Hornets will win after trading Paul for the whole Lakers roster and the all the Lakers girls. Then they'll win the draft lottery even though they don't qualify and get the #1 pick.
Haven't seen the Heat improve themselves much. Battier's an upgrade over Miller...but they had much bigger issues at PG and C. They really needed to bite the bullet and move Bosh for a defensive big. Mavs are losing guys...but Lamar Odom may help them match up even better against the Heat. He's the perfect guy to put on Bosh, Marion did well against James, and Terry could tread water against Wade.....leaving Dirk free to run wild. Lakers obviously stumbled back and Kobe's a year older. Chicago has to find a real Robin to Rose's Batman since Boozer has been such a massive disappointment. They should have pursued a S&T for David West, IMO. Didn't like the way the Thunder went out. Westbrook has to get his head on straight before he causes that team to implode. Orlando's a mess. We're a mess. Knicks could possibly make a real run if they pick up a serviceable point. Chandler letting Amare thrive at the 4 will be dangerous. Hopefully Carmelo figures out a way to make his game fit next to another star. We'll also need to see who comes into camp looking like a blimp. Major x-factor. This sport is too fast. It'll be automatic for guys to injure themselves if they aren't in proper condition...and this grueling schedule makes it even worse.
I think both those teams are matchup nightmares for the Heat. Especially Memphis. How do the Heat guard Memphis?
Heat has the best shot, because they're the best team. However, anything is possible and I would rather the trophy stay in the West. OKC will need Perkins to play like a true beast if they have a chance. Mav's are obvious favorites from the West, though I don't know why anyone would count out the Lakers, esp if Bynum (who is looking super great) can stay healthy. Real small tweaks being done right now. Mavs got Odom, and Lakers got Kapono, McRoberts, and not to mention a new coach. Can really go either way here. In the East I really don't think anyone will challenge the Heat. Maybe Boston, and New york if they can sign a decent PG. Bulls are still like a weaker Heat, since they don't have any size down low. I'm also predicting one team will come out surprising everyone...I don't mean small surprise, but actually becoming a legit top 6 contender. This is gonna be a great season, no doubt
I'm going on my gut feeling here, but yes that's what I was thinking too. Hibbert isn't really a competent center yet, but he has the potential. Also, their D needs some work. We'll see though, I don't think anyone outside of DAL/LAL/BOS/MIA/OKC has much of a real chance, and that's the way it's supposed to be
My prediction of a surprising team is the Clippers. Billups is a huge pick up...not like CP3, but still enough for them to have the biggest increase in wins vs last year.
I dunno, Blake seems like a smaller Howard atm. That's by no means bad, but it doesn't put them at much of an advantage. Also, they need to show that they are playing to win. The way a team plays starts from the PG, and Billups is def a good choice. But right now some teams are just way to overpowered, esp Mav's and Heat
I agree, good pickup without ruining your roster like they were going to do with CP3. It'll just be a great day if they beat the Lakers. But if I was to bandwagon this year since the Rockets will probably not do anything , I'm saying Memphis is the team to watch. So close last year and they didn't even have their 1.b player. With no major roster changes my top 5 per conference. West. Memph OKC Dallas Clips Lakers GS SA I think they'll drop out of top 8 finally this year but not sure what final rosters are yet As for 8 the West gets terrible ha. If Rockets sign Dalembert they will be 7 i think though I'd rather them pass or 6 if they sign Nene. Minny could squeeze in here and if Denver resigns Nene they are the 6. East Miami Chi (Want to put them at 1 but not until I see a SG improvement) NY Orl (although this will change very soon ha) Atl Philly Bost Ind
The Miami Heat will win it all this year, if the rockets dont make the playoffs I will be rooting for Durant and Derrick Rose.
