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Phantom of RipMiami Heat -- 51-15
The Heat will have a lot of things going for it. Although "success" is defined differently for the team that has rewritten the way NBA teams are put together. First and foremost, no matter what you think of them, Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh are really good professional basketball players. Add to the fact that they probably won't have the bumpy start that sullied last season and the fact that the band is back together, there will not be a period of adjustment. They added the ultimate team player in Shane Battier, who can only make them better. This is a team that won 58 games and went to the NBA Finals. Maybe it wasn't successful, but there are 28 teams that would take it, easy.
Chicago Bulls -- 49-17
Another team that will benefit for keeping the status quo while adding a savvy veteran, Rip Hamilton. Still, seems like this team is ill put together, which doesn't make sense, per se. It's a feeling. I think the big problem is Carlos Boozer. Seems like a born loser -- a guy that's perpetually overpaid, although he's not always terrible. You always feel you could do worse. Then at the end of the season you feel like you could do better.
Orlando Magic -- 45-21
Up in the air. Trade Dwight Howard and this is a lottery team. Keep him and they win 75 percent of their games and get a top four seed in the East.
New York Knicks -- 42-24
Anyone who has seen Tyson Chandler play knows he's a difference maker. Honestly, they need to trade Amare Stoudemire for some useful parts to put around Carmelo Anthony. What they have will compete nonetheless. Mike D'Antoni isn't winning a championship anyway. This is Phil Jackson's team in a year.
Indiana Pacers -- 40-26
My rising team in the East. A playoff team with a superstar (Danny Granger), good young point (Darren Collison), bangers (Jeff Foster, Tyler Hansbrough), a decent center (Roy Hibbert) and two noted off-season pick-ups (George Hill, David West).
Boston Celtics -- 39-27
The Celts have effectively lost Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis and Jeff Green in the span of nine months. A lot of blows to the frontcourt despite adding Brandon Bass and Chris Wilcox. I don't think age will be the issue as much as size and quality depth.
Atlanta Hawks -- 37-29
If you were wondering where Jerry Stackhouse and Tracy McGrady wound up.
Milwaukee Bucks -- 30-36
Any time a team is depending on Shaun Livingston and Andrew Bogut to be healthy, that's a bad sign. Do you really want Stephen Jackson hanging out with Brandon Jennings? At what point does Jackson notice that Mike Dunleavy is making $10 million a year and freak out?
New Jersey Nets -- 27-41
They'd better get good real quick or the Russian Mark Cuban might ship them to a gulag. Deron Williams playing for a contract.
Washington Wizards -- 26-40
Got to give them credit: They're athletic. Given their top eight guys and Toronto's or Cleveland's, give me the Wiz. John Wall makes a jump.
Detroit Pistons -- 24-42
Terrible team with ill-spent money. Interesting youth in Austin Daye, Greg Monroe and rookie Brandon Knight. I predict upheaval with the head coach and general manager before things are done.
Philadelphia 76ers -- 24-42
My disappointment pick for the East. Think Evan Turner's a bust and Elton Brand had a ridiculously good year to get the 76ers to .500.
Charlotte Bobcats -- 21-45
Guess the salary: Matt Carroll ($4.5 million), Eddie Najera ($2.8 million), Tyrus Thomas ($6.6 million), Corey Maggette ($9.6 million), DeSagana Diop ($6.4 million), Boris Diaw ($9 million). If everyone is overpaid, then is anyone overpaid?
Toronto Raptors -- 20-46
I think they should be able to outscore opponents. At least 20 times. Is Amir Johnson getting better or is he perpetually having a career year.
Cleveland Cavaliers -- 17-49
Watching Kyrie Irving will be interesting. At least. Got that going for you. Certainly. I mean, he's no John Wall. A fanbase should never have to hope for Omri Casspi to break out.
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