Top 10, because I am to lazy to do all 29 teams...
1.
Utah Jazz - last years champions have gotten even better with the addition of Joe Smith. With a lineup of Schabinger/Daniels, Hughes, AK47, Joe Smith, and Calvin Booth, the Jazz are at the top of list until someone can beat them. These guys are pros that just win.
2.
New Jersey Nets - last years other finals team, which will only likely improve as training camp comes closer. The addition of Earl Boykins should help one of the Nets biggest problems from last year, turnovers. As long as Boykins does not upset the teams chemistry, the best chance to knock down the Jazz.
3.
Seattle Supersonics - possibly the best starting 5 in the league after wholesale changes. Definitely the best outside shooting team the league has ever seen. Even with the addition of Marcus Camby, still a weak rebounding team. Can a 3 pt shooting team win a championship? We will find out this year.
4.
Los Angeles Clippers - Very strong starting 5, only weakness being Maggette's defense. Have every chance to make it to the Finals this year, especially if Gordon improves. One of the best frontcourt rotations in the league with Chandler, Brand, and Kwame. And with Childress and Gordon still improving, a great combination of youth and vets.
5.
Golden State Warriors - very strong at 4 positions, weakest at SG. Possibly the 2nd best offensive starting 5 in the league with Araujo, Swift, Pierce, Iggy, and Hinrich, behind the amazing offense of the Sonics. Will Paul Pierce blend in? and injury concerns are the major questions for this team.
6.
Indiana Pacers - likely deserve to be higher, but weakness at PG and center keeps them from the top 5. Possibly the best SG, SF, PF combo in the league, with Artest, Anthony, and O'Neal, with RJeff as a swingman back-up. Easily the best swingman rotation in the league.
7.
New Orleans Hornets - with Livingston leading the way, and Marion, Kenyon Martin, and Lamar Odom in the fold, this team if chock full of talent. Pavel and Swift are a very nice center by committee. Can Pavel and Swift hold down the center spot? And who will play where, since Martin, Odom, and Marion are all SF/PF's? If the chemistry on this team clicks, and Livingston continues his improvement, this team can challenge the Nets.
8.
Dallas Mavericks - this team is quite young, except at the center position. But, if Harris, Snyder, Lebron, Luke Jackson, and Boykins all develop, this could be the deadliest offense in the game. And with veterans in Z and Dampier holding down the fort, this team could easily go to the finals. Only down this low because of the big changes. Can easily leap up to top 5.
9.
Orlando Magic - With a progressing Dwight Howard, and one of the best shooters in the game in Ray Allen, along with one of the top 5 overall players in the game, Jason Kidd, this team is dangerous. Jason Kidd can easily lead this team deep in the playoffs, as can Dwight Howard. Unproven centers and defense at the swing positions are the only things holding the Magic back.
10a.
Sacramento Kings - a group of players that work quite well together. With McGrady dominating the offense, and Gooden dominating the boards, this team can take on anyone anyday. Rapid aging at the C/PF spots is what may bring this team down.
10b.
Phoenix Suns - a team that could surprise, or could dissappoint. With Shaq at center, Magloire at PF, Brent Barry at SG, and Hav at PG, this team is well rounded, and very good offensively and defensively. With two major players at 35 (Shaq, Barry) this team must win now. Age considerations and a gaping hole at SF keeping them from being higher.
yeah, the B is a cop-out... But it's Shaq, you know
