EASTERN CONFERENCE
Atlantic Division
1. Nets*
2. Magic*
3. Wizards*
4. Celtics
5. 76ers
6. Heat
7. Knicks
Nets should have no trouble defending their division title in the league's weakest division. With Van Horn gone, Jefferson will get an opportunity to shine. And Mutumbo is an improvement over MacCullough. If grant Hill can stay healthy (a BIG if), they'll push the Nets. Every year, there is a move that seems like it could be problematic, but works out great. This year its the Wizards acquiring Jerry Stackhouse. The combination of him and Jordan and all the young talent puts them in the playoffs. Every year, there is some real head scratching move made by some team. This year, its the Celtics acquiring Vin Baker. Did they really think he was the missing ingredient? The Sixers have fallen pretty fast and far since their finals appearance two years ago. Iverson and Van Horn will not gel at all. The best race in the division will be for last place. The Knicks and Heat are both bad, ugly, boring teams.
Central Division
1. Hornets*
2. Pacers*
3. Bucks*
4. Pistons*
5. Hawks*
6. Bulls
7. Raptors
8. Cavaliers
The Hornets will step up and claim the crown this year with the Pistons falling off from last year. A healthy Mashburn, Paul Silas on the bench and a new home are the key ingredients. The Pacers have decent depth. With Jonathan Bender, Jermaine O'Neal, Ron Mercer and Ron Artest, they also have a good young group to give Reggie a rest. The Bucks are perhaps the leagues biggest question mark. Was dumping Glenn Robinson the key to revival after last season's horrific collapse? If Robinson wasn't the problem, then the Bucks will be in trouble. And thusly, the Hawks will be vastly improved. Abdur-Rahim is a star and Jason Terry could be. And I'll root for any team that has Dan Dickau on it's roster. The Raptors had a better record without Vince Carter last season. One of the league's most exciting players is surrounded by a pretty motley crew, Antonio Davis excluded. The Bulls, well they're better than the Cavs.
WESTERN CONFERENCE
Midwest Division
1. Spurs*
2. Mavericks*
3. Timberwolves*
4. Rockets
5. Jazz
6. Grizzlies
7. Nuggets
The Spurs and Mavs will battle to the wire for the division. David Robinson will go out with one last division crown. They've also improved their shooting with rookie Ginobili and veteren Steve Kerr. The Mavs may have a better starting 5, but the Spurs are deeper. But Nowitski, Nash, Finley and LaFrentz are an exciting talented crew. Another third place finish, first round exit for the TWolves. Garnett and Szczerbiak are a fine twosome, but Joe Smith needs to live up to his promise for this team to make a push to round 2. The super-hyped Yao Ming helps the Rockets a bit, but he's a work in progress for sure. But his presence should help guys like Francis and Mobley. Stockton/Malone is too past its prime for the Jazz to be a factor. Maybe if they played in the East? I have no doubt Jerry West will turn around the Grizzlies. I have no doubt it won't be this year. The Nuggets are just a bad team.
Pacific Division
1. Kings*
2. Lakers*
3. SuperSonics*
4. Clippers*
5. Trail Blazers*
6. Suns
7. Warriors
The Kings will win it based on Shaq missing games with the problematic toe. Plus they are just nasty-talented! If they play even slightly beter D, look out. The Lakers have the most dominant player the league has seen since Jordan in his prime. Shaq can just take over any game at any time. And Kobe isn't a bad Robin to Shaq's Batman either. But if the toe acts up more, the Lakers won't be the lock they've been the last couple of years. The Sonics have arguably the best PG in the league in Payton. Brent Barry is one of the best shooters. But they don't have the size to battle the elite teams in the West. The Clippers stealing Andre Miller from the Cavs is the move that finally puts them in the playoffs, especially if Lamar Odom steps up. The Blazers may be better than 5th, but while the Sonics and Clips improved, the Blazers didn't. What the hell happened to Penny Hardaway? He likely won't start for the Suns, one of the worst in the west. Jason Kidd must be thrilled to be away from this crumbling team. Lucky for the Suns that they play in the same divisionas the Warriors. Jameson is a player and Richardson will be a star. But that's all there is.
* indicates playoffs
East Finals-Nets over Hornets
West Finals-Kings over Spurs
NBA Finals-Kings over Nets (but in a more competitive series than last year!)