Toronto-The start of a new season brings with it irrational optimism. One win equals a championship, while a loss spells disaster. Anabolic Stories purports to be your voice of reason. With that said, A.S. presents its 2009-10 National Basketball Association predictions.
REGULAR SEASON STANDINGS:
Eastern Conference:
1. *Cleveland Cavaliers-The addition of Shaq makes the Cavs even stronger.
2. *Orlando Magic-Vince Carter is an upgrade over Hedo Turkoglu.
3. Boston Celtics-The health of Kevin Garnett is key. Rasheed Wallace ameliorates an already outstanding bench.
4. Atlanta Hawks-The acquisitions of Jamal Crawford, Jeff Teague, Joe Smith, and Jason Collins should provide depth that was lacking last season.
5. Miami Heat-Not much has changed.
6. Detroit Pistons-Signing Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva should result in a slight improvement from last year’s disappointing 39-43 record.
7. Toronto Raptors-Improved depth should allow the Raps to return to the playoffs.
8. Chicago Bulls-The loss of Ben Gordon weakens the Bulls’ perimeter attack.
9. Philadelphia 76ers-Andre Miller is a big loss. Look for Jason Kapono to have a bounce back season on a team that was in desperate need of a three-point shooter last year.
10. New York Knicks-Wait another season!
11. Charlotte Bobcats-The Bobcats still have too many holes to be considered a playoff team.
12. Washington Wizards-The success of the Wizards depends on the health of Gilbert Arenas. However, even with “Agent Zero,” Washington is a long shot to make the postseason.
13. Milwaukee Bucks-The Richard Jefferson trade represents a net loss. Michael Redd is healthy now, but that could change between sentences.
14. Indiana Pacers-A return of Mike Dunleavy would have helped. But, he is out with a knee injury until at least November.
15. New Jersey Nets-The loss of Vince Carter will hurt.
Western Conference:
1. *Los Angeles Lakers-Most teams would like to play vicariously through the Lakers.
2. *San Antonio Spurs-The addition Antonio McDyess should lead to a better frontcourt. Richard Jefferson was a steal!
3. Denver Nuggets-Not much has changed.
4. *Portland Trail Blazers-Andre Miller is a significant improvement at point guard.
5. New Orleans Hornets-Emeka Okafor is an upgrade over Tyson Chandler.
6. Dallas Mavericks-The acquisition of Shawn Marion provides the Mavs with some much-needed athleticism.
7. Phoenix Suns-The subtraction of Shaq should allow the Suns to play more of an up tempo style.
8. Utah Jazz-Off-court turbulence could disrupt the on-court product.
9. Houston Rockets-The loss of Yao Ming for the entire season is bound to sting. Tracy McGrady’s future is uncertain after knee surgery.
10. Memphis Grizzlies-The addition of Zach Randolph is not enough to get Memphis over the hump.
11. Golden State Warriors-Pitiful defense
12. Minnesota Timberwolves-The Timberwolves made plenty of changes. But overall, it is not a significantly improved team.
13. Oklahoma City Thunder-The Thunder is still miles away from competing for a playoff berth.
14. Los Angeles Clippers-Blake Griffin is already hurt!
15. Sacramento Kings-Yawn
*=Division Winner
AWARDS:
MVP: Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
Defensive Player of the Year: Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
Rookie of the Year: James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder
Sixth Man of the Year: Rudy Fernandez, Portland Trail Blazers
Most Improved Player: Rudy Fernandez, Portland Trail Blazers
Executive of the Year: R. C. Budford, San Antonio Spurs
Comeback Player of the Year: Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards
NBA Champions: Atlanta Hawks
Runner-Up: San Antonio Spurs
