Originally Published: October 20, 2009
J.A. Adande's 2009-10 Predictions
Our ESPN.com NBA columnist forecasts the regular-season outcome for the East
Predicted Finish for Western Conference: 2009-10
| RANK | TEAM | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
|
![]() Los Angeles Lakers |
Next parallel MJ challenge for Kobe: Keep the Lakers focused with the Rodmanesque Ron Artest around. If Kobe's will prevents the Lakers from becoming reality-show fodder it's another title coming for Los Angeles. |
|
![]() San Antonio Spurs |
Counting out the Spurs means counting out Tim Duncan and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili and Gregg Popovich ... and I can't count that high. Should be refreshed after a shorter-than-normal season, plus a productive summer. |
|
![]() Por. Trail Blazers |
The Trail Blazers "settled" for Andre Miller when he's the type of player they should have targeted all along; great fit for this "old-acting" young team. Time for this crew -- especially center Greg Oden -- to deliver on its potential. |
|
![]() Denver Nuggets |
They got to the conference finals last season, but they didn't get better this past summer. Even the champs gotta make moves. Melo will be flirting with the MVP award. |
|
![]() Dallas Mavericks |
Funky format, featuring forwards. Fascinating. Finals? Fuhgedaboutit. Kidd's got one more productive run. Too bad he's signed for three years. |
|
![]() N.O. Hornets |
They're in the worst place. Not New Orleans (I love the Big Easy), that luxury-tax area that keeps them from adding the talent they need. Chris Paul can get them back into the playoffs, but not out of the red ink. |
|
![]() L.A. Clippers |
Yeah, the Clippers. If healthy, they're deep and talented ... and it looks like Baron's motivated. |
|
![]() Utah Jazz |
I have them in the playoffs only because it's hard to picture a Jerry Sloan-coached team NOT in the playoffs. But they don't play Sloan-style D and will probably move Carlos Boozer. |
|
![]() Phoenix Suns |
Can their system work? At least they have a system again, which is more than they could say in last year's identity-crisis season. And doubt Amare at your own risk. |
|
![]() Houston Rockets |
No need for one of GM Daryl Morey's stat formulas. There's no one over 6-9 or with a points-per-game average over 13 in Houston's opening-night lineup. That won't = many victories. |
|
![]() OKC Thunder |
Sure, they're supposed to be the "next" team. But next isn't now. Kevin Durant, Jeff Green and now James Harden have to keep waiting. Ask the Trail Blazers. |
|
![]() G.S. Warriors |
Does anyone still believe? Kind of hard to with a talented but disorganized team headed eight different directions and trying to trade its former captain. |
|
![]() Minn. Timberwolves |
While they're waiting on Rubio there's plenty to like (Love) or love (Flynn), and Sessions was the underrated free agent of the summer. Team's still short on athleticism. |
|
![]() Memphis Grizzlies |
Admit it, you're fascinated to see how A.I., Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo can possibly work this out. Might not end well, but as crashes go it could be spectacular. |
|
![]() Sacramento Kings |
This season could make the dark times before the Webber-Vlade-Peja era look like the good ol' days. |
Predicted Finish for Eastern Conference: 2009-10
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2009-10 PREDICTIONS
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