HurricaneDij39

Atlantic Division:

1. Boston Celtics - Big 3, year 2.
2. Philadelphia 76ers - Look for them to take a step forward and get the #5 seed in the Leastern Conference.
3. Toronto Raptors - They badly need a bruiser/rebounder to compliment Chris Bosh.  If they don't get him, then Philadelphia will pass them in the standings next year.
4. New Jersey Nets - This team is destined for mediocrity as long as Vince Carter is around.
5. New York Knicks - Congratulations, Stephon Marbury!  You will make close to $22 million next year!

Central Division:

1. Detroit Pistons - Same old story.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers - Last year, I believed that they were a one-man team and would struggle to make the Playoffs.  I was wrong.  That's how good LeBron James is.  As long as they have him, they will contend.
3. Indiana Pacers - Jermaine O'Neal never found himself 100% healthy in 07-08.  If he returns to form, the Pacers could return to the Playoffs.  However, if they continue their losing ways, they need to get JO out of town before the trading deadline.  No more excuses.
4. Chicago Bulls - Frontcourt depth is a problem.  Joakim Noah needs to get stronger, and Tyrus Thomas is a bit of a headcase.
5. Milwaukee Bucks - Scott Skiles: Good luck in getting this team to play defense.

Southeast Division:

1. Orlando Magic - This team lacks depth.  The return of Tony Battie should help a little bit.
2. Washington Wizards - Last year, I made the mistake of believeing in this team.  I won't make that same mistake again.  This team totally lacks heart, and they talk a big game without backing it up.
3. Charlotte Bobcats - I'm not Larry Brown's biggest fan, but I love this hire for the Cats.  Brown will get Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace to coexist.  I want to put them ahead of the Wiz, but I can't until they prove they can win.
4. Atlanta Hawks - With all the money they've committed to Mike Bibby, the future of free agents Josh Smith and Josh Childress is up in the air.  They could return to the Playoffs, but no more than that.
5. Miami Heat - Is the return of a healthy Dwyane Wade enough to get them back into the Playoffs?  Don't count on it.

Southwest Division:

1. New Orleans Hornets - They proved time and time again that they are for real.
2. San Antonio Spurs - Another year older, but will that mean anything?
3. Dallas Mavericks - The Jason Kidd trade was bad, but it can be made up for.  While Kidd has lost his status as a top 5 PG, he still is completely capable of running a team.  They need to upgrade their defense.  Suggestion: DeSagana Diop is a free agent.  Bring him back.  Oh, and Brandon Bass is a stud.
4. Houston Rockets - They won't move up in my rankings until they prove they can stay healthy.
5. Memphis Grizzlies - Wahoo!  Mike Miller is still here!

Northwest Division:

1. Utah Jazz - They have loads of talent.  Williams and Boozer are studs.
2. Denver Nuggets - Same old story: A ton of talent, but can't do anything with it.  And no, it's not George Karl's fault.
3. Portland Trail Blazers - It will be interesting to see how Greg Oden fits in.  They could make the Playoffs, but in that conference, I wouldn't put too much money on it.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves - Al Jefferson is a stud, and Randy Foye had some big games toward the end of the year, giving them hop for the future.
5. Seattle SuperSonics - This upcoming draft is an important one for them.  They can't blow it.

Pacific Division:

1. Los Angeles Lakers - The presence of Pau Gasol will limit Andrew Bynum's development, but they have th most talent of any team in the division, and I think they will make it work.
2. Golden State Warriors - Monta Ellis is a stud.  However, bigger and stronger teams constantly beat up on the small Warriors.  They won't go far in the Playoffs until they fix that.
3. Phoenix Suns - You've just got to feel for this franchise.  After yet another heartbreaking Playoff loss, the window of opportunity for a Championship has been all but closed.  Nash is 34 and Shaq is 36.
4. Los Angeles Clippers - A frontcourt of Chris Kaman, Elton Brand, and Al Thornton is as good as it gets.  That alone could get them back into contention for a Playoff spot.  The guard positions could stand some upgrades, though.
5. Sacramento Kings - In the East, they'd make the Playoffs.  In the West, no chance.