It's that time of the year again! All NBA teams are undefeated and looking forward to the season. Not all of them will do well, however, and only one will emerge as champion. Who will do well and who will fail? I present this season's fifty peso previews.
Boston Celtics
Key Additions: Brandon Bass, Keyon Dooling
Key Losses: Jeff Green, Glen Davis, Shaquille O'Neal
The aging Boston Celtics, while losing key pieces and even losing David West in the free agent race, still look formidable. The big 4 of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce and Rajon Rondo all look ready to make another run at the title. Word is Jermaine O'Neal is back to health and Marquis Daniels has become more comfortable with the system. If the big 4 get ample support, then they can keep healthy enough to be dangerous in the playoffs.
Fearless Forecast: At least Conference Semi-Finals
New Jersey Nets
Key Additions: Mehmet Okur, DeShawn Stevenson
Key Subtractions: None
The Nets hoped to make a big splash by trading for Dwight Howard, but chances are pretty dim now that Brook Lopez is out for 4 to 6 weeks. All Star Deron Williams is there to lead the way and Kris Humphries is back for another rebounding-filled, Kardashian-less season, butThe players are young and they lack skills and an overall identity. These Nets are a long way from making any form of impact in the division, much less the conference.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the Regular Season
New York Knicks
Key Additions: Tyson Chandler, Mike Bibby, Iman Shumpert
Key Subrtractions: None
The Knicks added more star power to their line up by adding Chandler and while that means the Knicks continue to be top heavy with a weak bench, Chandler does plug a lot of their defensive holes. The two keys of the Knicks would be the health of Carmelo Anthony, Chandler and Amare Stoudemire and the emergence of a competent point guard to help them run Coach Mike D' Antoni's vaunted offense. Look for them to finally win a game in the playoffs this year.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st Round)
Philadelphia 76ers
Key Additions: Nikola Vucevic
Key Subtractions: Reggie Evans
The 76ers have an awesome collection of young and athletic players, led by Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young and Evan Turner, but they do seem to have not found a classic go-to-guy. Elton Brand and Iguodala were supposed to be the "guys," but so far they haven't stepped up. The good news is that the 76ers can only improve on Coach Doug Collins' 2nd year and Turner seems to be intent on improving his jump shot. It will be another playoff year for the 76ers but they need a franchise player to get to the next step.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round)
Toronto Raptors
Key Additions: None
Key Subtractions: None
If GM Bryan Colangelo has a plan for the Raptors like he did with the Phoenix Suns before, it sure isn't showing. The Raptors were terrible last year and they made no significant steps in the off season. They will rely on Andrea Bargnani, Demar DeRozan and Jose Calderon, but their only hope to improve would be if they respond well to new coach Dwayne Casey's defensive system. Either way, the Raptors won't be scaring too many opponents this season.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season
photos courtesy of sports.yahoo.com and getty images
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