The NBA season preview

From Atlanta to Washington, and every team in between

ROMER BAUTISTA STAFF

ILLUSTRATION TED BARKER

Unlike the NFL, or the new NHL, predicting who will have success during the forthcoming NBA season is simple. It is so simple, in fact, that I am able to accurately prognosticate how good each team will be days prior to the start of the season. So, without further ado, here is the NBA season preview, listed chronologically, from worst to first.

Simply put: no chance in hell

30. Charlotte Bobcats
The Bobcats have plenty of young talent: Emeka Okafor, Raymond Felton, and Sean May. They should be an exciting team to watch. And with the possibility of rookie Adam Morrison crying after every loss, Bobcats fans have all the more reason to watch this year.

29. Portland Trail Blazers
In the off-season, the Trail Blazers made an effort to clean up the team’s image. Too bad they didn’t make an effort to build a talented team. When Zach Randolph is a team leader, you know that the team is in a whole heap of trouble.

28. Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks failed for the second summer in a row to fill their most pressing need, a point guard. They will find out that the signing of Speedy Claxton is not a significant improvement over last year’s point guards, Royal Ivey and Tyronne Lue.

Teams whose only concern is finding a representative for the 2007 draft lottery

27. Seattle Sonics
The Sonics offence isn’t the problem. They have dead-eye shooters in Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Their problem lies in their front court, where Johan Petro and some guy named Sene control the paint. Enough said.

26. New York Knicks
On paper, the Knicks have a very talented roster. They just have to be able to work together as a team. Unfortunately, players like Stephon Marbury and Steve Francis don’t know the meaning of the word “team.” Judging from his track record, new head coach Isiah Thomas isn’t likely to teach it to them either.

25. Memphis Grizzlies
Losing arguably your two best players, Shane Battier (traded to the Rockets) and Pau Gasol (out until January with a broken foot), is never a good thing. The rest of the team is too young and lacks the talent to make up for those losses.

24. Philadelphia 76ers
It’s a shame that a team with Allen Iverson on its roster is ranked so low. A. I. is still playing like an allstar, but the rest of his team isn’t very impressive. Chris Webber’s knees are wonky and Andre Igoudala didn’t become the star many predicted he would be. Not even Iverson’s heroics can save this team.

23. Utah Jazz
Despite his freakish talents, Andrei Kirilenko has been injury-plagued the last two seasons. If he’s not on the court, the Jazz don’t stand a chance. Besides, they’ll never be able to overcome the curse of Rafael Arujo.

22. Boston Celtics
Paul Pierce is the only bright spot on this team. That is all that can be said about the Celtics.

Teams who should throw a party if they make the playoffs

21. Milwaukee Bucks
The problem with the Bucks is that none of their off-season moves made them significantly better than last season’s eighth-seed team. Charlie Villanueva gives Michael Redd some help offensively, but losing T.J. Ford leaves the Bucks with no one to spread the rock.

20. Golden State Warriors
It seems like every year, the Warriors are one of the teams that everyone predicts to have a breakout year. Then every year, the Warriors show why they haven’t made the playoffs since 1994. If anything, Jason Richardson should provide some highlight-reel dunks.

19. Minnesota Timberwolves
The knock on Kevin Garnett has been that doesn’t like taking the “big shot” for Minnesota. That’s OK though, because free-agent signing Mike James should have no problem taking the big shot for the Timberwolves. James won’t have any problem taking the little shots either, or the threepoint shots, or the mid-range shots. In fact, James has proven he is willing to take any shot, even if he isn’t asked to.

18. Sacramento Kings
Mike Bibby is underrated as a point guard, and if Ron Artest has his head on straight, the two give the Kings a very formidable duo. It just seems like the rest of the West has passed them by.

17. Orlando Magic
The Magic have quietly become one of the best young teams in the NBA, with the likes of Dwight Howard, Darko Milicic, Jameer Nelson, and J.J. Reddick. But do they have anyone to guide them? Grant Hill is supposed to fill that role, but he finds himself on the injured list more often then a sumo wrestler finds himself at a buffet line.

16. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets
In his rookie season, Chris Paul came very close to leading the Hornets to the playoffs. Now that the 21-yearold has a year under his belt, and with the additions of Peja Stojakovic and Tyson Chandler, the Hornets look ready to take that next step.

15. Toronto Raptors
Call it homerism if you want, but this Raptor team looks like a legit playoff team. The additions of Andrea Bargnani, Jorge Garbajosa, and the very European Anthony Parker have given the Raptors phenomenal depth. But, the success of the Raptors starts with the face of the Raptors, and quite possibly the inspiration for the team logo, Chris Bosh.

Teams likely to be first-round fodder

14. Indiana Pacers
It’s the same old story for Jermaine O’Neal and the Pacers. They have enough talent to make the playoffs, but not enough to win the championship.

13. Los Angeles Lakers
Kobe’s boys surprised many, taking the Phoenix Suns to seven games in the first round last year. The addition of Vladamir Radmanovic will not be enough to for the Lakers to leapfrog the powerhouse teams out West. 12. New Jersey Nets

The Nets have enough firepower in Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson to match up with anyone. Their bench, however, is their Achilles heel, and will once again hold the Nets back.

11. Washington Wizards
Gilbert Arenas is the most underrated player in the league. He did it all for the Wizards last season, except hit those two free-throws in the playoffs. If he improves his stats from last season, and history has shown that he will, the Wizards will once again make the playoffs.

10. Denver Nuggets
The key to stopping the Nuggets last year was simple: stop Carmelo Anthony. The Nuggets’ roster still lacks a secondary scorer to compliment ’Melo.

Teams on the cusp of contention

9. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cavaliers have gotten better every year since LeBron James came into the league. This year, James is poised to have an MVP season. As he goes, so do the Cavaliers. But he’ll need a superhuman effort to displace the Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat atop the East. If any player is up for the task, however, it’s King James.

8. Los Angeles Clippers
With the Clippers returning all the major pieces back from last year’s playoff team, the Clippers will remain the best team in Los Angeles. Elton Brand will continue to be the workhorse that fuels this team.

7. Houston Rockets
The Rockets missed the playoffs last year, mainly because of injury. But, with Tracy McGrady healthy, Yao Ming emerging as the best centre in the league, and an improved supporting cast, the Rockets are a dark horse to take the Western conference.

6. Detroit Pistons
Losing a four-time Defensive Player of the Year (Ben Wallace), to a division rival is a huge blow. Still, the rest of Detoit’s core (Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace) is intact, so don’t expect too much of a drop off from last year’s 64-win team.

5. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls have the most depth in the East. The addition of Ben Wallace has turned an already solid defensive crew into the top defensive team in the league. The Bulls’ ability to score points might be a concern.

Teams suffering from the Amare factor

4. Phoenix Suns
Everyone knows what Steve Nash and Shawn Marion do for the Suns, but Phoenix’s hopes rest solely on the surgically repaired knee of Amare Stoudamire. If Stouadamire can return to his 2004-05 form, the Suns become the clear favorite to win the championship. If not, it will be playoff disappointment once again for Phoenix.

Championship material

3. San Antonio Spurs
With Tim Duncan in his prime, and with Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili still around, the Spurs will continue to remain a contender. Remember, the Spurs won 63 games in the regular season last year, and pushed the Dallas Mavericks to a seventh game nail-biter.

2. Miami Heat
Yeah, they’re the defending champions, and I respect Dwyane Wade’s game a ton, but in my mind, if Wade didn’t get the favourable calls from the refs, the Heat would have never defeated the Mavericks. That’s the only reason they aren’t number 1.

1. Dallas Mavericks
Dirk Nowitzki does not forget what happened to his team last June. It’s been stewing inside him, and the rest of the Dallas Mavericks, for the past four months. Now he’s ready to take out all his frustration on the NBA. The last time there was a German this angry, he tried to take over the world. I’m sure Notwitzki will settle for an NBA championship.





Volume 94 Issue 11	The Official University of Manitoba Students' Newspaper Website	November 01, 2006

Home About Us Advertise Contact Staff Current Issue PDF Employment Letters to the Editor Meet the Staff Online Archives Personals Volunteer	Font Size Respond Email Print-Friendly The NBA season preview From Atlanta to Washington, and every team in between ROMER BAUTISTA STAFF ILLUSTRATION TED BARKER Unlike the NFL, or the new NHL, predicting who will have success during the forthcoming NBA season is simple. It is so simple, in fact, that I am able to accurately prognosticate how good each team will be days prior to the start of the season. So, without further ado, here is the NBA season preview, listed chronologically, from worst to first. Simply put: no chance in hell 30. Charlotte Bobcats The Bobcats have plenty of young talent: Emeka Okafor, Raymond Felton, and Sean May. They should be an exciting team to watch. And with the possibility of rookie Adam Morrison crying after every loss, Bobcats fans have all the more reason to watch this year. 29. Portland Trail Blazers In the off-season, the Trail Blazers made an effort to clean up the team’s image. Too bad they didn’t make an effort to build a talented team. When Zach Randolph is a team leader, you know that the team is in a whole heap of trouble. 28. Atlanta Hawks The Hawks failed for the second summer in a row to fill their most pressing need, a point guard. They will find out that the signing of Speedy Claxton is not a significant improvement over last year’s point guards, Royal Ivey and Tyronne Lue. Teams whose only concern is finding a representative for the 2007 draft lottery 27. Seattle Sonics The Sonics offence isn’t the problem. They have dead-eye shooters in Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Their problem lies in their front court, where Johan Petro and some guy named Sene control the paint. Enough said. 26. New York Knicks On paper, the Knicks have a very talented roster. They just have to be able to work together as a team. Unfortunately, players like Stephon Marbury and Steve Francis don’t know the meaning of the word “team.” Judging from his track record, new head coach Isiah Thomas isn’t likely to teach it to them either. 25. Memphis Grizzlies Losing arguably your two best players, Shane Battier (traded to the Rockets) and Pau Gasol (out until January with a broken foot), is never a good thing. The rest of the team is too young and lacks the talent to make up for those losses. 24. Philadelphia 76ers It’s a shame that a team with Allen Iverson on its roster is ranked so low. A. I. is still playing like an allstar, but the rest of his team isn’t very impressive. Chris Webber’s knees are wonky and Andre Igoudala didn’t become the star many predicted he would be. Not even Iverson’s heroics can save this team. 23. Utah Jazz Despite his freakish talents, Andrei Kirilenko has been injury-plagued the last two seasons. If he’s not on the court, the Jazz don’t stand a chance. Besides, they’ll never be able to overcome the curse of Rafael Arujo. 22. Boston Celtics Paul Pierce is the only bright spot on this team. That is all that can be said about the Celtics. Teams who should throw a party if they make the playoffs 21. Milwaukee Bucks The problem with the Bucks is that none of their off-season moves made them significantly better than last season’s eighth-seed team. Charlie Villanueva gives Michael Redd some help offensively, but losing T.J. Ford leaves the Bucks with no one to spread the rock. 20. Golden State Warriors It seems like every year, the Warriors are one of the teams that everyone predicts to have a breakout year. Then every year, the Warriors show why they haven’t made the playoffs since 1994. If anything, Jason Richardson should provide some highlight-reel dunks. 19. Minnesota Timberwolves The knock on Kevin Garnett has been that doesn’t like taking the “big shot” for Minnesota. That’s OK though, because free-agent signing Mike James should have no problem taking the big shot for the Timberwolves. James won’t have any problem taking the little shots either, or the threepoint shots, or the mid-range shots. In fact, James has proven he is willing to take any shot, even if he isn’t asked to. 18. Sacramento Kings Mike Bibby is underrated as a point guard, and if Ron Artest has his head on straight, the two give the Kings a very formidable duo. It just seems like the rest of the West has passed them by. 17. Orlando Magic The Magic have quietly become one of the best young teams in the NBA, with the likes of Dwight Howard, Darko Milicic, Jameer Nelson, and J.J. Reddick. But do they have anyone to guide them? Grant Hill is supposed to fill that role, but he finds himself on the injured list more often then a sumo wrestler finds himself at a buffet line. 16. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets In his rookie season, Chris Paul came very close to leading the Hornets to the playoffs. Now that the 21-yearold has a year under his belt, and with the additions of Peja Stojakovic and Tyson Chandler, the Hornets look ready to take that next step. 15. Toronto Raptors Call it homerism if you want, but this Raptor team looks like a legit playoff team. The additions of Andrea Bargnani, Jorge Garbajosa, and the very European Anthony Parker have given the Raptors phenomenal depth. But, the success of the Raptors starts with the face of the Raptors, and quite possibly the inspiration for the team logo, Chris Bosh. Teams likely to be first-round fodder 14. Indiana Pacers It’s the same old story for Jermaine O’Neal and the Pacers. They have enough talent to make the playoffs, but not enough to win the championship. 13. Los Angeles Lakers Kobe’s boys surprised many, taking the Phoenix Suns to seven games in the first round last year. The addition of Vladamir Radmanovic will not be enough to for the Lakers to leapfrog the powerhouse teams out West. 12. New Jersey Nets The Nets have enough firepower in Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson to match up with anyone. Their bench, however, is their Achilles heel, and will once again hold the Nets back. 11. Washington Wizards Gilbert Arenas is the most underrated player in the league. He did it all for the Wizards last season, except hit those two free-throws in the playoffs. If he improves his stats from last season, and history has shown that he will, the Wizards will once again make the playoffs. 10. Denver Nuggets The key to stopping the Nuggets last year was simple: stop Carmelo Anthony. The Nuggets’ roster still lacks a secondary scorer to compliment ’Melo. Teams on the cusp of contention 9. Cleveland Cavaliers The Cavaliers have gotten better every year since LeBron James came into the league. This year, James is poised to have an MVP season. As he goes, so do the Cavaliers. But he’ll need a superhuman effort to displace the Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat atop the East. If any player is up for the task, however, it’s King James. 8. Los Angeles Clippers With the Clippers returning all the major pieces back from last year’s playoff team, the Clippers will remain the best team in Los Angeles. Elton Brand will continue to be the workhorse that fuels this team. 7. Houston Rockets The Rockets missed the playoffs last year, mainly because of injury. But, with Tracy McGrady healthy, Yao Ming emerging as the best centre in the league, and an improved supporting cast, the Rockets are a dark horse to take the Western conference. 6. Detroit Pistons Losing a four-time Defensive Player of the Year (Ben Wallace), to a division rival is a huge blow. Still, the rest of Detoit’s core (Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace) is intact, so don’t expect too much of a drop off from last year’s 64-win team. 5. Chicago Bulls The Bulls have the most depth in the East. The addition of Ben Wallace has turned an already solid defensive crew into the top defensive team in the league. The Bulls’ ability to score points might be a concern. Teams suffering from the Amare factor 4. Phoenix Suns Everyone knows what Steve Nash and Shawn Marion do for the Suns, but Phoenix’s hopes rest solely on the surgically repaired knee of Amare Stoudamire. If Stouadamire can return to his 2004-05 form, the Suns become the clear favorite to win the championship. If not, it will be playoff disappointment once again for Phoenix. Championship material 3. San Antonio Spurs With Tim Duncan in his prime, and with Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili still around, the Spurs will continue to remain a contender. Remember, the Spurs won 63 games in the regular season last year, and pushed the Dallas Mavericks to a seventh game nail-biter. 2. Miami Heat Yeah, they’re the defending champions, and I respect Dwyane Wade’s game a ton, but in my mind, if Wade didn’t get the favourable calls from the refs, the Heat would have never defeated the Mavericks. That’s the only reason they aren’t number 1. 1. Dallas Mavericks Dirk Nowitzki does not forget what happened to his team last June. It’s been stewing inside him, and the rest of the Dallas Mavericks, for the past four months. Now he’s ready to take out all his frustration on the NBA. The last time there was a German this angry, he tried to take over the world. I’m sure Notwitzki will settle for an NBA championship.


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