Originally Published: October 20, 2009
Chris Broussard's 2009-10 Predictions
Our ESPN Mag writer forecasts the regular-season outcome for the Eastern Conference
Predicted Finish for Western Conference: 2009-10
| RANK | TEAM | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
|
 Los Angeles Lakers |
They were already a Top 4 offensive team. Now with Ron-Ron, they'll be Top 4 on the other end too. Yeah, they took a risk, but the rewards could be devastating -- for opponents. Also, look for bigger and better things from Andrew Bynum. |
|
 San Antonio Spurs |
Their biggest opponent is the injury bug, but if healthy, the Spurs could raise banner No. 5. Richard Jefferson was just what the doctor ordered (no pun intended), Antonio McDyess will provide much-needed aid up front, and DeJuan Blair could prove to be their latest draft-night steal. |
|
 Por. Trail Blazers |
Greg Oden will be greatly improved, and Andre Miller will form a formidable backcourt tandem with Brandon Roy. Not yet a team that can win the West, but they can certainly win the Northwest. |
|
 Denver Nuggets |
I hate to see the exit of "Dirty Dahntay'' Jones because his gritty, get-on-your-nerves defense was crucial to last season's playoff success for the Nuggets. But there's still enough left for a deep playoff run. Anything beyond that might seal Chauncey Billups' future spot in Springfield, Mass. |
|
 Dallas Mavericks |
They improved significantly, but they're still what they've been for the past nine years: good but not good enough. Rookie Beaubois is going to be dynamite some day. |
|
 Utah Jazz |
Give the Jazz credit for putting performance ahead of the pocketbook and re-signing Paul Millsap. Of course, it created a logjam, a luxury tax and a situation full of discomfort for All-Star Carlos Boozer, but hey, everybody -- including those who pay the bills -- will just have to man-up. |
|
 Phoenix Suns |
With Shaq gone and Amare healthy, Funball returns. But orchestrator extraordinaire Steve Nash is getting to the age (35) where his idea of fun may be to take his foot off the gas, settle into a nice halfcourt set and chuck threes. |
|
 N.O. Hornets |
Last year was not the aberration, the year before, when the Hornets nearly reached the Western Conference finals, was. Outside of future all-time great Chris Paul this roster scares no one -- except perhaps coach Byron Scott. |
|
 L.A. Clippers |
They have the goods to reach the postseason and do some damage once there. It all depends on noted malcontent, filmmaker and (when he wants to be) point guard phenom Baron Davis. A fully engaged Baron could have the Clippers duplicating the 2007 Golden State Warriors. |
|
 G.S. Warriors |
Too bad the locker room is so jacked up (again, no pun intended). There's actually a dangerous amount of talent on this squad, especially for that mad genius Nellie's style of play. Who'll have the breakout season -- super-talented Randolph, super-hyped Curry or super-shooter Morrow? |
|
 Houston Rockets |
I have trouble picking a Rick Adelman team to finish in the lottery, but execution and great rapport can take a team only so far. The Rockets' two leading men (Yao and T-Mac) are on the shelf. Trevor Ariza will prove he should've been content as a supporting actor and gone to Cleveland or stayed in L.A. |
|
 OKC Thunder |
This is the supposed team of the future, but the future is still, well, the future. Even though Kevin Durant will show more growth, as a whole, they're still young and learning, a year away from being in the playoff mix. |
|
 Memphis Grizzlies |
Memphis has more shooters than a John Wayne flick, which spells C-H-A-O-S when there's only one ball. Three words: Poor Marc Gasol. It'll be Jan. 1 before he gets his first touch. |
|
 Minn. Timberwolves |
They have some big names -- Al Jefferson, Kevin Love, Jonny Flynn -- but who out West, other than the dreaded Kings, are they better than? The three aforementioned players should put up some very impressive individual numbers, but it won't amount to many victories in the Northwest Division standings. |
|
 Sacramento Kings |
The Sacramento backcourt, featuring talented rookie Tyreke Evans and big scorer Kevin Martin, is legit, but there are craters everywhere else on this Kings team. Bottom line: worst team in the league for the second straight season. |
Predicted Finish for Eastern Conference: 2009-10
| RANK | TEAM | COMMENT |
|---|---|---|
|
 Cleveland Cavaliers |
Last year's collapse in the Eastern Conference finals only made LeBron hungrier and more willing to expand his game. Now, opponents can expect to see him in the post more. Scary. And look for a resurgence from a truly motivated Shaq. |
|
 Orlando Magic |
With Vince Carter instead of Hedo Turkoglu, they're more conventional, which is good news against everyone except Cleveland. VC will be great, Brandon Bass adds toughness and the Magic will be as versatile as any crew in the league. |
|
 Boston Celtics |
Each member of the Big Three is at least 32 years old and they have a combined 38 seasons under their belt. That's great experience, but also lots of mileage. They can definitely get their second ring -- if Father Time doesn't get them first. |
|
 Wash. Wizards |
Obviously, Gilbert Arenas must stay healthy. Without him at full strength, Wiz may not even make the playoffs. But with him at full-bore, they're just a notch below the EC elite. It says here that Agent Zero will stun many with his playmaking abilities and prove he's still one of the league's best players. |
|
 Atlanta Hawks |
After improving in each of the past four seasons, they've finally maxed out. Problem is, their ceiling is well below the space where Cleveland, Orlando and Boston operate. So the Hawks will once again be fun, exciting and home watching the later playoff rounds with the rest of us by mid-May. |
|
 Philadelphia 76ers |
Early indications are that Eddie Jordan's found a way to mesh Elton Brand with his running, gunning, young teammates. Lou Williams will try to replace Andre Miller, but Jordan's Princeton offense will hide his lack of "true point guard skills.'' |
|
 Toronto Raptors |
Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani and Hedo Turkoglu form a huge frontline. The Raptors should be able to score with the best of them but they'll give up buckets just as quickly. Their "Euro-ball'' will be fun to watch and at times dangerous, but they're a first-round playoff team (if that) and nothing more. |
|
 Miami Heat |
Giving Miami a playoff spot is merely an acknowledgement of Dwyane Wade's greatness, because chances are he'll be one of the league's biggest one-man shows. Help could be there if Jermaine O'Neal turns back the clock and Michael Beasley can mature and blossom, but Miami fans shouldn't count on it. |
|
 Detroit Pistons |
A playoff spot isn't out of the question, but their "donut'' makeup probably won't get it done. Their backcourt is explosive but their frontline has holes. The big question is: can Charlie Villanueva stay healthy and improve upon last season's play -- or was it your typical "contract year'' performance? |
|
 Chicago Bulls |
Chicago could certainly crack the top eight, but don't expect them to build on last year's historic series with Boston without Ben Gordon. The Bulls should've found a way to keep him. Period. They'll recognize the error of their ways soon enough. |
|
 Indiana Pacers |
Coach Jim O'Brien will get some wins out of this club, regardless of when Mike Dunleavy Jr. returns. But victories over some top-flight squads will be nullified by losses to bottom-feeders. These Indiana Pacers have just enough to provide a bit of hope, but not enough to make good on it. |
|
 New York Knicks |
Nearly half the team is playing for a contract and once the losses start mounting, it'll be "get mine'' time, especially since this season is being sacrificed like a fattened calf for the summer of 2010. "LeBron or Bust'' is a great motto for your fan base, but not for your undermanned squad. |
|
 Charlotte Bobcats |
Here's all you need to know: Team President Michael Jordan, at 46 years old, would still be one of the club's best players (at least for as long as he could stay healthy). And after that Hall of Fame speech you get the impression he knows that. |
|
 Milwaukee Bucks |
There are two reasons to watch the Bucks this season: the silky stroke of Michael Redd, and the development of lightning-quick rookie Brandon Jennings. Jennings has star potential and will look like Isiah Thomas on some nights. On others he'll look like a youngster with a lot to learn. |
|
 New Jersey Nets |
Devin Harris and Brook Lopez are nice. It's the rest of the roster that's the problem. There's young talent in Terrence Williams, Courtney Lee and maybe Yi Jianlian. But this crew was bad with Vince Carter. Without him, they'll be horrible. |
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