82 games. 40 days in 40 nights. Where will amazing happen this year 2010. My predictions. I believe when all teams will be healthy by april. It will be a round up between the Cavs, Boston, Lakers, Orlando and Denver. 3 is to 2 ratio. Of course I am not downplaying teams like Atlanta, Spurs and Dallas.
Here’s my point of view from timeout.
Cleveland Cavaliers.
I think last year they never expected that the coming of Dwight Howard was a surprise. But I consider that Mo Williams was just in his first year and they don’t have a legit forward unlike the 6’8, 6’9, 6’10 forwards of Orlando. Shaquille O’Neal is a big plus comes playoff time because teams will be emphasizing more on defense rather than offense. An oriented and patterned offense wins 1 game but a tenacious and bullied defense wins the series. For one, Mo has started developing his role. He knows when to pass and shoot the ball for spacing. Anderson moves and spaces the interior and does the dirty work. Zy gives an offensive option and can defend. Shaq will be there to dictate the slow paced yet effective tempo. Lastly Lebron should be Lebron. The king needs his throne. I think he has a way better chance of winning this year than last year. He’s more focused and matured now. X factor includes Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, Mo Williams and Shaquille O’Neal absolutely.
Boston.
The surprise season ending injury of Kevin Garnett affected them in their mental preparation for the game. There was a missing puzzle in the rotation and I think the part of the eyes and intensity was very crucial. They had no answer for the steadied and inspired play of Orlando. But there was a big revelation to the young dwarfs man Rajon Rondo. The general elf. I believe he was superb in the whole series he played. He was the elusive force and also the rising of Glen Davis made a determining factor that can carry on in this year’s conclusion but the team really had a disappointment with the childish injury of big baby. The addition of Rasheed Wallace and the improvement of Kendrick Perkins can bring them again in the promise land.
Unless the troika of Kevin, Ray and definety the bramabull Paul the truth Pierce gets healthy watch out Kevin Garnett can declare number 18. At 33 years old I think KG has only this year to win another championship ring. They need an extra 2 guard or another legit Center and the truth needs to step up. They should give all their best shot. I think this team will not be the same next year. It is the perfect time for them to bring number 18.
Orlando.
Again they will peek at the right time. If Air Pietrus and Matt Barnes are healthy, they can court for a championship already. These two guys can make the difference and the less used Brandon Bass and Marcin Gortat should provide steady numbers. I believe Dallas really regret not resigning Brandon Bass and referred to Drew Gooden. Coach Stan should realize that he has a 10 man deep. Vince Carter should play like old Vinsanity. Dwight should continue his dominance. Rashard should slash more. He has a big salary under his pocket. He should not waste it. I prefer not to play JJ redick. His undersized and cannot defend. Utilizing Pietrus and Barnes will be a factor. Personally, I am rooting for this team because of the lineup it has. I was so exciting watching Turkoglu dishing out and shooting those clutch shots. Rashard needs to be sharp. The team can win the championship this year as long as they will not think of much pressure to achieve. If they believe they are great then they should play like one.
Denver
This team has a high potential. But they need another back up point guard and another forward. Unless Melo would finally take charge and dominate himself and become the undisputed leader of Denver with the likes of D-Wade and King James then his team will contend with the final spot in the West. Right now, I can count them as the number two behind the Lakers. Portland can wait 2 years. The prime of Chauncey is dwindling and if they don’t realize it everything will be put into waste. They already have a core interior force with Nene, Andersen and Martin. I believe they miss the services of Marcus Camby and for now he’s regretting the decision of going to a lackluster team. The management should act right now before the trade deadline comes. Melo should fire up. The three bad boys must stabilize themselves and the cocky gunner J.R Smith should be mature enough what his role is all about. The formula is there but if they don’t come up with a final game plan. The results will haunt them forever.
Atlanta.
Identity crisis? This team has been losing with the elite teams for the past years but this year is a different situation. They have learned already. Back then, they were rebuilding. The future is now. The program is now. The results are now. The focus and priority is now. If they don’t realize their roles as what kind of team they have then let’s go back to zero again. The youth is gone. Primed individuals are up. The key addition of Jamal Crawford is there. He is no youngster anymore. I believe he has 2 final years any team will be glad to have him as their six man. They need to establish themselves that they are not nuisance team to contend. They need another point guard and a banging back up center. Pachulia is fine but not good. Never count Mr. Bibby. He will be a determining factor come playoff time. He can transform theses bunch of guys with the level he played with C-Webb and the gang. Honestly they had the opportunity to win the championship, if not for the winning three of Big shot Rob then destiny has changed for them. It was Divac who tipped the ball. What a moment to forget and remember. Basket is an unexplainable thrill and adrenaline rush. Confidence and heroes blends well. It’s time to fly for the Hawks or land on the nest again. ATTACK
Spurs
I believe when the team is aging and the core of stars are intact with a solid crew off the bench then nothing seems to be a problem but the question is when the new role players come in how will they adjust quickly within the system of coach Pop? The roster of the spurs has upgraded I believe in the past years when they won a championship they had role quality players but this year, this is a 10 man deep unlike before where it is the great role players with the likes of Robert Horry, Sean Elliot etc. This time around I believe that they have a team that can contend for the championship again. With the key additions of Mason, Jefferson, McDyess and Blair, I believe that they are deeper right now. Along with the troika of Manu, Tony and Tim but the problem right now is the transition and injuries that hounds them. Their defense is down and the new players can’t fit in with the system just yet. They must gather their system and sit down on the problem or it will start again for a rebuilding season. It’s not too late. The troika of the solid superstars should perform. They need another point guard and an alternate post scorer/bruiser in the paint to help Duncan. Jefferson and McDyess must step up. Parker must be running and Ginobili must transform into Obi-one-Ginobili again.
Dallas
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