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Oct

31

The Best of the NBA

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The Best of the NBA –

As the NBA gets into full swing tonight, we want to look at the top five teams in each conference and what they need to do to win it all.

West -

San Antonio – The defending champs started the season by cruising to victory over the Portland Trailblazers. Essentially, the Spurs are the same team that won the title a year ago. Two things need to happen if this team is going to win back-to-back championships. First, Tim Duncan has to stay healthy. Duncan is the heart and soul of this team and must produce if the Spurs are going to win. Second, Tony Parker must take some pressure off Duncan. If Parker can play like he did in the playoffs last year. San Antonio will be tough to beat.

Phoenix – The Suns were a suspension away from the NBA finals last year. This year, Phoenix adds veteran point forward Grant Hill. His leadership, along with another year of experience for Amare, can only improve this team. The one thing that could hurt the Suns is an unhappy Shawn Marion. If he continues to grumble, he could throw off the chemistry.

Dallas – The Mavericks had the best record in the regular season last year and then were knocked out in the first round by the Warriors. Veterans such as Dirk and Jason Terry should be able to get this team refocused for the season. The Mavs are also rumored to be signing Juwan Howard as soon as he clears waivers, a good move by the club to add another veteran post player. If the Mavericks can play some defense, they should be in this thing.

Houston – The addition of Rick Adelman should be huge for the Rockets. Adelman is a proven winner that loves to run the offense through the post. Who better to do that with than Yao Ming? With Yao the focus, Tracy McGrady should be able to freelance a little and find more open shots. We love the addition of Steve Francis if he can learn how to be a good teammate, and that is a big if for “Stevie Franchise.”

Utah – This young club burst onto the scene last year behind the post play of Carlos Boozer and the point play of Deron Williams. Boozer is quickly becoming a superstar. As long as he is healthy, he will be dragging down rebounds and putting the Jazz in position to win. Deron Williams is the best young PG in the game. A lot of people may argue that Chris Paul is better, but that argument carries no weight until Paul leads his team to the playoffs. The only concern we have is AK47. If he can’t get along with Coach Sloan, he could be gone by midseason.

East –

Boston – Danny Ainge mortgaged the future to win now. The additions of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen make the Celtics the immediate favorites in the East. Kevin Garnett is one of the best all-around players in the NBA and should lift this team. He should be an MVP candidate. Ray Allen is the best shooter in the game and will make it very difficult to double team KG. This inside-out duo will be great. Add the offensive ability of Paul Pierce, and Boston may have the best trio of players in the game. All three stars are veterans and focused on a title. They may just get one if they can get the roll players to step up their games just a touch.

Chicago – The big question is…when is Kobe coming? The answer is not until the asking price comes down. We really like the combo of Hinrich, Gordon, and Deng but understand the desire to add the best scorer in the league. Either way, this team has a chance to win. The one concern is getting enough offense out of the post. We like Wallace and Noah, but can they score? If so, Chicago should make a run deep into the playoffs.

Cleveland – This team did absolutely nothing after falling to the Spurs in the NBA Finals. We expected the Cavs to make a run at a PG, but they failed to do so. Outside of LeBron, Cleveland has no one that can score consistently and help get this team back to the playoffs. We expect the Cavs to make a run at Mike Bibby before the deadline. If not, James has to be even better if Cleveland wants a chance at another Finals appearance.

Toronto – The Raptors have one of the best young players in the league, Chris Bosh. He flies under the radar but has become a real superstar. TJ Ford also made huge strides last year at the PG position and should continue to improve. The key to this team is Andrea Bargnani. If last year’s number 1 overall pick can become a legit scoring option, Toronto has a great chance to win.

Washington - Before injuries last year, the Wizards were looking like a force to be reckoned with. Gilbert Arenas is the best of a great scoring trio. Arenas is in a contract year and should be that much better as he tries to boost his value. Caron Butler became an all-star-level player last season. He is a stat-sheet filler and poised for a big year, if he can stay healthy. Antawn Jamison, who averaged 19 points and 8 rebounds, is healthy as well. If all three players are on the court, the Wizards should be great.

We are excited about the NBA season. Last night was a great start as we saw excellent performances by individuals as well as nice team efforts. Perhaps the best part of the evening was the buzzer beater by Shane Battier against the Lakers. The excitement seems to be back in the NBA.

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