by Rickhouse on October 30 at 1:40AM
In the final chapter of our four part NBA preview, here are some things to look for as the NBA gets underway.
Previously: team power rankings, player rankings, Bulls preview
- A team that could surprise people: the Memphis Grizzlies. They were the worst team in the NBA last year, winning only 22 games, but some of that was due to tanking. They had a pretty solid offseason, bringing in Mark Iveroni to run an up-tempo Phoenix-style offense, and added Darko and Juan Carlos Navarro via free agency. Their biggest addition may be point guard Michael Conley Jr., who’s my pick to win Rookie of the Year. Look for Gasol to have a huge comeback season, and for the Griz to grab a playoff spot. They could turn into this year’s version of the Raptors.
- A lot of people are liking the Rockets as a surprise team to come out of the West. If it happens, and I’m not saying it will, it could be because of Luis Scola. Known for years the best player not in the NBA, the Argentine comes over to add a pivotal complement to Yao at power forward. With a slew of point guards, if T-Mac and Yao stay healty, the Rockets could be the NBA’s fourth best team.
- Another Western Conference team to look for is the Nuggets. They got on a roll towards the end of last season and boast one of the NBA’s most talented rosters. Carmelo is as lethal a scorer as anyone, and Iverson was leading the NBA in scoring before the trade to Denver. The two of them are the best one-two punch in the league, and the Nuggets actually have a good supporting cast as well. Marcus Camby is a great interior defender and he can score a little too. Nene provides toughness and energy inside as well, and Kenyon Martin is finally coming back. JR Smith might be the key component to a big season for the Nuggets.
- The Hawks are the East’s team to watch. The roster is loaded with young talent, throwing out Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Al Horford, Shelden Williams, Josh Childress, AC Law IV, and Marvin Williams. I’m not predicting them to make the playoffs, even though it certainly could happen, but look for Marvin to break out. I have him on all four of my fantasy teams, the guy is looking to explode this year. This is the season he’ll make Atlanta fans forget that they took him over Deron Williams and Chris Paul.
- Despite what I’ve been saying all along, it looks inevitable that Kobe is going to get traded. Maybe it won’t be in-season, but it looks certain that he won’t be a Laker going into 08/09. The thing I don’t understand is why everyone says only the Bulls and Mavs can get him. It’s one thing if those are the only teams Kobe will go to, which is possible because he is the only player in NBA history a no-trade clause, but anyone could realistically trade for him. How about the Hawks for Josh Smith, Marvin Williams and Joe Johnson? What about the Wiz for Arenas and others, the Bobcats for Okefor, Felton, and Richardson, or the even the Kings for Kevin Martin, Artest, and some draft picks?
- The pick for the finals: Suns over Pistons. The Suns feel they got screwed last year with the suspension of Amare Stoudemire against the Spurs, and they’re been close the last few years. Grant Hill could be a huge addition, giving them another solid player in the rotation. This looks like it could be their year.
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