#1 63-19 Kings, Still the top challenger for the Lakers
#2 55-27 Mavericks, Zhizhi will be the big NBA story outta China with consistant production off the bench, but they will still fall short of the Lakers and Kings, Nellie cant out-coach Jackson, Adellman or Mac 10.
#3 60-22 Lakers, Shaq and Kobe
#4 55-27 Supersonics, GP will get a permanant spot in franchise as promised by Howard. He will be happy as a teacher and leader for the young players as well as being the all-time Sonic. Rashard Lewis is a shoe-in for the all-star game averaging 23 points and 10 rebounds. Mac 10 gets coach of the year. Rad and Dmase develop into impact players. Jerome James will be tough at center and Booth will be solid off the bench. Brent Barry will continue with great production shooting and rebounding and Sesay will surprise off the bench. Kenny Anderson wont mind one year of giving GP breaks off the bench.
#5 53-29 Spurs, The Admiral's last season. Tony Parker's playoff performance last year was a fluke. Duncan makes run for another MVP.
#6 50-32 Jail Blazers, A dysfunctional familly
#7 49-33 Clippers, Andre Miller will be exciting with Brand, Staples Center will get fans to all 82 games.
#8 44-38 Timberwolves, Garnett will be unhappy, Szcerbiak will be admiring the mirror and Brandon will get hurt.
41-41 Rockets, will Francis' headaches continue, Yao Ming is a question mark. Will still improve under Rudy T and might challenge for playoff spot
40-42 Jazz, finally the old and tired fall
31-51 Grizzlies, Need to replace Williams
Western Trash Can- Nuggets, Warriors, Suns
[ September 24, 2002: Message edited by: gp43 ]