Originally Published: October 20, 2009
Jon Barry's 2009-10 Predictions
Our ESPN NBA analyst forecasts the regular-season outcome for the East
Predicted Finish for Western Conference: 2009-10
| RANK | TEAM | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
|
![]() Los Angeles Lakers |
This team is better with Ron Artest. That was a brilliant move by Mitch Kupchak. They improve defensively and get a guy who can score 25-30 points on a night when Kobe Bryant might be off. Offensively they are as good as any team in the league. |
|
![]() San Antonio Spurs |
They are reloaded. As long as the big three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are healthy, they are championship contenders. Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess are both going to play big roles. |
|
![]() Por. Trail Blazers |
They are ready to take that next step. They need Greg Oden to be a defensive force. They don't need him to score, just rebound and play defense. I love Aldridge and Roy and with the addition of Miller they are ready to contend. |
|
![]() Denver Nuggets |
They didn't make any major moves in the offseason, but they still can win in the regular season. Chauncey Billups is getting a full training camp in Denver and they have enough pieces in place to be in the upper echelon in the West. |
|
![]() Dallas Mavericks |
The addition of Shawn Marion is a good move. He is a good defender who doesn't need to score much. Put him with Josh Howard and Dirk Nowitzki and that's a quality frontline. I love Jason Terry, but he is better suited coming off the bench, so the Mavs still need a shooting guard. |
|
![]() Utah Jazz |
They are always in the mix. Carlos Boozer wants a contract, so expect for him to play very well this season. |
|
![]() Phoenix Suns |
There is one more run left for this group. They are very talented and committed to the run-and-gun offense which Steve Nash thrives. Also, I expect big things from Amare. |
|
![]() N.O. Hornets |
I'm so disappointed in ownership in New Orleans. They were on the cusp of being a great team two years ago and neglected to make any big moves. Chris Paul is the best point guard in the league, but this team lacks depth. |
|
![]() Houston Rockets |
With the injury to Yao Ming and not knowing what Tracy McGrady is going to bring, this team will be hard-pressed to score. If they think Trevor Ariza is a one or two option, they are going to be sadly mistaken. |
|
![]() L.A. Clippers |
I love Blake Griffin. He is a lock for rookie of the year. The team has a lot of talent, but hey, it's the Clips. |
|
![]() G.S. Warriors |
They'll be fun to watch, and Stephen Curry is in the perfect system to thrive. But that system won't produce many wins. |
|
![]() OKC Thunder |
I love this young group of talented players. Kevin Durant was terrific and is only going to get better in his third season but the Thunder are still a couple of years away. |
|
![]() Memphis Grizzlies |
They are turning to Allen Iverson? They are going to thwart the maturation of O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay and the other young players? I don't quite understand the move. |
|
![]() Minn. Timberwolves |
If a stable of point guards means wins, then these Timberwolves are your 2009-10 NBA champions. |
|
![]() Sacramento Kings |
Tyreke Evans could be a special player, but the Kings don't have no where near the talent needed to compete in the West. |
Predicted Finish for Eastern Conference: 2009-10
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2009-10 PREDICTIONS
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