NBA Preview

I know it's a little bit late, but whatever. Lay off.

Eastern Conference:

1. Miami: Not any better, but rest of East isn't either. They can coast 'til May.
2. Chicago: Backcourt is one more year away from serious title consideration.
3. Cleveland: With Larry Hughes healthy, they take the next step.
4. New Jersey: Vince Carter is in contract year, so he will actually try.
5. Washington: As Arenas's craziness grows, so does his game.
6. Detroit: Miss Big Ben more than they admit.
7. Orlando: Beginning of an era for Howard, Nelson, Darko.
8. Indiana: Will find a way to squeak in like they always do.

9. Toronto: Improved, but no playoffs yet.
10. New York: If the track isn't finished yet, you can change engineers, but the train is still gonna crash.
11. Philadelphia: 2nd half fade from Iverson, C-Webb.
12. Milwaukee: Still don't know how they got in last year.
13. Boston: No real identity. Oh yeah, Danny Ainge is their GM. Weird.
14. Atlanta: Could be a really, really good team if they allowed draft do-overs.
15. Charlotte: NCAA All-Stars 2004-2006.

Western Conference:

1. San Antonio: I know everyone's saying it, but it's true: don't underestimate a hungry Duncan. Take away a ridiculous Derek Fisher shot and a stupid Ginobli foul and they would be going for a 5-peat this year.
2. L.A. Clippers: Are you excited for the Shaun Livingston show? I know I am.
3. Dallas: Still a great team, but probably missed their chance last year.
4. Houston: If they stay healthy, they could win the title. If they don't, they will be in the lotttery.
5. Phoenix: Another team that probably missed their boat. I'm waiting for Nash's spine to collapse in the middle of a fast break.
6. L.A. Lakers: A playoffs without Kobe to cheer against wouldn't be a playoffs at all. The Hating Kobe Era is getting me through the Knicks Sucking Era.
7. Denver: Talent=playoffs. No heart=first round playoff loss.
8. New Orleans/OK City: Six teams have a legitimate shot at getting swept by the Spurs in the first round. I'll give it to N.O. cause they deserve the playoffs.

9. Utah: Solid on paper, but West is loaded.
10. Minnesota: If they were in the East, they'd probably go to the East finals.
11. Sacramento: Are you seeing a theme here?
12. Golden State: If you're hoping Don Nelson will be your savior, you're hoping too much.
13. Memphis: Wayyyyyy too many question marks for this conference.
14. Seattle: Fun to watch...
15. Portland: Fun to laugh at.

MVP: Bron-Bron. It's his league now. Lay back and enjoy it.

ROY: Brandon Roy. I called this before his senior year of college, gotta stick with it now. Rookie Flop: Shelden Williams. Rookie Sleeper: Rajon Rondo.

Coach of year: Mike Dunleavy. Didn't think I'd ever say that ten years ago. Worst coach of year: George Karl. No one does less with more.

Most Improved: Tyson Chandler. Most improved starting 5: Chandler, Deron Williams, Jameer Nelson, Luke Walton, Marvin Williams.

Most Declined: Rasheed Wallace. Refs will help this along. Most declined starting 5: Wallace, Eddie Jones, Antoine Walker, Chris Webber, Steve Francis.

6th Man: Does Amare count? If not, then Andres Nocioni.

All-underrated team: David Lee, Shane Battier, David West, Mehmet Okur, Gerald Wallace.

All-overrated team: Wally Szczerbiak, Brendan Haywood, Kenyon Martin, Mike James, Baron Davis.