";
spt_NBAseasonpre09.appFooter = "By Ira Winderman, who writes regularly for NBCSports.com and covers the Heat and the NBA for the South Florida Sun Sentinel; teams are listed in order of final 2008-09 regular-season standings.";
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spt_NBAseasonpre09[i-1].body = " Coach: Doc Rivers (6th season)
Needs: Quality depth beyond Paul Pierce at small forward, as well as enduring health with an aging roster.
Additions: Swingman Marquis Daniels (free agent), forward Rasheed Wallace (free agent), forward Shelden Williams (free agent).
Subtractions: Guard Stephon Marbury (free agent), center Mikki Moore (signed with Warriors), forward Leon Powe (signed with Cavaliers), guard Gabe Pruitt (signed with Knicks).
Remaining from last season: Guards Ray Allen, Tony Allen, J.R. Giddens, Eddie House, Rajon Rondo; forwards Glen Davis, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Brian Scalabrine, Bill Walker; center Kendrick Perkins.
Outlook: Already health with this aging roster is an issue, with Kevin Garnett hardly moving at a full stride in the preseason after being sidelined by that balky knee at the end of last season. At full health, this is a legitimate title contender. But age is an undeniable issue with the likes of Ray Allen and Rasheed Wallace. Then there is the issue at point guard, where the Celtics first were in love with Rajon Rondo, then seemingly tried to move him at last June's draft, and now again are supposedly infatuated with his possibilities. Against big centers, such as Dwight Howard and Shaquille O'Neal, there certainly will be questions, but Kendrick Perkins also tends to be underappreciated in that aspect. A bit more depth in the middle and at point guard certainly wouldn't hurt, but there is plenty in place to almost guarantee regular-season success. Figure on another shootout with Orlando and Cleveland for the top seeds in the East.";
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Philadelphia 76ers
Last season: 41-41, 2nd in Atlantic Division.
Coach: Eddie Jordan (1st season)
Needs: A veteran point guard to hold it all together. The loss of Andre Miller will be felt.
Additions: Center Primoz Brezec (free agent), forward Rodney Carney (free agent), guard Jrue Holiday (draft), forward Jason Kapono (trade from Raptors).
Subtractions: Forward Reggie Evans (traded to Raptors), forward Donyell Marshall (free agent), guard Andre Miller (signed with Trail Blazers), center Theo Ratliff (signed with Spurs), guard Kareem Rush (signed with Clippers).
Remaining from last season: Forwards Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala, Jason Smith, Marreese Speights, Thaddeus Young; center Samuel Dalembert; guards Willie Green, Royal Ivey, Lou Williams.
Outlook: It will be interesting to see how quickly the 76ers' identity comes into focus. Will this be the up-tempo team that has made surprise playoff appearances each of the past two seasons? Will it be the halfcourt, post-driven team General Manager Ed Stefanski envisioned when he signed Elton Brand a year ago? Or will it be a pass-first halfcourt team that plays to the strengths of Eddie Jordan's Princeton precepts? Then again, with the duties at point guard left to Lou Williams and rookie Jrue Holiday, will there be someone to establish any semblance of order? This is, no doubt, a roster with plenty of talent. The question is how it will mesh. The loss of Andre Miller is significant. But the 76ers also look at it as adding Brand after losing him for almost an entire season. Figure another seasons of frantically chasing one of the lower playoff seeds.";
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New Jersey Nets
Last season: 34-48, 3rd in Atlantic Division.
Coach: Lawrence Frank (7th season)
Needs: A fast-tracking of the NBA's approval of its impending Russian billionaire ownership.
Additions: Guard Rafer Alston (trade from Magic), forward Tony Battie (trade from Magic), guard Courtney Lee (trade from Magic), guard Terrence Williams (draft).
Subtractions: Guard Vince Carter (traded to Magic), forward Maurice Ager (signed to play in Spain).
Remaining from last season: Centers Josh Boone, Brook Lopez; guards Keyon Dooling, Devin Harris; forwards Chris Douglas-Roberts, Trenton Hassell, Jarvis Hayes, Eduardo Najera, Bobby Simmons, Sean Williams, Yi Jianlian.
Outlook: With the move to Brooklyn back on track, the Nets are fully committed to the salary-cap space race. Because of that, the roster is as broken down as the swampland arena the Nets continue to lamentably call home. With the unloading of Vince Carter, the deconstruction of the roster is almost complete. For now, there is the speed of Devin Harris and the post play of Brook Lopez, two of the players who will be groomed for the move across two rivers. Harris is coming off a solid season and Lopez is among the league's most promising young big men. Otherwise, it will be up to coach Lawrence Frank to push and prod to keep his team out of the Eastern Conference cellar. To Frank's credit, he does not seem to shy from such challenges. Still, this is a team that has a dead-men walking look, with new ownership sure to dramatically overhaul everything before bridging the franchise's future to Brooklyn.";
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Toronto Raptors
Last season: 33-49, 4th in Atlantic Division.
Coach: Jay Triano (2nd season)
Needs: A creative, one-on-one scorer, something management hopes first-round pick DeMar DeRozan can become.
Additions: Forward Marco Belinelli (trade from Warriors), forward DeMar DeRozan (draft), forward Reggie Evans (trade from 76ers), guard Jarrett Jack (free agent), forward Amir Johnson (trade from Bucks), center Rasho Nesterovic (free agent), forward Hedo Turkoglu (trade from Magic), guard Sonny Weems (trade from Pistons), forward Antoine Wright (trade from Mavericks).
Subtractions: Forward Kris Humphries (traded to Mavericks), center Nathan Jawai (traded to Mavericks), forward Devean George (traded to Warriors), guard Roko Ukic (traded to Bucks), forward Jason Kapono (traded to 76ers), forward Carlos Delfino (re-signed, traded to Bucks), forward Joey Graham (signed with Nuggets), forward Shawn Marion (re-signed, traded to Mavericks), center Pops Mensah-Bonsu (signed with Rockets), guard Anthony Parker (signed with Cavaliers), center Jake Voskuhl (signed with Mavericks).
Remaining from last season: Guards Marcus Banks, Jose Calderon, Quincy Douby; centers Andrea Bargnani, Patrick O'Bryant; forward Chris Bosh.
Outlook: Faced with the prospect of losing their top free agent in 2010, the Raptors decided to get proactive a year in advance, reloading the roster with the hope of retaining Chris Bosh either with an extension or at the start of next summer's signing process. This certainly is an eclectic mix, one long on finesse and skill, but one that still lacks much in the way of beef or brawn. Yes, Reggie Evans will add toughness, but he's also just Reggie Evans. This should be a fun team to watch, with the passing of Jose Calderon, the shooting of Marco Belinelli and the all-around game of Hedo Turkoglu. The problem with such makeovers is you don't know what to truly make of it until cohesion is established, if it ever is established. This is a team that could be good enough to challenge for homecourt in the first round of the playoffs, or a team that could yet again return to the lottery and risk losing Bosh next summer. Plenty is at stake.";
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New York Knicks
Last season: 32-59, 5th in Atlantic Division.
Coach: Mike D’Antoni (2nd season)
Needs: To get to the 2010 offseason as quickly as possible, because, frankly, there's nothing to see here folks.
Additions: Guard Toney Douglas (draft), forward Jordan Hill (draft), center Darko Milicic (trade from Grizzlies).
Subtractions: Guard Quentin Richardson (trade to Grizzlies), forward Chris Wilcox (signed with Pistons).
Remaining from last season: Forwards Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Al Harrington, Jared Jeffries, David Lee; guards Chris Duhon, Larry Hughes, Nate Robinson; center Eddy Curry.
Outlook: Mike D'Antoni certainly didn't sign up for this, guiding the NBA's ultimate lame-duck franchise. What he signed up for is what will follow, the opportunity to turn on the charm during next summer's free-agent recruiting, when the Knicks will carry as much cap space into the process as just about any team. In the interim, D'Antoni somehow has to convince a roster loaded with expiring contracts to put team first. He's charismatic, but is he that charismatic? When it comes to future thinking, the focus likely will be on Wilson Chandler and Jordan Hill, players whose contracts make them affordable enough to retain beyond this coming season. Otherwise, it will be another seasons of David Lee and Nate Robinson trying to showcase themselves for free-agency payoffs they thought were coming this past summer. Keep an eye on Eddy Curry, if only because the Knicks would love to showcase him and lose his contract. Ditto for Jared Jeffries.";
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Cleveland Cavaliers
Last season: 66-16, 1st in Central Division.
Coach: Mike Brown (5th season)
Needs: A definitive read on whether there can be trust moving forward in Delonte West.
Additions: Center Shaquille O'Neal (trade from Suns), guard Anthony Parker (free agent), forward Jamario Moon (free agent), guard Danny Green (draft), forward Leon Powe (free agent).
Subtractions: Center Ben Wallace (traded to Suns), guard Sasha Pavlovic (traded to Suns), guard Tarence Kinsey (signed to play in Turkey), forward Joe Smith (signed with Hawks), forward Wally Szczerbiak (free agent), center Lorenzen Wright (free agent).
Remaining from last season: Guards Daniel Gibson, Delonte West, Mo Williams; forwards LeBron James, J.J. Hickson, Darnell Jackson, Anderson Varejao; center Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
Outlook: It has ended ugly with Shaquille O'Neal in each of his last three stops, what with the issues with Kobe in Los Angeles, the rapid descent from champion in Miami and the halting of the pace in Phoenix. But Shaq also has had a way of making things work at the start, considering the title run with Kobe and the championship with Wade. O'Neal won't be called on to do much other than be ready to provide the Cavaliers the power against quality big men that Zydrunas Ilgauskas lacked. In fact, the more significant offseason acquisitions for Cleveland might well prove to be Jamario Moon and Anthony Parker, who should provide the type of perimeter length that Cleveland lacked in last season's Eastern Conference finals against the Magic. LeBron will be better, and therefore so will the Cavaliers. A spot at the top of the East appears assured, and with LeBron poised for free agency, anything less than a competitive NBA Finals would be considered a major disappointment.";
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Chicago Bulls
Last season: 41-41, 2nd in Central Division.
Coach: Vinny Del Negro (2nd season)
Needs: Growth from within. This is a team that could have used a talent infusion.
Additions: Forwards Taj Gibson (draft) and James Johnson (draft), guard Janero Pargo (free agent).
Subtractions: Guard Ben Gordon (signed with Pistons), forward Linton Johnson (signed with Magic), forward Tim Thomas (signed with Mavericks).
Remaining from last season: Forwards Luol Deng, John Salmons, Tyrus Thomas; centers Aaron Gray, Jerome James, Brad Miller, Joakim Noah; guards Kirk Hinrich, Lindsey Hunter, Derrick Rose.
Outlook: About the only significant gain the Bulls made in the offseason was the return of forward Luol Deng from injury. Whether that is enough to offset the loss of Ben Gordon in free agency to the Pistons is another issue. As much as anything, the Bulls will rise or fall based on the play of Derrick Rose, who continues to have the look of a special player. John Salmons offered a huge boost to the rotation late last season, but that was when Deng was out. While most of the faces are familiar, the chemistry is still developing, with Kirk Hinrich seemingly back in the mix in a big way after getting squeezed out on several occasions last season. A key issue will be whether any post play can be generated, with Brad Miller known more for his shooting and passing, and Joakim Noah more a whirl of energy than any tangible low-block presence.";
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Detroit Pistons
Last season: 39-43, 3rd in Central Division.
Coach: John Kuester (1st season)
Needs: Certainty in the middle instead of the morass that is Ben Wallace, Chris Wilcox and Kwame Brown.
Additions: Forward Austin Daye (draft), guard Ben Gordon (free agent), forward DaJuan Summers (draft), forward Charlie Villanueva (free agent), center Ben Wallace (free agent), center Chris Wilcox (free agent).
Subtractions: Guard Arron Afflalo (traded to Nuggets), forward Walter Sharpe (traded to Nuggets), forward Amir Johnson (traded to Bucks), forward Walter Herrmann (signed to play in Spain), guard Allen Iverson (signed with Grizzlies), forward Antonio McDyess (signed with Spurs), forward Fabricio Oberto (signed with Wizards), forward Rasheed Wallace (signed with Celtics).
Remaining from last season: Center Kwame Brown; guards Will Bynum, Richard Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey; forwards Jason Maxiell, Tayshaun Prince.
Outlook: These are not your proven Pistons anymore, not with an exodus that began with Chauncey Billups and Ben Wallace (now back) and continued this offseason with Rasheed Wallace and Antonio McDyess. Instead of continued stability, there is a question of how it all will fit together. Getting beyond the addition of free agent Charlie Villanueva at power forward, there is the issue of making it work with Ben Gordon and Rip Hamilton at shooting guard. Did Joe Dumars truly empty his free-agent war chest to play Gordon off the bench? Then there is Rodney Stuckey and whether he will meet the potential that paved the way for the Billups move. It got ugly quickly last season in Detroit. Now Michael Curry is gone as coach and Allen Iverson is gone from the backcourt, but the questions remain. The Dumars golden touch could turn into a move back to the lottery.";
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Indiana Pacers
Last season: 36-46, 4th in Central Division.
Coach: Jim O'Brien (3rd season)
Needs: Someone to step up as a secondary star to Danny Granger, who's awfully good, but not good enough to carry a team on his own.
Additions: Forward Tyler Hansbrough (draft), guard Luther Head (free agent), forward Dahntay Jones (free agent), forward Solomon Jones (free agent), guard A.J. Price (draft), guard Earl Watson (free agent).
Subtractions: Forward Maceo Baston (signed with Pistons), swingman Marquis Daniels (signed with Celtics), forward Stephen Graham (signed with Bobcats), guard Jarrett Jack (signed with Raptors), center Rasho Nesterovic (signed with Raptors), guard Jamaal Tinsley (free agent).
Remaining from last season: Guards Travis Diener, T.J. Ford, Brandon Rush; forwards Mike Dunleavy, Danny Granger, Josh McRoberts, Troy Murphy; centers Jeff Foster, Roy Hibbert.
Outlook: Unless Danny Granger, who has gotten better in each of his seasons, can make yet another leap, there simply doesn't appear to be enough here to contend for a playoff spot, even in the suspect East. Beyond Granger, hope again rests with a pair of former Warriors, in Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy, players who tend to accomplish far more in the stats column than the standings. At center, there is the mediocrity of Jeff Foster and Roy Hibbert. At point guard, there is the mediocrity of T.J. Ford and Earl Watson. Essentially, what this is is a roster of supporting players, with the latest such additions including Watson and Dahntay Jones. There just isn't much to support. Jim O'Brien has a way of getting the most out of his players, with his diversified offense and paint-swarming defense. But unless the East has multiple teams with losing records advancing to the postseason, the Pacers figure to be playoff spectators.";
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Milwaukee Bucks
Last season: 34-48, 5th in Central Division.
Coach: Scott Skiles (2nd season)
Needs: An injection of cash and a fresh coat of paint. This once-proud franchise has grown stale and uninspiring.
Additions: Forward Carlos Delfino (trade from Raptors), guard Brandon Jennings (draft), guard Jodie Meeks (draft), forward Walter Sharpe (trade from Nuggets), forward Kurt Thomas (trade from Spurs), guard Roko Ukic (trade from Raptors), forward Hakim Warrick (free agent).
Subtractions: Forward Amir Johnson (traded to Raptors), swingman Sonny Weems (traded to Raptors), forward Richard Jefferson (traded to Spurs), forward Fabricio Oberto (traded to Pistons), forward Keith Bogans (signed with Spurs), forward Bruce Bowen (retired), guard Damon Jones (free agent), guard Ramon Sessions (signed with Timberwolves), guard Salim Stoudamire (free agent), forward Charlie Villanueva (signed with Pistons).
Remaining from last season: Forwards Joe Alexander, Ersan Ilyasova, Luc Mbah a Moute; guards Charlie Bell, Michael Redd, Luke Ridnour; centers Andrew Bogut, Dan Gadzuric, Francisco Elson.
Outlook: At some point during the season, most likely in the middle of a game, Scott Skiles' head simply will explode. It likely will occur when Skiles' team is down and he turns to his bench and sees, well, no one who could possibly sustain playoff success. Last year there was the selloff of Mo Williams to the Cavaliers. This summer, Richard Jefferson's contract was pawned off on the Spurs. And then Charlie Villanueva and Ramon Sessions were allowed to depart for nothing in return. And so, for another season, we will be told how Andrew Bogut can emerge as an elite force in the middle. There is some nice young talent in Joe Alexander and Brandon Jennings, but not enough to offer hope of a short-term turnaround. Sen. Kohl's constituents deserve better. It sure is looking like the time for new ownership.";
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Orlando Magic
Last season: 59-23, 1st in Southeast Division.
Coach: Stan Van Gundy (3rd season)
Needs: An enforcer-type power forward to each the burden on Dwight Howard.
Additions: Forward Ryan Anderson (trade from Nets), forward Matt Barnes (free agent), forward Brandon Bass (free agent), guard Vince Carter (trade from Nets), forward Linton Johnson (free agent), guard Jason Williams (free agent).
Subtractions: Guard Courtney Lee (traded to Nets), guard Rafer Alston (traded to Nets), forward Tony Battie (traded to Nets), guard Tyronn Lue (free agent), forward Jeremy Richardson (free agent), forward Hedo Turkoglu (re-signed, traded to Raptors).
Remaining from last season: Centers Adonal Foyle, Marcin Gortat, Dwight Howard; forwards Rashard Lewis, Mickael Pietrus; guards Jameer Nelson, J.J. Redick.
Outlook: Magic general manager Otis Smith has arguably assembled the league's best depth of veteran talent this side of the Lakers. While most of the focus has been on the addition of Vince Carter, it is the smaller moves that also could provide significant dividends, such as the additions of Brandon Bass, Matt Barnes and Jason Williams. Then there was the decision to match Dallas' offer sheet for Marcin Gortat, providing Dwight Howard with perhaps the league's best backup center. The issues are how Stan Van Gundy will pull it all together, and how he will replace the versatility of Hedo Turkoglu in the lineup. The loss of Courtney Lee also will be felt, with Carter not exactly a defensive presence. Don't be surprised to see Van Gundy field lineups with defensive bents, which would mean plenty of minutes for Mickael Pietrus. This certainly is a team capable of getting back to the NBA Finals.";
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Atlanta Hawks
Last season: 47-35, 2nd in Southeast Division.
Coach: Mike Woodson (6th season)
Needs: Greater maturity from forward Josh Smith, who can be very good, but also very shaky.
Additions: Guard Jamal Crawford (trade from Warriors), center Jason Collins (free agent), forward Joe Smith (free agent), guard Jeff Teague (draft).
Subtractions: Guard Speedy Claxton (traded to Warriors), guard Acie Law (traded to Warriors), guard Thomas Gardner (signed with Grizzlies), forward Josh Childress (remaining in Greece), center Solomon Jones (signed with Pacers), guard Ronald Murray (signed with Bobcats).
Remaining from last season: Centers Al Horford, Randolph Morris, Zaza Pachulia; forwards Josh Smith, Marvin Williams; guards Mike Bibby, Mo Evans, Joe Johnson.
Outlook: With the exception of the acquisition of Jamal Crawford, this is basically the same roster that proved to be a middle-of-the-playoff-pack presence last season in the Eastern Conference. This time around, that may not be good enough, with Joe Johnson declaring he will enter the free-agent market next summer. Like the Heat, with its situation with Dwyane Wade, the Hawks have to show they can contend, or else they may have to get by in the future without their star guard. As far as immediate issues in play is getting a greater sense for how far Mike Woodson can take this team. At times, the tension has been palpable. The struggle against the Heat in last season's first round and then the demolition at the hands of the Cavaliers in the second hardly inspired confidence. The playoffs not only are a must, but so is a sign that the upswing is sustainable.";
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Miami Heat
Last season: 43-39, 3rd in Southeast Division.
Coach: Erik Spoelstra (2nd season)
Needs: Despite a surplus of veteran free-agent point guards on the market this past offseason, the Heat opted to stick with Mario Chalmers and Chris Quinn. It is difficult to envision postseason success with such a raw pairing.
Additions: Guard Quentin Richardson (trade from Timberwolves), forward Shavlik Randolph (free agent), guard Carlos Arroyo (free agent).
Subtractions: Center Mark Blount (traded to Timberwolves), forward Jamario Moon (signed with Cavaliers), guard Luther Head (signed with Pacers).
Remaining from last season: Centers Jermaine O'Neal, Jamaal Magloire and Joel Anthony; forwards Michael Beasley, Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Yakhouba Diawara, Dorell Wright; guards Dwyane Wade, Daequan Cook, Mario Chalmers, Chris Quinn.
Outlook: It once again appears to be a case of best-of-Wade-or-bust, with the season essentially boiling down to whether the seventh-year guard is up to as much to as much heavy lifting as when he led the league in scoring last season. The hope is that Jermaine O'Neal and James Jones can make it all the way back from injury, and that erratic youth turns to tangible experience with Beasley, Chalmers and Cook. There is very little pretense that this is about little more than finding a way to bridge the team from last season's playoff berth to next summer's free-agency free-for-all. The Heat could go into the offseason with as few as two players under contract for 2010-11. Of course, there also has to be enough in the standings to make Wade confident enough to re-up in July. Otherwise, the 2006 championship success will become but a fleeting memory.";
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Charlotte Bobcats
Last season: 35-47, 4th in Southeast Division.
Coach: Larry Brown (2nd season)
Needs: A point guard who can earn the complete trust of Brown, if that even is possible.
Additions: Center Tyson Chandler (trade from Hornets), guard Ronald Murray (free agent), forward Gerald Henderson (draft), forward Stephen Graham (free agent).
Subtractions: Center Emeka Okafor (traded to Hornets), forward Juwan Howard (signed with Trail Blazers), guard Cartier Martin (signed to play in Italy), forward Sean May (signed with Kings), guard Sean Singletary (signed with 76ers).
Remaining from last season: Centers Alexis Ajinca, DeSagana Diop, Nazr Mohammed; guards D.J. Augustin, Raja Bell, Raymond Felton, Dontell Jefferson; forwards Boris Diaw, Vladimir Radmanovic, Gerald Wallace.
Outlook: The acquisition of Tyson Chandler gives the Bobcats a legitimate big man in the middle, as well as a shot-blocker to help clean up after Charlotte's undersized point guards. But without Emeka Okafor, there also is the issue of whether the Bobcats can create double-teams in the low post, with pivot scoring hardly one of Chandler's specialties. Then there are the issues in the backcourt, where Raymond Felton and D.J. Augustin both are good enough to start. Smallish lineups not only are possible, but now, with Raja Bell sidelined by his wrist injury, are likely, factoring Flip Murray into the equation of a small-but-scrappy backcourt. The forward line certainly is good, but not great. Gerald Wallace has appeared on the verge of emerging for years, but is he a player who enhances your postseason possibilities? As with all things Larry Brown and Michael Jordan, the question is how long each will stick around, whether they will see things through or leave the Bobcats to start over once again.";
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Washington Wizards
Last season: 19-63, 5th in Southeast Division.
Coach: Flip Saunders (1st season)
Needs: A shooting guard who can inspire enough confidence from Gilbert Arenas to actually pass the ball.
Additions: Guard Randy Foye (trade from Timberwolves), forward Mike Miller (trade from Timberwolves), center Fabricio Oberto (trade from Bucks).
Subtractions: Forward Etan Thomas (traded to Timberwolves), forward Darius Songaila (traded to Timberwolves), forward Oleksiy Pecherov (traded to Timberwolves), guard Juan Dixon (signed by Hawks).
Remaining from last season: Guards Gilbert Arenas, Javaris Crittenton, Mike James, DeShawn Stevenson, Nick Young; centers Andray Blatche, Brandan Haywood, JaVale McGee; forwards Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, Dominic McGuire.
Outlook: While Flip Saunders will be getting his first crack at this roster, this also could be the last roundup when it comes to the core of Antawn Jamison, Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas, a grouping that only has played .500 ball when healthy. Ah, when healthy. Already Jamison is expected to miss the majority of the first month with a shoulder injury. And so it goes. The hope, otherwise, is the offseason infusion of perimeter talent in Mike Miller and Randy Foye will provide enough of a boost to get Washington back to the playoffs. Yet defense is where it all needs to start and it will be interesting to see how that works with an offensive-minded coach in Saunders. There is enough talent in place, especially with the return of Brendan Haywood, to contend for homecourt in the first round. But there also are enough concerns throughout the roster to quickly create doubts if it starts going south. Saunders has proven capable of getting teams to the playoffs, but with this roster, even more is expected. A healthy start already is off the books. A healthy finish remains possible.";
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San Antonio Spurs
Last season: 54-28, 1st in Southwest Division.
Coach: Gregg Popovich (14th season)
Needs: A perimeter defensive presence to inherit the Bruce Bowen role.
Additions: Forward DeJuan Blair (draft), forward Keith Bogans (free agent), forward Richard Jefferson (trade from Bucks), forward Antonio McDyess (free agent), center Theo Ratliff (free agent).
Subtractions: Forward Bruce Bowen (traded to Bucks), forward Kurt Thomas (traded to Bucks), forward Fabricio Oberto (traded to Bucks), forward Drew Gooden (signed with Mavericks), forward Ime Udoka (signed with Trail Blazers), guard Jacque Vaughn (free agent).
Remaining from last season: Forwards Matt Bonner, Tim Duncan, Marcus Haislip; guards Michael Finley, Manu Ginobili, Malik Hairston, George Hill, Roger Mason Jr., Tony Parker, Marcus Williams; center Ian Mahinmi.
Outlook: After a disappointing playoff showing, the Spurs took an unusual step for the franchise, with the type of makeover previously avoided. With the addition of Richard Jefferson, Antonio McDyess and Theo Ratliff, there is an infusion of quality veteran depth, depth that should help ease the burden on the aging likes of Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. Ultimately, it again will come down to the contributions of Duncan, Ginobili and Tony Parker, but there will be enough offense elsewhere to provide needed rest. While Duncan remains the de facto center, there is little else in the middle, with Matt Bonner again being asked to masquerade at that position at least at the start of games. Among the offseason losses, the absence of Fabricio Oberto and Bruce Bowen will remove some of the Spurs' previously heralded grit. A return to the Western Conference finals and a challenge to the Lakers would not be a surprise. The Spurs do not stay down for long.";
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Houston Rockets
Last season: 53-29, 2nd in Southwest Division.
Coach: Rick Adelman (3rd season)
Needs: Yao Ming to make a surprise 2009-10 appearance, with 6-foot-6 Chuck Hayes currently masquerading at center.
Additions: Forward David Anderson (free agent), forward Trevor Ariza (free agent), forward Chase Budinger (draft), guard Sergio Lull (draft), center Pops Mensa-Bonsu (free agent), guard Jermaine Taylor (draft).
Subtractions: Forward James White (traded to Nuggets), forward Ron Artest (signed with Lakers), center Dikembe Mutombo (retired), guard Von Wafer (signed to play in Greece).
Remaining from last season: Guards Brent Barry, Aaron Brooks, Kyle Lowry; forwards Shane Battier, Brian Cook, Joey Dorsey, Chuck Hayes, Carl Landry, Tracy McGrady; centers Luis Scola, Yao Ming (injured).
Outlook: First, don't overstate the loss of Ron Artest. The Rockets got a good season out of the enigmatic forward, which practically was a bonus. Trevor Ariza will do fine as Artest's replacement. But also don't overstate Rick Adelman's ability to consistently drive his teams into the playoffs. Small ball will be the only option for Houston this season. And while Aaron Brooks had his moments in last season's playoffs, we're not sure you want to have the league's smallest starting point guard in the same opening lineup as the league's shortest starting center. Considering the strength of the West, a playoff berth would be a remarkable achievement. Ultimately, it will come down to how much the Rockets can get out of Tracy McGrady. Yes, that's where the Rockets reside yet again, at the intersection of McGrady and good health. Of course, if all else sours, even a healthy McGrady might not be so much of a difference-maker that the Rockets wouldn't necessarily consider moving him.";
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Dallas Mavericks
Last season: 50-32, 3rd in Southwest Division.
Coach: Rick Carlisle (2nd season)
Needs: Someone to step up in the middle against bulky, opposing pivot players.
Additions: Guard Rodrigue Beaubois (draft), forward Kris Humphries (trade from Raptors), forward Shawn Marion (trade from Raptors), forward Nathan Jawai (trade from Raptors), guard Quinton Ross (free agent), forward Tim Thomas (free agent), center Jake Voskuhl (free agent).
Subtractions: Guard Jerry Stackhouse (traded to Grizzlies), forward Devean George (traded to Raptors), forward Antoine Wright (traded to Raptors), forward Brandon Bass (signed with Magic), guard Gerald Green (free agent), center Ryan Hollins (signed with Timberwolves).
Remaining from last season: Guards J.J. Barea, Matt Carroll, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry; center Erick Dampier; forwards Drew Gooden, Josh Howard, Dirk Nowitzki, James Singleton, Shawne Williams.
Outlook: With the acquisitions of Shawn Marion and Drew Gooden, the Mavericks appear poised to return to their perimeter-oriented, fast-paced roots. It is an approach previously eschewed after a series of playoff failures, but with the current composition of the roster, it also is the best current alternative. That could mean considerable time in the middle for not only Gooden, but also Marion. While Jason Kidd might have lost a step, he still fuels his team's attack as well as any point guard this side of Chris Paul and Steve Nash. And while ultimate success has eluded Dirk Nowitzki, the forward still remains near the top of his game. Still, concerns remain, including whether Josh Howard will finally get it, or whether he will remain a talent but not necessarily a winner. Then there is the issue of when a true center is needed. The goal in free agency was Marcin Gortat. The reality is another season of Erick Dampier.";
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New Orleans Hornets
Last season: 49-33, 4th in Southwest Division.
Coach: Byron Scott (6th season)
Needs: Quality play in reserve at point guard to keep from running Chris Paul into the ground.
Additions: Guard Darren Collison (draft), forward Ike Diogu (free agent), center Emeka Okafor (trade from Bobcats), forward Darius Songaila (trade from Timberwolves), guard Marcus Thornton (draft).
Subtractions: Center Tyson Chandler (traded to Bobcats), swingman Rasual Butler (traded to Clippers), forward Ryan Bowen (signed with Thunder), forward Melvin Ely (signed with Kings), guard Jannero Pargo (signed with Bulls).
Remaining from last season: Center Hilton Armstrong; guards Bobby Brown, Devin Brown, Chris Paul, Morris Peterson; forwards Sean Marks, James Posey, Peja Stojakovic, David West, Julian Wright.
Outlook: For a team with such an apparent depth of talent, why does it seem as if Chris Paul at times has to carry the entire burden? Part of it is the reality that Peja Stojakovic no longer is Peja Stojakovic. Part of it is while he can claim to be an All-Star, David West too often plays as a complementary piece. To management's credit, the addition of Emeka Okafor, a far more complete player than Tyson Chandler, should help ease Paul's burden with his post play. But issues of depth remain, from anything of substance beyond undersized Okafor in the middle to a reliable option at the point when Paul dares take a minute or two off. Then there are the questions about whether Byron Scott has taken this team as far as he can take it, as he now stands near an end game similar to his final days in New Jersey. This is a team that certainly could contend for a spot in the Western Conference finals, or it is a team that might find the Okafor trade was just the start of a necessary overhaul.";
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Memphis Grizzlies
Last season: 24-58, 5th in Southwest Division.
Coach: Lionel Hollins (4th season)
Needs: A team psychiatrist on speed-dial.
Additions: Forward DeMarre Carroll (draft), guard Allen Iverson (free agent), center Steven Hunter (trade from Nuggets), forward Zach Randolph (trade from Clippers), center Hasheem Thabeet (draft), guard Marcus Williams (free agent), forward Sam Young (draft).
Subtractions: Guard Greg Buckner (traded to Mavericks), guard Quentin Richardson (traded to Clippers), forward Darko Milicic (traded to Knicks), center Chris Mihm, (free agent), forward Darius Miles (free agent), Juan Carlos Navarro (free agent), forward Quinton Ross (signed with Mavericks), guard Jerry Stackhouse (free agent), forward Hakim Warrick (signed with Bucks), guard Mike Wilks (free agent).
Remaining from last season: Forwards Darrell Arthur, Rudy Gay; guards Mike Conley, Marko Jaric, O.J. Mayo; centers Marc Gasol, Hamed Haddadi.
Outlook: Chris Wallace certainly has assembled an eclectic collection of talent. You could do far worse on your fantasy team than a unit of Allen Iverson, Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo. Now, if you happen to be looking to win NBA games? Well, that's a different issue. Perhaps a coach with a resume a bit more solid than Lionel Hollins' might inspire more confidence. But who shy of a Pat Riley, Phil Jackson or, perhaps, Jerry Sloan could possibly be asked to get this motley collection on the same page? Is there quality young talent in place? No doubt. But why the heck would anyone want to mix Iverson and Randolph into this daycare? Oh yeah, to sell tickets. Enjoy the circus? Then check out the Grizzlies. But check them out before the middle of April, when their season most certainly will be complete.";
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L.A. Lakers
Last season: 65-17, 1st in Pacific Division.
Coach: Phil Jackson (10th season)
Needs: Ron Artest to fit in instead of trying to stand out. A better support system behind aging Derek Fisher also would help.
Additions: Forward Ron Artest (free agent).
Subtractions: Forward Trevor Ariza (signed with Rockets), guard Sun Yue (signed with Knicks).
Remaining from last season: Guards Shannon Brown, Kobe Bryant, Jordan Farmar, Derek Fisher, Sasha Vujacic; centers Andrew Bynum, DJ Mbenga; forwards Pau Gasol, Adam Morrison, Lamar Odom, Josh Powell, Luke Walton.
Outlook: The Lakers were positioned to keep their championship roster intact. Instead, money that would have been well-spent on retaining Trevor Ariza went to Ron Artest. Ariza played his role perfectly last season, deferring to Kobe Bryant and stepping aside at small forward when Lamar Odom came off the bench. Is Artest a better talent? From the neck on down there doesn't seem to be much debate. But Artest also has a bent for having to get his way. That will make his relationship with Phil Jackson particularly intriguing. Elsewhere on the roster, the question becomes whether the likes of Odom and Pau Gasol become satisfied with one championship, or whether Bryant can instill in his teammates the meaning of multiple and consecutive championships. The Lakers remain the favorites in the West and an odds-on choice to repeat. That, of course, is unless the \"bad\" Ron Artest rears his head. In that case, all bets are off.";
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Phoenix Suns
Last season: 46-36, 2nd in Pacific Division.
Coach: Alvin Gentry (2nd season)
Needs: A center with enough presence in the middle to command the opposition's attention.
Additions: Forward Earl Clark (draft).
Subtractions: Center Shaquille O'Neal (traded to Cavaliers), forward Matt Barnes (signed with Magic), guard Sasha Pavlovic (signed with Timberwolves), forward Stromile Swift (signed with 76ers), center Ben Wallace (signed with Pistons).
Remaining from last season: Forwards Louis Amundson, Jared Dudley, Grant Hill, Amare Stoudemire, Alando Tucker; guards Leandro Barbosa, Goran Dragic, Steve Nash, Jason Richardson; centers Robin Lopez, Channing Frye.
Outlook: After a season and a half of trying to be something they are not, a halfcourt, post-driven team playing to the needs of Shaquille O'Neal, the Suns get back to being Steve Nash's team. Trouble is, plenty of what made the Nash system work is gone, including Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw, Raja Bell and Mike D'Antoni. There still figures to be enough to produce points at a significant rate and regain the interest of a loyal fan base. But this also is a roster with plenty of question marks on the front line beyond Amare Stoudemire. With O'Neal gone, there is not much in the middle. There also is not much in the way of defensive deterrence. And then there is the question of whether management's ultimate goal is victory or the bottom line? The Suns will be fun again. Whether they will be back in the playoffs is another issue.";
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Golden State Warriors
Last season: 29-53, 3rd in Pacific Division.
Coach: Don Nelson (4th season).
Needs: A way to make the backcourt work with Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry.
Additions: Guard Speedy Claxton (trade from Hawks), guard Acie Law (trade from Hawks), forward Devean George (trade from Raptors), guard Stephen Curry (draft), center Mikki Moore (free agent).
Subtractions: Forward Marco Belinelli (traded to Raptors), guard Jamal Crawford (traded to Hawks), center Rob Kurz (signed with Cavaliers).
Remaining from last season: Guards Kelenna Azubuike, Monta Ellis, Anthony Morrow, C.J. Watson; center Andris Biedrins; forwards Stephen Jackson, Corey Maggette, Anthony Randolph, Brandan Wright, Ronny Turiaf.
Outlook: Who exactly put this roster together? Oh yeah, the mad-scientist coach who now somehow must find a way to make it work. Let's see, Stephen Jackson wants out, Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis don't exactly mesh in the backcourt, Corey Maggette still plans to shoot every time he touches the ball, as does Jackson. And in the middle, there is as little as there ever has been. There is plenty of scoring talent in place, and in the D-League this team might truly contend. But this is not a roster, it is nothing more than a collection of names. It's not a matter of how you beat the Warriors, it's a question of how they can possibly beat you other than with one-on-one success. Stephen Curry, welcome to the NBA. Now we see why you so wanted to go to the Knicks; you realized how much worse it could be.";
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L.A. Clippers
Last season: 19-63, 4th in Pacific Division.
Coach: Mike Dunleavy (7th season)
Needs: A thinning out of the power rotation so the learning curve can be maximized for Blake Griffin (once he returns from a broken kneecap, which could keep him out for six weeks).
Additions: Forward Rasual Butler (trade from Hornets), forward Blake Griffin (draft), forward Craig Smith (trade from Timberwolves), guard Sebastian Telfair (trade from Timberwolves).
Subtractions: Guard Quentin Richardson (traded to Timberwolves), forward Zach Randolph (traded to Grizzlies), guard Alex Acker (signed to play in Italy), guard Fred Jones (signed to play in Italy), forward Mark Madsen (free agent), guard Mike Taylor (signed with Grizzlies), guard Jason Williams (signed with Magic).
Remaining from last season: Centers Marcus Camby, DeAndre Jordan, Chris Kaman; guards Mardy Collins, Baron Davis, Eric Gordon; forwards Ricky Davis, Steve Novak, Brian Skinner, Al Thornton.
Outlook: There is talent here, plenty of talent. But hasn't that always been the case with the Clippers? Now it's a matter of coach Mike Dunleavy getting it right. Baron Davis has vowed to avenge last season's lackluster performance. Second-year guard Eric Gordon is turning into the real thing. Chris Kaman remains more than a serviceable post presence. And Rasual Butler can help. But what it's really all about is Blake Griffin, and cultivating the first-round pick into the face of the franchise. That cultivation now faces a delay after he suffered a broken kneecap over the weekend, forcing him to possibly miss the first six weeks of the season. It has to be made clear to this team, though, that Griffin will be the focus. And that has to be made particularly clear to Davis. To their credit, the Clippers were able to find a way to get rid of Zach Randolph. But what exactly is Ricky Davis still doing here? The playoffs nonetheless remain a possibility.";
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Sacramento Kings
Last season: 17-65, 5th in Pacific Division.
Coach: Paul Westphal (1st season)
Needs: Someone good enough to make Kevin Martin their second-best player.
Additions: Forward Jon Brockman (draft), forward Omri Casspi (draft), guard Tyreke Evans (draft), forward Desmond Mason (free agent), forward Sean May (free agent), guard Sergio Rodriguez (free agent).
Subtractions: Center Calvin Booth (free agent), forward Ike Diogu (signed with Hornets), guard Bobby Jackson (free agent), guard Rashad McCants (free agent), forward Cedric Simmons (signed to play in Greece).
Remaining from last season: Guards Francisco Garcia, Kevin Martin, Beno Udrih; forwards Donte Greene, Andres Nocioni, Kenny Thomas, Jason Thompson; center Spencer Hawes.
Outlook: Beyond Kevin Martin, and perhaps emerging Jason Thompson, this essentially is a roster loaded with players who would serve as seventh, eighth and ninth men elsewhere. Because of that, Martin likely will get his numbers again and challenge for an All-Star berth. This is a franchise that is mediocrity personified, which is why, perhaps, it made sense to go after Paul Westphal to fill its coaching void. While Evans and Casspi could emerge as contributors, there also is plenty to be thinned out from this roster. Beno Udrih is a mistake that has to be rectified. Kenny Thomas is cap space rotting away at the end of the bench. And Spencer Hawes either has been unable to take the next step or has not been pushed sufficiently. The white flag was raised last season with the selloff of Brad Miller and John Salmons to the Bulls. What is left is a roster almost as tired as the arena the Kings continue to call their home. The next time the Kings will matter will be in Secaucus.";
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Denver Nuggets
Last season: 54-28, 1st in Northwest Division.
Coach: George Karl (6th season)
Needs: Someone to step up on the perimeter to compensate for the free-agency losses of Linas Kleiza and Dahntay Jones.
Additions: Guard Arron Afflalo (trade from Pistons), forward Malik Allen (trade from Bucks), guard Ty Lawson (draft), swingman James White (trade from Rockets), forward Joey Graham (free agent).
Subtractions: Center Steven Hunter (traded to Grizzlies), guard Jason Hart (signed with Timberwolves), forward Dahntay Jones (signed with Pacers), forward Linas Kleiza (signed to play in Greece).
Remaining from last season: Centers Chris Andersen, Nene, Johan Petro; forwards Carmelo Anthony, Renaldo Balkman, Kenyon Martin; guards Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, J.R. Smith.
Outlook: A core that was good enough to make it to the Western Conference finals is back. And any team with Chauncey Billups running the offense certainly can never be counted out. But the offseason free-agent losses of Linas Kleiza and Dahntay Jones were significant when it comes to the overall depth. Considering the luxury tax remains a decided concern, it's not as if any significant upgrades are on the way. Instead, Nene will have to further step up in the middle and Carmelo Anthony will have to move closer to the level of LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. And there still is the uncertainty of what you will get from Kenyon Martin. In the end, the Nuggets could see the West simply passing them by, with the Spurs poised to regain their elite status and the Trail Blazers on the move. As always, it will be interesting watching George Karl trying to keep it together.";
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Portland Trail Blazers
Last season: 54-28, 2nd in Northwest Division.
Coach: Nate McMillan (5th season)
Needs: A rotation that can keep as many players as happy as possible.
Additions: Forward Victor Claver (draft), forward Dante Cunningham (draft), forward Juwan Howard (free agent), guard Andre Miller (free agent), guard Patrick Mills (draft).
Subtractions: Guard Sergio Rodriguez (traded to Kings), forward Channing Frye (signed with Suns), center Raef LaFrentz (free agent), forward Shavlik Randolph (signed with Heat), forward Michael Ruffin (signed with Thunder).
Remaining from last season: Forwards LaMarcus Aldridge, Nicolas Batum, Travis Outlaw; guards Jerryd Bayless, Steve Blake, Rudy Fernandez, Brandon Roy, Martell Webster; centers Greg Oden, Joel Przybilla.
Outlook: The most challenging coaching job in the NBA this season well might belong to Nate McMillan. Trying to whittle down a rotation to a workable number will be difficult with such an array of talent. Of course, that also means having to deal with plenty of ego. The Blazers tried to alleviate some of those concerns by discarding Channing Frye and Sergio Rodriguez in the offseason, but, still, the battle for playing time at the perimeter positions will be fierce. If there is a concern, it might be at center, where Greg Oden has yet to make the jump beyond being adequate. It will be interesting to see if management puts additional pressure on McMillan to try to get more out of Oden, or whether it allows him to continue to utilize Joel Przybilla and LaMarcus Aldridge extensively in the power rotation. This very well could be the year the Blazers challenge for a spot in the Western Conference finals.";
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Utah Jazz
Last season: 48-34, 3rd in Northwest Division.
Coach: Jerry Sloan (22nd season)
Needs: A remedy to the presence of both Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap and their significant contracts at power forward.
Additions: Guard Eric Maynor (draft).
Subtractions: Guard Morris Almond (signed with Magic), center Jarron Collins (signed with Trail Blazers), guard Brevin Knight (free agent).
Remaining from last season: Forwards Carlos Boozer, Matt Harpring, Andrei Kirilenko, Kyle Korver, C.J. Miles, Paul Millsap; guards Ronnie Brewer, Ronnie Price, Deron Williams; centers Kyle Fesenko, Kosta Koufos, Mehmet Okur.
Outlook: The franchise that has rolled over its coach's contract for more than two decades opted to also roll over almost its entire roster from last season. For most playoff teams, that would be a good thing. For a small-market team hard up against the luxury tax, that's not necessarily the case. With both Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur choosing, somewhat surprisingly, to bypass opt out clauses this past summer, the Jazz finds itself overloaded in the power rotation. A trade certainly could be forthcoming, with Boozer saying the right things for now, but his body language indicating otherwise. Getting back to the playoffs and gaining any type of decent seed could be significantly more difficult this season, with Deron Williams likely having to again raise his game to another level. As has been the case for years, it could come down to where Andrei Kirilenko is with his game, his head and his health.";
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Minnesota Timberwolves
Last season: 24-58, 4th in Northwest Division.
Coach: Kurt Rambis (1st season)
Needs: An immediate change of heart from Ricky Rubio.
Additions: Center Mark Blount (trade from Heat), guard Wayne Ellington (draft), guard Jonny Flynn (draft), center Ryan Hollins (free agent), guard Sasha Pavlovic (free agent), forward Oleksiy Pecherov (trade from Wizards), guard Ramon Sessions (free agent), Damien Wilkins (trade from Thunder).
Subtractions: Guard Sebastian Telfair (traded to Clippers), forward Craig Smith (traded to Clippers), forward Mark Madsen (traded to Clippers), guard Quentin Richardson (traded to Heat), forward Etan Thomas (traded to Thunder), guard Randy Foye (traded to Wizards), swingman Mike Miller (traded to Wizards), guard Chucky Atkins (free agent), forward Rodney Carney (signed with 76ers), center Jason Collins (signed with Hawks), guard Kevin Ollie (signed with Thunder), forward Shelden Williams (signed with Celtics).
Remaining from last season: Forwards Corey Brewer, Brian Cardinal, Ryan Gomes, Kevin Love; center Al Jefferson.
Outlook: The makeover is astonishing. The Timberwolves dealt enough veterans in the offseason to fill two starting lineups. What remains is a team with intriguing young talent in Kevin Love, Jonny Flynn and Ramon Sessions. But there is not much in the way of a support system. Even if Al Jefferson continues his ascent toward a spot in the All-Star Game, such an unbalanced roster has little chance of any type of enduring success. For all the consternation over the handling of the Ricky Rubio situation by new General Manager David Kahn, what Kahn has done is buy himself time, essentially creating a waiting-for-Rubio grace period. But until Rubio can break free of his commitment in Spain in two years, future hope is about the only hope the Timberwolves will be able to generate. Flynn well could wind up in the thick of the balloting for Rookie of the Year, if only because he's going to be force-fed all he can handle.";
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Oklahoma City Thunder
Last season: 23-59, 5th in Northwest Division.
Coach: Scott Brooks (2nd season)
Needs: A legitimate post presence would round out the wonderful perimeter talent Sam Presti has assembled.
Additions: Guard James Harden (draft), forward Serge Ibaka (draft), center B.J. Mullens (draft), guard Kevin Ollie (free agent), center Etan Thomas (trade from Timberwolves).
Subtractions: Guard Chucky Atkins (traded to Timberwolves), swingman Damien Wilkens (traded to Timberwolves), forward Desmond Mason (signed with Kings), forward Malik Rose (free agent), center Robert Swift (free agent), guard Earl Watson (signed with Pacers).
Remaining from last season: Forwards Nick Collison, Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, Thabo Sefolosha, D.J. White; center Nenad Krstic; guards Shaun Livingston, Kyle Weaver, Russell Westbrook.
Outlook: Don't sleep on the Thunder; already the future rumblings are apparent. No, this is not a 2009-10 playoff team, but it is the type of roster that will make plenty of noise in coming seasons, especially as certain West contenders continue to age. In Kevin Durant, the Thunder possesses a talent poised to move up in class to the Wade, LeBron, Kobe level. He is that dynamic a scoring presence. Then there is perimeter depth of such quality and diversity that it could be difficult for lottery pick James Harden to even get a sniff of playing time. Russell Westbrook is mere seasoning away from emerging as an elite point guard. Jeff Green and Thabo Sefolosha play their roles well. And there is enough in the power rotation to at least snag a few rebounds, block a few shots and then get the heck out of the way of the scorers. This should be among the league's most enjoyable teams to watch, if only the networks had gotten that message."; // END editorial data