Season Preview '12-'13, Eastern Conference

As the 2012-2013 NBA season is coming around the corner, NBA players, coaches, GMs, scouts, and fans can finally say, "LeBron James has a ring." No more fourth quarter jokes or ring less jokes for King James, but will he pull of another brilliant performance this season as he did throughout his historic '11-'12 campaign? In which he won not only an NBA title, but a regular season MVP, NBA Finals MVP, and an Olympic gold medal in London. Or will Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks finally break out and contend for a title shot? Will the Brooklyn Nets live up to their hype as one of the best starting fives in the NBA? There are alot of interesting teams in the East this season, who knows which team will make a big splash.


Lets Start with the top 4 seeds in the Eastern Conference :

1. Miami Heat - Projected W/L record (64-18)

Wade, Bosh, and James enjoying their title, but will they repeat?

Lebron, Wade, and Bosh's crew come into this season as the defending world champions and are looking to be even more dynamic this season. They will have a huge target on their back throughout the whole season, but LeBron James and Co. know how to deal with it as their team chemistry has dramatically improved each season since they came together in 2010. The Heat look very deadly especially from the perimeter with new sharpshooters Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis. Look for guard Mario Chalmers to have a little more of an expanded role this season running the point and directing traffic for the Heat's offense. The Big 3 will of course be expected to be what else a big 3, With LeBron James being the All-World player that he is, Dwyane Wade although he is up there in age (turning 31 in January) is still a productive shooting guard who can take pressure off of LeBron when he is struggling, and do not sleep on PF Chris Bosh who has shown in the last two NBA Finals he is as equally important to the big 3 in Miami. A lot of experts see Miami coming out of the East, but it will be a tough road to play in June, again.

2. New York Knicks - Projected W/L record (59-23)

The dynamic duo of Amar'e and Melo

The Knicks are primed for a deep run this season, with such a deep team at each position, and also a team loaded with NBA All-Stars such as Carmelo, Amar'e, and Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler. New York will make huge strides from last years up and down team, who got as hot as any team in the league and then went through long losing streaks. I don't see that happening in 2012-2013, Carmelo has been working hard all off-season and in the 2012 Olympics in London he showed the world he can be as good as anyone, he is arguably the most gifted offensive player in the league, and hopefully he can commit more of his effort to the defensive end of the court. Amar'e Stoudemire needs to be more of a dominate power forward who can score from not only mid range shots but back to the basket as well. The Knicks have also added some new pieces to their team with veteran point guard Jason Kidd and Raymond Felton. Look for J.R. Smith to emerge as a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year this season. Another player who can win some hardware on the Knicks is guard Iman Shumpert, who can lock up any opposing guard or small forward in the league.

3. Indiana Pacers - Projected W/L record (57-25)

Paul George and Co.

Paul George, Danny Granger, and Roy Hibbert headline a group of young and talented players for the Indiana Pacers who are looking to win the Central Division for the first time since 2004. The Pacers have made huge strides since 2011 when they were the 8th seed in the East and in 2012 they were a top 4 team. The Pacers did ship out point guard Darren Collison to the Mavs which is not to bad of a loss considering the depth they had last season and the addition of former Bobcat point guard D.J. Augustine. The Pacers have a legit back to the basket type center in Roy Hibbert who made his first All-Star appearance last season and looks to continue his great play from both ends of the court. Look out for high-flying, explosive shooting guard/small forward Paul George to burst on to the scene this year for Indy. He is a rising star in this league and needs to show the Pacers he can also carry the load with Granger in the scoring department and become more of an all around player. The Pacers only concern this season is, who will be the closer? Will it be Granger every time, even if he has an off night? Or will Roy Hibbert demand the ball to score? The Pacers need to establish who their go to guy can be in the fourth quarter.

4. Philadelphia 76ers - Projected W/L record (53-29)





Signing day for Andrew Bynum and Jason Richardson

The Sixers were involved in a huge trade this off-season, acquiring All-Star center Andrew Bynum from the Lakers and sending Andre Iguodala to the Denver Nuggets. Bynum is now the face of the future for the Sixers and is expecting to have an absolute monster season. The Sixers made a big stride last season by making the playoffs and were one win away from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. This Season, the Sixers now have that playoff experience and are hungry to reach not only the playoffs but possibly make it to the ECF. The only thing holding the Sixers back is the health issues of Bynum. When healthy Andrew Bynum can be the best pure center in the league because of his offensive skill set and ability to alter shots. The Sixers have the right pieces in place to make a legit run in the playoffs.
Now lets take a look at the bottom 4 seeds :

5. Boston Celtics - Projected W/L record (50-32)

Does Paul Pierce and KG have another run in them?

When you think of the Boston Celtics, you would think of the Big 3 of Pierce, Allen, and Garnett. Not anymore, with the departure of Ray Allen, the Celtics will turn to Rajon Rondo to fill in for Allen as they look to take the east once again. The Celtics surprised many last season with a brilliant run to the Eastern Conference Finals where the fell one game away to the NBA Finals. This season the C's are reloaded with a bunch of young big men (Fab Melo and Jared Sullinger) to help out KG and sharpshooting Jason Terry off the bench to provide some perimeter threat. The Celtics also have a defensive stopper in Avery Bradley who was injured for most of the 2012 playoffs. Even though the stars for Boston are up in age now (KG 36, Paul Pierce 35) you can never count them out of any type of title contention. The savvy vets should make a solid run this season.



6. Brooklyn Nets - Projected W/L record (46-36)




Deron Williams and Joe Johnson

Good Bye New Jersey, Hello Brooklyn! The Nets are one of the most exciting teams to look for this season. Headlined by All-Star point guard Deron Williams and new starting shooting guard, Joe Johnson. The Nets have changed everything from there uniforms , court, and hopefully change the culture of this franchise by having a legit starting five who can get many wins this season. With a healthy Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries becoming more of a scorer and rebounder the Nets have a very solid front court. Gerald Wallace will be the teams "glue" player by doing a little of everything, lets not forget their sensational young guard MarShon Brooks who stayed in Btown after the Joe Johnson trade.  I see the Nets being a threat in the Atlantic Division and possibly the whole east.

7. Chicago Bulls - Projected W/L record (44-38)

Will Nate Robinson be the man in Chicago while Rose is out?

The Bulls might have a tough road this season after grabbing back to back number 1 seeds in the east. The reason why you might ask? The Loss of the 2011 MVP Derrick Rose will impact the Bulls in many ways. Not only was he their leading scorer and leader in assists, he was the heart and soul of the Chicago Bulls. But the show must go on right? And the Bulls are ready to play and get wins with out Rose, They have reached out and signed PG Nate Robinson and re-signed Kirk Hinirch. The Bulls have also added shooters Marco Bellinelli and Vladimir Radmanovic. Don't worry Bulls fans, Rose will be returning as soon as March, just in time for the playoffs. The Bulls always play great defense so expect them to keep opposing teams under triple digits and play excellent team ball.


8. Milwaukee Bucks - Projected W/L record (42-40)

Monta Ellis and Brandon Jennings

The Bucks have one of the most explosive and exciting backcourts to watch in the NBA, with Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis. These two super quick guards can light up any team for 60 points on any given night and it will be tough to stop. The Bucks also added some size this off season drafting UNC forward John Henson. The Bucks will make a push this season to not only be over .500 but to clinch a play off birth and become a better overall team. Milwaukee needs to add another piece to its puzzle so they can become a legit threat in the Eastern Conference. Expect them to be no higher than a 7th seed this season.


Sleeper teams to contend for the 8th spot- Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Washington Wizards, and the Detroit Pistons





All Images belong to google.com, nba.com all stats belong to ESPN . I do not own any of these images

Season Preview '12-'13, Western Conference

This season just like every season the Western Conference is going to be deep and every team from the 1 seed to 8 might have 50 plus wins. Will we see OKC finally take the top spot in the west after improving each year since 2008? Or will the Lakers reclaim the west as theirs after grabbing Steve Nash and Dwight in the off season. Don't sleep on the young teams on the rise as well such as the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota Timberwolves, and the Golden State Warriors.

Lets Begin with the top 4 seeds in the Western Conference :

1. Los Angeles Lakers - Projected W/L record (63-19)




Kobe Bryant and his All-Star lineup

The Lakers are back ladies and gentlemen, the purple and gold have bolstered their roster with the additions of Steve Nash and Dwight Howard. They have also improved their shaky bench with former All-Star Antawn Jamison and sharpshooting Jodie Meeks from Philadelphia. But lets not forget the face of their franchise, the Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant who always has the Lakers in contention every year. The Lakers arguably have the best starting five in the league, with Nash, Kobe, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol , and Dwight Howard. With this team GM Mitch Kupchak has put together, the Lakers are a serious favorite to not only win the west but to take the title for their 17th championship. On the other hand I do not expect them to be clicking on all cylinders right away, it will take some games to feel each other out and play as a solid unit.


2. Oklahoma City Thunder - Projected W/L record (60-22)

Durant and Westbrook

The Thunder have came along way since there 08-09 season where they didn't make the playoffs. Each season since 2010 they have improved their record and have earned a higher seed in the playoffs. The Thunder have even improved their already young and talented roster with rookies Perry Jones III and DeAndre Liggins. The Thunder are extremely deep with guard Eric Maynor coming back from injury and the sixth man of the year in James Harden. But the main reason why OKC is so deadly out west is because of their young superstars in 3-Time Scoring Champion Kevin Durant and the ever so explosive Russell Westbrook. These two together make one of the best duos in the entire league. KD and Westbrook can light up any team for a combined 60 points any given night. This is what makes the Thunder so hard to stop. Also watch out for an improved offensive game from Serge Ibaka as well this season.

3. Denver Nuggets - Projected W/L record (55-27)



The New Look Denver Nuggets

Since the departure of Carmelo Anthony, the Denver Nuggets haven't really had a face of the franchise type player. Yes, they were extremely deep and have a lot of great talented players like Ty Lawson , Danilo Galinari, and Wilson Chandler. But the Nuggets were missing that one key player who can take over at any time. Enter Andre Iguodala, an NBA all-star in 2011-2012 and a player who can do it all. Iguodala has the ability to score from different parts of the floor, can get to the line many times in a game, can pass and handle the ball well, and defend the opposing teams best guard or forward. He is a legit All-Star in this league and will make the Nuggets an even better team on the both sides of the floor. The Nuggets also have a plethora of young big men, such as JaVale McGee, Kenneth Faried, Timofey Mozgov, and Anthony Randolph. The Nuggets were first in overall points per game and assists per game last season. I will not be shocked if they continue that this season.

4. San Antonio Spurs - Projected W/L record (52-30)

Duncan, Ginobili, and Parker

The Spurs are one of the most interesting teams in the west this season, they might take a step down from being the one seed in '11-'12 but no one should ever count the big three of Parker, Duncan, and Ginobili out. Coach Gregg Popovich is arguably the best coach in the NBA and knows how to keep his team motivated and hungry for wins night in and night out. Look out for the talented Kawhi Leonard in his second season as he could make the jump from defensive stopper to all around player. The Spurs are loaded from top to bottom with shooters and great role players. They could easily make another run to the top of the western conference. The only thing holding the Spurs back is father time, future hall of famer Tim Duncan is entering his 15th season and at age 36 lets see what he has left in the tank. The Spurs are destined to make a run for not only a top 4 seed but maybe even a top 2 seed.

Let's continue with the bottom 4 seeds in the Western Conference:

5. Los Angeles Clippers - Projected W/L record (50-32)

Lob City is Back

Lob City aka the Los Angeles Clippers made a huge splash in the west last season with the additions of All-Star point guard Chris Paul, Mr.Big Shot Chauncey Billups, and one of the most underrated players in the league Caron Butler. They made the playoffs for the first time since 2006 and are finally contending for a Pacific Division title. This upcoming season the Clips have added even more fire power to their squad by grabbing former sixth man of the year and former Clipper Lamar Odom, Grant Hill , Matt Barnes, and Jamal Crawford. To top all of that off they still have one of the leagues most feared and exciting players to watch Blake Griffin. Although Griffin is coming off of  meniscus surgery, The Clippers have enough talent to make a run at the a Pacific Division crown and possibly a spot in the Western Conference Finals.

6. Memphis Grizzlies - Projected W/L record (48-34)





Memphis is ready to contend with Rudy Gay and Z-Bo
 

The Grizz are another one of those high flying young teams in the western conference that can potentially make another run at a top 4 seed as they did last season. With emerging superstars Rudy Gay and Marc Gasol, the Grizzlies have enough fire power to score with any team in the league. I also believe that guard Mike Conley Jr. will take a big step forward for Memphis as well. Memphis did lose their main scorer off the bench in O.J. Mayo but did pick up Jerryd Bayless from the Raptors who can fill that void. The Grizzlies also drafted 19 year old Tony Wroten Jr. from Washington, with Conley, Wroten, and the summer league Co-MVP Josh Selby the Grizzlies are loaded with exciting point guards that teams will have trouble matching up with. Memphis also has one of the best defenses in the league last season allowing just under 93.0 ppg (5th in the NBA). With Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol controlling the paint, I don't see why they couldn't be a top 5 defense this season as well.

7. Dallas Mavericks - Projected W/L record (44-38)



New Faces in Dallas with Mayo, Collison and Kaman

The Mavericks made a lot of under the radar moves in the off-season, by letting go of veterans Jason Kidd and Jason Terry, and replacing them with young athletic players such as O.J. Mayo and Darren Collison. The Mavs are an interesting team this season, they will be missing their number one option and superstar forward Dirk Nowitzki for 3-6 weeks because of knee surgery. But they do have a deep team that can still get W's. With Dirk out, the Mavericks will turn to former Sixer Elton Brand to fill Nowitzki's spot at the four. Once Dirk gets back to full-strength this season they will get back to being one of the best scoring and 3-point shooting teams in the NBA. A key player to watch for from the Dallas Mavericks this season will be Rodrigue Beaubois also known Roddie Buckets. I believe he will finally break out this season and be a pivotal role player for the Mavericks offense. You can never count the Mavs out at not only making the playoffs but also making a deep run as well. They are so well coached by Rick Carlisle and have that championship experience that which could be useful vs the youthful teams.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves - Projected W/L record (42-40)

The T'Wolves Big 3, Love, Rubio, and Derrick Williams

Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio headline one of the youngest and talented starting fives in the NBA. The Wolves also added some veteran leadership with guard Brandon Roy and Andrei Kirilenko. Before Ricky Rubios knee injury last season, the Wolves were on pace to take the 8th seed, since the dynamic point guard went down, so did Minnesota's season. The key to the Timberwolves making a playoff appearance is the health of Rubio along with improvement to last seasons 2nd overall pick Derrick Williams. Kevin Love is still the Double-Double rebounding monster that he is and if Rubio and Williams play up to their expectations look for Minnesota to take the 8th spot in the west.


Sleeper teams to contend for the 8th spot - Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz, Portland Trailblazers, and the Golden State Warriors.







All Pictures belong to google.com, I do not own any of these images, all stats are from ESPN.com

Season Preview '12-'13, Old Faces New Places

This summer, in the NBA Off-Season, there have been many blockbuster moves that can potentially change a franchise around. We have seen some of the leagues best players change places to seek a fresh start at their careers. And in the case of the Nets, who have recently moved to Brooklyn, a new look team and organization could change everything.





Lets Start with some of the biggest off-seasons moves...

The Lakers landing Dwight Howard via 4 team trade involving the Sixers, Nuggets, Lakers and Magic and acquiring point guard Steve Nash through sign and trade-



The Dwight Howard Saga has finally came to an end as the Lakers acquired him through a four team trade involving not only C Andrew Bynum going to the Sixers, but G/F Andre Iguodala going to the Nuggets, and the Magic receiving multiple draft picks. This trade will not only benefit the Lakers, but I truly believe that this mega move will help the Sixers because of their need of a true back to basket type Center. The Nuggets were looking for a superstar caliber player like Iggy and the Magic were looking to re-build after the whole debacle with Howard.

The Lakers also reached out to savy veteran, former Suns guard Steve Nash via sign and trade. This move also helps the Lakers because of their lack of point guard production in the past few seasons. Nash will provide additional leadership along with Kobe Bryant and will make the Lakers offense that much better with his famous pick and roll game. Nash could also spread the floor and become a spot up shooter at times.

Another big move this off-season came out of the ATL, when swing man Joe Johnson got shipped from the Hawks to the Brooklyn Nets in a multi player deal-

Deron Williams and Joe Johnson on signing day

The Brooklyn Nets added a solid scorer to their backcourt with Johnson. He is the perfect piece to the Nets as they were looking for someone to fill that 2-guard spot. They have tried many different players last season from MarShon Brooks to DeShawn Stevenson, but now with Joe Johnson on the floor along with All-Star pg Deron Williams, the Nets have a extremely balanced starting lineup. The trade involved 5 players from the Nets (Farmar, Stevenson, Morrow, J.Williams, and J. Petro) and two first round picks in 2013 and 2014.



The Defending Champions also made some noise in South Beach this season, not only by celebrating another championship, but by signing some deadly shooters.

Former Seattle Supersonic teammates Ray Allen (left) and Rashard Lewis (right)

The Miami heat signed Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis to bolster their perimeter shooting this season. Allen was acquired via free agency from the Boston Celtics and Lewis was also acquired through free agency from the Washington Wizards. Look out for these two shooters to not only catch fire from three point land, but to create mismatch problems with opposing teams and to add depth to an already solid, productive Miami Heat bench.

 

Other familiar faces in new places this season that could have an impact ....

Former Blazers Guard Brandon Roy, looks for a fresh start in Minnesota

Brandon Roy to the Minnesota Timberwolves 
Michael Beasley to the Phoenix Suns
O.J. Mayo to the Dallas Mavericks
Darren Collison to the Dallas Mavericks
Jason Kidd to the New York Knicks
Jason Terry to the Boston Celtics
Jamal Crawford, Lamar Odom, Grant Hill, and Matt Barnes to the LA Clippers











Lets see how all of these off-season moves effect each team this upcoming NBA season.








All images, belong to google.com, SI.com, and Bleacherreport.net all stats belong to ESPN.com I do not own any of these images

Season Preview '12-'13 , Rookie class of 2012

Finally, It's back! The NBA season is right around the corner, and after a long summer filled with drama, trades, signings, and crowning a new champion, we get to watch the best ballers in the world go at it again.


Lets start with the new faces entering the league this season, ah the rookie class of 2012, filled with big names with great upside and some sleepers who teams will regret not picking in the draft.

Immediate Impact Rookies :

Anthony Davis - Forward, New Orleans Hornets



Mr. Davis dominated the college scene at the university of Kentucky under John Calipari, by leading the Wildcats to a Nat'l Title and becoming one of the few freshman to win the Naismith trophy. He is a defensive game changer who can hold the opposing teams best big man to limited points and has the length to alter many different types of shots. Davis will be key to the Hornets bright future.




Michael Kidd-Gilchrist - Forward/Guard, Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats absolutely needed a player like MKG because he can do it all, score on and off the ball, rebound tremendously, can pass well, and plays lock down defense. At the University of Kentucky along side Anthony Davis he was a perfect slasher and swingman. MKG is very coachable and can contribute to the lowly Bobcats.




Damian Lillard - Point Guard, Portland Trailblazers

The Blazers have tried out different point guards the past few seasons with Andre Miller, Raymond Felton, and even Brandon Roy. But I believe they finally found their savior at the PG spot with Lillard. He is an explosive scorer and can get buckets from any spot on the floor. Lillard was the leading scorer in the nation and playing at a small school like Weber State Lillard will show the league what hes made of.





Sleeper Rookies


Perry Jones III - Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder




PJIII was supposed to be a top 8 pick in the 2011 draft out of Baylor. Since he stayed one more year to try win a national championship, Jones was passed up by many teams and eventually was picked by the Thunder at 28. He has first overall pick type of talent, there aren't alot of flaws to his game but teams thought he didn't have the work ethic. I'm sure OKC can develop him into a talent off the bench. Look who he is learning from, Scott Brooks who was coach of the year in 2010 and a player who plays the same position as him who isn't too bad him self in Kevin Durant. Watch out for Jones III to be a weapon off the bench for OKC.



Jared Sullinger - Forward, Boston Celtics





With Kevin Garnett entering his 18th NBA season he is clearly not the player he once was, even though he still has the same heart and intensity as he did when he was a young buck playing for the T-Wolves. Lets face it hes getting old and the C's did the right thing in the draft selecting Jared Sullinger. A big man who can run the floor, score back to the basket, and never quits. Sound familiar? I'm not saying this kid will be the next KG but he will learn from the vet and add depth to a front court loaded with size.



My Rookie of the Year Prediction....

This seasons ROY award will go to Damian Lillard of the Portland Trailblazers. I believe he will be the true point guard the Blazers were looking for to take them to the next level. Lillard has the potential for a monster season and by the looks of his summer league and preseason hes a match up nightmare. Expect Lillard and the Blazers to burst on to the scene  in the West.





All Images belong to Google.com, Bleacherreport.net all video highlights belong to Youtube.com all stats belong to ESPN.com