NBA Preview 2008-09
By Jim Kruger
www.VegasSportsAuthority.com

This past year proved anything is possible.  The previous year’s worst team can win the NBA Championship and a hockey mom can be nominated for vice-president.  To quote ‘80’s Russian comic, Yakov Smirnoff, “What a country”! 

Both Boston and the LA Lakers proved the power of player acquisition.  Other teams are trying to emulate their success.  In the East, Philly has Elton Brand, Toronto has Jermaine O’Neal, and Milwaukee has Richard Jefferson.  In the West, Baron Davis is now a Clipper, Ron Artest brings his act to Houston, and New Orleans might have the best acquisition for improvement in James Posey.

High aspirations are naturally expected by fans of these teams.  But who is going to play for the bling next June?

In the East, one of the biggest moves up from last season will be Milwaukee with a new coach, two All-Stars, & an emerging Andrew Bogut.  Philly’s stock moves up while a blend of youth and vets put the Hawks into post-season again.

Last year saw Cleveland take a step backwards with Detroit improving their season wins.  The exact opposite happens this year.  Chris Bosh having a quality big next to him gives the Raptors hope.  Boston continues to show everyone what an unselfish team playing tough defense can do.  Oh yeah, having 3 superstars helps.  The Magic’s Dwight Howard needs his teammates to have career years again.  

Chicago cannot be any more disappointing this year than last while their new head coach gets on the job training.  New Jersey is moving in the right direction.  Attendance will be up and boos down in New York. 
Indy searches for an identity while it’s a non-descript year in D.C.  I love Larry Brown, don’t love the Bobcats.  Dwyane Wade is back & needs more than Michael Beasley. 

Boston beats Cleveland for the East title.

In the West, Portland GM Kevin Pritchard continues his march to best GM in the league.  The Hornets’ Chris Paul makes everyone around him better.  Andrew Bynum toughens the Laker front line.  Houston is a title contender assuming they stay healthy and Ron Artest doesn’t implode the team.  

Utah stays tough on the best home court in the league.  If the Clippers learn to play better on the road, they are playoff bound.  San Antonio’s experience keeps them in the race waiting for Manu to return.  GM Steve Kerr might be the most hated man in Phoenix by season’s end.  It was fun while it lasted.

Dallas’s zenith was two years ago when they blew the title to Miami and now hope Josh Howard returns to form.  Denver won’t have to worry about being ousted in the first round nor will Golden State have to be concerned about coming in ninth in the playoff race.   
 

Mike Miller joins Al Jefferson as Minny improves.  Memphis has some exciting young players lighting up the scoreboard.  My favorite owners, the Maloofs, are righting the Sacramento ship, just not this year.   Oklahoma City now has a permanent team.

The Lakers beat New Orleans for the West title.

The Lakers get revenge over Boston for the NBA Championship

Projected Playoff Teams in Seed Order:
East

              1.  Boston

              2.  Orlando

              3.  Cleveland

              4.  Detroit

              5.  Philadelphia

              6.  Atlanta

              7.  Toronto

              8.  Milwaukee

West

              1.  LA Lakers

              2.  Portland

              3.  New Orleans

              4.  Houston

              5.  Utah

              6.  LA Clippers

              7.  San Antonio

              8.  Phoenix