First of all, many thanks to those who voted and supported me as I competed for Lifestyle Network's CLash of the Toque-en Ones. I've made it to the top 2 finals and I have one more showdown to win before I realize my 25-year dream of having my own cooking show.
Now, it's time to continue my long-delayed NBA 2010-11 Season Previews, this time featuring the NBA's Southeast Division. As usual, we're honored to have hitmaker Toto Sorioso providing our teams' theme songs for the year.
Atlanta Hawks
Major Additions: Josh Powell, Etan Thomas
Major Subtractions: None
Improving every season for the past 5, it would seem the Hawks should go for a title run this season. Their line up is young and talented and most of the core players have been signed up for the long haul. Somehow, though, the Hawks won't make it any farther this year. Their offense remains stagnant at times and one has to remember that both playoff appearances by the Hawks in the past two years ended in ugly, 4-game sweeps. They need to show added maturity and unselfishness if they don't want to be known as just a good regular season team.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the playoffs (2nd round)
Toto's Theme Song: GIve Me One Reason (Tracy Chapman)
Charlotte Bobcats
Major Additions: None
Major Subtractions: Raymond Felton
Bobcats fans must be ready to be masochists. Despite new owner Michael Jordan's proclamations about wanting to win, the Bobcats have not added to their roster which barely made the playoffs for the first time last year. Then, they went ahead and let starter Raymond Felton go to the Knicks. It looks to be a tough year for the Bobcats and it will be a struggle yet again to make the playoffs.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season
Toto's Theme Song: Love the Way You Lie (Eminem feat. Rihanna)
Miami Heat
Major Additions: Lebron James, Chris Bosh, Mike Miller
Major Subtractions: Michael Beasley
All talk has been on the Heat and their trio of superstars, with many predicting immediate multiple championships and challenging the Bulls' 72-10 win loss record. It's been a rough start for Miami and it's not all about needing time to gel. The Heat are very thin up front and in the playoffs that may be exposed, like the way the Celtics have done, twice already. The Heat need tougher play underneath or they will come up short. They will dominate the regular season but they need to handle their business down low if they want to challenge history.
Fearless Forecast: At least Conference semi-finals
Toto's Theme Song: The Club Can't Handle Me Ryt Now (Flo Rida feat. David Guetta)
Orlando Magic
Major Additions: Chris Duhon
Major Subtractions: None
Orlando had a great record last year but disappointed many by losing to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Instead of blowing up the team, the Magic decided to give the team one more year together. Will the added year make them play better? What the Magic needs is stepped up play from both VInce Carter and Rashard Lewis as Dwight Howard cannot do it alone. Once those two step up and not disappear like last year, the Magic can go all the way to the Finals once again.
Fearless Forecast: At least Conference Semi Finals
Toto's Theme Song: Magic (B.O.B.)
Washington Wizards
Major Additions: John Wall, Yi Jian Lian, Kirk Hinrich
Major Subtractions: None
What a mess the Wizards were last year. This year, with a new face to the franchise, the Wizards can probably look forward to a less chaotic year. Winning, however, will not be as automatic. Wizards need their mercurial but talented players Gilbert Arenas and Andray Blatche to buy into Coach Flip Saunders' system if they want bring the Wizards to playoff contention, which is definitely easier said than done with these two guys.
Fearless Forecast: Eliminated in the regular season
Toto's Theme Song: Reset (Charice)
