The world’s best players have just tipped off another season of the National Basketball Association and it is a long way from October to June.
But here’s a quick look of who should be at the next level when the games go up in intensity come playoff time.
EASTERN CONFERENCE
(seeds in reverse order #8 to #1)
Philadelphia 76ers
Savvy coach Doug Collins comes in and will go small with youngsters Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday who will grow up fast at guard, but the key will be Elton Brand.
Charlotte Bobcats
Coach Larry Brown will have to work another one of his miracles because the team’s tight purse strings haven’t provided him with a wealth of talent to work with. Much will be expected of Texas rookie guard DJ Augustin under the watchful eye of former guard-turned owner Michael Jordan.
Atlanta Hawks
Disarray within ownership makes coach Larry Drew’s job tough in replacing Mike Woodson a challenge.
Milwaukee Bucks
New arrival Corey Maggette is a good fit with the hard-nosed style of Scottie Skiles. If Andrew Bogut can stay healthy, the Bucks will be in the mix.
Chicago Bulls
Defense-minded new coach Tom Thibodeau comes from the winning tradition at Boston. Coming over from Utah is Carlos Boozer. That is a good thing. Derrick Rose is the key to Bull fortunes.
Boston Celtics
Despite a tad bit of gray now in their beards, the fighting irish still pack plenty of punch. Rasheed is gone but Shaq and Jermaine O’Neal join Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett with stellar guard Rajon Rondo. Another shot in the finals is not out of the question.
Orlando Magic
Dwight Howard is the Beast of the East (and the whole league for that matter) and if Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter and Jameer Nelson have even just a solid season, the Magic could be your champion.
Miami Heat
It will be interesting to see who gets the ball on a regular basis come crunch time- LeBron or Dwayne? A good luxury to have no doubt. In any event look for the Heat to rep the East in the Finals.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
(seeds in reverse order #8 to #1)
Houston Rockets
The Trevor Ariza era is quickly over but shooter Kevin Martin is a fine addition. If Yao’s minute restrictions can expand by playoff time, the Rockets could surprise.
San Antonio Spurs
A lot of journeymen have come and gone in recent years, but rookie Brazilian forward Tiago Splitter will be the spark to reenergize a smart and still talented team.
Portland Trailblazers
Marquette guard Wesley Matthews is new in town, but for coach Nate McMillan the challenge is rallying the troops around center Greg Oden.
Denver Nuggets
A hopefully healthy coach George Karl returns to the floor to once again mine for gold where most people don’t expect much. 14-year vet guard Chauncey Billups leads the team with another veteran Al Harrington, a forward, joining in on the fun.
Utah Jazz
Despite losing Boozer, plan on wily coach Jerry Sloan to get his team in the playoff hunt once again. Helping Sloan in his 23rd season at the helm, will be newcomers Al Jefferson and Raja Bell.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Just 22 and leading America to a world hoop title, Kevin Durant is already among the elite players in the NBA, but like all the great in the past winning is what he will be measured by.
Dallas Mavericks
Scott Carlisle has a team of 30-somethings that, if they still have springs in their heavier legs come playoff-time, should be trouble. Jason Kidd (37), Shawn Marion (32) and Dirk Nowitzki (32) are plenty capable of going far.
Los Angeles Lakers
Coming off back-to-back NBA Titles (and a final appearance before that), the only real question are injuries. Despite Kobe’s knee, with the core of Pau Gasol, Ron Artest and Lamar Odom, the Lakers are poised to win it all again. The key will be Andrew Bynum, will he be reduced to part-time status due to recurring injury issues? In a smart move, Theo Ratliff was brought in for backup minutes at center.
NBA FINALS LAKERS OVER HEAT
Kobe Bryant leads the Lakers to a 3-Peat NBA Crown
