Florida Marlins Preview

Key Battles

No real battles here, we could see one possibly in CF, but I will assume that Maybin gets the start to begin the season. Another potential one will be at 1B, but again I think Sanchez will be given the chance.

Key Acquisitions

• Leo Nunez

Summary

This is a very young and talented group that the Florida Marlins have. However, they may not compete for the NL East Pennant. They should give the top teams some trouble though. The pitching staff is especially intriguing, which could turn out to have the best stuff of any rotation in the East. They need to stay healthy if they stand any chance especially Josh Johnson and Anibal Sanchez. Also it will be interesting to see what Andrew Miller, will he put 2008 behind and pitch like what was expected of him or will they be forced to make a change? The lineup is average thus far, with a great hitter in Hanley Ramirez, however I don’t think that he will get enough support. A couple of players to look for is Cameron Maybin and Gaby Sanchez, they could be huge pieces to the Marlins getting to the top down the road. Another big factor is the bullpen, it doesn’t look too appealing. I like the addition of Nunez, but the big question will be the closers role. Can Matt Lindstrom step up and be a legit closer? I think he has got the makeup, but we’ll have to see if he can put it together. If they can get some big production from the likes of Sanchez and Maybin and the rotation can stay healthy, this team may make a run. However, I believe they are still at least a year away from making a run, they are just too young at this point, but so were the Rays.

New York Mets Preview

Key Battles

SP5: Tim Redding, Livan Hernandez, Jon Niese

• It sounds like the Mets are leaning towards Livan Hernandez. Why? The competition should be between Tim Redding and Jon Niese, but it appears the Mets haven’t seen Livan’s last couple of years. However, I believe the Mets will learn the hard way and probably give up on Livan. Expect Tim Redding to be the next in line.

Key Acquisitions

• Francisco Rodriguez
• J.J. Putz
• Tim Redding
• Livan Hernandez

Summary

The Mets added some really big pieces this offseason in K-Rod and Putz. The Mets had an atrocious pen last year and desperately needed to find solutions and they did this offseason. Their rotation also remains solid with one of the best pitchers in the game Johan Santana anchoring it. As long as Perez, Pelfrey, and Maine can come close to what they did last year they should be fine. The lineup is pretty good too, with a nice middle of the order with Beltran, Wright, and Delgado. The key may be the production of the corner outfielders. Can Ryan Church stay healthy, can Murphy continue producing like he did at the end of last year or can Tatis be the player he was a year ago? I don’t know if all those will hold up, but if they can get a one or two of those working for them I think the Mets could be the team to beat in the NL East.

Philadelphia Phillies Preview

Key Battles

SP5: Chan Ho Park/J.A. Happ/Kyle Kendrick

• It sounds like Chan Ho Park may get the nod here, but expect J.A. Happ to take over sooner in the season rather than later. I don’t if it is just me, but Chan Ho and hitter friendly ballparks just don’t seem to go hand in hand.

• Key Acquisitions
  
• Raul Ibanez
• Chan Ho Park

Summary

Can the World Series champion Phillies repeat and take this division. They certainly can, but the competition does improve within the division. The good thing about this team is that the offense is still very good even with the loss of Burrell. They added Ibanez to take his place and where he might not have the power that Burrell has, he is still very capable of taking his place. He will make them better against righties and will probably make more contact in key situations. Also they need to be cautious with Chase Utley, they need him for the long haul. If he gets brought in too early and gets hurt there will be little chance that the Phillies will be at the top. The key to them repeating will be the rotation. Cole Hamels should be fine, but he won’t be able to carry this team alone. They will need good performances from Blanton and Myers, if they don’t Phillies will be in a lot of trouble. The bullpen should still be fine as long as Lidge stays healthy. However it could start a little shaky with J.C. Romero being suspended, but Scott Eyre should be able to take over for the time being. Overall, the Phillies have a good offense and pen, but if their rotation 2-5 doesn’t help out Cole, it could be a rough year.

Washington Nationals Preview

Key Battles

2B: Anderson Hernandez/Ronnie Belliard

• Anderson Hernandez will likely get the start, but Ronnie Belliard really should be the one getting this spot. Hernandez is an awful hitter and if the Nationals are alarmed by Belliard’s defense they should really look at his prior defensive stats. He can also provide some good offensive support at the seven or eight spot.

SP5: Collin Balester/Sharion Martis

• Doesn’t really matter, but since Sharion is 21, they should probably give him some time in the minors.

Key Acquisitions

• Adam Dunn
• Scott Olsen
• Daniel Cabrera

Summary

Bottom line is that the Nationals have too many question marks on this team to compete with the rest of the NL East. First they don’t have a real strong pitching staff. It really lacks a true number one, but I do like Lannan. Also Olsen wasn’t a bad addition, but the rest of that rotation is very shaky, especially Daniel Cabrera. Their bullpen is also has some holes. First off it is hard to see Joel Hanrahan as a good closer, but he is a solid reliever and suppose could be the best they have, which isn’t saying much. There lineup also has some question marks, like what kind of offense they will receive from Elijah Dukes who has a lot of power and potentially could give them some good production from the 5 hole as long as he stays out of trouble. Lasting Milledge is also another big mystery. He has a lot of potential, but we have yet to see him put it together. The final key to this offense will be the play of Nick Johnson. He is a great hitter, but he hasn’t been able to stay healthy, if he can stay healthy and Lastings and Elijah Dukes can produce, this may be a pretty potent lineup. One key acquisition that the Nationals did get was Adam Dunn who should provide some very nice power in the middle of that lineup. However there are just too many question marks and a lack of pitching for this team to be a real contender.

Atlanta Braves Preview

Key Battles

CF: Josh Anderson, Gregor Blanco, or Jordan Schafer

• Josh Anderson seems to be the front runner here.
• Gregor Blanco is a very patient hitter and solid defender, who could become a great top of the order hitter. However it sounds as though the Braves are favoring Josh Anderson in center, but it should be interesting to see who winds up getting the bulk of the playing time.
• Jordan Schafer may be best suited to play one more year in the minors to polish up his game.
  

CL: Mike Gonzalez or Rafael Soriano

• Mike Gonzalez will be the closer here, but watch out for Soriano. Soriano is coming off shoulder surgey and could take some time to get into top form, but when he is at that form he can be the best in this pen.

Key Acquisition

• Derek Lowe
  
• Garret Anderson
  
• Javier Vazquez
• Kenshin Kawakami

Summary

Overall I think this a team that can definitely compete for the NL East title. First their pitching staff got immensely better with the pick ups of Derek Lowe, Javier Vazquez, and Kenshin Kawakami. This staff could actually be the best all around rotation in the East. The key for this team is really going to be the health of the bullpen in Mike Gonzalez and Rafael Soriano. I feel both these guys will probably have to be healthy for the majority of the year for the Braves to be serious competitors. Another key for this team is the power. I feel this team will lack in power, unless Kotchman or Francoeur figure it out. I see the Braves being forced to make a move here and looking back at it, they probably should have made a run for Adam Dunn. The final key will lie in the arm of Kenshin Kawakami, if he can make for an adequate 2 or 3 this team should have the best all around staff. If all of these keys come together than the Braves could be headed back to the playoffs.

Hello world!

Welcome to WordPress.com. This is your first post. Edit or delete it and start blogging!

NBA Trade Deadline Grades

Chicago Bulls –Sacramento Kings-Portland Trailblazers

Bulls : Brad Miller and John Salmons
Grade: A-
Comments: There are a lot of good aspects about this trade for the Bulls. First they are able to dump some salary for the big free agent year of 2010, the big salary big that of Andres Nocioni. They were also able to get a better post player for the system that the Bulls run. Is Brad Miller great? No, but he is a better defender than Drew Gooden, a better post offense (again not great, but solid), and a smarter player. As for John Salmons they are able to get a longer guard, a solid scorer, and solid defender. It also helps them out for next year, when Ben Gordon becomes a free agent, which if the Bulls front office has any intelligence will not re-sign him. John Salmons is not only a good back up plan for Ben Gordon, but he can play both the guard and small forward position.

Kings: Andres Nocioni, Drew Gooden, Ike Diogu, Cedric Simmons
Grade: C+
Comments: I am confused at what the Kings are trying to achieve in this deal. I like Andres’s intensity and defense, but he has a long and somewhat expensive contract and for a team that won’t be winning anytime soon. I don’t see how this helps their future, plus they bring in Drew Gooden who is not very good defensively and doesn’t have a true post game, but who knows maybe he can turn things around in Sacramento, but I doubt it. The one good thing however, is that Drew Gooden becomes a free agent next year, so even if he doesn’t produce they get an expiring contract.

Trailblazers: Michael Ruffin
Grade: C

Toronto Raptors-Miami Heat

Raptors: Shawn Marion, Marcus Banks, and Cash
Grade: B+
Comments: I like the deal here, they bring in a much needed defensive small forward with length. It also allows for Andrea Bargnani to get more minutes and play alongside Chris Bosh. Jermaine O’Neal just didn’t seem to fit into the Raptors system and now if they can play more of an up-tempo game, I think they can make a legitimate run to the playoffs. It may be tough to get there, but I think this trade will help them and who knows maybe they can bring back Marion at a reasonable price next year and get back to playoff form.

Heat: Jermaine O’Neal, Jamario Moon, Conditional Draft Pick
Grade: B-
Comments: I don’t know if I am on board with the majority on this trade. Jermaine O’Neal wasn’t a bad player to bring in, he gives them a solid post player, who will play better defense and grab more rebounds than Beasley at this point, but I hate the idea of moving Beasley to the small forward position. I just see other small forwards around the league having a field day with him and offensively he may struggle as well seeing as his best offensive game is taken bigs of the dribble or shooting jumpers. Now he won’t be able to have that versatility. Second I love what Marion brings to the table and is a huge asset to any team with his defense. I thought they should have tried to work out a deal for a Tyson Chandler type, a true center that can get boards, block shots, and give the Heat much needed size. This could work out if Beasley dedicates himself to playing defense and O’Neal can come close to returning to his old self.

Orlando Magic-Houston Rockets-Memphis Grizzlies

Magic: Rafer Alston
Grade: A-
Comments: I love this deal for the Magic. They needed to fill the void for Jameer Nelson and I believe Rafer Alston can fill it. Now I don’t believe that he completely fills the void, but for what was out there this was the best option.

Rockets: Kyle Lowry and Brian Cook
Grade: B
Comments: An interesting deal for the Rockets. I think they wanted to give Aaron Brooks an opportunity to show what he can do and possibly see if Lowry can have better luck with them than Memphis. Also with McGrady out, they may have felt like they weren’t winning a championship, so they wanted to experiment a little bit with the point guard position. Overall I think it was probably the right move for the Rockets and should give them idea of whether Brooks and Lowry can handle the point or if they need to make a move for a point.

Grizzlies: Adonal Foyle, Mike Wilks, and Magic 1st Round Pick
Grade: B+
Comments: I like this deal for the Grizzlies, because all they do essentially is trade their backup point guard for a late first round pick. However, Mike Conley will have to step up and take over, he is now the guy. Plus they don’t take a big hit to the salary cap and Foyle becomes a free agent next year.

New York Knicks-Chicago Bulls

Knicks: Larry Hughes
Grade: B-
Comments: This is not a bad move by the Knicks; they are able to get a shooting guard that could really bring more length and fit well into D’Antoni’s system. As long as he doesn’t whine about his playing time this should turn out to be a solid deal for the Knicks.

Bulls: Tim Thomas, Jerome James, and Anthony Roberson
Grade: C
Comments: All the Bulls were trying to do here was to get rid of a nuisance. Tim Thomas may give them value, as long as he puts the past behind him (a feud with Skiles in 2006). They also essentially just traded expiring contracts for expiring contracts, so this deal really doesn’t have too much impact for the Bulls, besides getting rid of a guy who didn’t want to be there.

New York Knicks- Oklahoma City Thunder

Knicks: Chris Wilcox
Grade: B-
Comments: This deal gave them a post player that could fit well into D’Antoni’s system. It also could help them make a push to the playoffs and they didn’t have to give up anyone significant.

Thunder: Malik Rose
Grade: D
Comment: The reason I am so down on this trade, is that Wilcox could have netted them Chandler, who in my opinion could have made them significantly better.

Chicago Bulls-Oklahoma City Thunder

Bulls: Conditional 1st Round Pick
Grade: A-
Comments: After the deal that brought in Salmons, it just didn’t seem like Thabo Sefolosha was going to see any playing time. It seems that the Bulls didn’t want to stunt the growth of Thabo, so they shipped him to someone who would give him time. In return they are able to get what will be a late first round pick, which is great value for a little used guard.

Thunder: Thabo Sefolosha
Grade: B+
Comments: I also like the deal for the Thunder. They have a hand full of first round pick and they desperately needed a shooting guard. Currently they had Kyle Weaver starting at the shooting guard position and he was hardly producing anything. I think Thabo can be productive for them and at the very least will give them a solid defender and some athleticism.

Minnesota Timberwolves-Sacramento Kings

Timberwolves: Shelden Williams and Bobby Brown
Grade: B-

Kings: Rashad McCants and Calvin Booth
Grade: C
Comments (For Both Teams): Pretty insignificant for both teams. Kings get a solid wing player that will bring them a little offense of the bench and Minnesota gets some depth for the loss of Al Jefferson. All contracts are expiring soon so not a whole lot of money being gained on either side, just depth.

Top 3 Winners, Bottom 3 Losers

Winners:
1. Chicago Bulls
Comments: Get slightly better with the additions of Miller and Salmons and are able to clear some cap space for 2010.

2. Orlando Magic
Comments: Get a much needed point guard with the season ending injury to Jameer Nelson. Alston could be a key piece to this team potentially getting to the finals.

3. New York Knicks
Comments: I really liked what the Knicks did here, they really take on any salary for the big 2010 off-season and were able to get players that can contribute and help make a push for the playoffs.

Honorable Mention: Toronto Raptors
Comments: Marion could be a key addition and a nice fit with Bosh and Bargnani, it could make for a pretty good up-tempo team.

Losers:
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
Comments: They had a chance to make big improvements to their team and make them better for the future in adding Chandler. He would have given them a great defender and height to a pretty small team, at least in the post.

2. Sacramento Kings
Comments: Taking on Andres Nocioni’s contract was a big no no for a team that will probably have no chance for the playoffs in the years to come.

3. Portland Trailblazers
Comments: Thought they needed to get something for Raef’s contract and failed to do so. Now I am sure it was hard for them to make such a move so I will cut them slack. It just would have been nice for them to add a small forward or point to help them make a deep run in the playoffs.

Honorable Mention: Cleveland Cavaliers
Comments: Thought they may have been able to add an additional piece to the puzzle, but failed to do that, with a good bargaining chip in Wally Szczerbiak.

Evaluation of Other Deals that Occurred Earlier in the Year

Detroit Pistons-Denver Nuggets
Pistons: Allen Iverson
Grade:C
Comments: Good news he becomes a free agent next year. Bad news, they lose a big part of their team in Billups which could lead to them missing the playoffs or getting ousted in the first round.

Nuggets: Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess (Released & Back with Detroit), and Cheikh Samb
Grade:A+
Comments: Turned out to be a fantastic deal for the Nuggets who could wind up getting a home court advantage in the first two rounds. Billups has really changed the complexion of the team and has them playing some defense.

Phoenix Suns-Charlotte Bobcats

Suns: Jason Richardson, Jared Dudley, 2010 Conditional 2nd Round Pick
Grade: B-
Comments: Lost some good defenders, but maybe Richardson can give them more athleticism and a nice running mate for Nash.

Bobcats: Raja Bell, Boris Diaw, Sean Singletary
Grade:B
Comments: Able to get rid of Richardson and add some solid defenders and a little bit more quality depth.

New York Knicks-Los Angeles Clippers

Knicks: Tim Thomas and Cuttino Mobley (Retired)
Grade: A-
Comments: Able to shed salary for the big free agent year in 2010 and get rid of head case.

Clippers: Zach Randolph and Mardy Collins
Grade: C+
Comments: Gained a head case, but could bring them better post offense.

New York Knicks-Golden State Warriors

Knicks: Al Harrington
Grade: B
Comments: Adds a nice versatile player into their run and gun scheme.

Warriors: Jamal Crawford
Grade: B-
Comments: Lose depth, but gain a guy that can shoot and handle the ball.

NBA Preview: Awards and Finals Prediction

NBA Finals Prediction

Los Angeles Lakers defeat Orlando Magic

Awards

MVP: Chris Paul PG, New Orleans Hornets

Rookie of the Year: Eric Gordon SG, Los Angeles Clippers

Defensive Player of the Year: Tayshaun Prince SF, Detroit Pistons

Most Improved Player: Hakim Warrick PF, Memphis Grizzlies

Sixth Man of the Year: Lamar Odom SF, Los Angeles Lakers

East Player: Dwight Howard PF, Orlando Magic

West Player: Chris Paul PG, New Orleans Hornets

NBA Preview: Western Conference

Western Conference

1. Los Angeles Lakers
Comments: The great deal that brought in Pau Gasol led them to a finals appearance and that was without Andrew Bynum. If Andrew Bynum stays healthy this team should be the favorites to win the West and even without him should be favorites to get back to the finals. Also, Lamar Odom will becoming off the bench, which would have to be considered one of the best sixth man this year. The only question mark on this team, really isn’t a big question mark, and that would be the point guard situation, but Derek Fisher and Jordan Farmar are good enough. They should be a top of the West by the end of the year.

2. New Orleans Hornets
Comments: With the emergence of Chris Paul and the Hornets, they suddenly become a serious contender for the championship. Chris Paul also could be one of the favorites for the NBA MVP. They have a good complimentary post game with the defensive minded Tyson Chandler and the offensive minded David West and one of the greatest three point shooters in Peja Stojakavic. However the biggest addition will be James Posey, who was one of the key players for the defending champions, the Boston Celtics. They should give the Lakers and quite possibly the Spurs, a shot for a championship run.

3. San Antonio Spurs
Comments: Has anyone seen Gregg Popovich’s beard? Well it is absolutely amazing, but that is beyond the point. The question will be how this team plays without Manu Ginobili for the first couple of months. If they can keep themselves within the playoff mix by the time he returns and he can return to his form from a couple years ago, there is no reason this team can’t make a run for the finals. They still have the best and maybe one of the most underrated players in Tim Duncan and they also have one of the better point guards in Tony Parker. Also a pretty good defense led by Bruce Bowen. Plus one of the best coaches in the league in the sweet bearded Gregg Popovich. Expect the same old things from the Spurs, another deep playoff run.

4. Houston Rockets
Comments: They added Ron Artest to an already solid defense. He can also help them a little on the offensive end as well, as he is not just a defensive player. Bring in a healthy Yao Ming and now all of a sudden you have a team that can really make a case for representing the Western Conference. But there are a couple of the big players on the Rockets who are injury prone, Tracy McGrady and Yao, who have to stay healthy in order for them to make it that far. Also they now have Shane Battier coming off the bench, a bench which has Carl Landry and Brent Berry as well. However, Battier has to get healthy first, but when he is healthy and on bench he should be solid and another big key for them making that run to the finals.

5. Portland Trailblazers
Comments: The Portland Trailblazers made a pretty good run for a playoff berth last year till fading out toward the end of the season. Now they have a healthy Greg Oden and bring new players in including Ike Diogu and Rudy Fernandez. Plus you have a star in Brandon Roy, who could be heading towards super star status. The question will be the play of the point guard and small foward. If they can get defensive help and a little offensive help, this team should be heading to the postseason. Also, Rudy Fernandez is a player to watch out for on this team, he should be a huge addition to the Blazers and a key component for them getting to the playoffs.

6. Utah Jazz
Comments: The Jazz are yet another team in the West that have a chance to make it to the finals. They have one of the best and young point guards in the league in Deron Williams. They also have a solid post with Boozer and Okur. The bench is pretty solid as well with Korver, Brevin Knight, Kirilenko/Harpring, and Milsap coming off the bench. The big question mark on this team will be the play of Ronnie Brewer, who needs to above average in order for this team to have a shot. Also, there has been some recent distractions with Boozer leaving the team at the end of the year, they need to put that aside and everybody, including Boozer needs to be focused. However there are too many good teams in this Conference and it will be very hard for them to advance far, but they do have a shot.

7. Phoenix Suns
Comments: In my opinion this team is in a downward spiral. They made a bad trade in trying to get Shaq and completely changing D’Antoni style. Now, D’Antoni is gone and so may be the hopes of making it to the finals. However, if Shaq can play the majority of the year or at least be ready for the post season, they may have a shot. Shaq has got to play longer and better for them to even have a prayer. They do still have Nash and Amare Stoudemire, but they will be missing the up tempo game and Shawn Marion. They should still make the playoffs, but I don’t think they will advance past the first round.

8. Los Angeles Clippers
Comments: Here is my surprise team in the West. Yes those hapless Clippers, I am predicting, will make the playoffs. They did lose a key post player in Elton Brand, but went out and got Marcus Camby for practically nothing. Also they went out and signed Baron Davis, which helped lead the Warriors into the playoffs a couple of years ago. Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby could be very dominate defensively down low, causing fits for opposing teams and forcing them to play outside. Kaman’s offensive production should go up as well, this is yet another guy who has a chance to be an All-Star. They have an explosive rookie in Eric Gordon, who in my opinion could be the rookie of the year. He is solid defensively and a really good shooter and scorer period. Plus this team should have a chip on their shoulders when Elton Brand bailed on them and went to the 76ers. This team should surprise a lot of people and sneak into the playoffs.

9. Dallas Mavericks
Comments: Rick Carsliel is a solid hire and a good coach, but I don’t think this team makes it to the postseason. Jason Kidd is aging and is definitely not the same player he used to be and with the rise of some of these West teams it could be tough for this team to get in. However, if Josh Howard continues to get better and they can get some contribution from the bench, especially Brandon Bass and Jerry Stackhouse, this team could make it to the playoffs. As it stands now I think they just miss the playoffs, but look out for Bass, he could be a beast this year and very well could be a key to them playing in the postseason. Either way I think it will be a three-way battle between the Mavs, Suns, and Clippers for those final two spots.

10. Golden State Warriors
Comments: Losing Baron Davis will hurt this teams chances and maybe even more crucial is the loss of Monta Ellis. They did bring in Corey Maggette, Ronny Turiaf, and Marcus Williams, but with Ellis out, I see the Warriors getting into too big of hole to get themselves out of. If they can some how still be within reach of the playoffs when Ellis does come back, then they may have a shot. I just think all these loses are too hard to overcome.

11. Denver Nuggets
Comments: Nuggets should have no problem scoring, with Allen Iverson and Carmello Anthony, but this team lacks a lot of things. First they have no true point guard that is worthy of starting on an NBA roster. Second they traded the only player that played defense in Marcus Camby. Kenyon Martin’s production has dropped over the years and really isn’t a great post player, so the post game has gotten weak. And there is a lot of selfish, shoot first players on this team, and I am not going to include A.I. in this. They may score, but with no defense they will give up more and in the end they will be out of the playoffs.

12. Minnesota Timberwolves
Comments: The Timberwolves have maybe one of the best up and coming post players in the league in Al Jefferson and he should have a good shot at making the All-Star team. They add a solid player in Mike Miller from the Grizzlies, which also got them rookie Kevin Love. Depending on how Kevin Love develops as well as the guards McCants, Foye, and Corey Brewer, this team could have a bright future. As it is they are still a couple years a way from making the playoffs.

13. Memphis Grizzlies
Comments: Here is another team with a bright future. O.J. Mayo could be the Rookie of the Year and could give them the much needed shooting guard to compliment the very talented Small Foward, Rudy Gay. Also watch out for Hakim Warrick, he could have a breakout year with the Grizzlies and could win Most Improved Player this year. They also have some other interesting post players that they are bringing in with Marc Gasol and Hamed Haddadi. Add those guys to Warrick and Darko and suddenly this team has a very solid post game. Watch out for this team in a year or two, they could really surprise a lot of people, they might even cause some fits this year.

14. Sacramento Kings
Comments: Kevin Martin is the star of the team and Brad Miller is solid, but there isn’t much more to this team. Reggie Theus was a good hire and had this team somewhat competitive last year. At the trade deadline they got rid of Mike Bibby and this offseason it was Ron Artest that was shipped away. This team really doesn’t have a shot for the playoffs, but it should be interesting to see how Spencer Hawes develops.

15.Oklahoma City Thunder
Comments: They have some good young talent in Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and potentially Russell Westbrook, but this team is far from being a competitive team in this league. They probably need to ship either Collison or Wilcox at some point and continue to find draft picks and free up cap space. If they do that maybe in a year or two they can snag a good free agent and become contenders again, but that is a huge if.

NBA Preview: Eastern Conference

Eastern Conference

1. Boston Celtics

Comments: Can the Celtics repeat as champions? They definitely have the talent to get it done, but with the departure of James Posey, they could be in trouble defensively forcing one of Ray Allen or Paul Pierce to step it up a notch defensively. Even with Posey gone they still have the big three, thus giving them a great chance to repeat.

2. Orlando Magic
Comments: With the addition of Mickael Pietrus, Courtney Lee, and yes even Anthony Johnson, they get the guards they needed. Also expect big things from Pietrus. This team has quite possibly the best player in the Eastern Conference in Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo, which could have them headed to a finals appearance.

3. Detroit Pistons
Comments: A new coach is stepping in, but will that help this team get back to the Finals? It could depending on whether or not they buy into Michael Curry and if they can defend the post with Maxiell, Kwame Brown, and others. Plus they are starting to get depth with Stuckey, Amir Johnson, etc, but Orlando and Boston might be too much for Detroit to handle.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers
Comments: Cleveland has a chance here to make the finals, but once again it will fall in the laps of his other teammates. Can Ben Wallace be that dominating defensive force that he was in Detroit? Will they get key contributions off the bench from Anderson Varejao, Delonte West, and depending on who starts either Wally, Daniel Gipson, or Pavlovic. If they can all come through and play unselfish basketball they could be looking at a finals appearance. Somehow I don’t see all this happening.


5. Philadelphia 76ers
Comments: One of the popular choices in the East, and why not? They add Elton Brand to give their team a post presence that they have been lacking for a while. Plus you add the other A.I., Andre Miller, and a defensive presence in Dalembert and you got yourself a pretty good basketball team. The questions for this team will be the depth in the back court, which may hurt them, and whether or not Brand can stay healthy. Expect a good year with a shot of making a run towards the East Conference Finals, but don’t expect them to go any further.

6. Atlanta Hawks
Comments: The surprise team of 2007-2008 which had them finally making the playoffs and taking the defending champs, the Boston Celtics, to the limit. They should have a good shot at getting back to the playoffs, but probably wont advance far in the playoffs. They are lacking size in the post and they could use more depth, especially after losing a key player in Josh Childress.

7. Toronto Raptors
Comments: They went out and made a big deal to get Jermaine O’Neal. And their success will almost completely result from the production of Jermaine. Can he stay healthy and will he be as good as he was a couple of years ago. Plus they need to have good guard play, which is why they will not advance far and could be in a battle for a playoff spot.

8. Milwaukee Bucks
Comments: This is my surprise team in the East. I am a big fan of Scott Skiles and this could be very similar to what he did when he first started in Chicago. The big question is going to be whether his team will buy into his system. If they get behind Skiles, they have enough talent to get themselves into the playoffs. Also look for a big year for Andrew Bogut.

9. Chicago Bulls
Comments: If the Bulls are to make it to the playoffs, they are going to have to get key contributions from Tyrus Thomas and the Rookie “sensation” Derrick Rose. Unfortunately I don’t see that happening, Tyrus is going to develop either a jump shot or a post game and he might be better, but he probably won’t be consistent which is what they need. And Rose is very young and to expect an all-star performance in his first year is unreasonable. However this team has some upside and they are a post player away from being a serious contender.

10. Washington Wizards
Comments: The East is getting stronger, but the Wizards are not one of those teams. They went out and resigned Arenas, who hasn’t seen the hardwood very often in the last couple of years. You now add Haywood who is injured and it looks like a very questionable team. Sure you still have some very good players in Jamison and Butler, but if Arenas misses more than his expected December return then this team is in big trouble. Haywood is the key however and he is out till the All-Star break.

11. Miami Heat
Comments: Miami Heat added a great key to their team in Beasley a post player that has a great offensive game. If they keep him at the Power Forward instead of moving him to Small Forward and can find a defensive center or a solid point guard this team could make the post season. However I think they might need both a point guard and a defensive minded Center in order to make it. D-Wade has also got to stay healthy for any hope at a run for the playoffs. As of right now they are out.

12. Charlotte Bobcats
Comments: For the Bobcats to have a shot at postseason play, they need Sean May to stay healthy and effective. And in my opinion one or both won’t happen, but with that said it should be an improving and competitive group headed by Larry Brown. Although this is a very young and talented bunch with the likes of Okafor, Jason Richardson, Gerald Wallace, and Felton. Can Larry work his magic and lead another team into the playoffs? It may be close, but probably won’t happen this year, but the future is looking up for the Charlotte Bobcats.

13. New Jersey Nets
Comments: I really liked what Kiki did with this team this offseason. He added Yi Jilian and brought in a lot of young talent from the draft, having one of the greatest drafts if not the greatest this year. Devin Harris was also a great pick up during the trade deadline last season and this team could be on the rise. But like the Bobcats and possibly the Bulls, it could take them another year or two to be real contenders. Expect them to be in playoff contention next year, but this year they will go through growing pains and struggle a bit.

14. New York Knicks
Comments: The addition of Mike D’Antoni was great, the roster however not so much. A very selfish and a couple out of shape guys will have this team struggling all year. All is not lost in New York though, you just have to be patient, when Mike gets his group of guys in there, this team will be good. Unfortunately, that is at least a year away if not two or three. Patient is a virtue, you know!

15. Indiana Pacers
Comments: The Pacers and Knicks should be battling for the worst team in the East and I think the Pacers will come out on top. They did add T.J. Ford, who when healthy, can be a very good point guard in this league, making Tinsley expendable and a chance to get some key parts in a Point Guard hungry league. Also there looks to be an emergence of a potential All-Star in Danny Granger, but they are still laking a true post player and should struggle quite a bit this year.