What do you think about that?
1. San Antonio Spurs: Being eliminated in the first round last season did not sit well with General Manager RC Buford. Instead of saving cap space, the Spurs are concentrating on a "right now" scenario, cognizant that Tim Duncan's days are numbered. Athletic wingman Richard Jefferson should contribute significantly on both ends and relieve some pressure off Ginobili, who will reportedly be 100% by the start of training camp. Veteran Antonio McDyess, who averaged 9.8 rebounds last year, will slide in nicely. McDyess and No. 37 draft pick DeJuan Blair (aka, The Steal) will provide major help in the paint. ACLs or not, I see a great future in energetic, tough Blair. Pop gets to play I-told-you-so with Tony Parker's recent overseas injury, but he'll be fine. The likely starting five is ridiculously strong, and the bench is deep. The only concern is keeping everyone healthy, but couldn't that be said for every team?
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Lakers fans, put away your swords. Yes, I realize Lamar Odom is coming back. Adding Ron Artest obviously brings tough defense and help for Kobe's shots, but forgive me for stating the obvious…um, chemistry? One should not underestimate the importance of it. Phil Jackson will handle that, some say. Do they become complacent now that they have the ring? What about Andrew Bynum? It's hard to forget the significant contributions that Trevor Ariza made in the playoffs (47.6% 3-pointers/ 49.7% overall, strong defense and offensive sparks). OK, the following questions should really incite the crowd: How do the Lakers fare in a Finals with either of last year's top two Eastern Conference seeds, Celtics (with a healthy Garnett) or Cavs? Did they get a break by facing No. 3 Magic last season? Obviously this team remains top-tier with such an abundance of talent.
3. Dallas Mavericks: Legitimate scorer, defender, rebounder, etc. Shawn Marion upgrades the Mavericks, and Drew Gooden (doesn't he seem older than just 27?), taking over departed Brandon Bass' role, gives them some offense in the frontcourt. Re-signed PG Jason Kidd still feeds with the best of them, and can teach promising draft pick Roddy Beaubois the tricks of the trade. Beaubois impressed in the Las Vegas Summer League with a 17-point average in five games. Dirk Nowitski remains viable (understatement there), but there's no time to waste. They just added Tim Thomas for some 3s, Josh Howard is projected to be 100% by the start of training camp, and along with Mr. Sixth Man (Jason Terry) himself ready for action, it's all good.
4. Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets have been somewhat quiet this offseason, and with their high-level showing in the playoffs last year, are they thinking "why fix what ain't broke?" They wisely re-signed Birdman, and basically swapped Dahntay Jones for strong defender Aaron Affalo. An improving J.R. Smith looks to start. They found a way to get the player they wanted in the draft, Ty Lawson, who will soak up every morsel of knowledge that Chauncey Billups dishes out. Lawson wasn't so hot in Vegas, but there's lots of time to develop, especially under a team that knows how to win. Frontcourt depth is questionable – can Nene and Kenyon Martin stay healthy? In any case, Carmelo Anthony got a taste of the good life, i.e., being on a legitimate contending team, and will be focused to get there again.
5. Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers, finally reaping the benefits from their rebuilding process (such an overused term), gained invaluable experience from their playoff run. Did you see Brandon Roy's "this will not happen again" look when they were eliminated by the Rockets? Now they have self-described "peaking" Andre Miller on the scene to help Roy in the backcourt, and Steve Blake ready (but probably not thrilled) to back up. Miller averaged 16.3 ppg, 6.5 ast, 4.5 boards in Philly last season – and did you know he's only missed three games in ten seasons, including an NBA-high 530 straight games? Read that again. There's a lot of chatter about Jerryd Bayless either staying or going, so who knows? Travis Outlaw, too. Portland's got to be bummed about deals going south with Hedo Turkoglu and Paul Millsap, but should be somewhat comforted by the strong showing of forwards Dante Cunningham and Jeff Pendergraph in the Las Vegas summer league - LaMarcus Aldridge can get some rest with them around. Greg Oden assures that's he's mentally and physically stronger, so lay it on us.
6. New Orleans Hornets: The Hornets just got better with 26-year-old center Emeka Okafor coming to the Big Easy. He averaged 13.2 ppg, 10.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks last year, and hasn't missed a game in two years. I like their draft picks Darren Collison (to relieve CP3 a bit) and SG Marcus Thornton – both were excellent in the Las Vegas Summer League. New teammate forward Ike Diogu can give All-Star David West a breather every once in awhile. Peja's not going anywhere with that contract, but he can still provide good outside shooting in limited minutes. Julian Wright's been a project, but it may be paying off by the looks of his performance in Vegas. Coach Byron Scott is considering starting Wright with Peja coming off the bench. Yeah, I'm biased, but Chris Paul is still the best point guard in the league and that translates to wins.
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