10. Memphis Grizzlies: Pau is coming off a strong WBC and polished rookie Drew Gooden should contribute right away. Plus, would you bet against a Jerry West team to do anything but steadily improve? 9. New York Knicks: Last season's low win total (30) means they don't have anywhere to go but up, especially with McDyess in the mix. Assuming he stays healthy, of course ... 8. Golden State Warriors: Similar to Memphis, in that this team will be "better" than last season, but it might not show greatly in win column. Still, lineup stability -- coupled with Dunleavy-Jamison combo at the forwards -- should add a few wins to last season's meager tally. 7. New Jersey Nets: Odds are their win total won't improve much over last season's 52, but with Deke, Childs and Rogers on board, the Nets are built for when it counts: the playoffs. 6. Orlando Magic: Two words: Grant Hill. One question: Is he healthy? If affirmative, Magic's win total should jump from 44 to 50-plus. 5. Washington Wizards: In Jordan's first year in D.C., they went from 19 to 37 wins. Don't expect another 18-game jump, but with Stack playing next to MJ, Wizards should be even better. 4. Chicago Bulls: Chandler and Curry are a year older. Donyell Marshall is an upgrade at the four. Jay Williams should step right in. Plus, they still have Jalen Rose. Add it up, and Chicago could win 35-plus in wide-open East. 3. Houston Rockets: Stevie Franchise and Mo Taylor appear healthy. Eddie Griffin is a rising star. Oh, and then there's that Yao guy. Yes, the West is tough, but this team is much better than last season's 28 wins. 2. Atlanta Hawks: Ratliff is back, and the Big Dog is in the house. Management thought so much of the changes that they're guaranteeing playoffs. 1. Los Angeles Clippers: Everyone said all this talented young team needed was a point guard. Now, in Andre Miller, they have one of the best quarterbacks in the business. There are no excuses this season. -- Randy Kim, NBA.com To me, I thought the Rockets are the most improved team (whats new), but I agree with the Clippers being so high. But whats with the Atlanta Hawks, they got the big dog, but thats it. # 2?
I think we should be #1, Hawks #2 because they were just terrible last year and they should be battling for the 8th seed in the East. The clips should be #3 because they were pretty good last year so they may not get that much better. The Magic should be #4 because how often do you add all-star without losing anything.
