NBA PREVIEW: IN-DEPTH LOOK PART 5
- Updated: October 29, 2013
The final part of our NBA season preview reveals the teams ranked between the sixth and first place.
#6 BROOKLYN NETS
TEAM ROSTER:
Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jason Terry, Alan Anderson, Andray Blatche, Reggie Evans, Shaun Livingston, Mirza Teletovic, Mason Plumlee, Andrei Kirilenko, Tornike Shengelia.
PRE-SEASON SUMMARY/PREDICTIONS
Thanks to a series of unexpected moves, the Brooklyn Nets’ championship window has officially opened.
Over the summer, we saw four stories stand out from the rest. Those standout stories were:
-Dwight Howard to Houston;
-Derrick Rose’s comeback;
-Jason Kidd becomes Nets head coach;
-Nets-Celtics trade.
As you can see, Brooklyn makes up for half of that list.
I’ll admit, when the J-Kidd move was finalized I was very dubious, but when I thought “Deron Williams loves Kidd!!”..and…”the only difference between him last year and him this year is the suit”, I realised that I was over-panicking a bit. To help him along the way, he also has two widely-respected assistant coaches in Lawrence Frank and Joe Prunty, who will mentor him during these learning stages.
In addition to hiring Kidd, Billy King revamped his roster by trading for star veterans Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Jason Terry. Despite being in the twilight of their respective careers, they can still provide All-Star-level minutes and priceless wisdom to their teammates.
With a starting five of Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Brook Lopez, a championship is a more-than feasible goal.
All hail to the new kings of New York!!
OFF-SEASON GRADE: B+
Hired Jason Kidd as head coach, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Jason Terry, Andrei Kirilenko, Alan Anderson, Shaun Livingston, Mason Plumlee (draft).
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
As a floor general for the Nets, Jason Kidd led them to two NBA Finals, made six All-Star games, and led the league in assists three times. As a result, we have every reason to believe that his successes on the court will translate on the sideline.
Deron Williams is coming off a down year where he didn’t make the All-Star team and didn’t get past the first round of the playoffs. With all the new additions and expectations around this franchise, I have no doubt that he’ll bounce back.
While their championship window won’t stay open for long, not many squads will want to face these Nets some post-season.
Despite boasting of a star-studded starting five, Jason Kidd will have the luxury to pick and choose an excellent second unit from a line of players composed of: Shaun Livingston, Alan Anderson, Mason Plumlee, Andray Blatche, Reggie Evans, and Andrei Kirilenko.
All hail the new kings of New York!!
WHAT NOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Because of their age, it is critical that the old vets (Garnett, Pierce, Terry) find ways to stay off the injury list. Their championship ambitions depend on it.
#5 OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
TEAM ROSTER:
Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins, Thabo Sefolosha, Reggie Jackson, Nick Collison, Derek Fisher, Andre Roberson, Steven Adams, Perry Jones III, Jeremy Lamb, Hasheem Thabeet, Ryan Gomes.
PRE-SEASON SUMMARY/PREDICTIONS
The absence of Russell Westbrook during the playoffs made everybody realize how much Kevin Durant relies on him. Until he gets back, the Thunder will have to depend on Durant’s prolific scoring and hope that one of the supporting cast (i.e. Ibaka, Jackson, Lamb) takes a major leap.
The James Harden trade will haunt this franchise forever. I say this because last season’s bitter ending could have been avoided had they kept Harden and found an alternative.
For the next decade-plus, after every OKC failure, the Harden trade will be held as scapegoat.
If the Thunder want to relieve the successes of two years ago, Scott Brooks has to find a permanent recovery for James Harden.
With Westbrook back, and an eventual third option, the Thunder should contend for the top two seats in the West.
OFF-SEASON GRADE: D
Steven Adams (draft), Andre Roberson (draft), Ryan Gomes.
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
With no one to share the spotlight with, I’m expecting Kevin Durant to go on a scoring rampage and record a new career high.
Jeremy Lamb’s scoring prowess should make him a worthy substitute to Kevin Martin.
December 19. OKC vs Bulls a.k.a ‘The Rose vs Westbrook Clash’. This is one of a few face-offs that I would die to watch.
Throughout pre-season, Serge Ibaka has been catching me off guard with his long jumpers. He has gotten very comfortable with those mid-range shots.
Just yesterday, Perry Jones was regarded a high lottery pick. Despite having fallen off, the talent is still there and Chesapeake Arena is a great stage for him to reclaim value. I have talked myself into thinking that he’ll show glimpses this season.
WHAT NOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
The search for James Harden 2.0 could become very unpleasant. Jeremy Lamb spent much of his time in the D-League last season and is now being asked to fill his shoes. Get ready for some major disappointment, OKC fans.
#4 CHICAGO BULLS
TEAM ROSTER:
Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, Jimmy Butler, Joakim Noah, Carlos Boozer, Kirck Hinrich, Mike Dunleavy, Marquis Teague, Taj Gibson, Nazr Mohammed, Erik Murphy, Tony Snell, Mike James.
PRE-SEASON SUMMARY/PREDICTIONS
The Chicago Bulls finally got their superstar back. After 18 strenuous months, Derrick Rose makes his long-awaited return. With him back the helm, Chicago now has all the tools to surpass Indiana and challenge Miami for East’s top dog. His unmatched play on both ends of the floor should instantly help him reclaim the title of league’s top point guard in a heartbeat.
His supporting cast is also worthy of praise: Jimmy Butler is one of the fastest rising players in the league, Luol Deng remains and will always be retained an elite all-around player; Boozer is a double-double guarantee, and Noah has emerged to become one of the NBA’s top big men. Not to mention their solid role players: Taj Gibson, Kirk Hinrich, Marquis Teague, Tony Snell, Mike Dunleavy, and Nazr Mohammed.
During the off-season, we saw the Bulls sacrifice Nate Robinson, who played a major role for them last season, as well as being the catalyst to Chicago’s series victory over Brooklyn in the playoffs.
I have them ranked fairly low in the East because even though he has excelled in pre-season, D-Rose has been away for way too long for me to neglect Indiana and Brooklyn. For this team, this pre-season ranking means little to nothing.
OFF-SEASON GRADE: A
D-ROSE IS BACK! Mike Dunleavy, Mike James, Tony Snell (draft), Erik Murphy (draft).
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
D ROSE IS BACK!
Jimmy Butler bloomed against Miami during last season’s playoffs so much that everybody is expecting a breakout year.
Rookie Tony Snell out of New Mexico is a very good offensive player who could easily become a fan favourite at the United Center. Steal of the draft??
If everything goes to plan, they could have the league’s best record like they did two seasons ago.
WHAT NOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
After all the anticipation on D-Rose, what could the Bulls fans possibly have not look forward to?!
#3 SAN ANTONIO SPURS
TEAM ROSTER:
Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, Danny Green, Tiago Splitter, Nando De Colo, Boris Diaw, Marco Belinelli, Cory Joseph, Aaron Baynes, Jeff Ayres, Patty Mills.
PRE-SEASON SUMMARY/PREDICTIONS
Following last season’s horror, we have every reason to believe that the San Antonio Spurs will recoup, and repair any unsettled business.
Despite combining for a total of 104 years, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili will continue to demand All-Star level respect until their retirements.
For players like Kawhi Leonard, Tiago Splitter, and Danny Green, who all experienced a somewhat breakout season, much will be asked. At this point, they are as valuable to the team as any member of the Big Three.
Coming within seconds of winning the title not only feeds their hunger for revenge, but it also open’s people eyes on their legitimacy as contenders.
OFF-SEASON GRADE: C-
Marco Belinelli, Jeff Ayres, Deshaun Thomas (draft, playing in France).
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Year after year, the Spurs are among the last teams to be mentioned when discussing title contenders. Despite running out of time, I think they still have some gas left in the tank for a few more surprises.
Kawhi Leonard’s rapid growth against the Heat in the Finals will have the whole world checking his stats after every Spurs game.
Danny Green has solidified himself as an excellent offensive option for San Antonio. Can the new-found confidence help him leap toward new heights?
WHAT NOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Every team that depends on aging players to succeed, also relies on a great amount of luck to carry them through a healthy season. Without a fully functioning big three, last June’s trip to the Finals could be their last for a very long time.
Over the summer, Gregg Popovich lost not one, but two important members of his coaching staff. Will the new assistants measure up to their predecessors?
#2 INDIANA PACERS
TEAM ROSTER:
Paul George, Roy Hibbert, George Hill, David West ,Lance Stephenson, Danny Granger, Luis Scola, Ian Mahinmi, Chris Copeland, CJ Watson, Solomon Hill, Rasual Butler, Orlando Johnson, Donald Sloan.
PRE-SEASON SUMMARY/PREDICTIONS
The Indiana Pacers are the second best team in basketball. For two straight seasons we watched them grow before our eyes as they pushed LeBron & Co. to the brink of failure.
Paul George broke out last season as he cemented himself as Indiana’s first option, as well as establishing himself as an elite defender on a league wide scale.
With Hibbert and West’s prompt contributions, and George’s development destined to continue, the Pacers are now equipped with enough pieces to counteract the line of elite players that they’ll face on their road to the Finals.
After taking a year off, Larry Bird wasn’t slow to make much-needed changes as he re-signed David West and invigorated the bench with Luis Scola, CJ Watson, and Chris Copeland. With Danny Granger also back, Indiana’s chances of dethroning Miami are higher than any other team.
OFF-SEASON GRADE: B+
Larry Bird is back as team president, resigned David West, CJ Watson, Luis Scola, Chris Copeland.
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
A max contract extension for Paul George should be the next big move by Larry Legend.
Roy Hibbert is a top, if not the best, rim protector in the NBA. The Defensive Player of the Year Award is more than attainable.
Danny Granger was a big factor in the Heat series of two years ago that saw them up 2-1 at one point. As he eases his way back into the rotation, flashes of his old self should be displayed.
Thanks to Larry Bird and the new signings, last season’s non-existent bench is now a distant memory.
No one really knows how good Paul George is. Yes, he is an All-Star, yes, he made third team all-NBA, but can we include him in MVP discussions?
WHAT NOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
After last season’s success and Paul George’s enlargement, I can’t see how Indiana keeps Granger beyond this season.
Am I the only one that believes that they should upgrade at the PG spot? I’m not saying get a star, but a package of Granger and Hill could land you a pretty good player.
Lance Stephenson is another player who made a leap last season; however, with Granger working toward reclaiming his starting spot, will Stephenson slowly fade back into irrelevancy?
#1 MIAMI HEAT
TEAM ROSTER:
LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, Shane Battier, Ray Allen, Mario Chalmers, James Jones, Chris Andersen, JoelAnthony, Michael Beasley, Norris Cole, Greg Oden, Roger Mason Jr., Rashard Lewis.
PRE-SEASON SUMMARY/PREDICTIONS
The back-to-back defending champs weren’t much active this off-season but still raised quite a few eyebrows by bringing back their former number two pick Michael Beasley, and signing former number one pick Greg Oden to a one year deal. Both cases are of low risk, but of extremely high reward if they somehow manage to fulfil the hopes of the millions looking on.
Parting with Mike Miller wasn’t easy to witness, however with the arrival of Roger Mason Jr., Miller’s absence should be less felt.
LeBron & Co. are trying to accomplish what hasn’t been accomplished since the Shaq & Kobe Lakers of the early 2000s: a three-peat.
Looking back on history, only a handful of teams were able to retain their throne for three straight seasons: Jordan’s Bulls (twice), Bill Russell’s Celtics, Shaq & Kobe’s Lakers, and the Minneapolis Lakers of the early fifties.
By staring at that list, it is easy to assume that the odds are against Miami, but if I were you, I wouldn’t be too hasty in betting against LeBron at the peak of his prime.
Their quests for championships has seen them through the good, and the bad. Despite winning two in a row, the Heat have come face to face with disaster on various occasions: against Indiana in the playoffs both last season and the year before, against Boston in the 2012 conference Finals, and of course, Game 6 of these past Finals.
Right after capturing his second ring, LeBron James was asked by ESPN’s Bill Simmons if, during the last seconds of Game 6, he thought it was all over. He replied by saying: “Bill…you need a bit of luck to win an NBA championship, and that’s just what we had”.
Can the Heat become the next team to yell “back-to-back-to-back!”? I think yes.
OFF-SEASON GRADE: B-
Michael Beasley, Greg Oden, Roger Mason Jr.
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
A statistically off the charts season by LeBron is a yearly gift that basketball gods never fail to bestow upon us.
In hopes of a healthy season and a potential fourth ring, Dwyane Wade spent the summer working out with elite trainer Tim Grover. Hopefully we’ll start referring to him as “Flash” instead of constantly picking at his declining game.
Greg Oden and Michael Beasley are two former high lottery picks who, despite all the disappointments, have been handed the chance to become a valuable member of a first-class franchise. They’ll both turn out great for the Heat.
WHAT NOT TO LOOK FORWARD TO:
Health has been an evident problem for Miami these past two seasons, even to the point of risking them a few series. Wade, Bosh, and the rest of the core guys (i.e. Allen, Haslem, Battier, Chalmers) can’t afford to miss valuable games at any times in the playoffs.
This is Michael Beasley’s last chance at an NBA career. Another misstep, and his time as a pro will be over.
We’ll all be staring at Greg Oden’s knees each time he steps on the court, biting our nails praying that he makes it to the next time-out.
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