Yah, Wall When the NBA tips off in a week, Mavs fans might be welcomed to a lukewarm reception. It doesn't help that other teams are stealing the spotlight at the moment.
However, we'd be remiss if we didn't acknowledge the fact that this is the most fascinating NBA season in quite some time, and it's all thanks to Lebron James.
The Eastern Conference is the most interesting because it (still) features three of the top five players in the league, several veteran teams, some young, exciting teams and others that we might not know about at the moment, but could shock the world in four months.
Miami Heat -- 60-22
Look at it this way, they were 47-35 with Dwayne Wade and a bunch of spare parts. Add in Chris Bosh and Lebron James ... and I might be underselling them at 60 wins.
Orlando Magic -- 58-24
Kinda kept the band back together. Good for the regular season. Questionable for the post-season. Did make two potentially significant moves: Drafted Daniel Orton and signed Quentin Richardson. Some potential depth.
Milwaukee Bucks -- 51-31
I like the Bucks. I fear the deer. Andy Bogut needs to stay healthy, Brandon Jennings needs to take a step forward. Can Michael Redd play more than 30 games? Is it awesome that they have a rookie named Larry Sanders?
Boston Celtics -- 50-32
I really think you can do a lot worse than Shaquille O'Neal, Jermaine O'Neal, Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis and Kevin Garnett in your frontcourt. Seriously. This is a team based on veteran savvy and keeping it all on the level. Additions such as the Flying O'Neal Brothers won't tip the boat too much. Rajon Rondo competes for the MVP award.
Chicago Bulls -- 49-33
Love the moves they made by adding Keith Bogans, Ronnie Brewer and Kyle Korver. Those are three role players that can make a huge impact. Haven't even mentioned Carlos Boozer. But since he's not playing until January, it won't matter initially. I might be underselling the Bulls, or they're going to complete disappoint everyone by underachieving. Extreme possibility.
Atlanta Hawks -- 46-36
Still love them. Still think they're really good. Still a level or two behind the big boys.
Washington Wizards -- 43-39
I think Gilbert Arenas, Andray Blatche, Josh Howard and Al Thornton are potential nuts. Still, they'll add John Wall, Arenas, Howard, Thornton and Kirk Hinrich to a team that didn't have them before. There is a 100 percent chance that I screw this up by 20 games.
New York Knicks -- 42-40
No way they wind up below .500. Mike D'Antoni is too good and he's brought too many of his type of players in like Anthony Randolph and Amare Stoudemire. Athletic black dudes and funny-named European players.
Charlotte Bobcats -- 41-41
I think too many other teams got better and they didn't. Not near enough in the frontcourt to regularly compete in this division.
Cleveland Cavaliers -- 38-44
Superstar-less in the Eastern Conference. It's really unfair for the Cavs. I don't begrudge Lebron the opportunity to sign where he wants, but his absence has already sunk the Cavs. Who's in the frontcourt on this team? Tell me that!
Philadelphia -- 35-47
I am pumped about the Evan Turner-Andre Igoudala era in Philadelphia! Who plays more: Michael Redd or Elton Brand? I think they should consider turning Brand's corpse into a RoboPowerForward, all fitted with mechanical parts.
Toronto Raptors -- 35-47
I simply feel they are going to be awful.
Indiana Pacers -- 32-50
I do think Darren Collison and Danny Granger will have insane fantasy years. Just saying.
New Jersey Nets -- 25-67
I like the Nets. They'll fix a lot of things with Avery Johnson and they have enough new blood for last season not to be an issue. Arrow, pointing up.
Detroit Pistons -- 25-67
Tracy McGrady! Ben Wallace! Why didn't the Pistons go ahead and sign the rest of the 1998 All-Star team?
