Wynne the Fall Guy

 In an unprecedented decision, the Philippine Basketball Association handed down a stiff punishment to Burger King Whopper Wynne Arboleda, suspending "The Snatcher," for the rest of the season for attacking a fan in the stands.  With the season just starting, Arboleda stands to lose almost all of his salary of over PhP 2.5 million and he cannot play in any other league since he is under contract with Burger King.  Much has already been said about Arboleda's folly and while I completely agree with the PBA's decision, I can't help but feel that the situation, just like a good murder mystery, is not completely resolved.  That's because Arboleda isn't the only guilty party here, yet he is the designated, "fall guy," so that other guilty parties are scot free.

     Reviewing that fateful game where Arboleda's Whoppers took on Philippine National Team Smart GIlas, it was clear that the game plan for the Whoppers was to physically intimidate the Nationals to disrupt their fluid offense.  Playing physical, though, is way different from playing dirty, as Gilas Coach Rajko Toroman intimated after the game.  There were a total of four flagrant fouls called in the first 1 and 1/2 quarters alone, with Toroman claiming two more missed by the referees.  With that many flagrants in the game, Coach Yeng Guiao (if he were innocent and I don't believe he is)  should/could have prevented it by the second flagrant foul.   It was clear that the directive to play physical came from him. After all, what team would have several players commit flagrant fouls all in the same game?   Guiao should have taken responsibility by telling his players to knock off the dirty plays.  By letting them continue the rough housing, Guiao was giving a go signal for his players to bring the pain, thereby raising the emotions of the game.  Fans of Gilas (and everyone else in the venue) could see the bullying going on and of course didn't appreciate the dirty play.  In fact, it got so bad that Buger King's own boss, Lito Alvarez, had to go into the dugout by half time essentially to stop his players from playing any dirtier. The elevated emotions definitely played a role in agitating fans enough to hurl expletives at the players.  It just might as well have been Guiao insulting Arboleda there.


     Another guilty party would have to be the referees.  Sure, they tried to control the rough play by calling the flagrant, but they could have taken the time to talk to the players and coaches to cease the attack on Gilas, perhaps giving them warnings that further infractions would result in ejections and suspensions.  Secondly, they should have been more alert when Arboleda made his way to the stands.  Arboleda may be a speedster on court, but he wasn't exactly making a mad dash to the fan.  A more alert referee crew could have gotten in Arboleda's way before the disaster.  This particular crew, however, only got to Arboleda AFTER Wynne was able to kick the fan in the gut.  


     Lastly, a blame finger has to be pointed at the Araneta Coliseum security.  When the NBA had the "Malice at the Palace," where Ron Artest attacked a fan, Araneta copied the NBA plan of having security placed near the court area to prevent another fan attack.  The Araneta security, however, were virtual tortoises here as they arrived even later than the "speedster" referees.  These were the same guards who valiantly prevented me from high fiving Melina properly when the WWE came to town, but when someone actually attacks, they are nowhere to be found.  Bravo guys.  


     The whole incident, "The Arboleda Attack at Araneta," is ugly whichever way you look at it.  A disrespectful fan, a hot headed player playing dirty, a coach who allowed dirty play to get back at the team that beat his silly, a batch of referees slightly sleeping on the job and a security crew who act like matadors all caused a situation that could seriously affect fan appreciation of Asia's oldest professional basketball league.  So why is it that only one element of the disaster was punished?   

Fifty Peso Previews: NBA's Pacific Division

     I close out my NBA fifty peso previews with the Pacific Division, home of the defending champions, the Los Angeles Lakers.  Will the Lakers repeat?  They could, but they will encounter numerous tough challengers, but probably not from their division.


Golden State Warriors


Last Year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Stephen Curry, Mikki Moore
Projected Starters: Monta Ellis, Anthony Morrow, Stephen Jackson, Anthony Randolph, Andris Biedrins


     The Warriors are in quite a mess and ownership should shoulder the blame.  Undermining and then later on removing former GM Chris Mullin netted them internal problems ranging from player to coach (Stephen Jackson vs Don Nelson) and player to player (Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry).  The Warriors do have great young talent in Ellis, Curry and Anthony Randolph, but the line up is smallish and uneven.  Look for the Warriors to be inconsistent, with some games having them scoring a lot of exciting ball while some games having them stink up the place.  It will be another tough year for the Warriors fans who have been thirsting for another playoff run.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season


Los Angeles Clippers


Last year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Blake Griffin, Rasual Butler, Kareem Rush
Projected Starters: Baron Davis, Eric Gordon, Al Thonrton, Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman


     The Clippers were their usual selves last year, losing horribly and regularly despite their talented line up.  This year, the addition of number 1 overall pick Griffin, who seems to bring a healthy passion for the game, could be the spark needed to excite the Clippers veterans to play harder.  The key, though, will still be Davis, who can singlehandedly bring a team to the playoffs.  If Davis is interested and the Clippers stay healthy, then the Clips could surprise people.


Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (8th seed or eliminated from playoffs)

Los Angeles Lakers


Last Year: Champions
Key New Additions: Ron Artest
Projected Starters: Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum


     The defending champs, not satisfied with keeping their championship line up intact, went ahead and signed Ron Artest to replace Trevor Ariza.  On paper, that would be bad news for the rest of the league, as the Lakers mainly an offensive team, just added some vaunted defensive teeth.  The problem is, Artest loves to hold the ball for long stretches on offense, which could bog down the Lakers' famed triangle offense.  Artest has said all the right things about playing within the system and even Phil Jackson has said he foresees Artest playing well so indeed, the road to the finals will run through the Lakers again.


Fearless Forecast: At least Western Conference Finals

Phoenix Suns


Last year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Channing Frye, Earl Clark
Projected Starters: Steve Nash, Jason Richarson, Grant Hill, Amare Stoudemire, Channing Frye


     Now that the Shaq experiment is over (thank goodness), the Suns, coach Alvin Gentry, can concentrate on their famed running game again.  With Nash at the helm, look for the Suns to run and gun and score buckets.  The problem for the Suns is age.  Nash and Hill, who are expected to anchor the running game, are rather long on the tooth so playing at a high level for 82 games will be no easy feat.  If the young, untested Suns can help spell the "old guys" consistently, then the Suns will be able to return to the playoffs.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round)


Sacramento Kings


Last year: Eliminated in the regular season
Key New Additions: Tyreke Evans, Desmond Mason, Omri Casspi
Projected Starters: Tyreke Evans, Kevin Martin, Desmond Mason, Jason Thompson, Spencer Hawes


     The Kings were one of the worst teams last season and things will probably not get too much better this season.  Adding Evans to a squad with young studs Hawes and Martin is a step in the right direction, but it's just step 1 when the Kings need to complete 15.  Look for the Kings to play with a lot of inconsistency but also with a lot of promise.  Unfortunately, promise doesn't count in the run up to the playoffs.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season




photos courtesy of Getty Images and Ball Don't Lie

Fifty Peso Previews: Northwest Division

     The Northwest Division used to be the "throwaway" division, as it usually had only one or none of its teams make the playoffs.  Last year was sort of a rebirth for the division with the Denver Nuggets going all the way to the Western Conference Finals for the first time in over two decades.  This year, what was once the nerdy kid whose lunch money was taken promises to emerge as the new school bully.

Denver Nuggets


Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs (Western Conference Finals) by the L.A. Lakers
Key New Additions: Ty Lawson, Arron Afflalo
Projected Starters: Chauncey Billups, Arron Afflalo, Carmelo Anthony, Kenyon Martin, Nene


     The arrival of Billups provoked a change in the once talented but lethargic Nuggets and it tranformed the Nuggets into title contenders that caused the eventual champs Lakers quite a scare.  With the team coming back this year and a further strengthening of their backcourt, the Nuggets are looking to once again challenge for the title.  The ride, though, might not be as smooth as they thought.  Coach George Karl has a tendency to rub off the wrong way on his players after several years and this could be the year that that happens with these Nuggets.  Also, the Nuggets have several very injury-prone players have tremendously healthy years last year that one has to begin to get worried if they could have that kind of a year again.  However, if the Nuggets are blessed with health again and Billups' leadership skills are as hyped, then the Mile High City will be among the NBA's elite cities.


Fearless Forecast: At least 2nd round of the playoffs


Minnesota Timberwolves


Last Year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Jonny Flynn, Ramon Sessions, Sasha Pavlovic
Projected Starters: Jonny Flynn, Corey Brewer, Ryan Gomes, Al Jefferson, Mark Blount


     The Timberwolves are a true hard luck case.  New GM David Kahn made all the right moves by shedding salaries, picking well and gathering talent, planning on having a young improving team that could entice big name free agents to take a second look at Minnesota next year.  Then, reality set in.  First pick Ricky Rubio couldn't get a buy out, deciding to play a couple more years in Europe, and promising big man Kevin Love broke his left hand in a pre season game.  It certainly is not a good start for the Wolves this season but they do have some nice pieces in Jefferson, Sessions, Flynn and Gomes.  When Love comes back by December, the Wolves could provide some spirited competition to teams looking to make playoffs.  As for challenging for a playoff spot?  That might have to wait.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season


Oklahoma City Thunder


Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs
Key New Additions: James Harden, Etan Thomas
Projected Starters: Russell Westbrook, Thabo Sefalosha, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Nenad Krystic


     Thunder owner Clay Bennett broke the hearts of the Sonic fans by moving the team to OKC, but he sure is doing right in his new city.  Hiring GM Sam Presti was a stroke of genius as Presti has created a young team with boatloads of talent.  With Durant, Green, Westbrook and now James Harden, look for the Thunder to run a great offense while playing scrappy defense that Coach Scott Brooks will ask for.  While the Thunder still lack a dominant inside force to complement their athletic wingmen, they will give their opponents fits, especially when Durant begins to dominate.  It might be nice to mark your calendars as this could be the year the Thunder make the playoffs for the first time.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st Round)


Portland Trail Blazers


Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st Round) by the Houston Rockets
Key New Additions: Andre Miller, Juwan Howard
Projected Starters: Andre Miller, Brandon Roy, Nicolas Batum, LaMarcus Aldridge, Joel Pryzbilla


     GM Kevin Pritchard's hard work is now paying off.  Ridding themselves of the "Jail Blazers" Portland now has a line up of ultra talented players with great attitudes to complement them.  The additions of Miller and Howard were meant to provide the veteran leadership to a team which features the unworldly versatility of Roy, the sweet shooting touch of Aldridge and the power and athleticism of Greg Oden.  If they can all put it together with no major injuries, there is no limit to where the Blazers can go.  The West had better watch out as a new dominant force could emerge and bring Rip City back to life.


Fearless Forecast: At least 2nd round of the playoffs

Utah Jazz


Last Year: Eliminated in the Playoffs (1st Round) by the L.A. Lakers
Key New Additions: Eric Maynor
Projected Starters: Deron Williams, Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver, Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur


     The Jazz have quite a talented line up in their hands this year and the good part is they have played together for quite some time now.  Unfortunately, this team has been plagued by injuries (almost every member of their core group of players have missed significant time) and by continuous speculations of players being traded (especially Boozer).  Utah's success this year will rely on their ability (and luck) to conquer these problems.  If they can, then Hall of Fame Coach Jerry Sloan can and will lead them deep in the playoffs.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round)


photos courtesy of Ball Don't Lie and Getty Images

Fifty Peso Previews: Southwest Division

     Once thought to be the toughest division in the NBA, this season might see the Southwest once again field in 3 teams from their division in the playoffs.

Dallas Mavericks

Last Season: Eliminated in the playoffs (2nd round) by the Denver Nuggets
Key New Additions: Shawn Marion, Drew Gooden, Tim Thomas
Projected Starters: Jason Kidd, Quinton Ross, Shawn Marion, Dirk Nowitzki, Erick Dampier

     Obviously gearing up for what could be Jason Kidd's last hurrah for an NBA title, the Mavericks acquired veterans to shore up the line up.  The additions, however, don't seem to be enough despite what owner Mark Cuban may want to believe.  The Mavs still have no defensive presence they can anchor themselves to, and with Josh Howard and Shawn Marion already battling injuries this early, the Mavs will do well enough to just make the playoffs alone.  Nowitzki's and Kidd's overall brilliance and Jason Terry's hot-shooting will keep the Mavs very dangerous, but as for competing for the title?  Well, Cuban shouldn't bet his house on his own Mavs.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round)

Houston Rockets

Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs (2nd round) by the L.A. Lakers   
Key New Additions: Trevor Ariza, David Andersen, Chase Budinger, Jermaine Taylor
Projected Starters: Aaron Brooks, Trevor Ariza, Shane Battier, Luis Scola, Carl Landry

     What a difference a year makes.  Last season, the Rockets had a line up that featured a "Big Three" and were one win away from a stint in the Western Conference Finals.  Now? None of the "Big Three" will start the season for them and people have all but dismissed them from the playoffs.  With Ron Artest leaving for the Lakers,Yao Ming out for the season with an injury and T-Mac not close to returning, the Rockets will be a testament to Rick Adelman's coaching skills and GM Daryl Morey's theory on picking players by the statistics.  Look for this Rockets team to play solid defense anchored by Battier and scrappy offense courtesy of all their draft picks and free agent signings.  This year will also be a good test for Ariza's capability to carry the load so this season will be quite a discovery year for the Rockets.

Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (8th seed in playoffs or eliminated in the regular season)

Memphis Grizzlies

Last year: Eliminated in the regular season
Key New Additions: Hasheem Thabeet, Allen Iverson, Zach Randolph
Projected Starters: Mike Conley, O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, Marc Gasol

     The Grizzlies seemed to be hellbent on rebuilding (which was a great move on their part) and when they picked Thabeet, the Grizzlies collected for themselves a handful of young and promising talent.  That's why it's such a puzzle that they went ahead and acquired two superstars (albeit troublemakers) this season.  Hiring Iverson and Randolph, both "shoot first, ask questions later" players, doesn't coincide with any rebuilding plans as neither are spring chickens and neither have shown themselves to be great role models or teachers in all their years in the NBA.  While Iverson has been saying all the right things about his new teammates and practice (!), this strange experiment of the Grizzlies will turn out to be one of those "horrible explosion in the lab" types of experiments.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season

New Orleans Hornets

Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round) by the Denver Nuggets
Key New Additions: Darren Collison, Darius Songaila, Emeka Okafor
Projected Starters: Chris Paul, Morris Peterson, Julian Wright, David West, Emeka Okafor

     After being the playoff darlings a couple of years ago, the Hornets were utterly disappointing last season.  Sure, injuries played a part in their collapse, but the Hornets have to face the reality of it all.  If they want to compete for championships, they need to find more help for Paul and West.  While trading Okafor for Tyson Chandler was a good start, the Hornets didn't do much else.  The unworldly talent of Chris Paul will keep this team great and if the health of West and Okafor hold up, the Hornets will make the playoffs.  As for competing in the NBA FInals? Owner George Shinn needs to show people the money first.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round)

San Antonio Spurs

Last Season: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st Round) by the Dallas Mavericks
Key New Additions: Richard Jefferson, Antonio McDyess, DeJuan Blair
Projected Starters: Tony Parker, Roger Mason, Richard Jefferson, Tim Duncan, Antonio McDyess


Sensing that their "Big Three" of Parker, Ginobili and Duncan still has at least a couple of years together, the Spurs opened up their cash box and brought in some veteran help.  Taking in Jefferson and McDyess plugs the holes in the two positions that they were severely weak in and it also means more possible rest time for Duncan and Ginobili, who broke down health-wise last year.  The question now is whether these guys really do have another of couple of years in them.  The true test for the Spurs will be late in the season if they have their health with them.  If they do, this one could go all the way once again.


Fearless Forecast: At least 2nd round of the playoffs.




photos courtesy of Ball Don't Lie and Getty Images

Fifty Peso Previews: NBA's Southeast Division

Rounding out the NBA's Eastern Conference is the Southeast Division, home of the defending Eastern Conference Champs, the Orlando Magic.  Are the Magic the only good team in this conference?

Atlanta Hawks

Last Season: Eliminated in the playoffs (2nd round) by the Cleveland Cavaliers
Key New Additions: Jamal Crawford, Joe Smith
Projected Starters: Mike Bibby, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams, Josh Smith, Al Horford

     The Hawks got a huge monkey off their backs when they got to the playoffs since the Mutombo era two seasons ago.  Since then, the Hawks, despite their ownership woes, seem to want to do better.  Re-signing their vital cogs Smith and Bibby was definitely a sign that the Hawks want to compete this year, and compete they certainly will.  With the addition of the streak shooting Crawford to an already respectable bench, look for the Hawks to be an even better scoring team.  Their biggest chance for success though will depend on their defense and Mike Woodson is all over that.  The question mark will be Josh Smith, since his dynamic defensive abilities to block, steal and rebound (when he wants to) will be the key to making the Hawks a credible defensive team.  If Smith somehow works well with Woodson (with no drama this time), then the Hawks will have a chance to actually be threats in the playoffs, rather than get swept again in the second round.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (2nd round)

Charlotte Bobcats

Last Year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Tyson Chandler, Flip Murray
Projected Starters: Raymond Felton, Raja Bell, Gerald Wallace, Boris Diaw, Tyson Chandler

Part owner Michael Jordan is as good a basketball executive as he was a baseball player.  His moves have left the Bobcats with an uneven line up over the years, and the trades pulled off last season and over the summer not only failed to correct that, but they also left the Bobcats older and more injury-prone.  Trading the oft-injured Emeka Okafor for an even more oft-injured Tyson Chandler is the final nail on the coffin of the Bobcats' playoff chances. This mish mash of a team may play some good games throughout the season by virtue of versatile stars Wallace and Diaw, but it really doesn't look good for the Bobcats and its coach Larry Brown.  If they do any significant strides towards the playoffs, then Brown deserves a Nobel prize because they are a lost cause.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season.

Miami Heat

Last Season: Eliminated in playoffs (1st round) by the Atlanta Hawks
Key New Additions: Quentin Richardson
Projected Starters: Daequan Cook, Dwayne Wade, Michael Beasley, Udonis Haslem, Jermaine O"Neal

For a team trying to convince Dwayne Wade to stay with them next year, the Miami Heat sure didn't do much.  Acquiring Quentin Richardson doesn't do much to augment the Heat, as their bench continues to be very weak.  Moving Beasley to small forward will help  their starters' offensive sets, but don't be surprised if Wade contends for another scoring title, and the Heat get eliminated from the playoffs.  Filipino American coach Erik Spoelstra must find help for Wade if he wants the Heat anywhere near playoff contention.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season

Orlando Magic

Last Year: Lost in the Finals to the L.A. Lakers
Key New Additions: Vince Carter, Matt Barnes, Jason Williams, Brandon Bass
Projected Starters: Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter, Mikael Pietrus, Brandon Bass (for the 1st 10 games), Dwight Howard

     In what could only be described as an arms race, the Magic responded to the Cavs' and Celtics' improvements by acquiring talent.  Lots of it.  With ownership willing to shed dough, the Magic's revamped line up features a team two deep at every position and trouble for all opponents.  The Magic now possesses more three point shooters, a legitimate power forward (with power), and an end game scorer in Carter.  While the Cavs feel entitled enough to print their finals tickets already, the Magic seem to be the ones destined for another crack at the title.

Fearless Forecast: At least Eastern Conference Finals

Washington Wizards

Last Year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Randy Foye, Mike Miller
Projected Starters: Gilbert Arenas, Mike Miller, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood

     The Wizards, marred by a myriad of injuries, especially on superstar Arenas, have had a miserable last season.  This year, things are looking up for Washington as Arenas is supposedly fully healthy.  To further add flame to their already potentially red-hot offensive trio of Arenas, Butler and Jamison, they have traded for sharp shooter Miller and combo guard Randy Foye.  What makes all this explosive is the hiring of new coach Flip Saunders, one of the league's most innovative offensive coaches.  That's why Wizards fans are optimistic, as this year promises a high scoring playoff year for the Wizards.  Look for the Wizards to reclaim their 5th spot in the playoff race.

Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in Playoffs (2nd round)

Fifty Peso Previews: NBA's Central Division

     Continuing on with my NBA previews, I move on to the Central Division, the most feared division in the Eastern Conference in the 90's and early 2000's.  Will they regain that lofty stature this coming season?


Chicago Bulls


Last Year: Eliminated in playoffs (1st round) by the Boston Celtics
Key New Additions: None
Projected Starting Line Up: Joakim Noah, Tyrus Thomas, Luol Deng, John Salmons, Derrick Rose


     When you barely make the playoffs, you expect to try to improve yourself in the off season.  Other than not spending too much money on Ben Gordon, the Bulls made no significant moves this summer.  Perhaps, they feel like last season's mid season trade (where they got Brad Miller and Salmons) will only reap benefits this year so they're willing to wait it out.  The Bulls do have some athletic and talented pieces in Rose, Salmons and Kirk Hinrich, but they still lack for that consistent inside scoring presence that would help them in close game situations.  They are also not blessed with the best of head coaches in Vinny del Negro.  Del Negro, other than distracting opposing shooters by shouting at their ears, has not shown to be an innovative or resourceful coach, which a young team would thrive under.  With their talent, though, the BUlls will battle once again for a playoff spot.


Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (8th seed in playoffs or eliminated)


Cleveland Cavaliers

Last Year: Eliminated in playoffs (conference finals) by the Orlando Magic
Key New Additions: Shaquille O'Neal, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon, Leon Powe
Projected Starters: Shaquille O'Neal, Anderson Varejao, Lebron James, Anthony Parker, Mo Williams


     The Cavs were thoroughly enjoying their 2008-09 run through the NBA until the Dwight Howard and the Orlando Magic shoved their sense of entitlement down their throats.  In anticipation of another battle with Howard, GM Danny Ferry brought in Shaq to beef up the frontline.  Ferry also added length and athleticism to the wing with Moon and Parker and some inside scoring with the still injured Powe.  With those huge additions, the Cavs' swagger has returned and they are talking about the championship again, unmindful of their much improving rivals.  O'Neal's entry though, threatens to bring more questions than answers.  With Shaq's penchant for playing well on his debut seasons with his new teams, the Cavs are expected Shaq to join hands with LBJ and bring Cleveland a coveted major sports award.  However, Shaq is an aging, injury-prone center who had never been comfortable guarding the pick and roll, which is what the Magic used to destroy the Cavs' defense.  Shaq, then, would theoretically not solve the na gging problem that the Magic presented to them.  Moreover, Shaq continues to demand attention due to a superstar in his prime, even if he is 7 years removed from that time.  If Shaq, as he claims, learns to defer to Lebron throughout the season both on and off the court, then the Cavs have a chance at that title.  Otherwise, it could be more heartbreak for the King.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the 2nd round of the playoffs 

Detroit Pistons


Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs (1st round) by the Cleveland Cavaliers
Key New Additions: Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Ben Wallace, Chris Wilcox
Projected Starters: Rodney Stuckey, Rip Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Charlie Villanueva, Chris Wilcox


     After the once mighty Pistons had fallen, GM Joe Dumars took another chance.  Going back to what made him a genius of a GM, Dumars trawled the free agent market for competent assets shunned by other teams at a bargain price.  Muck like how he built the Pistons before with players no one wanted at that time (Rasheed and Ben Wallace and Chauncey Billups), Dumars signed Gordon, Wilcox and VIllanueva players dumped by their previous teams.  Unlike his previous three signings that brought a stingy defense and an NBA championship, these latest three are more known for offense and the (lack of) defense.  Is Dumars looking for a more offensive team this year, seeing last year's offensive woes?  Look for the Pistons to be scoring a lot better while seeing their defense go down a few notches.  If Gordon embraces another sixth man role and the team regains a much celebrated chemistry, the Pistons could battle for a playoff spot as well.


Fearless Forecast: Bubble Team (8th seed in playoffs or eliminated)


Indiana Pacers


Last Year: Failed to make playoffs
Key New Additions: Tyler Hansbrough, Dahntay Jones, Luther Head
Projected Starters: Solomon Jones, Troy Murphy, Danny Granger, Dahntay Jones, T.J. Ford


     While GM Larry BIrd has done a great job ridding the Pacers of all the players that caused so much turmoil off the court, he seems to be stuck in a mode of getting all these good guys while not building a team strong enough to be title contenders.  Troy Murphy, Mike Dunleavy and T.J. Ford are "nice guy" players that can really play and Danny Granger is an all star that should be a part of Team USA but Coach Jim O'Brien will have another tough year trying to win with this uneven line up.  The Pacers lack depth and an inside presence and right off the bat, Mike Dunleavy is still injured.  Unless the Pacers perform some minor miracles on the court, Indiana will have to wait at least another year for a playoff spot.  


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season


Milwaukee Bucks

Last Year: Failed to make the playoffs
Key New Additions: Carlos Delfino, Hakim Warrick, Brandon Jennings
Projected Starters: Andrew Bogut, Hakim Warrick, Kurt Thomas, Michael Redd, Brandon Jennings


     The Bucks have never been willing to shell out big bucks for players, and it can be seen clearly in their present line up.  It's a mess.  Lacking both firepower offensively and prowess defensively, the Bucks will have a tough time again this year.  Michael Redd, when healthy is a most deadly shooter, but who else will step up and support him?  It should be time for Andrew Bogut to emerge, but even if he did, the Bucks will not stand a chance in the much improved East.  Look for the Bucks to be competitive on games when they figure out Coach Scott Skiles' defense, but they will be on the receiving end on some beatings as well.


Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season


     Once a feared division with those fabled Bulls, Pacers and Pistons teams, this division will probably send one team into playoffs convincingly.  It looks like the Central division will not be at the center of playoff basketball this playoff season.

Fifty Peso Previews: NBA's Atlantic Conference

     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

Last Year: Eliminated in the playoffs (2nd round) by the Orlando Magic
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

Toronto Raptors


Last Year: Eliminated in regular season
Key New Additions: Hedo Turkoglu, Marco Bellineli, Jarrett Jack
Projected 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