last Season’s Performance: Conference Semi Finals
Major Changes: The Suns brought in experience in Grant Hill but have made few other changes to their roster.
1st Round Draft Pick: Rudy Fernandez and Alando Tucker
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With the return of big hitter Amari Stoudamire last campaign the Suns were able to step it up at the defensive end as well as continuing their expansive ‘over 100 points a night game’. Veteran Grant Hill will add experience and with more depth in their squad, the Suns could finally live up to their potential.
Reasons they may falter…Running wild in the regular season, the Suns have struggled when it comes to the playoffs in the last two seasons. The Western Conference is by far the toughest and with competition high amongst all eight teams, Phoenix sometimes need to compromise their stylish attacking play in a bit to avoid another failure.
Key Player: Steve Nash
It’ll be an achievement if…Steve Nash can once again claim the MVP award leading the Suns to another top three spot in the Western Conference.
It won’t be a surprise if…The Suns come up against a strong Spurs team once again and their Championship experience lets them down.
San Antonio Spurs (58-24)
Head Coach: Gregg Popovich
Last Season’s Performance: NBA Champions, defeating Cleveland by 4-0
Major Changes: Forward Matt Bonner resigned along with Fabricio Oberto whilst Vassilis Ppanoulis was traded in for Jackie Butler and the rights to another player.
1st Round Draft Pick: Tiago Splitter
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing… With another NBA Championship in the bag, the Spurs showed last season that despite being a relatively veteran side, they should never be underestimated. With few changes made to their roster and hunger for another ring bound to be greater than ever, the Spurs will be the team to beat.
Reasons they may falter…Due to the fact that they will be the team to beat, the Spurs will no longer be underestimated and having failed to put back to back Championships together last time they hoisted the O’Brien trophy high it might be too much to expect them to be able to repeat the feat this time around.
Key Player: Tim Duncan
It’ll be an achievement if…They come through the Western Conference Playoff’s as simply as they did last season.
It won’t be a surprise if…The Spurs are taken more seriously by their rivals this season and find themselves but under great pressure in the playoffs.
The Playoff Certainties
Detroit Pistons (53-29)
Head Coach: Flip Saunders
Last Season’s Performance: Eastern Conference Finalists
Major Changes: Despite much speculation surrounding changes to the squad ahead ot the new season the major business for Detroit was to resign Chauncy Billups and Antonio McDyess
1st Round Draft Pick: Rodney Stucker and Aaron Affalo
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing: Having claimed the NBA Championships in style before losing it to the Spurs three seasons ago, the Detroit Pistons showed themselves to be worthy to claim a title in ’07 but fell at the last hurdle against Cleveland. With plenty of playoff experience and knowledge of knowing what it takes to win a Championship they can never be counted out if the favourites do not perform to the very highest of standards.
Reasons they may falter: Very much like the Spurs last season, they were unexpectedly stronger than the more fancied teams in their conference when it came to the playoffs. This season they will be considered far more of a threat to their rivals crown and making very few changes to their squad, teams already know what they are about.
Key Player: Chauncy Billups
It’ll be an achievement if… The Pistons can return to the finals by showing their dominance of the East.
It won’t be a surprise if… They are once again defeated by the young and hungry teams who are able to dominate through desire and not experience.
Boston Celtics (24-58)
Head Coach: Doc Rivers
Last Season’s Performance: 15th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: Boston have without doubt been the busiest of all NBA teams this Summer having being involved in a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Seattle Supersonics. They resigned Ray Allen and brought in Kevin Garnett in a bit to reverse their recent fortunes.
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Having finished bottom of the weaker Eastern Conference last season there is only one way the Celtic’s can go, upwards. With the addition of Kevin Garnett their front court is now a serious threat and with the three pronged attacking line involving the former Timberwolves star there is a realistic possibility that Boston could be bringing home a Championship this year.
Reasons they may falter… Making wholesale changes doesn’t always guarantee success and although they were not performing last season trading several of their recognised players out of the club could affect them in the long term, as they say, ‘one player doesn’t make a team’.
Key Player: Kevin Garnett
It’ll be an achievement if… Boston are able to surprise everyone and reach the heights of the Eastern conference playoff finals.
It won’t be a surprise if…It takes some time for the new line up to settle in and Boston make the eighth spot in the East or just miss out.
Houston Rockets (52-30)
Head Coach: Rick Adelman
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round, Eliminated by Utah
Major Changes: The Rockets brought back Steve Francis from his nightmare in New York but lost Juwan Howard and potentially face losing Dikembe Mutumbo.
1st Round Draft Pick: Aaron Brooks
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing… For several years now the Rocket’s have been ‘there or there about’s’ with the combination of Yao and McGrady. The addition of Francis finally gives them an offensive outlet and takes the scoring pressure of Tracy McGrady meaning they are almost certainties to make the playoffs.
Reasons they may falter…Injuries almost cost the Rockets a place in the playoffs last season and with Yao and McGrady being so valuable to the team there is no way the club can do without either of their top stars.
Key Player: Tracy McGrady
It’ll be an achievement if…The Rockets are able to over throw the tag of ‘playoff certainties’ and become genuine Championship contenders.
It won’t be a surprise if…The West once again proves a tough minefield for them to navigate.
Cleveland Cavalliers (50-32)
Head Coach: Mike Brown
Last Season’s Performance: NBA Finalists, Swept 4-0 by the Spurs
Major Changes: Cleveland have surprisingly made no changes to their roster in the off season.
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Having made their first apperence in the Finals navigating past a tricky field in the East it would make sense that once again the Cavs will be fancied to prove themselves more than just a ‘flash in the pan’.
Reasons they may falter…God forbid anything happened to Lebron James or the Cavs would be in serious danger of finishing way out of contention. Not just his scoring ability but his all round play is vital in ensuring that the Cavs are much more than also rans. They have however failed to build on last season successes and therefore could be overtaken by those who have added to their squad.
Key Player: Lebron James
It’ll be an achievement if…The Cavs can make the NBA Finals for a second season in a row.
It won’t be a surprise if…They are piped at the post by the now strengthened Celtics and the experiences hardened Pistons.
Washington Wizards (41-41)
Head Coach: Eddie Jordan
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Washington have also made few changes to their roster, their only tranasction of not was to resign Deshawn Stevenson.
1st Round Draft Pick: Nick Young
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With Gilbert Arenas in their team, anything is possible for the Wizards and having led the East for a number of months before slipping down the positions they will fancy their chances of comfortably making the playoffs.
Reasons they may falter…Very much like the Cavs, a lack of depth in their squad threatens their chances of not only making the conference Semi Finals but with only Arenas who can be considered a ‘World Class’ talent it would take a superhuman effort to overhaul the ‘Superpowers’ of the East.
Key Player: Gilbert Arenas
It’ll be an achievement if…They can get past round one of the playoffs
It won’t be a surprise if…They finish exactly the same in the new season as they did in the last.
Denver Nuggets (45-37)
Head Coach: George Karl
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Having conducted most of their business in the middle of last season by signing Allen Iverson, the Nuggets only real movement was to sign Chucky Atkins
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Having joined half way through last year in a major trade to save their season, the addition of Allen Iverson got the Nuggets to play more like the team that Carmelo wanted to be part of in his second year. With the blend of determination from the two it should be enough to confirm them as mainstays in the playoffs.
Reasons they may falter…An injury to one of their two top stars or an ugly head rearing of either personalities if things aren’t going well and the Nugget’s could be back as a struggling team with no star names in their roster.
Key Player: Carmelo Anthony
It’ll be an achievement if… The Nugget’s on court pairing of ‘Melo and AI can combine to get them into a top four spot in the conference.
It won’t be a surprise if… They are once again left to nurse the wounds of a first round defeat.
Miami Heat (44-38)
Head Coach: Pat Riley
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Miami have been fairly busy during the Summer securing deals to sign Smush Parker, Penny Hardaway and Jeremy Richards. Dwayne Wade has also had surgery and is expected to be fit for the start of the campaign.
1st Round Draft Pick: Dariquan Cook
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Having failed to defend their trophy last season Miami felt the pain of first round elimination. With Shaq and Wade now having recovered from injuries which dogged them for most of last season and the addition of Parker and Penny in the back court Miami has options to turn them back into realistic Championship contenders.
Reasons they may falter…Last season proved what we all knew, that Dwayne Wade is the most vital cog in the Miami machine and without him in their line up they are increasingly vunrable. Having postponed surgery to play in the final stages of the regular season and the playoffs they will be hoping that their star man suffered no ill effects of the postponment.
Key Player: Dwayne Wade
It’ll be an achievement if…Miami are able to return to the NBA Finals in a bid to claim their second championship.
It won’t be a surprise if…Shaq and Mourning’s old legs at centre leave them with too many voids to fill.
Chicago Bulls (49-33)
Head Coach: Scott Skiles
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Chicago have made several changes to their roster resigning Andres Nocioni and bringing in Jameson Curry, Aaron Gray and Joe Smith.
1st Round Draft Pick: Joakim Noah
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…When Ben Wallace joined last season, everyone expected Chicago to be the team to beat in the East, everyone except the Bulls themselves. Joining a young crowd of upcoming players they proved that they have a solid base to recreate the golden era of the 1990’s and with a season or two’s experience under their belts they may now be ready to take the next step and throw their name into the hat as contenders.
Reasons they may falter…The sheer weight of expectation on the Bulls is huge and the way in which they over achieved in their first season under Skiles has raised the bar or performance even higher.
Key Player: Ben Wallace
It’ll be an achievement if…The rawness of youth can push them on from playoffs to conference finalists.
It won’t be a surprise if…They find it too tough once more this time around
Utah Jazz (51-31)
Head Coach: Jerry Sloan
Last Season’s Performance: Conference Finalists
Major Changes: Utah have been fairly inactive after their run to the conference finals last season with Morris Almund being the only player to sign during the off season.
1st Round Draft Pick: Morris Almund
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Surprising even their own fans by reaching the conference finals last year the Jazz must have thought this was finally their time with no Suns or Mavs in their way but having being out fought by the Spurs they will be hoping that they can learn from their experiences once again and fight their way into the finals.
Reasons they may falter…Very much like their opponents in the Western Finals last year, no one expected them to be there, now the bar has been raised for a performance of equal standards in 2008.
Key Player: Andrei Kiralenko
It’ll be an achievement if…The Jazz can match anything like 2007’s performance
It won’t be a surprise if…They are ousted by the stronger Suns, Mavs and Spurs before they can get there.
The Maybe/Maybe Nots
LA Lakers (42-40)
Head Coach: Phil Jackson
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Surprisingly and to the dislike of Kobe, the Lakers have made very few changes resigning Derek Fisher has been their only off season move.
1st Round Draft Pick: Javaris Crittonton
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With Kobe Bryant in their side, anything is possible. His superhuman performances last season and also in the FIBA Championships in the Summer show he is motivated for success and very much in the way the Bulls are working with youth there is nothing to stop Kobe leading this team into the playoffs once again.
Reasons they may falter…A real lack of depth not only bugs Kobe but supporters of the Lakers. With their disechanted ‘leader’ demanding a trade away from the Lakers and then the club doing nothing to appease him by bringing in talent to support him it is questionable whether he will be interested in playing for a team which no longer challenges for titles on a regular basis.
Key Player: Kobe Bryant (If he’s still playing in purple and gold)
It’ll be an achievement if…Bryant can link together with the young players around him and start to build something successful at the Lakers.
It won’t be a surprise if…After another season of disapointment Kobe jumps ship
Toronto Raptors (47-35)
Head Coach: Sam Mitchell
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Toronto have made two big changes in the off season bringing in Carlos Delfino after he found himself a free agent and also signing Jason Kapono from the Miami Heat.
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Having performed well above expectations by making the playoffs and finishing on a strong note during the regular season, the Raptors have added to their staff with the talented Kapono and Delfino they could also be a threat this time around
Reasons they may falter: With everyone underestimating the Raptors last season, it is unlikely to be the same this time around. The Raptors will now be considered amongst the favourites in their division and will face a much harder challenge to hold onto their playoff position.
Key Player: Jason Kapono
It’ll be an achievement if…The Raptors can do anything like last season and finish with a superb record.
It won’t be a surprise if…The fail to deal with the weight of expectation and suffer from expectations of a second season of success.
New Jersey Nets (41-41)
Head Coach: Lawrence Franks
Last Season’s Performance: Eastern Conference Semi Finals
Major Changes: The Nets big news in the Summer was to resign Vince Carter who took the option of the extra year on his contract. They also signed Jamal Magloire.
1st Round Draft Pick: Sean Williams
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With the completed bedding in of the Carter/Kidd system, the Nets picked up some big wins on their way to the Eastern Conference semi finals last season. Although they were not able to get past the stronger Cavs or the Pistons they will once more be a big threat to those who have aspirations for the Championship.
Reasons they may falter…Despite starting well last season the Nets faded to an equal win and loss record during last season. As they were considered as respectable candidates for the Championship last year the pressure will be on for them to succeed greater next time around.
Key Player: Vince Carter
It’ll be an achievement if…The Nets can make it to the Eastern Conference finals to give themselves a shot at making the NBA Championship series.
It won’t be a surprise if…They once again fail to make the grade and perform exactly as they did last campaign.
LA Clippers (40-42)
Head Coach: Mike Dunleavy
Last Season’s Performance: 9th in Western Conference
Major Changes: Having just missed out on the playoff last season the Clippers have made changes by signing Quentin Ross.
1st Round Draft Pick: Al Thornton
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing...Much improved over the last two campaigns the Clippers were just shaded out of the playoff picture last season but if they can continue to play consistently throughout the regular season then they have a realistic chance of finishing above their city rivals once again.
Reasons they may falter…Elton Brand’s injury means that the leading light of the Clippers may miss most of the regular season which puts them in peril of not making the playoffs yet again.
Key Player: Elton Brand
It’ll be an achievement if…The Clipper’s can hold their own without their star man and make a late assault on the playoffs.
It won’t be a surprise if…Brand’s injury takes it’s toll on the squad and they finish in a worse position than they did last campaign.
Golden State Warriors (42-40)
Head Coach: Don Nelson
Last Season’s Performance: Western Conference Semi Finalists
Major Changes: Shocking the favourite Mav’s in last seasons playoffs they have traded Jason Richardson for a selection in next years draft pick but made no other changes.
1st Round Draft Pick: Brandon Wright
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…The confidence which was given to them by their defeat of the Mavs’ cannot be understated and having kept a relatively similar squad this time around may be an opportunity to prove that it wasn’t just fluke which earned them so much praise last season.
Reasons they may falter…With the knowledge that they have the quality to beat even the top sides they are likely to be considered a threat and this means they are highly unlikely to ever be underestimated.
Key Player: Baron Davis
It’ll be an achievement if…The Warriers can achieve a Semi Finalists position
It won’t be a surprise if…They struggle to hit eighth and miss out all together this time around.
The Also-Rans
Orlando Magic (40-42)
Head Coach: Stan Van Gundy
Last Season’s Performance: Playoff 1st Round
Major Changes: Orlando Magic extended the contract or allstar forward Dwight Howard and also traded Rashard Lewis.
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With a losing record last season it’s easy to right off the Magic as nothing more than also rans. The talent of Dwight Howard is undoubtable but whether or not they have the squad to once again make the playoffs is.
Reasons they may shock us all…The performance of the eighth ranked Warriers last season gave everyone hope and with Howard growing as a player in stature and experience don’t write them off as a shock candidates in the East.
Key Player: Dwight Howard
It’ll be an achievement if…The addition of Rashard Lewis turns them into contenders rather than also rans.
It won’t be a surprise if…They make the playoffs but go no further than the 1st round
New York Knicks (33-49)
Head Coach: Isiah Thomas
Last Season’s Performance: 12th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: The Knicks have made no significant additions to their roster in the off season.
1st Round Draft Pick: Wilson Chandler
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…For what seems like eternities now, the NBA’s most famous basketball side have been playing like nothing more than prize Thanksgiving turkeys and nothing has changed to suggest this won’t be another season of over acheievement.
Reasons they may shock us all… At one point last season it did look as if the Knicks might be in the hunt for the 8th playoff spot and with the East being significantly weaker than the West there is an opportunity for them to surprise us all.
Key Player: Quentin Richardson
It’ll be an achievement if…They can make the playoffs for the first time in way too long.
It won’t be a surprise if…Knicks fans are once again let down but the underachieving generation at Madison Square Garden.
Portland Trail Blazers (32-50)
Head Coach: Nate Macmillan
Last Season’s Performance: 13th in Western Conference
Major Changes: Although the Blazers waived the opportunity to sign Steve Francis they resigned Travis Outlaw and also brought in Steve Blake who was a free agent.
1st Round Draft Pick: Greg Oden
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Missing out on the opportunity to sign Steve Francis the Trail Blazer’s pretty much waived their right to be little more than a forgotten team in the West. With few additions to their squad it is unlikely that anything will change.
Reasons they may shock us all…Number two draft pick Greg Oden. Having looked at the effects of players like Lebron James and Carmelo Anthony who have almost single handedly changed the fortunes of struggling teams, Oden could play a major role in a season or progression in Portland.
Key Player: Greg Oden
It’ll be an achievement if…They can finish inside the top ten in the west.
It won’t be a surprise if…This is yet another transitional season.
Sacramento Kings (32-49)
Head Coach: Regie Theus
Last Season’s Performance: 12th in Western Conference
Major Changes: The Kings added two free agent signings to their team in the off season Justin Williams and Mustafa Shakur.
1st Round Draft Pick: Spencer Hawes
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…As their record and position last season suggests Sacremento are finding the Western Conference tough to crack and another season without the playoff beckons unless serious improvement can be achieved.
Reasons they may shock us all…With few expectations being aimed their way this time around there is no pressure for the Kings to succeed and they could therefore sneak in under the radar.
Key Player: Ron Artest
It’ll be an achievement if…They can achieve a positive record.
It won’t be a surprise if…Ron Artest makes more headlines than the team in 2008.
Milwaukee Bucks (23-54)
Head Coach: Larry Krystkow
Last Season’s Performance: 14th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: The Bucks made a couple of changes to their roster for the new season resigning Mo Williams and bringing in Desmond Mason, Jake Voskuh and Awvee Storey as free agents.
1st Round Draft Pick: Yi Jianlian
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…An apauling record last season the Bucks need a serious shake up to avoid finishing bottom in the far weaker Eastern side of the NBA.
Reasons they may shock us all…The addition of four players, and the resiging of Mo Williams may boost confidence. Add to that the talents of Yi and they could cause a surprise.
Key Player: Michael Redd
It’ll be an achievement if…Their record becomes anything like respectable last season
It won’t be a surprise if…They finish well off the playoff pace.
New Orleans Hornets (39-43)
Head Coach: Byron Scott
Last Season’s Performance: 10th in Western Conference
Major Changes: The only major addition to the Hornets squad for the upcoming season is Mo Peterson who signed as a free agent.
1st Round Draft Pick: Julian Wright
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…New Orleans, since their move from Charlotte have consistently been the whipping boys in the West and with no major changes on the court expect this to continue.
Reasons they may shock us all…Back in their home city of New Orleans, the Hornets can only hope that they received divine inspiration during the new campaign as well as continuing brilliance from Chris Paul.
Key Player: Chris Paul
It’ll be an achievement if…They can finally break into the playoff picture.
It won’t be a surprise if…They once again finish as below average side in the NBA.
Seattle Supersonics (31-51)
Head Coach: PJ Carlesimo
Last Season’s Performance: 14th in Western Conference
Major Changes: In a trade with the Celtics the Supersonics brought in Kurt Thomas and also signed Jeff Green as a free agent.
1st Round Draft Pick: Kevin Durrant
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Way off the pace in the West last season the natives have been unsettled by talk of a move and with things off the court uncertain, there is a danger this could affect on the field events. Too much rebuilding in one season could tall the room to cave in in Seattle.
Reasons they may shock is all…As with Greg Oden in Portland, this could be a season of change in Seattle. With nothing to lose and no expectations placed on anyone but Durrant the ‘squad’ players could be inspired by the number two draft pick and push Seattle up the West.
Key Player: Kevin Durrant
It’ll be an achievement if…Kevin Durrant wins rookie of the year and the Supersonic’s make the playoffs.
It won’t be a surprise if…They struggle with the transition and struggle to hit anything like eighth spot.
Indiana Pacers (35-47)
Head Coach: Jim O’Brien
Last Season’s Performance: 9th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: In a busy Summer for the Pacers they signed four players as free agents, Kareem Push, Andre Owens, Stephen Graham and Travis Diener.
1st Round Draft Pick: Declined.
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Making several changes to their roster in the off season, there could be a largely unsettling current of uncertainty coming from the Pacers as they look to chance that 8th spot in the East.
Reasons they may shock us all…As they didn’t finish that far off the pase last season it is concieveable that O’Neal could be appeased by another promising season in Indiana.
Key Player: Jermaine O’Neal
It’ll be an achievement if…The Pacers can make the playoffs and also attract Kobe Bryant
It won’t be a surprise if…They miss out once again and O’Neal demands a trade.
The Not Likely Lads
Charlotte Bobcats (33-49)
Head Coach: Sam Vincent
Last Season’s Performance: 11th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: The Hornets made two notable resignings in the off season Gerald Wallace and Matt Carrol.
1st Round Draft Pick: Jared Dudley
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With a poor record last season and only a couple of resignings in the off season, there is very little to suggest that anything will change.
Reasons they may shock us all…Resigning Gerald Wallace was a massive move for the Bobcats and although it is unlikely that such a move will impact on their fortunes immadietely it could help secure their future.
Key Player: Jason Richardson
It’ll be an achievement if…A Wallace and Richardson inspire Bobcats can grap 8th spot
It won’t be a surprise if…They finish in an extremely similar position as to the one they did in 2007.
Philadelphia 76ers (35-47)
Head Coach: Mo Cheeks
Last Season’s Performance: 10th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: Philli have made no changes to their roster before the new season.
1st Round Draft Pick: Jason Smith
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Having lost AI last season the played like a team freed of his shackles when he departed to join the Nuggets but with no more changes made since then it may be a case of the club stagnating rather than going forwards or backwards.
Reasons they may shock us all…To say they played almost the full season without Allen Iverson the 76ers performed well above expectations and with very little expected of them once again they could provide us all with a surprise again.
Key Player: Andre Igoudala
It’ll be an achievement if…They can push on and make the playoffs
It won’t be a surprise if…They are overtaken by teams who have made changes such as the Celtics
Atlanta Hawks (30-52)
Head Coach: Mike Woodsun
Last Season’s Performance: 13th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: The Hawks have opted to make no changes to their playing staff.
1st Round Draft Pick: Al Horford
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…Since the loss of Mutumbo the Hawks have been nothing but also rans in their attempts to put together a side of some strength in the East. Finishing 13th last campaign was a respectable achievement but with no changes made to their team it is hard to see them improving.
Reasons they may shock us all…The Eastern conference is wide open and a good run at the right time could see the Hawks make the grade.
Key Player: Josh Smith
It’ll be an achievement if…They can continue to improve and get back to their mid 90’s form of hitting the playoffs
It won’t be a surprise if…They are over powered by more experienced and better teams in the East.
Memphis Grizzlies (22-60)
Head Coach: Marc Lararoni
Last Season’s Performance: 15th in Eastern Conference
Major Changes: The Grizzlies in a bid to improve on last seasons poor performance have signed three players as free agents, Darlo Milicic, Adnre Brown and Caseu Jacobson.
1st Round Draft Pick: Mike Conley
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With nearly three times as many defeats as victories and more changes made in pre season, realistically the Grizzles should go backwards this campaign
Reasons they may shock us all…Anything can happen in the NBA and in the East there is very little difference between the 8th and 15th placed sides
Key Player: Pau Gasol
It’ll be an achievement if…The Grizzlies finish anything but bottom of the conference
It won’t be a surprise if…They prop up the NBA once again
Minnesota Timberwolves (32-49)
Head Coach: Randy Wittman
Last Season’s Performance: 11th in Western Conference
Major Changes: Being involved in a huge trade with Boston Minesota aqquired a number of players in return for Kevin Garnett. Sebastian Telfair, Theo Ratliff, Al Jefferson, Ryan Gomes and Gerald Green will all be playing for the T’Wolves next campaign.
1st Round Draft Pick: Corey Brewer
Reasons they’ll live up to their pre season billing…With their failure to satisfy the hunger of Garnett by once more failing to make the playoffs without their talisman it will be no surprise if they struggle even more in the new campaign.
Reasons they may shock us all…Having now lost their biggest hitter, the willing galvonisation of the new players to prove they do not need Garnett may cause them to be underestimated and surprise us all.
Key Player: Juwan Howard
It’ll be an achievement if…The squad and gel immediately and prove that without their talismanic leader they are a much better all round team.
It won’t be a surprise if…They struggle to cope with the loss of Garnett and so many new players being added to their roster