With the NBA season coming up in a few weeks' time, I figured it was time to start my Fifty Peso Previews, starting with the Atlantic Conference. Before anything else, though, my heart goes out to all those affected by the storm Ondoy. I am also honored by the thousands of volunteers who selflessly devoted their time to help others. Hopefully, my articles can help entertain you and provide you with momentary relief.
Boston Celtics
Key New Additions: Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels, Shelden Williams
Projected Starters: Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo
The 2008 Champs failed to defend their title, but it wasn't for lack of trying. Despite losing heart and soul Kevin Garnett, The Celts not only got into the playoffs, but gave eventual Eastern Conference Champs Orlando a tough fight. As expected, fans and observers alike wondered if the Celts could have defended their title had Garnett played. With KG, as he claims, back to full strength, the Celts would be again title contenders, but you've got to give it to GM Danny Ainge. Not one to rest on his laurels, Ainge went out and filled up some holes in their line up. Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels will definitely fill the much needed roles of bench support and even if any of the big three go down to an injury, one of these guys should be ready to take up the cudgels. Look for Boston to flash the vaunted stingy defense anchored on KG (and now to be supported by Sheed) and with all the championship experience in this team, Boston fans are licking their chops as they can (rightfully) sense another good shot at the title.
Fearless Forecast: At least into the Eastern Conference Finals
New Jersey Nets
Last Year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Courtney Lee, Rafer Alston
Projected Starting Five: Brook Lopez, Yi Jian Lian, Josh Boone, Courtney Lee, Devin Harris
Long before the Nets sold part ownership to Mikhail Prokhorov, they were already taking steps towards a new era. Shedding big salaries of superstars like Jason Kidd, Richard Jefferson and Vince Carter, many have written off the Nets as early as now. While it's true they won't win a championship this season, the Nets do have some nice pieces. Look for great seasons from youngsters like Harris, Lee and Lopez, three of what I believe will be the Nets' future, whichever city they end up in. Harris, already an All Star, will now have the team to himself and this season can be the time to show his leadership skills. Lopez, a mobile 7 footer with great basketball IQ, is also set to have a nice season with a year under his belt. While this team is one of those hoping to win the Lebron sweepstakes, watch for the Nets to play some exciting basketball and maybe even make the playoffs as an 8th seed.
Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (either low playoff seed or eliminated)
New York Knicks
Last Year: Did not make Playoffs
Key New Additions: Darko Milicic, Jordan Hill
Projected Starting Five: Darko Milicic, David Lee, Wilson Chandler, Larry Hughes, Chris Duhon
Two years after his depature, Isiah Thomas is still screwing the Knicks. Conscious of unloading Thomas' bad contracts, GM Donnie Walsh has made moves to ensure the Knicks will have plenty of room for the 2010 free agent market, probably the most talent-rich FA pool in years. Because of this, the Knicks have made no significant additions to last year's line up which not only failed to make the playoffs, but also lost, as a team, to Dwight Howard in total blocks. Yikes. Coach Mike D'Antoni is optimistic though. Danilo Gallinari and Eddy Curry seem to be healthier and ready to play, and the team will have had a full season under D'Antoni's "seven seconds or less" offensive patterns. With David Lee and Nate Robinson in contract years, with ridiculed busts like Gallinari and Milicic and with oft-injured millionaires Hughes and Curry in the line up, look for the Knicks to play inspired ball this season. Surely, this team will be exciting to watch, with their fast-paced, shoot first, ask questions later offense (even if they still won't play defense) and with the right amount of luck, could battle for an 8th seed in the playoff race.
Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (either low playoff seed or eliminated)
Philadelphia 76ers
Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round) by the Orlando Magic
Key New Additions: Jrue Holiday, Jason Kapono
Projected Starters: Samuel Dalembert, Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Louis Williams
This season will be year 2 of the Elton Brand experiment. Last year, the 76ers playing with Brand was a complete and utter mess. When Brand went down, they actually played better and made the playoffs. With new coach Eddie Jordan and his Princeton offense, look for the 76ers to become like those high-scoring, cat-quick Wizards teams Jordan coached in the mid 2000s. Williams should bounce back form a wildly inconsistent season, and Andre Iguodala will play better as the team's second option behind Brand. As long as Jordan and the 76ers learn to utilize Brand's talents better, and with a young crew consisting of Iguodala, Young, Williams and Maresse Speights, the 76ers should play exciting basketball and make the playoffs.
Fearless Forecast: Playoffs 6th or 7th seed, eliminated in first round
Last Year: Eliminated in regular season
Key New Additions: Hedo Turkoglu, Marco Bellineli, Jarrett JackProjected Starters: Andrea Bargnani, Chris Bosh, Hedo Turkoglu, Marco Bellineli, Jose Calderon
WIth Chris Bosh all set to test free agency in 2010, GM Brian Colangelo knew he needed to make changes to the Raptors to keep Bosh interested. So, in true Colangelo fashion, he went nuts and almost traded away the entire team. What resulted is a Raptors team that is loaded with tons of shooters to complement Bosh's inside presence. Look for the NBA's only international team to actually play with international style. With shooters like Bargnani, Turkoglo, and Bellineli, together with playmakers like Calderon and Jack, you can already see the Raptors to play with lots of movement, screens and outside shots. This will make for a more exciting and competitive Raptors team and if enough shooters find their mark, it's not impossible for the Raptors to make the playoffs, and thereby keep Bosh in their fold.
Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (either low playoff seed or eliminated)
Last year, the Atlantic Division had two teams in the playoffs, but look for the Atlantic to make a push and actually have three teams in the playoffs this coming season.
Next: Central Division
photos courtesy of getty images and ball don't lie
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