1. Cavs - I'm almost tempted to say #2 for them as Shaq clogs up the lanes that once opened for LeBron. But I'm sure they'll find a way to make it work for the better of the team.
2. Magic - I personally question the move of Hedo for Vince, but I guess it evens the floor out and Hedo needed the ball in his hands, which means now Nelson can handle the ball even more so. Still Vince is older. I think Magic could take #1 if Dwight has managed to expand offensively and especially if Shaq and LeBron tandem doesn't have the chemistry the Cavs would hope for.
3. Celtics - I think people underestimate the Celtics. But what we must remember is this team started hot last season and it was only KG's injury that slowed them down. If KG can come back and play at the same level he did previous to the injury I think Celtics have #1 potential. However considering the age of KG and Ray Allen I think they'll finish a close 3rd. Either way its going to be a tight race between Cavs, Magic & Celtics. The rest of the teams are a distance from the top 3.
4. Hawks - I see a few people putting the Bulls in front of this team, but I can't see how you can forget there record last year then you add the fact they now have a deeper bench and possibly a solid 6th man in Jamal Crawford. Not only that we lost Ben Gordon.
5. BULLS - I think a lot of the way Chicago goes will depend on a lot of things. The improvement of Rose being most important, but Deng being healthy and ready to play closer to his 06-07 season, Salmons retaining his 08-09 play, Kirk & Pargo replacing Ben, Noah's and Tyrus improving & how the 2 rookies turn out all factors in to whether we become a 4th seed 2nd round playoff team, or a late lottery team.
6. Heat - Richardson coming aboard gives the Heat a much needed outside scorer. How will Beasley fair?
7. Wizards - Will Arenas be healthy and back in form? How will the new supporting cast fit in. This has a big factor on whether the Wizards end up at #4 seed, or a lottery team. A wide range of possibilities with this team.
8. Pistons - Weird guard rotation. Will it work with a weak front court. The best they can hope for is a 1st round knock out. The worst will be mid-late lottery. Ben may finally get the respect and appreciation he deserves (as well as a fat pay cheque), but at the cost of winning for a while.
9. Raptors - This team a year before was a good team. Now with Hedo on board they should be better and could possibly make the playoffs.
10. 76ers - With Miller no longer running an offense they will be worse. Whether Brand can start to gain back form and fit in better may help a little but not much could change the most likely outcome of not making the playoffs.
11. Bucks - Skiles is a great coach and will help them overachieve, but not much else could prevent them from a likely outcome of lottery.
12. Pacers - Not much going for this side. Its now TJ Fords team. Can he live up to the hype he once had?
13. Nets - Devin Harris, Courtney Lee, Brook Lopez and Rafer Alston are the only players with any resemblance of talent of being beyond minimum contract. And sorry but Yi has no potential of improving despite being in his 3rd year and former high lottery pick. At least they have 3 young players to build upon, but it won't help there fate this season.
14. Bobcats - If Iverson comes aboard it could help slightly but nothing will change the fate of lottery for this team.
15. Knicks - What if Darko, Eddy & Danilo realize there potential? Will Nate & Lee be back? Even if I don't see much hope for the Knicks. And I think there 2010 plan will ultimately become either fruitless or end up with one of the lesser targets like Amare Stoudemire, not one of the top 3 they would hope for. I'd feel sorry for them if it wasn't for the past rival thus my hatred of the franchise.
