Cobb Posted July 14, 2009 Report Share Posted July 14, 2009 Source: NBA.com Eastern Conference: 1. Boston: Rasheed Wallace is declining physically, but it's an ideal situation for him since he can match up against reserves and isn't counted upon. Assuming Kevin Garnett is healthy, which seems likely, I expect the Celtics to win the East comfortably. 2. Orlando: They're coming in with a more traditional lineup with Brandon Bass at power forward and Rashard Lewis to small forward for Hedo Turkoglu. I think it hurts the great mismatch advantage they had given their unique style and I see them taking a step back with Vince Carter, who always is taking a step back when he shoots those bad threes. It's still unclear if they match on Marcin Gortat, who'll be a reserve if he returns. 3. Cleveland: They got a bit of a wakeup when their top targets like Ron Artest and Trevor Ariza passed, probably because of uncertainty on whether LeBron James will stay. The big move was the trade for Shaq, and while LeBron was for it, I see some issues with Shaq needing his touches. They got him to guard Dwight Howard. Maybe he does, but what about the Celtics? The Cavs prized defense will take a big hit. They settled for Anthony Parker, now 34. Well, he's better than Szczerbiak. Western Conference: 1. Lakers: This is assuming they bring back Lamar Odom. They've been slow to do so given their high luxury tax status. Their big key has been their size, and Odom is a big part of that. I like the Artest move, though they'll have moments when they wondered why. Artest might be OK in the playoffs because the offense still will be about Kobe and Pau. If Odom balks, they fall to second. 2. San Antonio: They've made as good of moves as anyone with the steal of Richard Jefferson and luring Antonio McDyess. Finally, they again have a real three and four. And, yes, Duncan is a center. Assuming Manu Ginobili is recovered from his ankle issues, they are gearing for a last run and can challenge the next two seasons. 3. Dallas: Give them credit for being so creative with the deal for Shawn Marion. They brought back Jason Kidd, which is key to making Marion effective as Marion has no offensive game on his own. They figure to get a better season from injured Josh Howard and assuming they get Gortat, they have terrific versatility to go small or big as well as any team. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MaxaMillion711 Posted July 14, 2009 Report Share Posted July 14, 2009 one hand he seems kinda down on my team .. yet he has them ranked 2nd hmmm I agree ... Lakers and Celts are the favorites ... I see great competition this year Its the year of the stacked teams ... should be fun Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flash Posted July 14, 2009 Report Share Posted July 14, 2009 I wonder how the Cavs fans will respond to this.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cleveland's Finest Posted July 14, 2009 Report Share Posted July 14, 2009 (edited) The guy mentioned the fact that we didn't get Ariza or Artest. Neither did the Celts or Magic. We already made a major move in getting a new Center so I am satisfied that we didn't get Ariza or Artest. Would I have been happy? Only if we got Ariza, but this isn't a fantasy. And that Anthony Parker pick up was under the radar. In his press conference yesterday he said he felt like a 30 year old dude to not playing 85 game seasons in the Euroleague. If you think about it, the Cavs will have two guys on their bench who could be consistent starters AND WERE cnsistent starters in the league last year in Ilgauskas and Parker. That is stacked imo. Edited July 14, 2009 by Cleveland's Finest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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