Has it been five months already? Was it that long ago when San Antonio dusted the Pistons for their third title in seven seasons? I guess time flies when you're whining about the Association's new dress code. Now, it's time to quit the jabbering of offseason trades and rule changes. The players are back on the court for another drawn-out, dunking-highlighted, and more smoothly dressed season of NBA basketball.
Even though it's 82 games into the future, thoughts of the playoff season are the tactic management, players, and fans will use to get through the five-month drudgefest. While more than half of the league's teams will make the postseason, there is a limited number of spaces. Sure, everyone has a shot at the trophy now, but only 16 squads will continue the fight in April.
So, you ask, who might those be? How about an answer, complete with team seedings.
Eastern Conference
1) Miami Heat (Southeast Champs)
You've probably heard about the problems the experts have with chemistry. But when you have Shaquille O'Neal, Dwayne Wade, Antoine Walker, and more, it doesn't matter whether Stan Van Gundy or Pat Riley is leading this team. I have a feeling they're all hungrier than people give them credit for. Plus, they get to beat up on the Southeast Division.
2) Indiana Pacers (Central Champs)
As the sixth seed, this team made it to the second round last year and stole a couple from Detroit. Reggie Miller is gone, but Ron Artest makes his way back from a nearly year-long suspension. Whether you can stand the guy or not, he is a huge presence on the court. Just a word of advice, Ron. Make sure that if you're in stands, you actually bought tickets to the game.
3) New Jersey Nets (Atlantic Champs)
It was hard to believe, but Vince Carter actually injected some energy into the Nets after joining them last year. The team off the Jersey Turnpike still has less inside presence than an empty piñata. However, the perimeter of Carter, Jason Kidd, and Richard Jefferson is extremely potent. In the weak Atlantic Division, that should be enough firepower to push them back to the top after a year off.
4) Detroit Pistons
There's no denying that the force is strong with the two-time defending conference champs. But Jedi Master Larry Brown has departed for the bright lights and dark outlook of the Knicks. It won't be a big deal in the long run. The Pistons won 50 games twice under Rick Carlisle. Flip Saunders captained the Timberwolves to the West's top-seed two years ago. This team has enough weapons and chemistry to be threat, no matter where they land in the top eight.
5) Chicago Bulls
The Baby Bulls grew up fast last season. This squad of collegiate All-Americans got it together under Scott Skiles and finished with the third-best record in the East. The loss of Eddy Curry will be a problem, but veterans Tim Thomas and Malik Allen should provide some needed bulk to help Tyson Chandler in the post. The only reason this team takes a step back is because Indiana's better.
6) Cleveland Cavaliers
King 'Bron might finally have his court setup to make a run at the playoffs. The acquisitions of Larry Hughes and Damon Jones should give LeBron James a little more firepower in his supporting cast. There will be questions with first-year coach Mike Brown, but as we've learned, Mr. James is pretty much a player/coach/manager in that organization.
7) Philadelphia 76ers
This team made it to the playoffs last season amid some chaotic turns at the head coach position. So, what does the organization do? They go out and get a Philly guy and soothing force in Maurice Cheeks. The young talent in Andre Igoudala, Kyle Korver, and Samuel Dalembert (when he gets back) is emerging as a good supporting cast for Chris Webber and that A.I. guy.
8) Boston Celtics
Last year, the Beantown Boys made a late push to win the Atlantic. Sure, they don't have the Walker shimmy to add to their point totals, but Paul Pierce and Ricky Davis are a pretty nice 1-2 punch. If you add in newcomers Gerald Green and Ryan Gomes, I think this team's offensive style, along with gritty coach Doc Rivers, will overcome their matador defense. They slip in at the eighth seed.
Western Conference
1) San Antonio Spurs (Southwest Champs)
Defending champs. A multiple MVP winner in the post. A bench that only got deeper this offseason. The most stifling defense in the Association. What more could you ask from the Riverwalk Gang? Not much. That's why Timmy Duncan, "Manu Manu" Ginobli, and Tony Parker are favored to win yet another Larry O'Brien Trophy.
2) Denver Nuggets (Northwest Champs)
Forget about George Karl's amazing record (33-12) since taking control of the team last year. His regular season record heading into the mountain air spoke for itself. 708 wins with four teams. A better than .500 record in nine or his last ten full seasons. Five division crowns. And just everybody knows the talent level of the new-version Nuggets. Simply put, I really like this team.
3) Sacramento Kings (Pacific Champs)
This is a tough sell. The Suns won't be setting anytime soon, plus you have to factor in the return of arch-nemesis Phil Jackson and what should be a stubborn Warriors squad. Yeah, they may have lost Webber and Bobby Jackson's energy, but Rick Adelman's squad has shifted focus. A tough, grinding mentality in the post (Brad Miller, Kenny Thomas, Brian Skinner, Shareef Abdur-Rahim) should be a great compliment to Mike Bibby and Peja Stojakovic on the perimeter.
4) Phoenix Suns
This was definitely the surprise of last year (well, other than the Wizards making the playoffs). Who knew that MVP Steve Nash could have such an impact on a team? The league's latest version of a three-ring circus sure made the game fun, but losing Joe Johnson might cause these acrobats to fly without a safety net. And the new depth on the bench (headlined by Kurt Thomas) will have to step up for main attraction Amare Stoudemire, who is out for four months.
5) Dallas Mavericks
The run-and-gunners might not have the ammunition they possessed the last few years, but this team can still flat out score. Last year, these guys found out that you do have to play a bit of defense to win a couple games. I believe that change of mind has served them well. Plus, would you try to take on Dirk Nowitzki in a shooting contest? Didn't think so.
6) Houston Rockets
I was surprised to see who the ESPN analysts picked to make it to the Western Conference Finals. Okay, half-surprised. Sure, San Antonio seems to be a lock to represent the West. However, some picked Houston as the eventual runner-up. Tracy McGrady, Yao Ming, and newly-acquired Stromile Swift will be a tough out in the postseason. If the experts are right, this is about where the Rockets should finish anyway.
7) Minnesota Timberwolves
Two years ago might have been a mirage. Last year didn't seem real, either. This time around, Kevin Garnett and the Wolves should find an oasis in their desert of confusion. Of course, they've got a first-year coach in Dwane Casey, but the organization also got rid of two "cancers" in Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell. Interesting how the tricks to the eye didn't show up until those two got to Minneapolis. The real T-Wolves should show up this time around.
8) Seattle SuperSonics
Can anybody explain to me why Nate McMillan left the shadow of the Space Needle to coach the "Jailblazers?" (Okay, other than the money.) Despite the re-signing of Ray Allen, this team slipped when it lost its conductor. McMillan's win rate of around 44 games per season helped keep the Sonics steady. I think they will miss that presence in the huddle between trying to make rain with all those three-pointers.
Unfortunately, now that I've made these picks, there's nothing left to do but watch all that basketball to see if I'm right come late April. It's a long ways out, but if I don't end up looking like Red after Deebo hit him in "Friday," I think I'll be all right.
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