OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
Reasons for Success:
Jumped on this bandwagon after they left the turmoil in Seattle and glad that I did. They have a strong core of young players to build around in Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green. Great supporting cast and lots of cap room to keep their stars and tinker with the lineup to push for a championship one day. There are no head-cases and they play so unselfishly. This is how every team in sports should build a contender with longevity.
Causes for Concern:
Coming off his first of many scoring titles, KD is a heavy favorite to dethrone LBJ for MVP honors. OKC pushed the Lakers immensely in their first round matchup last season and are expected to make a quantum leap this year. Too much expectation? KD and Westbrook had long summers playing for USA in the FIBA tournament and may run out of gas. Remember, these guys have never had a long playoff run before.
Prediction: 1st Division 3rd Conference
UTAH JAZZ
Reasons for Success:
After losing Carlos Boozer, the Jazz replaced him (and potentially upgraded) with Al Jefferson. Paul Milsap is slated to be the starting PF and may finally have the breakout season everyone has been waiting for. AK47 is in a contract year and if he can regain his 2005-6 form, this team can challenge for a top 3 spot in the West. Deron Williams will remain the 20-10 threat he always has been. When will Jerry Sloan win Coach of the Year?
Causes for Concern:
Like many other teams, the Jazz had a lot of turnover during the offseason. They lost effective role players in Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer and Wesley Matthews. Al Jefferson is finally out of the Minny and is poised for an allstar-calibre season playing alongside D-Will but he needs to stay healthy.
Prediction: 2nd Division 4th Conference
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Reasons for Success:
This team is littered with talent in all positions. This team is poised for a playoff run with Brandon Roy running the show with LaMarcus Aldridge as his sidekick. Having Marcus Camby for a full season will pay huge dividends and may help the team contend for a top 3 spot in the conference. Breakout seasons from Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews will certainly help that cause.
Causes for Concern:
Everyone starts off the season healthy, but how long will that last? Greg Oden is being Greg Oden. What is the over/under on when the Trailblazers give up/get rid of this bust? 2 seasons? Sidenote: How did Matthews get a $34million contract when he averaged less than 10 points last season?
Prediction: 3rd Division 7th Conference
DENVER NUGGETS
Reasons for Success:
They still have Melo as of now and he is one of the best scorers in the game today. If they manage to keep him until the trade deadline they may be in position to lock down a playoff spot.
Causes for Concern:
The Carmelo saga may take a turn for the worst at any given moment. If Melo decides to mentally check out than it jeopardizes the season and the value they can get in return via trade. The frontcourt has already been hit with long-term injuries in Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen. Throw in the fact that K-Mart and JR Smith are already bitching about getting new contracts and you cannot help it but to see this team being blown up and start from scratch.
Prediction: 4th Division 8th Conference
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Reasons for Success:
The key to the team has been handed to Kevin Love to lead this team back to respectability. Underachiever Michael Beasley was brought in and if he reaches his potential that warranted him being picked 2nd overall then they may have a foundation to build on.
Causes for Concern:
They have no point guard and their supposed franchise PG is chilling in Barcelona after a dreadful showing at the FIBA tournament this summer. They essentially replaced Al Jefferson's double-double production with Darko Milicic. David Kahn is the new Isiah Thomas.
Prediction: 5th Division 15th Conference
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