With the NBA season approaching faster than a cheetah with a burning firework up its arse it's that wonderful time of year where we can predict things that will look stupid in June.
I shall start:
Western Conference Champions: Sacremento Kings - lets be honest, but for a Robert Horry 'Hail Mary' and a collective off night from the charity stripe they'd have won it last year. They're settled, a year older and acquired an additional backup (maybe replacement) for the only player whose age is an issue.
Eastern Conference Champions: Indiana Pacers - deep and talented with a thoughtful Coach. O'Neal will be at his correct spot (power forward), Tinsley has been working at his shot but is, anyway, a good enough distributor to run the point. Reggie Miller is fading but with Artest and Harrington on board I think his regular season minutes will drop and he will be fresh for the play-offs. They have trade bait in the likes of Mercer, Bender and Croshere to improve further if need be.
NBA Champions: Kings (whoever comes out of the West will still win it, but we know that).
MVP: Tim Duncan - the help around him has improved and I think his numbers will be huge. TMac could push him assuming Hill stays healthy - which would allow him to concentrate on what he does best.
ROY: Caron Butler - in Miami's situation I think Pat Riley will go against his instincts and give him serious court time. Before to many years are out teams that left him on the board will feel the same as those who could have taken Paul Pierce.
Coach of the Year: Isiah Thomas - assuming my Eastern pick comes up.
Defensive MVP: Ben Wallace - Ben did enough work last year to earn this years award without playing
Most Improved Team: Indiana (I know, I'm sticking my neck out here) and the Wizards. Injuries allowing I reckon the Wiz will play more tha 82 games this season.
Most Improved Player: Tim Thomas - the Big Dog was not only a poison to the Bucks last year but he kept a player with more all round game stuck playing back up minutes. Tim has the talent and should want to tear things up.
Your turn......
I shall start:
Western Conference Champions: Sacremento Kings - lets be honest, but for a Robert Horry 'Hail Mary' and a collective off night from the charity stripe they'd have won it last year. They're settled, a year older and acquired an additional backup (maybe replacement) for the only player whose age is an issue.
Eastern Conference Champions: Indiana Pacers - deep and talented with a thoughtful Coach. O'Neal will be at his correct spot (power forward), Tinsley has been working at his shot but is, anyway, a good enough distributor to run the point. Reggie Miller is fading but with Artest and Harrington on board I think his regular season minutes will drop and he will be fresh for the play-offs. They have trade bait in the likes of Mercer, Bender and Croshere to improve further if need be.
NBA Champions: Kings (whoever comes out of the West will still win it, but we know that).
MVP: Tim Duncan - the help around him has improved and I think his numbers will be huge. TMac could push him assuming Hill stays healthy - which would allow him to concentrate on what he does best.
ROY: Caron Butler - in Miami's situation I think Pat Riley will go against his instincts and give him serious court time. Before to many years are out teams that left him on the board will feel the same as those who could have taken Paul Pierce.
Coach of the Year: Isiah Thomas - assuming my Eastern pick comes up.
Defensive MVP: Ben Wallace - Ben did enough work last year to earn this years award without playing
Most Improved Team: Indiana (I know, I'm sticking my neck out here) and the Wizards. Injuries allowing I reckon the Wiz will play more tha 82 games this season.
Most Improved Player: Tim Thomas - the Big Dog was not only a poison to the Bucks last year but he kept a player with more all round game stuck playing back up minutes. Tim has the talent and should want to tear things up.
Your turn......
