Post by Boston Celtics on Dec 25, 2009 21:37:36 GMT
1.
ATLANTA HAWKS (5-0)
Jeebus save us! The Hawks have descended from their 2009 Finals disappointment against the Spurs with a completely new team, older, yes, but for the near future an obvious dominating force in the league. Four of the five wins the Hawks have played so far this season have been blowouts by more than a 19 point margin, with the cherry on the top being a 50 point demolition of Denver (122 - 72). When you look at the lineup of Camby - Nowitzki - Butler - Joe Johnson and Chauncey Billups, backed up by sixth man Andrei Kirilenko and Channing Frye you have perhaps the strongest team since New Jersey dominated its way to the finals two seasons ago!
2.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS (4-2)
The Dynasty Five Champions haven't begun the season with the same level of confidence that defined their route to the Larry O'Brien trophy. However, despite the admission of lesser playing time due to his age by Tim Duncan, the Spurs cannot but be seen as a force to be reckoned with. The addition of key aquisition Rasheed Wallace means that defensive stalwart Samuel Dalembert takes his place on the bench in a lineup which, like the Hawks, seemingly has no weaknesses. Whilst the trade which changed the face of the Hawks was postponed until after the playoffs though, it remains to be seen which D5 powerhouse would've conquered the other in last season's Finals had their rosters been the same as they are this season.
3.
UTAH JAZZ (2-3)
The 2009/10 campaign has, so far, been a matter of serious disappointment for fans in Utah, even though they've faced a tough schedule. Losses to Golden State and Boston can perhaps be overlooked, but yesterday's setback against the gradually improving Lakers can hopefully be dismissed by the absence of new team captain Kobe Bryant, out 9 days with a "strained calf muscle" he picked up against Boston. No reason for despair though, the Jazz will regain the services of Kobe, re-pair him with last season's Rookie of the Year, Derrick Rose, and continue to mesh them with the frontcourt of Pau Gasol, Elton Brand and Marvin Williams to form one of the clear favorites for the title this season.
4.
NEW YORK KNICKS (2-3)
Another team with high expectations but disappointing results is the 2009/10 Knicks. General Manager Donny Walsh pulled off another major coup in the Off Season, cementing the Knicks backcourt by signing legendary point guard Jason Kidd to pair up with the already terrifying tandem of a healthy Yao Ming and unstoppable Dwyane Wade. To some observers the Knicks progression as far as the Eastern Conference Finals last season was no fluke. It's no wonder why the Garden has once again become a bastion of NBA power. Knicks fans are happy again and they've Walsh to thank for it.
5.
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS (3-1)
Last season's Executive of the Year didn't ignore what the critics were saying about the lack of longevity in his lineup last season. Having accrued a considerable wealth of talent early in the season, allowed them to mesh through stability and continuity, and being the unfortunate victims of an unexpectedly vicious atrocity at the hands of the surprising Hawks in the Eastern Semis, the Bobcats GM instantly took action in the Off Season in moves which may lead to a repeat EOTY performance. Josh Smith was brought in from Miami to give an injection of energy into the aging frontcourt twin towers of Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal who still provide a massive dominating presence in the paint. Mercurial legend Allen Iverson was taken from a lax Clippers team where, frankly, he has stagnated since being signed, and has been paired with Calderon in the backcourt to provide a fascinating offensive connection in Charlotte.
6.
BOSTON CELTICS (4-1)
Very little has changed in Boston over the Off Season, with only the departures of benchers such as Gerald Green and Morris Almond, and their replacement by rookie pick Chase Budinger. Boston has had a sterling start to the season though and, after stumbling in the opening game against the Pistons, have since registered wins versus the Jazz and Spurs. Whether high profile bencher, Russell Westbrook, can continue to spend another season of his young career on the bench behind re-signed Deron Williams is a matter which could prove incendiary for the Celtics who atleast look certain to maintain as a group into the future. Fans in Boston are calling the current team a renewal of past glory, but critics recognise the work that still needs to be done.
7.
NEW JERSEY NETS (3-1)
The Nets season so far is difficult to read. Having lost against Boston - the only reason I'm putting the Celtics ahead of New Jersey - they've only won against the rebuilding Bucks twice and Atlantic Division minnows; the Philadelphia 76ers. The Nets savage theft of Danny Granger from the Warriors in the Off Season only strengthens a squad that looked promising last year. GM Josh Barber's explosion of his previous championship winning team last year isn't looking like the feeble move his critics had labelled it anymore. Draft steal Brandon Jennings is finding difficult time behind Jameer Nelson, but the threesome of Granger, Kevin Durant and Rashard Lewis is a terrifying prospect to behold alongside Brazilian center Nene.
8.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (4-0)
Maybe this is a premature decision, but the new look Cavailers have been nothing short of stunning in their composure behind new team leader Chris Paul. After a 50 point outburst from the point guard in his debut, the Cavaliers look set, for now and the future, with a threesome of Paul, Iguodala and Ben Gordon teaming up alongside Cavaliers old boy Zydrunas Ilgauskas with the likes of Andreas Nocioni coming off the bench.
9.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (2-3)
With no major team manouevres to speak of during the past Off Season, the Hornets are back where they started but with a swathe of injuries to contend with instead, such as a 4 week grounding for veteran Tayshaun Prince and a gut-wrenchign 9 weeks on the sidelines for rookie Darren Collison to start his career. The Hornets picked wisely in a point guard loaded draft though, and Ty Lawson's usurping of the starting role from Rafer Alston is a sign that not all is dismal in the Big Easy.
10.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS (1-2)
After a terrifyingly strong Off Season, in which the Wizards traded for, then re-signed Lamar Odom with relative ease after absolutely noone contended for Gilbert Arenas's re-signing. The Wizards then went on to secure the services of Raymond Felton to solve their backcourt problems and have filled holes all over the place. With Al Horford in the frontcourt with other new signing Chris Wilcox, the Wizards have turned themselves into a force to be reckoned with in the East.
ATLANTA HAWKS (5-0)
Jeebus save us! The Hawks have descended from their 2009 Finals disappointment against the Spurs with a completely new team, older, yes, but for the near future an obvious dominating force in the league. Four of the five wins the Hawks have played so far this season have been blowouts by more than a 19 point margin, with the cherry on the top being a 50 point demolition of Denver (122 - 72). When you look at the lineup of Camby - Nowitzki - Butler - Joe Johnson and Chauncey Billups, backed up by sixth man Andrei Kirilenko and Channing Frye you have perhaps the strongest team since New Jersey dominated its way to the finals two seasons ago!
2.
SAN ANTONIO SPURS (4-2)
The Dynasty Five Champions haven't begun the season with the same level of confidence that defined their route to the Larry O'Brien trophy. However, despite the admission of lesser playing time due to his age by Tim Duncan, the Spurs cannot but be seen as a force to be reckoned with. The addition of key aquisition Rasheed Wallace means that defensive stalwart Samuel Dalembert takes his place on the bench in a lineup which, like the Hawks, seemingly has no weaknesses. Whilst the trade which changed the face of the Hawks was postponed until after the playoffs though, it remains to be seen which D5 powerhouse would've conquered the other in last season's Finals had their rosters been the same as they are this season.
3.
UTAH JAZZ (2-3)
The 2009/10 campaign has, so far, been a matter of serious disappointment for fans in Utah, even though they've faced a tough schedule. Losses to Golden State and Boston can perhaps be overlooked, but yesterday's setback against the gradually improving Lakers can hopefully be dismissed by the absence of new team captain Kobe Bryant, out 9 days with a "strained calf muscle" he picked up against Boston. No reason for despair though, the Jazz will regain the services of Kobe, re-pair him with last season's Rookie of the Year, Derrick Rose, and continue to mesh them with the frontcourt of Pau Gasol, Elton Brand and Marvin Williams to form one of the clear favorites for the title this season.
4.
NEW YORK KNICKS (2-3)
Another team with high expectations but disappointing results is the 2009/10 Knicks. General Manager Donny Walsh pulled off another major coup in the Off Season, cementing the Knicks backcourt by signing legendary point guard Jason Kidd to pair up with the already terrifying tandem of a healthy Yao Ming and unstoppable Dwyane Wade. To some observers the Knicks progression as far as the Eastern Conference Finals last season was no fluke. It's no wonder why the Garden has once again become a bastion of NBA power. Knicks fans are happy again and they've Walsh to thank for it.
5.
CHARLOTTE BOBCATS (3-1)
Last season's Executive of the Year didn't ignore what the critics were saying about the lack of longevity in his lineup last season. Having accrued a considerable wealth of talent early in the season, allowed them to mesh through stability and continuity, and being the unfortunate victims of an unexpectedly vicious atrocity at the hands of the surprising Hawks in the Eastern Semis, the Bobcats GM instantly took action in the Off Season in moves which may lead to a repeat EOTY performance. Josh Smith was brought in from Miami to give an injection of energy into the aging frontcourt twin towers of Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal who still provide a massive dominating presence in the paint. Mercurial legend Allen Iverson was taken from a lax Clippers team where, frankly, he has stagnated since being signed, and has been paired with Calderon in the backcourt to provide a fascinating offensive connection in Charlotte.
6.
BOSTON CELTICS (4-1)
Very little has changed in Boston over the Off Season, with only the departures of benchers such as Gerald Green and Morris Almond, and their replacement by rookie pick Chase Budinger. Boston has had a sterling start to the season though and, after stumbling in the opening game against the Pistons, have since registered wins versus the Jazz and Spurs. Whether high profile bencher, Russell Westbrook, can continue to spend another season of his young career on the bench behind re-signed Deron Williams is a matter which could prove incendiary for the Celtics who atleast look certain to maintain as a group into the future. Fans in Boston are calling the current team a renewal of past glory, but critics recognise the work that still needs to be done.
7.
NEW JERSEY NETS (3-1)
The Nets season so far is difficult to read. Having lost against Boston - the only reason I'm putting the Celtics ahead of New Jersey - they've only won against the rebuilding Bucks twice and Atlantic Division minnows; the Philadelphia 76ers. The Nets savage theft of Danny Granger from the Warriors in the Off Season only strengthens a squad that looked promising last year. GM Josh Barber's explosion of his previous championship winning team last year isn't looking like the feeble move his critics had labelled it anymore. Draft steal Brandon Jennings is finding difficult time behind Jameer Nelson, but the threesome of Granger, Kevin Durant and Rashard Lewis is a terrifying prospect to behold alongside Brazilian center Nene.
8.
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (4-0)
Maybe this is a premature decision, but the new look Cavailers have been nothing short of stunning in their composure behind new team leader Chris Paul. After a 50 point outburst from the point guard in his debut, the Cavaliers look set, for now and the future, with a threesome of Paul, Iguodala and Ben Gordon teaming up alongside Cavaliers old boy Zydrunas Ilgauskas with the likes of Andreas Nocioni coming off the bench.
9.
NEW ORLEANS HORNETS (2-3)
With no major team manouevres to speak of during the past Off Season, the Hornets are back where they started but with a swathe of injuries to contend with instead, such as a 4 week grounding for veteran Tayshaun Prince and a gut-wrenchign 9 weeks on the sidelines for rookie Darren Collison to start his career. The Hornets picked wisely in a point guard loaded draft though, and Ty Lawson's usurping of the starting role from Rafer Alston is a sign that not all is dismal in the Big Easy.
10.
WASHINGTON WIZARDS (1-2)
After a terrifyingly strong Off Season, in which the Wizards traded for, then re-signed Lamar Odom with relative ease after absolutely noone contended for Gilbert Arenas's re-signing. The Wizards then went on to secure the services of Raymond Felton to solve their backcourt problems and have filled holes all over the place. With Al Horford in the frontcourt with other new signing Chris Wilcox, the Wizards have turned themselves into a force to be reckoned with in the East.