NBA Division Breakdown: Western Conference Northwest Division

Last Season: 

Standings: 1. Thunder 55-27 2. Nuggets 50-32 3. Blazers 48-34 4. Jazz 39-43 5. Timberwolves 17-65  

Playoff Teams: 1. Thunder (#4 Seed) 2. Nuggets (#5 Seed) 3. Blazers (#6 Seed) 

Review: The Thunder took this division last season as they made their 1st steps towards becoming an elite team last season in my opinion. Durant won the scoring title for the 2nd straight season and Westbrook improved his game so much he made his 1st all start appearance and the All NBA 3rd team. The Thunder also traded former lottery pick Jeff Green to the Celtics to get Kendrick Perkins to try and add a little toughness to the team. The Nuggets went through last season what the Magic might be going through this season as far as maybe having to trade a superstar. They traded Carmelo Anthony to the Knicks and got back great value in my opinion in Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Timothy Mozco. The Blazers also made moves at the deadline as they traded to get Gerald Wallace and got hot at the end of the year and were favored by many to beat beat the eventual NBA champion Dallas Mavericks. The Jazz were in a state of transition all year. They lost Carlos Boozer and traded for Al Jefferson in the offseason and then eventually Sloan retired and Deron Williams was traded. And the Timberwolves had the worst record in all the league and struggled all year to defend anybody.

This Season:
Predicted Standings: 1. Thunder 2. Blazers 3. Jazz 4. T-wolves 5. Nuggets
Predicted Playoff Teams: 1. Thunder 2. Blazers
Division Preview: I predict that the Thunder will take this division again this year and not only that I expect them to be major contenders for the best overall record in the West. We all know Durant is one of the best scorers in the NBA but he needs to become an elite player on defense to truly elevate this team to a finals appearance. Westbrook has to get better at being a pure point guard and as shooter and most likely he will. The Blazers lost Roy to retirement but added Raymond Felton and Jamal Crawford to the mix this year and I expect them to be solid again this year and maybe a team that can sneak up and make a run during playoff time if Oden is healthy all season. The Jazz will be in the hunt for that 8th and final playoff spot but I have them getting edged out by the Rockets. Still look for Derrick Favors to show some improvement and if rookies Alec Burks and Enes Kanter can bring good minutes off the bench the Jazz could prove me wrong and get in the playoffs. I expect major improvement from the T-Wolves as I believe young Ricky Rubio is the real deal and will be exactly what this team needs. Expect a dropoff from the Nuggets who have 3 of their main players overseas and unable to come play for them this season. They probably would have lost 2 to free agency anyway though so this drop off was somewhat inevitable.

Team Previews: 
1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Key Losses: PG. Nate Robinson (to be cut) PF. B.J. Mullens (Traded to the Bobcats) 

Key Acquisitions: PG. Reggie Jackson (1st Round Pick) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Russell Westbrook SG. James Harden SF. Kevin Durant PF. Serge Ibaka C. Kendrick Perkins 

Expectations: The Thunder are an elite team and they have a legit shot to win the West. However because the west is so wide open this year I can't say for sure where I actually expect them to finish up but a 2nd round playoff appearance is at least guaranteed. Because of their depth, youth, and length of time playing together they should be able to overcome a rushed training camp and the grind of all those back to back games. Russell Westbrook has to mature as a PG and I think he will get better but still not at the level he needs to be at to help Durant get this team over the top. I expect a monster season from Durant who appears to have improved his 1 on 1 game and ball handling skills to make him an even more dangerous scorer. Kendrick Perkins slimmed down and should be more mobile which can only mean that him and Ibaka could be one of the most dominant defensive frontlines in basketball. The X-factor on this team is James Harden. If Harden can be a guy that gets around 18-20 a game and be a legit 3rd scoring option for the Thunder they would become a huge problem. 

2. Denver Nuggets

Key Losses: PG. Raymond Felton (traded to the Blazers) SG. J.R. Smith (overseas) SF. Wilson Chandler (overseas) PF. Kenyon Martin (overseas) SF. Gary Forbes (free agency) 

Key Additions: PG. Andre Miller (acquired via trade from the Blazers) SG. Rudy Fernandez (acquired via trade from the Mavericks) SG/SF. Corey Brewer (Acquired via trade from the Mavericks) PF. Kenneth Faried (1st round pick) SF/SG. Jordan Hamilton (1st Round Pick) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Ty Lawson SG. Aaron Afflalo SF. Danilo Gallinari PF. Al Harrington C. Nene Hilario 

Expectations: I expect the Nuggets to take a step back this season as they possibly lost 3 of their 6 best players because their stuck overseas. J.R. Smith and Wilson Chandler were 2 of the biggest contributers on offense for this team last season and now their gone and have basically been replaced by Rudy Fernandez and Corey Brewer. Also Felton is basically being replaced by Andre Miller and Martin replaced by rookie Kenneth Faried. The problem is that all 4 of those replacements are all downgrades. When you factor in new players learning a new system and less talent you typically always get a team that's not as good. Their will be some bright spots for this team the major one possibly being Gallinari who I expect to breakout as one of the leagues best scoring SFs in the NBA this season. You know what to expect from the guys that remain. Nene will be a solid C shoot a high percentage and do the little things, Affalo will be the equivalent of that at SG, Lawson will push the pace and create havoc breaking down defenses with his speed, and Harrington is a over paid 1 dimensional undersized PF that shoots too much. All in all it results in this team possibly finished last in this division. 

3. Portland Trail Blazers 

Key Losses: PG. Andre Miller (traded to the Nuggets) SG. Rudy Fernandez (traded to the Mavericks) SG. Brandon Roy (Career ending injury. Forced to retire) 

Key Acquisitions: PG. Raymond Felton (acquired via trade from the Nuggets) SG. Jamal Crawford (free agency) PF/C. Kurt Thomas (Free Agency) PG/SG. Nolan Smith (1st Round Pick) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Raymond Felton SG. Wesley Matthews SF. Gerald Wallace PF. LaMarcus Aldridge C. Marcus Camby 

Expectations: I expect this team to make the playoffs and give some team a hell of a series in the 1st round. Their good enough to get to the 2nd round as they are a very deep and well put together team despite not having a true superstar. Their depth at all positions is going to make them 1 of the teams that does well during this frantic regular season. The Starting lineup aside from new comer Felton at the point is the same as last year and Felton is a huge upgrade that should make this offense better. Jamal Crawford will be bringing his scoring talents off the bench like he did for the Hawks and most likely will be in during the final stretches of games. The X-Factor on this team is Greg Oden and is he healthy, will he stay healthy, and how effective can he be if he is healthy. I don't have the answers to any of those questions but if he is healthy and effective that makes this team dangerous. 

4. Utah Jazz

Key Losses: C. Mehmet Okur (traded to the Nets) SF. Andre Kirelinko (free agency and possibly staying overseas) 

Key Acquisitions: SG. Alec Burks (1st Round Pick) C. Enes Kanter (1st Round Pick) SF. Josh Howard (Free Agency) PG. Earl Watson (free agency) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Devin Harris SG. Raja Bell SF. Josh Howard PF. Paul Millsap C. Al Jefferson 

Expectations: The Jazz have a loaded front line this season. Not only do they have solid players starting they have 2 very high lottery picks from last years draft in Derrick Favors and this year's draft in Enes Kanter. One of the Jazz problems last season was scoring from the 2 wing positions and Josh Howard and Alec Burks should be able to help them in that area. There's no all star caliber player on this team but they do have depth and they have solid quality players in Devin Harris, Al Jefferson, and Millsap that should have this team competitive and in the playoff hunt. 

5. Minnesota Timberwolves 

Key Losses: PG. Sebastian Telfair (Free Agency) 

Key Acquisitions: PG. Ricky Rubio (2009 1st round pick) PF/SF. Derrick Williams (1st Round Pick) SF. Bonzi Wells (Free Agency) PG. J.J. Barea (free agency) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Luke Ridnour SG. Wesley Johnson SF. Michael Beasley PF. Kevin Love C. Darko Millicic 

Expectations: I realize that I might be going out on a limb here and could be completely alone on this but I expect the T-Wolves to make some noise this year. Don't get me wrong their not going to the playoffs or even finishing over 500 but they could finish as high as 10th-12th in the West this year instead of at the bottom at 15th. I was high on Rubio back when he got drafted and have been waiting to see him play since and I think he'll be big time even as a rookie. Don't expect alot of points but when he's on the floor he can just make things happen and makes the players around him better. Defensively the T-Wolves will most likely still be terrible having a front line that lacks a single good defender in the starting lineup. Also 2nd year player Wesley Johnson is still out of position at the 2 where he has little impact on the game on the offensive end but he can defend either wing spot and should be able to help in that regard. 2nd overall pick Derrick Williams will most likely be the team's 6th man and will see time at both forward spots where he should be able to score from each spot. Williams will have to work to find a position on the floor where they feel comfortable with him defensively though. Expect Luke Ridnour to be traded soon to make room for Rubio in the starting lineup and for Barea as the lead guard off the bench. The T-Wolves have some solid depth and alot of young talent and usually they screw it up and find away to suck but this year I expect things to be different. 

NBA Division Breakdown: Eastern Conference Southeast Division

Last Season: 

Standings: 1. Heat 58-24 2. Magic 52-30 3. Hawks 44-38 4. Bobcats 34-48 5. Wizards 23-59

Playoff Teams: 1. Heat (#2 Seed) 2. Magic (#4 Seed) 3. Hawks (#5 Seed)

Review: Last season this was the strongest division in the East. The Heat got off kinda slow as they tried to figure out how to properly use all of their new players with a completely overhauled roster from the year before and it took a little time but eventually they got it going and looked great as they made it all the way to the NBA Finals. Lebron and Wade silenced all the "they can't play together" talk and Defensively once they got used to playing together they were down right dominant. Bosh also had to adjust from being a #1 option to a number 3 option so he had his ups and downs but he really came through for them in the playoffs. The Magic turned their roster upside down getting rid of some of their main guys in Vince Carter, Rashard Lewis, and Marcin Gortat to bring in Hedo, Arenas, and Richardson to try and change things up but it really didn't work out to well. The Hawks started off pretty good and then had a terrible finish down the stretch of the regular season before finding away to upset the Magic in the 1st round and finish the season on a high note. The Bobcats started the rebuilding phase last season as I guess management felt like that teams ceiling was only making it to the playoffs as a 7 or 8 seed. They traded Gerald Wallace and Mohammed leaving them without much talent to compete for a playoff spot. And as for the Wizards they introduced the 1st overall pick John Wall but as a team they were just too young and out of sync and too bad on defense to really be competitive or win games but they did have their exciting moments and highlight plays with Wall and Javale McGee on the floor. 

This Season: 

Predicted Standings: 1. Heat 2. Magic 3. Hawks 4. Wizards 5. Bobcats 

Predicted Playoff Teams: 1. Heat 2. Magic 3. Hawks

Division Preview: The Southeast Division should be the strongest in the Eastern Conference again this year as the Heat, Magic, and Hawks barring injury are all locks to make the playoffs and finish over 500. The Heat have the best overall team in the NBA this season and should have the best record not only in this division or conference but in the entire NBA this season. I expect huge things from Lebron, Wade, and Bosh after having all of last year to experiment and get it right. Defensively the Heat will be dominant as the Bulls are really the only team that I'd say has a better defense coming into this season than Miami and that's just because the Heat lack a true C to anchor the middle. It's hard to say about the Magic with all the uncertainty of Dwight Howard and all but with the team as is they should be competitive and as always Dwight makes this team go as they've surrounded him with spot up shooters to play inside out basketball on offense. The Hawks lost a key piece in Jamal Crawford and trying to replace him with T-Mac just isn't going to cut it. I understand they had to for financial reason but still it's a big loss one that makes this team a little worse and possibly could have them finishing as low as the 7th seed. The Wizards should jump the Bobcats this year more so because of the Bobcats than themselves. The Bobcats are starting over for the most part and their best player coming into the year might just be Corey Maggatte which is really a problem and most likely means the Bobcats will be in competition with the Cavs and Raptors for worst NBA record. 

Team Previews: 

1. Miami Heat

Key Losses: PG. Mike Bibby (Free Agency) C. Zydrunas Ilgauskas (Retirement)

Key Acquisitions: SF/SG. Shane Battier (Free Agency) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Mario Chalmers SG. Dwayne Wade SF. Lebron James PF. Chris Bosh C. Joel Anthony 

Expectations: My expectations for this team this year can be summed up in 1 word, CHAMPIONS. That's what I expect from this team and anything less than that is failure if you ask me. There isn't another NBA team better than the Heat and they have the best and 3rd best player in the NBA. There going to win alot of games in the regular season, their going to have 3 players on the all star team, their going to be top 3 in the NBA in team defense, Lebron and Wade will be among the league leaders in points, Lebron will average over 7 assist and 7 rebounds. It'll all be great in the regular season but unless this team is holding up the Larry O'Brien trophy at the end of the year none of it means anything to me It's Championship or bust for the Heat this year. They have the talent to do it, the pieces are in place, everybody will be watching, and the pressure has never been higher and the question is can they get it done and I think they can. 

2. Orlando Magic

Key Losses: PF. Brandon Bass (traded to the Celtics) PG. Gilbert Arenas (waived via Amnesty Clause) 

Key Acquisitions: PF. Glen Davis (Acquired via trade from the Celtics) SG. Von Wafer (Acquired via trade from the Celtics)

Projected Starting 5: PG. Jameer Nelson SG. Jason Richardson SF. Hedo Turkoglu PF. Glen Davis C. Dwight Howard

Expectations: Before I get into my expectations for this team if the roster stays as is I must say that I expect Dwight Howard to be dealt before the trade deadline but I can't base these expectations of hypotheticals so I'll stay within reality. The reality is this team is still a solid team that will have a shot at a 5 or 6 seed. Dwight is still here and that means another year as a top 10 defense and another year of high percentage shots either from Dwight or via Dwight double teams. But with the whole Dwight situation unresolved it's hard to really say what might happen with the Magic this year but for the most part the team is the same from last year so expect alot of what you saw from Orlando last season. 

3. Atlanta Hawks

Key Losses: SG. Jamal Crawford (Free Agency) 

Key Additions: SG. Tracy McGrady (Free Agency) PG. Jannero Pargo (Free Agency) PF. Vladimir Radmonovic (Free Agency) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Jeff Teague (Kirk Hinrich to miss 1st month of the season) SG. Joe Johnson SF. Marvin Williams PF. Josh Smith C. Al Horford 

Expectations: The Hawks in my opinion are now the 7th best team in the East and not having Hinrich for a whole month really doesn't help matters. Now that means Teague who was supposed to be the spark off the bench and maybe replace some of what they lost in Crawford will now have to start as a true PG and run a offense that's already constantly stagnant and 1 on 1 oriented. As always the Hawks will be solid defensively with a lineup full of long athletic players that can move around and switch on screens like no other team can. Still it wouldn't surprise me at all if by the deadline the Hawks maybe try and make some trades to change this roster up because it's been mostly the same starters minus the PG since 2008 and they've clearly reached their ceiling with this team and there's no where to go but down. 

4. Charlotte Bobcats

Key Losses: SG. Stephen Jackson (traded to the Bucks) C. Kwame Brown (free agency) C. Joel Przybilla (unsigned) PG. Shaun Livingston (Traded to the Bucks) 

Key Acquisitions: PG. Kemba Walker (1st round pick) PF/C. Bismack Biyombo (1st round pick) SG. Reggie Williams (free agency) SF. Corey Maggatte (Acquired Via Trade From The Bucks) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Kemba Walker SG. Gerald Henderson SF. Corey Maggatte PF. Boris Diaw C. Tyrus Thomas 

Expectations: The Bobcats officially get the rebuilding phase underway this season and it starts with Kemba Walker one of the teams two 1st round picks in the draft. Kemba can score and will put up points for this team as will the newly acquired Maggatte who Jordan said during the offseason will be called upon to lead this young group. I'm very interested to see what Biyombo brings to the table. He was the the teams other 1st round pick and his game somewhat resembles that of a Ben Wallace with his rebounding and shot blocking ability at the height of about 6'9. The Bobcats have not came out and said yet whether it'll be Kemba starting at the point or Augustin but I'd think it'd have to be Kemba as he's the 1 guy on this team that could get people to come see the Bobcats play. Still the Bobcats should be pretty awful all in all over the course of the overall season. 

5. Washington Wizards

Key Losses: PF. Yi Jianlian (playing overseas) 

Key Additions: C/PF. Ronnie Turiaf (Acquired via trade from the Knicks) SF/PF. Jan Vesely (1st Round Pick) SF. Chris Singleton (1st Round Pick) SG. Roger Mason (Free Agency) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. John Wall SG. Nick Young SF. Rashard Lewis PF. Andray Blatche C. Javale McGee 

Expectations: I expect to see improvement in John Wall this year thus the Wizards should improve. They were able to bring back their leading scorer Nick Young and at a cheap price which is always good. On paper this starting lineup actually doesn't look to bad and this could be a sleeper team to sneak up and make the playoffs this year but I'm not buying for a couple reason. This is still a very young and undisciplined team for the most part. Also I expect them to be pretty mediocre defensively while not being anything more than average offensively. The Wizards had 2 1st round picks and choose to use both of them on combo forwards. The earlier pick was used on the extremely athletic Jan Vesely who can shoot and dunk a rare and possibly very effective combination. The later 1st round pick was used on Singleton who was a lock down defender in college and that is expected to transition into the NBA. I think this will be an exciting team to watch but their still a few years off from making any real noise.  

NBA Division Breakdown: Eastern Conference Central Division

     

Last Season: 

Standings: 1. Bulls 62-60 2. Pacers 37-45 3. Bucks 35-47 4. Pistons 30-52 5. Cavaliers 19-63

Playoff Teams: 1. Bulls (#1 seed) 2. Pacers (#8 Seed) 

Review: It was pretty clear mid way through the season the Bulls were going to win this division as they played great all year while all the other teams in the division finished under 500 and only 1 other team made the playoffs. Last season Derrick Rose made ridiculously good improvement and improved his game in all areas as he led the Bulls to 62 wins and won MVP. Also Tom Thibodeau was the coach of the year and brought his defensive system to the Bulls and thus they were the #1 defense in the NBA. The Pacers snuck into the playoffs as the 8 seed and showed flashed of being a good team in the playoffs. The Bucks were a top 5 defense but were the worse offense in the NBA as they were often hard to watch on offense. Bogut also struggled through injury and that hurt them as well. The Pistons weren't very good as Stucky continued to play out of position at the point and just a lack of overall continuity on offense and defense hurt this team. And there isn't much to even discuss about Cleveland they were just awful as they struggled tremendously in their 1st year without Lebron. 

This Season: 

Predicted Standings: 1. Bulls 2. Pacers 3. Bucks 4. Pistons 5. Cavaliers 

Predicted Playoff Teams: 1. Bulls 2. Pacers

Division Preview: This year I expect much of the same from this division except the Pacers should be alot better overall and the Bucks should be a little better offensively with the addition of Stephen Jackson. However, the Bulls will still take this division easily again this season as I expect them to be dominant again defensively and even better offensively with the addition of Rip Hamilton. The Pistons could be a little better with Stuckey supposedly playing the 2 this year and with the improvement of Greg Monroe but they probablly won't make much noise. And even though the Cavs got a really good prospect in Kyrie he's not going to be good enough to make much difference in his rookie year. 

Team Previews: 

1. Chicago Bulls

Key Losses: C/PF. Kurt Thomas (Free Agency) SG. Kieth Bogans (waived) 

Key Acquisitions: SG. Rip Hamilton (Free Agency)

Projected Starting 5: PG. Derrick Rose SG. Rip Hamilton SF. Luol Deng PF. Carlos Boozer C. Joakim Noah 

Expectations: My expectations for the Bulls are for them to be the 2nd best team in the East this season. The signing of Rip Hamilton was huge as he will bring some much needed scoring to the shooting guard position for the Bulls. Rip is a all around player that plays hard on both ends so they get better on offense and he won't hurt them defensively. Expect improvement from Rose as well who I expect will take less shots and pass the ball more especially now that Rip is aboard. Carlos Boozer fully healthy should have a season closer to the ones he had in Utah. The Bulls were the best defensive team in the NBA last season and I expect them to be again with Noah anchoring the middle of the defense. I still don't think they have quite enough fire power to beat Miami but if they meet them in the playoffs again this year it definitely won't be a 5 game series. 

2. Indiana Pacers 

Key Losses: PF. Josh McRoberts (free agency) PG. T.J. Ford (Free Agency) SG/SF. Mike Dunleavy (free agency) SF. James Posey (Wavied via Amnesty Clause) SG. Brandon Rush (traded to Warriors)

Key Acquisitions: PF. David West (Free Agency) PG/SG. George Hill (Acquired via trade from the Spurs) PF. Louis Amundson (Acquired via trade from the Warriors) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Daren Collison SG. Paul George SF. Danny Granger PF. David West C. Roy Hibbert 

Expectations: There are 4 elite teams in the East that should all get the top 4 seeds (Bos, NY, Chi, and Mia). But after those teams you have the next group of solid playoff caliber teams in the Magic, Hawks, and Pacers and I feel that with the additions of Hill and West they are the best of those 3 teams and should get the 5 seed in the East. David West will bring a another consistent scoring option to the Pacers to take the burden of carrying most of the scoring load off Danny Granger. George Hill will also bring solid scoring and perimeter defense off the bench as a combo guard who will see time at both the 1 and 2. I also expect to see more growth from Roy Hibbert. He's huge standing at about 7'2 and needs to be more of a force in the paint and I think he'll do that this year. Hansborough had a breakout year last year but he still doesn't offer a go to low post offensive set or great defense but he's a solid rebounder and high energy guy and is perfect coming of the bench. Darren Collison is one of the fastest players in the league and is a solid defender on the perimeter. He's just an average shooter and needs to get better in that aspect but does have play making ability. The x-factor on this team this year is Paul George though. George has alot of potential as he just scratched the surface last season in his rookie year. George is already a talented defender on the wing with the potential to be a defender at the level of a Igoudala. He's 6'8 with long arms and good athleticism and can really be good as a on ball defender. I'll be looking for the improvements he made on offense this season tho as hopefully he worked on his shot. The Pacers have the best chance of any team not in those elite 4 in the East to pull of a upset and get into the 2nd round. 

3. Milwaukee Bucks

Key Losses: PG. Keyon Dooling (traded to the Celtics) SG. John Salmons (Traded to the Kings) SF. Corey Maggatte (Traded to the Bobcats) SG. Michael Redd (free agency) 

Key Acquisitions: SG. Stephen Jackson (acquired via trade from the bobcats) PG. Beno Udrih (acquired via trade from the Kings) SF. Mike Dunleavy (free agency) SF. Tobias Harris (1st round pick) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Brandon Jennings SG. Stephen Jackson SF. Carlos Delfino PF. Luc Richard Mbah a Moute C. Andrew Bogut 

Expectations: The Bucks lack a true all star player but make up for that with a really deep team that will certainly have a chance to make the playoffs. I think the 8th seed will come down to the Bucks and the Sixers and I think Philly will slightly edge them out but it wouldn't surprise me if the Bucks got in. Their team is loaded with depth as they go about 10 deep with the potential to go 12 deep depending on how ready to play their rookies are. With the additions of Jackson and Udrih and a fully healthy Bogut the Bucks should be able to do better than dead last in offense this season and with a roster filled with good defenders and a really good defensive coach in Scot Skiles I expect the Bucks to be in that 5-10 range as far as team defense goes. 

4. Detroit Pistons 

Key Losses: SG. Rip Hamilton (Waived via buyout) PF. Chris Wilcox (free agency) 

Key Acquisitions: PG. Brandon Knight (1st round pick) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Brandon Knight SG. Rodney Stuckey SF. Tayshaun Prince PF. Jonas Jerebko C. Greg Monroe 

Expectations: If Stuckey really does get to play more shooting guard and if Monroe starts looking like a solid big man for a full year then this team might actually be competitive this year. They still don't have enough to make a run at the playoffs but they got players who can shoot it in Ben Gordon, Daye, Prince, and Villaneuva. This team still won't be able to consistently stop teams and since they don't have a go to scorer to carry them in tough times it all equates to them being a bad team again. 

5. Cleveland Cavaliers 

Key Losses: PG. Baron Davis (Waived via Amnesty Clause) PF. J.J. Hickson (Traded to the Kings) 

Key Acquisitions: PG. Kyrie Irving (1st Round Pick) PF. Tristan Thompson (1st Round Pick) SF. Omri Casspi (Acquired via trade from the Kings) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Kyrie Irving SG. Anthony Parker SF. Alonzo Gee PF. Antawn Jamison C. Anderson Varejao 

Expectations: My expectations for the Cavs this year are for them to possibly be one of the worse 3 teams in basketball. Kyrie Irving will help bring more excitement to this team and make them somewhat more interesting to watch but the Cavs simply don't have enough to even be a competitive team. Parker and Gee wouldn't start for hardly any other NBA team in the league. Jamison is a shell of his former self and will be called on to possibly be the teams go to scoring option which is just sad. It's gonna be another long year in Cleveland. 

NBA Division Breakdown: Eastern Conference Atlantic Division

Last Season: 

Standings: 1. Celtics - 56-26 2. Knicks 42-20 3. Sixers 41-41 4. Nets 24-58 5. Raptors 22-60

Playoff Teams: Celtics (#3 seed) Knicks (#6 Seed) Sixers (#7 Seed)

Review: Last season the Atlantic division was a 1 man show as far as elite teams go. The Celtics were one of the premiere teams in the Eastern Conference last season and won the division easily. The Knicks and Sixers battled it out for 2nd place and the Knicks won out by 1 game. For the majority of the season the Knicks were getting use to incorporating their new free agent signings of Amare Stoudimire and Raymond Felton with the rest of their team and enjoying more success than they've had in years. Then they made a blockbuster trade for Carmelo Anthony around the trade deadline and blew up the roster to do it and saw themselves play pretty much 500 ball as they struggled to adjust on the fly. The Sixers also had a bounce back season as they returned to the playoffs after not making it the year before. Iguodala had a fantastic year as a all around player and was one of the better defensive players in all the NBA last season. The Nets as expected spent most of the season in complete mediocrity and irrelevancy until they made a blockbuster deal of their own and traded for Deron Williams without a commitment to resign. And as for the Raptors, well they played their 1st full season without franchise centerpiece Chris Bosh and as expected were pretty awful. 

This Season:

Predicted Standings: 1. Celtics 2. Knicks 3. Sixers 4. Nets 5. Raptors

Predicted Playoff Teams: 1. Celtics 2. Knicks 3. Sixers 

Division Preview: This season I expect the standings to pretty much remain the same which might come as a shock to some people. The Celtics are still the team to beat in this division to me especially with this season being shortened and their being relatively no training camp for the Knicks to get in better sync. Before I go any further I want to explain my standings reflect regular season only and do not reflect what I might think about the playoffs. Basically I'm saying I expect the Celtics to win more regular season games than the Knicks because most of the Celtics players are familiar with their system and they have a team full of veteran players. The Knicks on the other hand are putting in a completely new defensive system and key players like Baron Davis and Tyson Chandler are going to have to mesh on the fly with the players from last year. Come playoff time the Knicks might be in perfect sync and ready to go and if they are I have no doubt they are capable of beating anybody in the East but until I actually see them in the regular season gelling together I can't say that they'll have a better record than Boston with so much uncertainty. It might also surprise some people that I have the Sixers over the Nets. Of course the elephant in the room with the Nets is will they be able to get Dwight which if they are they instantly jump up to number 3 but right now they don't have him and the Sixers still have a more complete and balanced team under a very good basketball coach in Doug Collins who will have them right back in the playoff hunt again. I think the Nets will be improved from last season but still not better than the Sixers as is. The Raptors biggest moves this offseason were signing SF Gary Forbes, washed up C Jamaal Magloire, and drafting big man Jonas Valanciunas who might not even get to play this season. For the most part its the same team as last year and you can expect the same results. 

Team Previews: 

1. Boston Celtics 

Key Losses: PG. Delonte West (free agency) PF. Glen Davis (traded to Magic) C. Shaq (retirement) SF/PF. Jeff Green (out for season with heart condition) PF. Troy Murphy (free agency) SG. Von Wafer (traded to Magic)

Key Acquisitions: PF. Brandon Bass (acquired in trade from Magic) PG. Keyon Dooling (acquired in trade from Bucks) PF/C. Chris Wilcox (free agency) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Rajon Rondo SG. Ray Allen SF. Paul Pierce PF. Kevin Garnett C. Jermaine O'Neal 

Expectations: My expectations for the Celtics are to finish top 3 in the East and 1st in this division. The current situation for this season due to the lockout benefits Boston because their a veteran team that has been playing together for years under the same coach. That type of continuity should prove vital during this shortened and rushed NBA season. I expect Pierce to lead the team in scoring and be the focal point offensively down the stretch of games. I expect for Rondo to be his usual self as far as creating for others and being a menace on the defensive end. And overall I just expect good clean fundamental basketball that starts on the defensive end like we've seen the last 4 seasons from this group. I believe the Celtics are very much still a championship contender and right now are the 2nd best team in the East. 

2. New York Knicks

Key Losses: PG. Chauncey Billups (Waived via Amnesty Clause) C. Ronnie Turiaf (Traded to the Wizards) PF. Shawne Williams (free agency)

Key Acquisitions: C. Tyson Chandler (free agency via Sign and Trade) PG. Baron Davis (free agency) PG/SG. Iman Shumpert (1st round pick) PG. Mike Bibby (free agency) 

Projected Starting 5: PG. Baron Davis SG. Landry Fields SF. Carmelo Anthony PF. Amare Stoudemire C. Tyson Chandler 

Expectations: Wouldn't surprise me at all if the Knicks were able to win this division but I would have felt alot better about their chances this season had they had a full summer and training camp to prepare. Their going to be trying to get alot of new pieces acquainted with a new system not to mention Melo and Stoudemire need more time develop better chemistry as well. Because of all those factors you gotta think they could have trouble out of the gate as they try and work out all the kinks but I fully expect the Knicks to be serious contenders come playoff time especially if the new defensive system they plan to put into place works out. 

3. Philadelphia 76ers 

Key Losses: SF. Jason Kapano 

Key Acquisitions: PF/C. Nikola Vucevic (1st round pick)

Projected Starting 5: PG. Jrue Holiday SG. Jodie Meeks SF. Andre Igoudala PF. Elton Brand C. Spencer Hawes 

Expectations: The Sixers resigned Hawes and Thaddeus Young and for the most part bring back the same team as last year so I expect mostly the same results. Although Evan Turner might be more improved and make his way into the starting lineup by the end of the year. This is still fairly a young team in Holiday, Young, Hawes, Speights, and Turner. The Sixers will be solid on defense again with plenty of athletes on the perimeter but I expect them to have stretches where they struggle offensively as they did last year from a lack of a pure scorer on the team. The Sixers will most likely be battling for a 7th or 8th seed. 

4. New Jersey Nets 

Key Losses: SF. Travis Outlaw (waived via Amnesty Clause) PF. Brandon Wright (free agency) SG. Sasha Vujacic (playing overseas) 

Key Acquisitions: PF. Shawne Williams (free agency) SG. Marshon Brooks (1st round pick) (currently the favorites to land Andre Kirelinko) 

Projected Started 5: PG. Deron Williams SG. Anthony Morrow SF. Damien James (Kirelinko if he signs) PF. Kris Humpries C. Brook Lopez

Expectations: I expect the Nets to be alot better than last year having Deron Williams for a whole season. The Nets still need to do more to get better personel wise and it's looking less likely they can get Dwight as the Lakers are the assumed favorites to get him if the Magic wanna deal him. The Nets just can't do much better than Bynum and Gasol for Dwight so they might be in trouble. Chances are if they don't land another notable player then Deron won't stay and they might have to deal him at the deadline. As far as on the court goes look out for rookie Marshon Brooks who will most likely start off coming off the bench and he's potentially going to be a decent scorer of the bench for them. Also I expect a much better season from Lopez on the boards and defensively. Still baring major change this isn't a playoffs team unless Deron Williams simply wills them to a 8th seed. 

5. Toronto Raptors 

Key Losses: PF. Reggie Evans (free agency) SG. Sonny Weems (playing overseas) 

Key Additions: SF. Gary Forbes (free agency) C. Jamaal Magloire (free agency) C. Jonas Valanciunas (1st Round Pick but might not be able to leave from overseas) 

Projected Starting Lineup: PG. Jose Calderon SG. Demar DeRozan SF. Gary Forbes PF. Andrea Bargnani C. Jamaal Magloire 

Expectations: This team just simply lacks a difference maker and is filled with a bunch of players that would be coming off the bench for just about every playoff team. The simple fact is the best players not trying to go play in Toronto and it shows with this roster. Bargnani should be much better off this year as he's playing his more natural PF position instead of C where he failed miserably as a rebounder and defensive anchor. I don't know what Magloire has left in the tank but even at his age he can do both better than Bargnani can in those areas. DeRozan had a solid year last year and hopefully he can do it again this year. But overall I expect this team to probably have the worst record in the NBA. Or maybe they beat out the Bobcats either way their looking at a rough season ahead of them.