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- Joined
- Mar 15, 2001
- Posts
- 26,876
- Reaction score
- 65,730
- Location
- Whitten Oval
- AFL Club
- Western Bulldogs
- Other Teams
- Footscray, Chelsea
The contenders
1) San Antonio
The stars: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli, Tony Parker
The reigning champions have it all. A two time-MVP, the best South American player in the world, and one of the best European players in the world.
2) Phoenix
The stars: Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudemire
Easily the best set of three stars in the league. They too have their very own two-time MVP, and this Canadian lad aint slowing down. Outside of their stars, they also have excellent clutch shooters in Barbosa and Bell, as well as veteran Grant Hill who will offer plenty of experience.
3) Chicago
The stars: Ben Wallace
The best in the East, and they have their all-star defender to thank. They also have some very good players in guards Gordon and Hinrich, and their forwards Deng and Nocioni – all starting five players are quality and they are destined to go a long way this season.
4) Dallas
The stars: Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard
Europe’s best player and the reigning MVP player has a reason to smile. Josh Howard is another star, and with Terry and Harris, the team looks promising. A lot will depend on how starting centre Eric Dampier returns from injury after Christmas.
5) Utah
The stars: Carlos Boozer
Yes, they only have one current star, but Kirilenko has been there and could easily return. Williams is a soon-to-be star, and Okur is another big man they have, but a unique one who shoots the three. Harpring offers experience and is still a solid player too. Boozer could be a smokey for MVP.
6) Boston
The stars: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen
Paul Pierce was the lone star last year, now he welcomes the giant KG and the decade’s best three-point shooter, Ray Allen. Posey and Perkins will probably get the remaining two starting positions, but they are hardly household names. I just think they lack something, but it’s still a strong team.
7) Houston
The stars: Yao Ming, Tracy Mcgrady
Asia’s best player and his gun teammate T-Mac must stay out of hospital if they are to be a serious contender. Rafer Alston has to concentrate on his basketball too, and if all goes to plan, they could be a surprise. The dream scenario would be Brad Newley drilling a three with seconds remaining in game seven of the Final to win the championship.
8) Denver
The stars: Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, Marcus Camby
I love the look of those three stars on paper, but it still hasn’t been proven that Carmelo and AI provide team chemistry when they are both on the court. It has taken them a year, but it could be the year where it all falls right for the Nuggets. If Kenyon Martin can bounce back to the form he was in a couple of seasons ago, look out.
9) Cleveland
The stars: Lebron James
The Eastern Champions have something that the other 29 teams don’t. The world’s best player. They also have a decent centre in Zydrunas Ilgauskas, but he is clearly on the decline, so maybe Drew Gooden and Varejao have to continue their improvement and make names for themselves. Three seasons ago I would have rated Larry Hughes a star, now he is playing like an average player at best – could he be the X Factor?
10) Detroit
The stars: Chauncey Billups
They are still a quality side. Billups, Hamilton and Rasheed consistently get the job done. Prince and McDyess are also good players, but they lack something – a strong centre like the one they lost to Chicago last year.
Don’t take too lightly
11) Washington
The stars: Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison
The Wizards were unlucky last year when they lost Arenas and Butler in the Play-Offs, but up stepped Jamison with scintillating performances. Outside of their top three they don’t have much, but Haywood must stand up and do something.
12) Atlanta
The stars: Joe Johnson, Josh Smith
The Hawks have been the pre-season stars. They have two obvious stars, a young gun in Marvin Williams who will be a star, plus Childress and Pachulia who are decent starting five players. They also have the player I expect to finish runner-up in the Rookie of the Year, Al Horford. The Hawks are my smokey for the new season.
13) New Jersey
The stars: Jason Kidd, Vince Carter
The Nets are probably the most exciting team to watch in the league. They have the provider in Jason Kidd, and the aerial ability of Vince Carter. Don’t forget one Richard Jefferson either who is undoubtedly this team’s X Factor. Kristic will continue to improve, and they need him to because their defence isn’t great.
14) Miami
The stars: Dwayne Wade
A little low you might think? Their star player is currently injured, and Shaq isn’t getting any younger. They do have the likes of Ricky Davis, Jason Williams, Smush Parker and Udonis Haslem, which represents quality depth, but expect them to get knocked out in the first week of the Play-Offs.
15) LA Lakers
The stars: Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom
Kobe Bryant would be the greatest thing since Jordan if Lebron wasn’t around, and last season he developed into more of an all-round team player. He is teamed up with fellow star Lamar Odom, who will be looking forward to hopefully playing a full season this campaign. Smush Parker will be a loss, but they now have the experience of Derek Fisher who should be a starter. Kwame and Bynum will share the minutes at the centre, while Luke Walton will be looking forward to returning to the form he was in prior to getting injured last season.
16) Toronto
The stars: Chris Bosh
The Raptors aren’t as good as some people are rating them, but they are still nonetheless good. Bosh has developed into one of the star centres of the league, while last year’s number one draft pick is ready to shine. T. J. Ford is a very good player too, who went at pick eight in the 2003 super draft. Parker, Garbosa, Kapono and Nesterovich are all solid players too.
17) Orlando
The stars: Rashard Lewis, Dwight Howard
Rashard could be the key to the Magic’s chances. Exactly what they wanted, someone to drain the shots from down town. Dwight Howard is the league’s best rebounder, and will only improve yet again. Jameer Nelson is a solid PG, and Hedo Turkoglu has something about him that I like.
The Smokies
18) Milwaukee
The stars: Michael Redd
Most Australians rate the Bucks as their second favourite team. Andrew Bogut is the reason, and it’s time for him to shine. Redd is an obvious star and will no doubt finish top five in scoring, while Bell, Mason, Simmons, Villanueva and Williams are solid players.
19) New Orleans
The stars: Chris Paul
CP3, the stage is yours. You’re free of injuries, now it’s time to take on the rest of the NBA. David West, you too are free of injury and you need to deliver. Chandler, learn to shoot from the free-throw line, and don’t stop rebounding. Peja, please stay injury-free and bucket down those threes you are known for. Peterson and Butler, if Peja can’t do that, you both need to. The makings are all there for a Play-Offs appearance, but the unlucky Hornets of 06/07 couldn’t take a trick with all their injuries. A Play-Offs smokey.
20) Charlotte
The stars: Emeka Okafor
Gerald Wallace and Jason Richardson are very good players, while Emeka is the star. Ray Felton and Walter Herrmann also go alright. Do not discount this team.
21) Golden State
The stars: Baron Davis
B-Diddy finally had a good year at the Warriors, but is he able to stay injury-free in the new campaign? Biedrins turned it up last season and is a blocking machine. Fellow youngster Monta Ellis is ready to fill the gap left by Jason Richardson two years ago. Jackson should be ready to behave himself, or maybe that’s just me thinking optimistically for the Warriors supporter base. Pietrus is another youngish player who should see close to thirty minutes a game this season. It’s a fairly young side, but a side capable of making the Play-Offs
22) Indiana
The stars: Jermaine O'Neale
Once upon a time, the big J’O had Artest and Jackson to provide support. Now the Pacers don’t have those names, but they do have Granger, Dunleavy, Tinsley and Murphy, all of whom are solid players. If they lose Jermaine they are stuffed, but while he’s there, Play-Offs are definitely a chance.
Wishful thinking
23) Sacramento
The stars: Ron Artest
With Bibby out for a while, the Kings will have a much smaller Kingdom. Their star player is always a risk and would feel right at home in Perth, but the talent is definitely there. Kevin Martin was the story of the season last year, and the Kings will be hoping for the same output from him. Miller and Thomas provide solid defence too. Defensively, it’s a very strong team, but without Bibby for a while, it’s hard to see Martin being able to shoot down thirty points every night.
24) New York
The stars: None
They don’t have stars, but Marbury and Randolph are very good players. Crawford and Richardson are great shooters, but too similar. Curry is a solid rebounder and point-scorer and is a key player for the Knicks. A lack of chemistry here won’t do them any favours.
Making up the numbers
25) Memphis
The stars: Pao Gasol
Big Pao has become a star for the Grizzlies. Mike Miller is a very good player, but that’s about all they have. Damon Stoudamire is only an average player, ditto for Milicic. OK, they have Rudy Gay and Mike Connelly JNR, but they aren’t stars yet, but they probably will be in a few years time.
26) Philadelphia
The stars: None
AI2, Korver and Miller are all solid, but that’s all they have – and none of them are great defensively. Dalembert is OK defensively, but doesn’t hurt you the other way. They will not make the Play-Offs with Dalembert getting more than 25 minutes per game.
27) LA Clippers
The stars: None
They wouldn’t suck with Elton Brand, but the reality is they won’t have him for probably the entire season. Cassell used to be a gun, but he needs a walking stick these days. Maggette is good, while Mobley and Knight are OK, but who do they have in defence now? The future does look bright with Al Thornton, who I tip to finish third in Rookie of the Year.
28) Seattle
The stars: None
The Sonics would probably be good enough to make the Play-Offs this season with Allen and Lewis, but you can’t lose two stars and expect to still be good. They have a young gun in Durant, who is my tip to win Rookie of the Year, and an underrated player in Wally Szczerbiak, while Ridnour and Watson aren’t good enough to be in a Play-Offs starting five. Lack of gun centre really hurts too.
29) Portland
The stars: None
They have sucked for a few years now, and guess what? They still do.
30) Minnesota
The stars: None
No KG, no Minnesota. With KG, they still sucked. Absolutely horrible team.
1) San Antonio
The stars: Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli, Tony Parker
The reigning champions have it all. A two time-MVP, the best South American player in the world, and one of the best European players in the world.
2) Phoenix
The stars: Steve Nash, Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudemire
Easily the best set of three stars in the league. They too have their very own two-time MVP, and this Canadian lad aint slowing down. Outside of their stars, they also have excellent clutch shooters in Barbosa and Bell, as well as veteran Grant Hill who will offer plenty of experience.
3) Chicago
The stars: Ben Wallace
The best in the East, and they have their all-star defender to thank. They also have some very good players in guards Gordon and Hinrich, and their forwards Deng and Nocioni – all starting five players are quality and they are destined to go a long way this season.
4) Dallas
The stars: Dirk Nowitzki, Josh Howard
Europe’s best player and the reigning MVP player has a reason to smile. Josh Howard is another star, and with Terry and Harris, the team looks promising. A lot will depend on how starting centre Eric Dampier returns from injury after Christmas.
5) Utah
The stars: Carlos Boozer
Yes, they only have one current star, but Kirilenko has been there and could easily return. Williams is a soon-to-be star, and Okur is another big man they have, but a unique one who shoots the three. Harpring offers experience and is still a solid player too. Boozer could be a smokey for MVP.
6) Boston
The stars: Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen
Paul Pierce was the lone star last year, now he welcomes the giant KG and the decade’s best three-point shooter, Ray Allen. Posey and Perkins will probably get the remaining two starting positions, but they are hardly household names. I just think they lack something, but it’s still a strong team.
7) Houston
The stars: Yao Ming, Tracy Mcgrady
Asia’s best player and his gun teammate T-Mac must stay out of hospital if they are to be a serious contender. Rafer Alston has to concentrate on his basketball too, and if all goes to plan, they could be a surprise. The dream scenario would be Brad Newley drilling a three with seconds remaining in game seven of the Final to win the championship.
8) Denver
The stars: Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, Marcus Camby
I love the look of those three stars on paper, but it still hasn’t been proven that Carmelo and AI provide team chemistry when they are both on the court. It has taken them a year, but it could be the year where it all falls right for the Nuggets. If Kenyon Martin can bounce back to the form he was in a couple of seasons ago, look out.
9) Cleveland
The stars: Lebron James
The Eastern Champions have something that the other 29 teams don’t. The world’s best player. They also have a decent centre in Zydrunas Ilgauskas, but he is clearly on the decline, so maybe Drew Gooden and Varejao have to continue their improvement and make names for themselves. Three seasons ago I would have rated Larry Hughes a star, now he is playing like an average player at best – could he be the X Factor?
10) Detroit
The stars: Chauncey Billups
They are still a quality side. Billups, Hamilton and Rasheed consistently get the job done. Prince and McDyess are also good players, but they lack something – a strong centre like the one they lost to Chicago last year.
Don’t take too lightly
11) Washington
The stars: Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison
The Wizards were unlucky last year when they lost Arenas and Butler in the Play-Offs, but up stepped Jamison with scintillating performances. Outside of their top three they don’t have much, but Haywood must stand up and do something.
12) Atlanta
The stars: Joe Johnson, Josh Smith
The Hawks have been the pre-season stars. They have two obvious stars, a young gun in Marvin Williams who will be a star, plus Childress and Pachulia who are decent starting five players. They also have the player I expect to finish runner-up in the Rookie of the Year, Al Horford. The Hawks are my smokey for the new season.
13) New Jersey
The stars: Jason Kidd, Vince Carter
The Nets are probably the most exciting team to watch in the league. They have the provider in Jason Kidd, and the aerial ability of Vince Carter. Don’t forget one Richard Jefferson either who is undoubtedly this team’s X Factor. Kristic will continue to improve, and they need him to because their defence isn’t great.
14) Miami
The stars: Dwayne Wade
A little low you might think? Their star player is currently injured, and Shaq isn’t getting any younger. They do have the likes of Ricky Davis, Jason Williams, Smush Parker and Udonis Haslem, which represents quality depth, but expect them to get knocked out in the first week of the Play-Offs.
15) LA Lakers
The stars: Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom
Kobe Bryant would be the greatest thing since Jordan if Lebron wasn’t around, and last season he developed into more of an all-round team player. He is teamed up with fellow star Lamar Odom, who will be looking forward to hopefully playing a full season this campaign. Smush Parker will be a loss, but they now have the experience of Derek Fisher who should be a starter. Kwame and Bynum will share the minutes at the centre, while Luke Walton will be looking forward to returning to the form he was in prior to getting injured last season.
16) Toronto
The stars: Chris Bosh
The Raptors aren’t as good as some people are rating them, but they are still nonetheless good. Bosh has developed into one of the star centres of the league, while last year’s number one draft pick is ready to shine. T. J. Ford is a very good player too, who went at pick eight in the 2003 super draft. Parker, Garbosa, Kapono and Nesterovich are all solid players too.
17) Orlando
The stars: Rashard Lewis, Dwight Howard
Rashard could be the key to the Magic’s chances. Exactly what they wanted, someone to drain the shots from down town. Dwight Howard is the league’s best rebounder, and will only improve yet again. Jameer Nelson is a solid PG, and Hedo Turkoglu has something about him that I like.
The Smokies
18) Milwaukee
The stars: Michael Redd
Most Australians rate the Bucks as their second favourite team. Andrew Bogut is the reason, and it’s time for him to shine. Redd is an obvious star and will no doubt finish top five in scoring, while Bell, Mason, Simmons, Villanueva and Williams are solid players.
19) New Orleans
The stars: Chris Paul
CP3, the stage is yours. You’re free of injuries, now it’s time to take on the rest of the NBA. David West, you too are free of injury and you need to deliver. Chandler, learn to shoot from the free-throw line, and don’t stop rebounding. Peja, please stay injury-free and bucket down those threes you are known for. Peterson and Butler, if Peja can’t do that, you both need to. The makings are all there for a Play-Offs appearance, but the unlucky Hornets of 06/07 couldn’t take a trick with all their injuries. A Play-Offs smokey.
20) Charlotte
The stars: Emeka Okafor
Gerald Wallace and Jason Richardson are very good players, while Emeka is the star. Ray Felton and Walter Herrmann also go alright. Do not discount this team.
21) Golden State
The stars: Baron Davis
B-Diddy finally had a good year at the Warriors, but is he able to stay injury-free in the new campaign? Biedrins turned it up last season and is a blocking machine. Fellow youngster Monta Ellis is ready to fill the gap left by Jason Richardson two years ago. Jackson should be ready to behave himself, or maybe that’s just me thinking optimistically for the Warriors supporter base. Pietrus is another youngish player who should see close to thirty minutes a game this season. It’s a fairly young side, but a side capable of making the Play-Offs
22) Indiana
The stars: Jermaine O'Neale
Once upon a time, the big J’O had Artest and Jackson to provide support. Now the Pacers don’t have those names, but they do have Granger, Dunleavy, Tinsley and Murphy, all of whom are solid players. If they lose Jermaine they are stuffed, but while he’s there, Play-Offs are definitely a chance.
Wishful thinking
23) Sacramento
The stars: Ron Artest
With Bibby out for a while, the Kings will have a much smaller Kingdom. Their star player is always a risk and would feel right at home in Perth, but the talent is definitely there. Kevin Martin was the story of the season last year, and the Kings will be hoping for the same output from him. Miller and Thomas provide solid defence too. Defensively, it’s a very strong team, but without Bibby for a while, it’s hard to see Martin being able to shoot down thirty points every night.
24) New York
The stars: None
They don’t have stars, but Marbury and Randolph are very good players. Crawford and Richardson are great shooters, but too similar. Curry is a solid rebounder and point-scorer and is a key player for the Knicks. A lack of chemistry here won’t do them any favours.
Making up the numbers
25) Memphis
The stars: Pao Gasol
Big Pao has become a star for the Grizzlies. Mike Miller is a very good player, but that’s about all they have. Damon Stoudamire is only an average player, ditto for Milicic. OK, they have Rudy Gay and Mike Connelly JNR, but they aren’t stars yet, but they probably will be in a few years time.
26) Philadelphia
The stars: None
AI2, Korver and Miller are all solid, but that’s all they have – and none of them are great defensively. Dalembert is OK defensively, but doesn’t hurt you the other way. They will not make the Play-Offs with Dalembert getting more than 25 minutes per game.
27) LA Clippers
The stars: None
They wouldn’t suck with Elton Brand, but the reality is they won’t have him for probably the entire season. Cassell used to be a gun, but he needs a walking stick these days. Maggette is good, while Mobley and Knight are OK, but who do they have in defence now? The future does look bright with Al Thornton, who I tip to finish third in Rookie of the Year.
28) Seattle
The stars: None
The Sonics would probably be good enough to make the Play-Offs this season with Allen and Lewis, but you can’t lose two stars and expect to still be good. They have a young gun in Durant, who is my tip to win Rookie of the Year, and an underrated player in Wally Szczerbiak, while Ridnour and Watson aren’t good enough to be in a Play-Offs starting five. Lack of gun centre really hurts too.
29) Portland
The stars: None
They have sucked for a few years now, and guess what? They still do.
30) Minnesota
The stars: None
No KG, no Minnesota. With KG, they still sucked. Absolutely horrible team.
