2010-2011 NBA Power Predictions
We are on the verge of anticipating what could be one of the most exciting NBA seasons since the second retirement of Michael Jordan in 1998, where he led his Chicago Bulls to their 2nd 3-peat and 6th title by knocking off the Utah Jazz. We all knew at the time that it was arguably one of the most well crafted seasons marked with a phenomenal finish. The following year teams were finally able to breathe a sense of relief knowing that their chances of winning a title increased with the retirement of MJ himself.
This season brings about the same excitement but also presents a new unique challenge with a couple of interesting never before scene scenarios:
- Kobe Bryant and the Lakers looking to seal another 3-peat while staking their claim as the kings of the west.
- Boston and the “Big 3 plus 1” quest to return to the title with new additions of Shaquille O’Neal.
- Dwight Howard, Vince Carter and the Orlando Magic searching for a new identity in their quest for their 1st title after 2 failed attempts.
- Miami Heat brings a new “super team” to South Beach in LeBron James, D.Wade, and Chris Bosh.
The following scenarios alone provide a prelude that Hollywood movie directors cant match even if they provided free movie tickets to see Angelina Jolie and Cameron Diaz gone wild, crazy, and nude.....well on second thought the nude part may work but I’ll let you be the judge. With that I give you my personal predictions for the top 8 teams (seeds) in each conference starting with the eastern conference:
EAST
1. Orlando Magic: After finishing poorly in the the playoffs last year against the Boston Celtics they have a renewed sense of belonging to show the nation why they are the hottest offense in the regular season. They finished in first place and home court advantage only to later fall to the Boston Celtics. Newcomer Vince Carter is in search of a new role with the team that will allow him to be more effective, and Dwight Howard has been rumored to have gained some new moves, however with loss of Matt Barnes will the Magic have enough defensive talent to make it all the way to the finals? Coaching adjustments, frontcourt play, and simply making their regular season record look just as impressive in the playoffs will be the biggest challenge. It’ll be important for Jameer Nelson to be more of a pure PG instead of a shoot first PG, Vince Carter transforming back into Vinsanity and attacking the basket, Rashard Lewis playing his natural SF position, and for D12 to expand his offense. GM Otis Smith may entertain trades at allstar break if the first part of the season doesnt pan out in the way he expects it to. Look for them to win between 59-63 games .
2. Miami Heat: This team are loaded with 3 big stars, two of whom are arguably the top 2 players in the league. Never before has there been such a pairing of perennial all stars than that of the work of Pat Riley. Their unique challenge will be developing chemistry between LeBron, Wade, and Bosh while relying on their role players, coach, and bench. Their bench play could be their achilles hill and observers are also eager to see if James can become only the 2nd player to average a regular season triple double while also winning a title. Will Eric Spoelstra have what it takes to coach the all stars, will the big 3 gel, will the bench be reliable, and will they have enough production from their big 3 to compensate for their lack of size in the frontcourt. Their key is adding size and production to their frontcourt. Bosh, Big Z, Joel Anthony, and rookie Dexter Pitman may not cut it when it come to facing the Celtics and Magic or even the Lakers. Look for them to win in the range of 58-62 games.
3. Boston Celtics: I’d like to refer to them as “Team Geriatric” and I believe you may already know why. The defending eastern conference champs are just as hungry and surprisingly more talented than they were last year. They bring in new additions of Shaquille O’Neal (the big Diesel aka the Leprucaun) , Jemaine O’Neal (no relation), and Delonte West (instant offense aka the MILF king). This team is old but even at their senior age they can still run with the best. With the new additions I think they are poised to make another trip to the finals if healthy. They may not have a great regular season record but their experience and leadership will prove to be their greatest asset. The difference maker for their advancement will be the frontcourt combinations of KG, Shaq, Glen Davis, Perkins, and Jermaine O’Neal. That alone may be the key to adding another title banner to their rafters when its all said and done in June, but I’m not here to make finals predictions only regular season. Win range will be between 51-58.
4. Chicago Bulls: With the addition of Carlos Boozer, Kyle Korver, and Ronnie Brewer to go along with Derek Rose and Joakim Noah they appear to be very dangerous. First year coach Tom Thibodeau is looking to make an immediate impact along with a renewed sense of excitement that the Bulls have not experienced since the MJ days. Look for them to make a strong finish after the all star break and an even stronger performance during the playoffs. If healthy, they can make a run to the 2nd round of the playoffs. Look for a win range of 51-54.
5. Atlanta Hawks: Many teams made moves in the offseason but Atlanta pretty much stayed the same. They enter the season with a new coach in Larry Drew-former assistant to Mike Woodson-and a heavy loaded new contract for all star Joe Johnson, who by the way has a lot of pressure on his shoulders after a near ousting from the hometown fans. After being blown out in the playoffs in one of the most embarrassing series in history by the Orlando Magic it’ll be interesting to see if coach Drew can keep the same momentum going and keep Josh Smith’s temper under control. They may present 3 all stars for the February ballot in Johnson, Horford, and Jamal Crawford the reigning 6th man of the year. Look for a win total in the range of 51-54.
6. Milwaukee Bucks: A healthy frontcourt will prove to be very valuable for the Bucks in the long stretch. When they lost Andrew Bogut right before the post season it appeared that they would have an early exit from the playoffs, however, they took the Hawks-a 3 seed at the time-to the end of the road behind the leadership and fiesty play of Brandon Jennings. Coach Scott Skiles has done a great job developing the talent in Milwaukee and appears to be headed for another run to at least advance past the 1st round. Win total range: 44-49.
7. Charlotte Bobcats: Obviously the leadership of Larry Brown is the is the total difference maker in the advancement of this team. They lose their best PG, Raymond Felton, to the Knicks and are forced to rely on DJ Augustine as a full time starter for the first time in his career. Stephen Jackson is the leader of the team and provides great stats for fantasy league owners but will that be enough for the real season is the question. Depth at PG and C will be the downfall of their progression but owner Michael Jordan will surely address the issue at the all star break. Win total range: 42-44.
8. [2 Way Tie] Washington Wizards and New Jersey Nets: In my personal opinion I believe the moves that were made by the 2 respective clubs were very critical and will pay off immediately. The Nets added a new coach in Avery Johnson who is no stranger to developing talent. Its time for PG Devin Harris to showcase his talent otherwise he will be on the trade block soon. Win total range: 36-41
Washington Wizards: Between the Wizards and the Nets I believe the Washington has more of a chance to make it as the eigth seed in the playoffs. Veteran Gilbert Arenas is looking to rid himself of the bad reputation that he has created with the addition of John Wall. Arenas will no longer be the sole playmaker for the Wizards but instead serve as the starting SG next to Wall. I see the two of them creating fireworks together, IF and on if their frontcourt can give decent results night in and night out. Javale McGee isnt a reliable threat in the post nor is Andre Blatche but with the electricity sparked between the play of Wall and Arenas will probably make htese guys better. Win total range: 36-41
Honorable Mention- New York Knicks: Mike D’Antoni is steadily trying to turn this teams fortune into gold after years of disappointing exits. Amare Stoudemire, Raymond Felton, and 2nd yr player Tony Douglas out of Florida State will make a strong push to knock Washington and New Jersey off the block. Their weakness, as all eastern conference teams face, will be their frontcourt. Stoudemire cant do it all but he will surely try. This is the year of the big man! Who will win the battle, I am not sure, but it will definitely be the deciding factor. Happy ballin!
*Be sure to re-visit this blog in April of 2011 to see how I did with the predictions!
