Why AI Shouldn't Go Bye-Bye

Allen Iverson has never been likable. Even in his MVP days, he hasn't been a favorite amongst the media, teammates, and coaches. But AI's game has made up for that. With a career scoring average of 27 ppg, the 6'1'' guard has definitely played beyond expectations.

Iverson and Memphis never made sense. His decision to leave the team indefinitely after complaining about not starting is something most of us saw coming, though I didn't expect it so soon. Before this season, Iverson had started in 874 out of 886 games in 12 NBA seasons. But it only took 3 games coming off-the-bench to make him run.

Iverson is going through what many players go through in their careers. After being a superstar for so many years, many players don't know when to accept that they aren't the players they once were years ago. We saw this in Michael Jordan recently in his hall-of-fame speech. We saw it in Glen Rice his last few seasons. Latrell Sprewell, Scottie Pippen, Bryon Russell, Dennis Rodman, all had trouble saying goodbye and have all been in denial at some point that their careers are done.

In a perfect world Iverson, 34, will do what many veteran superstars try to do; win a championship. Iverson made it once and hasn't come close since. But instead of joining the large group of former superstars not to win a ring, he still can. O'neal is doing it now. He could win another ring before retiring soon and is completely realistic about his abilities and role on the Cavs roster.

Alot of players have taken smaller roles in order to get their first ring or only ring. Here's a short list:

Bill Walton- Boston Celtics 1985-87
Won a ring with the Celts during his last 2 NBA seasons.

Mitch Richmond- LALakers 2001-02
After 5 all-star appearances and a Gold Medal, he won his only ring in his last season in LA.

Alonzo Mourning - Miami Heat 2004-08
After a Kidney transplant he was never the same, but he got a well-earned ring with Shaq's Heat.

Glenn Robinson-San Antonio 2004-05
Only played in 9 games in the reg. season, but 13 in the playoffs.

Honorable Mention: Gary Payton and Karl Malone in LA, and Stephon Marbury in Boston. Tried, but failed.

Though none of these players game outstanding individual performances, they were able to walk away with what every NBA wants. Though i can't see Iverson being the 10th or 11th off-the-bench for any team, he could do what Glen Rice in LA, Clyde Drexler in Houston, Mark Aguirre in Detroit did, become the 3rd or 4th option. That way he still contributes, but lets the natural order of the offense continue.

But this isn't a perfect world and AI has never done anything he should do. His possible retirement seems to be more out of anger than a conclusion to a long career. I don't suspect he will actually retire, nor do i expect him to take a reserve position lying down. He won't stop until he has destroyed a team, on his way out. And if he does retire, he probably won't stay gone for long.

Denial is powerful, especially for a superstar athlete who can't imagine not being the player he was. But if Iverson can't see he can still be an extremely valuable player, just not the most valuable player.

The NBA's Top 5 at the 1 Spot

The NBA point guard is the NFL's quarterback. They know everyone on the court and they know the offense better than the coach. Point Guards may be the most important guys on the court. Without a viable PG, the chances of success are slimmer.

NOTE: Rankings based on Importance to team, team projected rankings, and individual player.
O9/10 stats as of 11/3/09.

POINT GUARD
1. Rajon Rondo- Boston Celtics
He has gone from nervous rookie in the shadow of 3 future hall-of-famers, to the engine that runs the team. Not only has his scoring, passing, and shot selection improved, he is also an improving rebounder. He was also 5th in the league in steals last season.

The numbers:
08/09: 11.9 ppg, 8.2 apg, 5.2 rpg, 1.9 spg
09/10: 6.5 ppg, 11.8 apg, 5.0 rpg, 2.5 spg


2. Tony Parker- San Antonio Spurs
Parker proved last season that if he has to score, he will. He lost a slight step with injuries, but with a healthy Ginobli and Richard Jefferson, he won't have to shoulder the scoring load. The Spurs, for the first time in a few years, will once again be at the top of the Western Conference.


The numbers:
08/09: 22.0 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 6.9 apg, o.9 spg
09/10: 16.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 5.3 apg, 0.7


3. Chauncey Billips- Denver Nuggets
If you never believed in Chauncey Billips, now is the time to start. Just by adding Billips last season, the Nuggets went from clowns to contenders. No one can deny that if it hadn't have been for him, the Nuggets would still be a team with potential. He's not the youngest, or the fastest but he brings stability, poise, and an incredible baskeball IQ that will surely make the Nuggets contenders again.

The Numbers:
08/09: 17.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 6.4 apg, 1.2 spg
09/10: 23.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 6.7 apg, 0.7 spg


4. Deron Williams- Utah Jazz
Williams is quick, smart, and has become a great passer and scorer, and the combo gives opponents fits. It also helps that Williams has alot of targets to pass to. The Jazz aren't as good as they could be, but Williams is the future and might actually give Stockton's assist record it's first actual challenger.

The Numbers:
08/09: 19.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 10.7 apg, 1.1 spg
09/10: 22.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 10.0 apg, 0.3 spg


5. Chris Paul- New Orleans Hornets
I know alotta people think Paul is the best point guard in the league hands down. Though he is incredible at times, he doesn't have the team that would give him that leg up. In my opinion, how good a team is does matter when picking the best of the best. Paul is the fastest point guard the league has seen since...probably ever. His scoring has gone up and his assists have gone down due to team changes, and his natural game isn't as an offensive force, he's a distributor, despite what the stats say.

The Numbers:
08/09: 22.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 11.0 apg, 2.8 spg
09/10: 27. 8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 8.5 apg, 0.8 spg

2009-2010 NBA Preview- Western Conference

Western Conference

1. LA Lakers: 67-15
The defending champs have the done something alot teams haven't: they have kept their championship team almost completely in tact, and actually improved on their one weakness immensely. The team added Ron Artest from Houston to add some interior toughness and strength. Expect the Lakers supporting cast to come back stronger and more confident.

BIG QUESTION:
Was trading for Artest a good move?

Answer:
Why is that even a question? Oh yea. Artest is looking for a place he can stay for a while and get a ring, and this is the place. The only thing the Lakers had trouble with last year was toughness. There were questions regarding their toughness against the Nuggets and Magic, though it wasn't as big of a factor as expected. But to prevent even a chance of their weakness being exposed they took care of it. Ariza is a good player and will be great in Houston, but with the development of Shannon Brown, Andrew Bynum, and Sasha Vujacic's game is will fill that void.

2. San Antonio Spurs: 57-25
The Spurs have this habit of sticking around the top of the West every year and expect at least a few experts to pick them to win. The Spurs improved their offense and defense adding Richard Jefferson which will surely take some of the load off of Ginobli, Parker, and Duncan. Even in their winning years, they've never had a 4th scorer like Jefferson. As long as Ginobli stays healthy, making a solid run deep into the playoffs should not be an issue.

BIG QUESTION:
Are Duncan's best days over?

Answer:
Yes, but not completely. Though he is now zeroing in on his mid-30s, the team around him isn't asking him to score 25 a game. As long as Duncan can rebound and block shots, the Spurs should be fine. They're aren't that many 7-footers playing the 4-spot, so he is certainly capable of being productive for the next few years.

3. Denver Nuggets: 55-27
The Nuggets came off of a year where they went from a team with potential to the real deal. Getting Billips and dumping Iverson was the best front office move they could've made. Billips is the engine that drives this team and is certainly capable of leading the ever improving Carmelo Anthony and the maturing J.R. Smith. And grooming Ty Lawson is not a bad idea either.

BIG QUESTION:
Is Billips enough to keep the Nuggets loose cannons focused?

Answer:
Maybe. Billips and the Nuggets remind me of the Pistons of the 80s. The bad boys with a seemingly quiet superstar being the puppet master. But this isn't the 80s and unpredictable, loose cannons can be detrimental to any teams championship run. They are more mature after last year but Kenyon Martin, Smith, and Anthony have shown signs of getting caught up in their emotions.

4. Dallas Mavericks: 52-30
The Mavericks have added a whole gang of players to help deepen their bench and hopefully their defense. Their biggest addition is defensive stopper Shawn Marion. Marion adds athleticism and a defensive mind the Mavs desperately need. And say what you want about Kidd, but all he needs to really do is pass the ball and the Mavs have given him the weapons to do so.

BIG QUESTION:
Can the Mavs find a way to play defense?

ANSWER:
They better. Running and gunning gets you consecutive 50-win seasons, but no rings. The backcourt, Kidd, Terry, and Howard, are not defensive minded. Terry can steal but he can't stop anybody, even with his speed. I can't see Kidd keeping up with Parker or Paul for 7 games, but the bench is deeper and not as offensively explosive as last year, and that's a good thing.

5. Portland Trailblazer: 52-30
The Trailblazers now have the nucleus they have been looking for and with a hopefully healthy Greg Oden and a solid veteran point guard in Andre Miller. You gotta love this squad. On paper the Blazers are young, fast, and deep. It's been some lost years in Portland, but the success of the 80s and 90s may be on its way back.

BIG QUESTION:
Will Oden finally live up to his potential?

Answer:
No, because reports since he was first noticed years ago was that he is the next Shaq-like player. He isn't. He's more of an Okafor-type. He will be way more of an asset as a defender and rebounder than a scorer, we'll leave that for Brandon Roy. But another scorer isn't what the Blazers need, it's a healthy, productive big man.

6. Utah Jazz: 49-33
Utah has quickly turned into one of the most multi-talented teams in the West. They are spread even and on any given night anybody can be the leading scorer. The emergence of Paul Milsap makes the team even stronger. Harpring and Korver provide great outside shooting, but early injuries to Harpring and Okur may hinder the team slightly at the start. Boozer may be dealt by mid-season, possibly for Stoudemire, but with Milsap on the team, the Jazz shouldn't hurt too bad.

BIG QUESTION:
Is this team ready to compete with the big dogs?

ANSWER:
They have a great nucleus and brought everyone back from last season. But the issue is not chemisty and talent it's their lack of a low post threat. Boozer is good,but Okur and Kirelenko get bounced around the post like a ping-pong ball nightly. It's hard to believe that AK-47 has been in the league almost a decade. He was supposed to be the next Dirk, but he has not nearly lived up to his potential. Another good post player would be ideal for Utah to move up a few spots.

7. Houston Rockets: 48-34
Houston suffered a major blow losing Yao to injury. Even worse, no one knows for certain when he will return or if he will ever be the same player again. Adding to that misfortune, McGrady is hurt...again and all signs point to McGrady not nearly being the player he once was. Who's left? Athletic Ariza, Battier, Scola and Aaron Brooks. Though they have solid back-ups, not having Yao is gonna sting.

BIG QUESTION:
Was giving up Artest for Ariza a good move?

Answer:
In this case, yes. Artest was good, but the team has always been built around McGrady and his ability to score. Ariza brings that McGrady-esque explosiveness offensively to the Rockets. This is a perfect chance for Ariza. Their two superstars are out indefinitely and he was just waiting to come out of his shell.

8. Phoenix Suns: 46-36
Two of their key players are heading into their late 30s in Hill and Nash and are gonna be clocking alotta minutes. Stoudemire might not last the rest of the season and Coach Al Gentry is gonna have a time trying to figure out who starts at the 2-guard, Barbosa or Richardson. But there is something about this young group of guys and the two old guys that makes this a team to watch. They almost squeaked into the playoffs last year, and with New Orleans getting worse, not better, their chances look better.

BIG QUESTION:
Are the Suns better without Shaq?

ANSWER:
Yes, and they always were. Shaq is still good, but the Suns were never a good fit for him. He's not slow, but he has never been a guy who plays run and gun. Phoenix has been run and gun since Nash joined the Suns in 2004. Though Nash isn't the guy he used to be, he is now free to run the team the way he is used to. And the suns have alotta young weapons waiting for alley-oops and other plays that get you on Sportscenter.

9. Los Angeles Clippers:44-38
Everybody loves the underdog, and even if you're not a Clippers fan, there are alotta people who are ready to see these guys win. The Clips made two good moves in the off-season. They dumped Zach Randolph and drafted Blake Griffin. Combined with Griffin, Al Thorton, and Eric Gordon looks as if they are gonna be the big 3 of the future. The Clippers have a good mix of veterans and young upstarts. Kaman is starting to become a solid 20-10 and a healthy Baron Davis can help these young players get their footings.

BIG QUESTION:
Where does Griffin fit into this team?

ANSWER:
I know people want to see Griffin be an all-star after he returns from injury, but he does need some work. Their smartest move, at least for the first season, would be to bring Griffin off the bench. The Clippers bench is certainly one of the weakest of the West, but not without talent. DeAndre Johnson, Sebastian, Telfiar, and Craig Smith will get better as the season progresses, but would be that much better if they can improve with a player like Griffin joining the ranks.

10. New Orleans Hornet: 42-40
The Hornets were picked by some experts to be a Championship team 2 years ago. But the team
that took the Spurs to 7 games in 2008 are gone. The team is revamped and minor additions don't seem to add up with the big changes the other teams in the West have made. Paul is still a great PG, but most of that team that meshed so well together are getting older or are on other teams.

BIG QUESTION:
Was the Okafor deal a good one?

Answer:
Yes, Chandler looks as if injuries was slowing him down the past season. Though their stats are similar, double-digits in rebounds and points, but Okafor is a better shot blocker and a more natural big man. Some argue that Chandler was only as good as he was because of Chris Paul and that may be right. Okafor is not a big enough change to make the Hornets a playoff team, but he is a push in the right direction of what looks like it might be some rebuilding years coming up for the Stingers.

11. Memphis Grizzlies: 33-49
The Grizz on paper have and impressive group of young players and excellent lottery picks. Given a few years to gel and a starting 5 that will have Conley, Gay, Mayo, Gasol, and Thabeet, you may see a top 5 team ready to de-thrown one of the east's big dogs. Unfortunately, that is a few years down the road and in addition to playing in one of the toughest divisions, they have 2 bad influences hanging around in the locker room.

BIG QUESTION:
Was picking up Iverson a good move?

Answer:
HELL NO! Iverson has not changed since he was 20 years old, but his behavior was somewhat acceptable when he was scoring 30 points a game. Now, he's a shadow of himself but no personality change has come with it. We've all heard the stories of how Iverson was a negative influence on the youngsters in Denver. My question to the front office is: why would you sacrifice your young talents development by throwing Iverson in the mix? AI was the next big thing when these guys were in Middle School, so they probably look up to him, too bad he's not a good role model. Let's see how long he quietly accepts a supporting role. Add almost as bad Randolph to the line-up, this may not be ideal for the young guys.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder: 30-52
Kevin Durant is a superstar. No argument needed. He'd be bigger in another city, but regardless this is his team and should be for a very long time. The organization has not done a very good job of putting the big pieces they need around him to secure them a winning season. Jeff Green is emerging as a strong sidekick to Durant and Russell Westbrook is quickly becoming one of the top ten best point guards in the league. These three are the keys to a successful future.

BIG QUESTION:
What do the Thunder need first, a post player or a deeper bench?

Answer:
Well its no question they need both but a good big man should be top priority. The bench is weak, but they're young, so they may develop into a formidable unit. Nenad Krstic is good if he can stay healthy, but he isn't a tough inside presence they need.

13. Minnesota Timberwolves: 28-54
These guys are young, really young. They have a couple of veteran players, but they won't play enough to make a dent. The team will focus on youngsters Love, Flynn, Brewer, and Sessoms. They play hard and will scrap together some wins as the season goes on. They got a new coach and a bunch of new faces that will need time to gel but it seems everyone in Minnesota is willing to give it time.

BIG QUESTION:
Is not getting Rubio going to affect this season?

Answer:
Yes and no. Rubio isn't proven at all. We all know what we expect , but not what he actually would have been. The worst part of the Rubio deal is that he waited so long to turn them down and it really didnt give the T-wolves adequate time to fill the void. I'm sure if Minnesota knew Rubio didn't plan on coming to the twin city, they would have dealt him for another point guard, possibly on draft night. The team will get better as they learn eachother, but if Rubio joins them anytime soon, he will have missed precious chemistry time.

14. Golden State Warriors: 22-60
On paper the Warriors look like a potential playoff team. But that's where it stops. The team got a positive in the draft picking Stephen Curry, but they have so many negatives, nobody notices. Monte Ellis and Stephen Jackson have decided to spread their cancerous egos around and has made the Warriors look like a whiny bunch of pre-madonnas. Furthermore, coach Don Nelson may actually be losing control and as well as his mind. And in the middle of all this mess is young, innocent Curry watching it all unfold. I'm sure New York is looking better and better.

BIG QUESTION:
Will Jackson, Ellis, and Nelson make it to the end of the season?

Answer:
Hard to tell, but they shouldn't. The front office has let this extremely poisonous situation go on for way too long to begin with. Jackson wants out? Let him go. He's not an all-star caliber player and he can easily be replaced with someone who doesn't talk as much. Ellis, who missed a huge chunk of last season after being suspended by the team, says he can't play with Curry. That's fine, let him go. He'd be a huge loss, but he's not a point guard. Send him somewhere where he can not pass the ball and it be acceptable. As for Nelson, if the fact that he can't make his players at least act like they like eachother, think of his master plan last year of making one veteran sit out a game. Ridiculous

15. Sacramento Kings: 17-65
Kevin Martin is the best player on the worse team in the league, but can't stay healthy enough to truly lead the kids out of the abyss of losing. He's a scorer and that's about it, and the Kings need alot more then scorers. Tyreke Evans is going to get better and better, but he and Martin are all they have, and thats a big problem. Spencer Hawes may get stronger, but he has to be a better rebounder to be a complete asset.

Big Question:
Can Evans and Martin be the wave of the future?

Answer:
No. Unless Evans turns into a point guard and Martin gets physical enough to play small forward, their might be some chemistry issues at the 2-guard position especially after Evans starts to improve. If Evans can flourish as a 6'6'' point guard, the possibilities are endless because a Martin-Evans combo in the backcourt could be dangerous in a few years.

Western Conference Champs:
LA Lakers

There is no other team in the East that can compete with the Lakers for a whole series. They are too strong and too deep and last year's championship win has made the whole team more confident. And the have Kobe Bryant. I rest my case.

NBA CHAMPS:
LA Lakers

2009-10 NBA Preview-Eastern Conference

I know we've already had a few games, but it's never too late for an NBA preview, you know, unless its the last day of the regular season.

I'm gonna give my opinion of where i think teams will rank in their conference, what's changed between this season and the last, and the big question hanging over each team's head this season.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

1. Cleveland Cavaliers: 64-18
Lebron and the James' added veterans Anthony Parker and Shaquille O'neal in the off-season and unloaded Ben "Dead Weight" Wallace. O'neal adds the inside toughness needed to face off against Dwight Howard. Though Howard is younger and more athletic, O'neal has been able to hold Howard to less than 17 ppg over the last 4 seasons. He might be old, but O'neal still has juice. Add a healthy West later, the team has an explosive outside, and a tough inside.

BIG QUESTION:
Is O'neal the final piece?

Answer:
Yes, the only thing the Cavs didn't have last season was someone to contest with the big men of the east. The fact that the team had to spend so much time making sure Howard didn't become unleashed down low, the Magic were able to drop threes at will. Shaq may need be as great, but he's still mobile,and of course huge.

2. Boston Celtics: 62-20
Without Garnett's versatility in the playoffs last year the team struggled to stay consistent and poised. A now healthy Garnett, and the additions of Rasheed Wallace, swingman Marquis Daniels, Sheldon Williams, and the steady improvements of Rajon Rondo and Eddie House, the team has become younger, faster, and wiser.

BIG QUESTION:
Can the big four stay healthy and strong all season?

Answer:
Who knows? Wallace, Garnett, Allen, and Pierce are not getting any younger and the riggers of an 82-game schedule can take its toll on old injuries and slow down even the best. Though the team is better overall, you'd be naive to think that the team can make it all the way without all of these being healthy for the majority of the season.

3. Orlando Magic: 59-23
The team added Vince Carter, not a bad move, but losing Turkolglu is questionable. The defending East champs got better experience-wise last season, and are a better team for it. Adding Brandon Bass and Jason Williams added two other players with playoff experience and their 3-point shooters are still here, with triggers lock and loaded. The team might be the second-hungriest team in the east, but as they improve, so did others.

BIG QUESTION:
Was losing Turkoglu worth adding Vince?

Answer:
No, and i think that'll show in the playoffs. Carter is a great player, but Turkoglu proved that he was possibly the most versatile player in the playoffs. Turk is a better ball handler, shooter, a better defender, a better facilitator than Carter and can knock down big shots. The offense ran through him in the playoffs. A healthy Jameer Nelson makes up for some of that, but a 6'8'' big man who can do what Turk can do is hard to lose.

4. Washington Wizards: 50-32
It's clear that this team isn't nearly as good without Agent Zero on the court,and with him back the team will be the most improved team in the NBA by far. With Jamison, Butler, A healthy Haywood, an improving Nick Young and smart forwards Mike Miller and Frabricio Oberto, the team has a chance to upset some teams in the east.

BIG QUESTION:
Can Arenas be as explosive as we've seen in the past?

Answer:
Yes, Arenas has always been able to bounce back from injuries before and he may be the most competitive player in the lower echelon of the east.

5. Detroit Pistons: 47-35
The pistons added UConn stars Ben Gordon and Charlie Villenueva to the aging team in hopes of making a trip back to late in the playoffs. The problem is that Gordon joining the Pistons just made them have the same issues the Bulls had. Too much front court and no interior. Wallace is washed up, wilcox and Brown are constant disappointments and Villenueva is not really a low post threat.

BIG QUESTION:
Can Gordon, Prince, and Hamilton's play gel on the court together?

Answer:
I don't think so. Though Prince doesn't demand the ball, he does need time on the court. The only way to divy up the time right is to have Hamilton or Gordon play point, but Stuckey and Bynum are two great point guards who can change the game in a second. And then there's Maxiel, he has definitely earned playing time, but he the team can't play against the best in the east with undersized Maxiel in the post.

6. Atlanta Hawks: 46-36
The Hawks finally have a team that's been together longer than a season. No team overhauls this year. They picked up scorer Jamal Crawford, but it doesn't help them on defense. Josh Smith and Joe Johnson are starting to mesh well together, and with Mike Bibby as the the glue, the Hawks actually have a chance of winning over the non-believers.

BIG QUESTION:
How long will it take before Jamal Crawford ruins Atlanta's potential chemistry?

Answer:
Not long, not long at all. Crawford will have to fight for time with minute-hoggers Josh Smith and Joe Johnson. Crawford is the best scoring journeyman in the league for a reason, he can't be happy. He's a ball-hog and selfish at times. And if he impedes on the time of volatile Smith, there may be a big problem in Atlanta.

7. Toronto Raptors: 43-39
Picking up Turkoglu may have been the best thing to ever happen to the Raptors since the Carter/McGrady years. Turk brings versatility and experience to the young Raptors. The Raptors have loads of fire power with their 5 euros, even Bargnani and Nesterovic are good shooters, despite being big men. Bosh is getting better, and more than likely leaving, and will have another All-star performance.

BIG QUESTION:
Can the Raptors find a way to play defense?

Answer:
No. Defense can be taught, but the culture of Euro players isn't defense oriented. They will more than likely shoot their way into the playoffs, but won't hold on where it counts. The playoffs will be the only time Marion's exit will be noticed.

8. Miami Heat: 42-40
The last 2 spots of the East are gonna be a dog-fight until the last few games. As usual, Wade is gonna carry the Heat on his back with barely any help. Beasley's off-the-court issues shouldn't hurt him, but he has yet to find his footing, and even if O'neal plays the majority of the season, he has lost most of his ability years ago.

BIG QUESTION:
Will the Heat make a mid-season move that will move them up the list?

Answer:
They better. The Heat do have talent, but not nearly enough to make a bid for the playoffs. The truth is they do have young developing talent, but they need to make a move for another all-star or they might not even make the 8th spot.

9. Chicago Bulls: 41-41
Ben Gordon moving to the rival Pistons was the least of their problems going into this season. Derrick Rose and Luol Deng are good, but past that, the Bulls are group of some of the most inconsistent players int he league. They haven't been able to find their team identity. We know they can scrap together wins, but lack of defense and no Gordon hurts them. At the stretch, Rose is enough to get them in.

BIG QUESTION:
Can Hinrich and Rose mesh on the court together?

Answer:
Yes. It's gonna be easier with Gordon gone. Rose can play the 2, if he wants to and do it well. But, its doubtful this will be an effective backcourt. They are already undersized with Little Luol near the interior, playing two small guards might hinder them down the stretch of the season.

10.Philadelphia 76ers: 38-44
Losing Andre Miller is gonna prove to be a crushing blow to the team this year. Brand is old, and injury-prone. I'd be surprised if he plays the entire season. He's always been a solid 20-10 forward, but I'd be surprised if he has a 13-6 season. Andre Iguodala is improving as a leader and shooter, but he's all alone this year.

BIG QUESTION:
Is Brand gonna be the player of old?

Answer:
No. Brand unfortunately is going through what a lot players did in their careers. They have nagging injuries that do them in during the last part of their careers. He's still young, kinda, but he just can't do the things he used to. He's a passable starter, but might be better off on a contender as a role player, not an all star power forward.

11. Charlotte Bobcats: 35-47
We got a glimpse of Diaw and Bell last season and the two have had the time to mix in and learn the team. Returning starters Felton, Wallace, and newbie Chandler can make a formidable inside-out tandem, if Chandler stays healthy. And with Larry Brown as coach, you never know what can happen; he is a genius.

BIG QUESTION:
With all this talent, why can't they make it to the playoffs?

Answer:
Easy, every year they have had to develop young talent. Off the bench this year, they have talent but the guys are young and unproven. And those draft busts over the last few years has set them back a few years development as well, making what should be a veteran bench, a young one.

12. New York Knicks: 28-54
Another year, same story. The Knicks have clumped together a group of individuals and are trying to turn them into a team. Or not, the bidding war for King James starts this summer and the Knicks are said to be the front runners. 28 wins is a generous prediction, but i only think they'll get that far because D'Antoni is a fighter and has too much pride to let them be horrendous.

BIG QUESTION:
Is throwing away another season worth a chance of getting a high pick or LeBron?

Answer:
Yes. It's crazy to think that a team in New York can lose and everybody in New York be fine with it, but a chance to bring in King James, or Wade or Bosh seems to be okay with fans. The team is sick of losing and it would be great for the NBA to see James in NY. Though i think James is staying put, however I think Wade and Bosh are gonna be Knicks next year.

13. Indiana Pacers: 27-55
Granger is the best player no one knows about. The problem is that he is flanked by young talent that hasn't found their footing on other teams. Dunleavy is hurt, but when he's healthy he can provide Granger enough help. Ford is injury-prone, but if he can stay healthy the Pacers may upset a few teams. But their bench and post are weak. Hansborough will be good, just not yet. And when i say good, I don't mean UNC-Chapel Hill good.

BIG QUESTION:
Will Granger be a Pacer at the end of the season?

Answer:
Granger may be trade bait to another bad team for even more draft picks, but that is doubtful. The Pacers know they aren't a playoff team aren't even gonna pretend to be. But Granger is the only way to add dept to their sagging lineup and actually have a chance at a quicker turnaround. Smartest move: build the team around him before he bolts.

14. Milwaukee Bucks: 20-62
Michael Redd is is the only reason the world knows the Bucks still exist. Bogut has shown flashes of what he could be, but unfortunately injuries has slowed his progress. Even worse, they didn't make any moves towards beefing up their player personnel during the off-season. They have a chance at a good draft pick or a bid for big talent this summer, but I'm curious to see what big name will go to Milwaukee.

Big Question:
Will Redd be a Buck at the end of the season?

Answer:
More than likely not. Like most of the lower tier teams, their big names are vulnerable to be used as trade bait. Before his injury last season, Redd was in talks to head to Cleveland, among others. I can see Redd off to Utah or Houston, maybe even Cleveland still by mid-season.

15. New Jersey Nets: 17-65
Devin Harris is probably the Dwayne Wade of the worst team in the NBA. He's the most talented on a team of improving youngsters. Losing Carter is a blow and will be felt at the forward position. Brook Lopez is slowly and surely becoming one of the top ten centers in the league. But Lopez and Harris can't do it alone. With no bench and no consistent/proven scorers, the Nets are no where near ready to compete against the best the east has to offer.

BIG QUESTION:
Is Yi Jianlian finally gonna play to his potential?

Answer:
No, because he is potentially an all-star. He still has a ways to go. He gotta get better at his shot selection and a better post game would be a big boost. I feel like his game will get better with time, but he's gonna need leadership around him to groom him properly.

My Pick for Eastern Conference Champs:
CLEVELAND

It's gonna be a dogfight between the Cavs and Celtics, but I gotta give the edge to the team that's core has been together longer.