10. Portland Trailblazers
The Blazers went 50 and 32 in 2009-2010 with the majority of their players out with injuries most of the season, in a competitive Western Conference. With All-Star Brandon Roy, Lamarcus Aldridge, Andre Miller, Nicolas Batum and a healthy Greg Oden, this team is bound to catch most teams sleeping on them.
9. Orlando Magic
A lot of critics thought Orlando's appearance in the 2008-2009 NBA Finals was nothing more than a stroke of luck and that they posed no real threat to a team like the Lakers. In 2009-2010 the Orlando Magic swept both Charlotte and Atlanta in 4 games until falling to the veteran Celtics in 6 games in the Eastern Conference Finals. This team has one of the leagues deepest benches and the most unstoppable player in Dwight Howard (above). You can be sure this team will not only make the playoffs, but also have a legit shot at the Eastern Conference Finals.
8. Los Angeles Clippers (Blake Griffin)
Highly anticipated 2009 #1 draft pick Blake Griffin never had a chance to play a single game in his rookie year due to injury. He was hyped as the best Power Forward in the draft with the ability to change the face of the Clippers franchise. With an entire season to rehabilitate, Blake Griffin is ready to suit up and proved his worth by showing his versatility in the pre-season. Great ball handling skills, jump shooting ability and speed make him a prime candidate for Rookie of the Year which he is still eligible for. Definietely a player to keep an eye out for all year.
7. Washington Wizards (John Wall)
Another #1 draft pick, in 2010, John Wall is a former NCAA Kentucky Wildcats' star player. I have seen glimpses of him during the NBA Summer League and yes, believe the hype. With Gilbert Arenas, Andrey Blatche, JaVale Mcghee and Kirk Hinrich all helping him develop, expect "Lebron" type attention and highlights from Wall. Wall, much like Griffin, are sure to change the face of their struggling franchises. It is safe to assume if not Blake Griffin, John Wall will win the rookie of the year award.
6. Chicago Bulls
Finishing 41 and 41 last year, the Bulls were able to sneak into the playoffs at the 8th spot over the Toronto Raptors by a single game. With the addition of Carlos Boozer who has averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds in the regular season and 20 points and 12 rebounds in the playoffs over his entire career, Chicago fans can rejoice. With current All-Star Derrick Rose and inside enforcer Joakim Noah, the Bulls will be fun to watch and should be able to make the playoffs with relative ease.
5. New York Knicks
With the Knicks losing out on the "Lebron and Wade sweepstakes", New York opted to sign Phoenix Suns All-Star Amare Stoudamire. Do I think Amare and point guard Raymond Felton are enough to carry this team to the promise land? No. Besides the simple fact that the New York Knicks now have an All-Star, the excitement will come from finding out how well Stoudamire will do without Steve Nash's assists in the Phoenix Suns run and gun style of play. However, former Phoenix coach Mike D'Antoni, now with the Knicks, might find a way to make it all work.
4. Oklahoma City Thunder (Kevin Durant)
It might be easier to simply list Kevin Durant's accomplishments and leave it at that. This 2007 Rookie of the Year averages between 25 and 30 points per game with the fast paced Thunder team. Finishing 8th in the Western Conference in 2009-2010, Durant and his young team lost to the Lakers in 6 games in an exciting 1st round. Fresh off of a Gold Medal in the FIBA World Championship, Keving Durant is starting this season in better shape than most players who took the summer off. Kevin Durant and the Thunder are on their way to becoming household names, here is your chance to see why.
3. Boston Celtics
The 2008 Champion Boston Celtics were part of the NBA's highest ever TV ratings in history when they faced off against the Lakers in last years Finals. The once considered unbeatable trio, now considered the aging and injured veterans of the East, the Celtics will have to prove that they are still contenders for the title. No one is questioning their talent, but a lot of teams have younger players that can give this team a run for its money. With the addition of Shaquile Oneal and Jermaine Oneal, it is beginning to look like the last stop for a chance at a title for players nearing retirement. But the best weapon against youth is experience, and the Celtics have plenty of that.
2. Miami Heat
Without going into too much detail about what most already know, Miami acquired Chris Bosh from Toronto and Lebron James from Cleveland to form what is now called "The "Big 3". All the TV specials, media attention, critics, opinions and predictions will all be what drives this team to perform at its best. With 3 young All-Stars on one team, expect a lot wins, a lot of great highlights, a lot of love and a lot of hate.This is the team to watch all season long.
1. Lakers
With a chance at winning their 3rd championship in as many years, and with coach Phil Jackson already the record holder for Championships, the Los Angeles Lakers are the team no is talking about, but should be. Additions Matt Barnes, Theo Ratlif and Steve Blake will give Derrick Fisher some time to rest at the point guard position and allow the defense to get stronger with the temporary absence of Andrew Bynum to injury. Kobe Bryant's accomplishments are well documented, and the Lakers have proved that are they still relevant and still favored to win it all. Pau Gasol, Ron Artest and Lamar Odom are all back and flying under the media radar, I'm sure, much to their delight. Make no mistake, the Lakers are a dynasty, and fans can rejoice while the haters can get ready for another long season.
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