Midwest
Dallas – I like the Mavericks’ spunk and they deserve to be mentioned among the league’s elite. With Michael Finley, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavs will be like that chianti in your basement that gets better and better every year.
San Antonio – Tim Duncan and David Robinson, along with new acquisition Steve Smith, have the Spurs looking stacked. But you know that the trauma caused by their humiliating playoff defeat at the hands of the Lakers still reverberates in San Antonio.
Utah – You know the lineup. After all, it’s been the same since the Cenozoic Era. I won’t bore you by writing more about the Jazz.
Minnesota – Ahh, the frustration of Kevin Garnett. The T-Wolves can’t seem to take that next step and as a result are that up-and-coming team that really isn’t going anywhere fast.
Houston – You read it here first. Steve Francis leads the league in scoring in 2001-2002. And while I am at it one more thing, Kelvin Cato leads the league in fouling out. What does that all mean? I am still figuring it out.
Memphis – Since when have Grizzlies populated Tennessee? Nickname inconsistencies aside, the Big Bears will have the most intriguing team in the NBA. It might get a little chaotic but with a Spaniard (Pau Gasol), a Dukie (Shane Battier) and a rebellious point guard (Jason Williams), it is a hell of a plot line.
Denver – It might get real ugly for the Nuggets without Antonio McDyess. They will be plankton for the big whales of the Western Conference. But it’s not all bad, Denver: at least you have the Avalanche and hockey season is underway.
Pacific
L.A. Lakers – I’d love to wittily pick someone to dethrone the champs, but I don’t see it happening. Shaq and Kobe have become as good a duo as the league has ever seen. The Lakers lack depth, but this shouldn’t stop them from obtaining another set of title rings.
Sacramento – Bringing in Mike Bibby was huge for the Kings. Bibby will bring some fundamentals to a team that already has the glitz and glamour. When Chris Webber comes back from his injury the Lakers better take heed.
Portland – Crazy that a team this talented can not find a way to make the finals. The Blazers have talent, depth and experience, but the road to the top is blocked. If they were to move to the Portland in Maine, the
playoffs would be a cinch.
L.A. Clippers – A never-before-attempted science experiment that would make Einstein quiver with anticipation. My pick for taking down a higher ranked team in the first round of the playoffs.
Seattle – The saga of Gary Payton and his merry men continues. But for how long? My crystal ball shows a shakedown coming soon in the Pacific Northwest.
Phoenix – Like Twinkies, the Suns possess some sweetness and the packaging makes them look good. But in the middle they are all soft and creamy.
Golden State – In the toughest division in the NBA, the Warriors must feel like the Volvo in a garage full of Ferrarris. Antawn Jamison, Larry Hughes and Co. should improve on last year’s finish but don’t kid
yourself, they won’t make the playoffs.