Commentary

J.A. Adande's 2010-11 Predictions

Originally Published: October 22, 2010
By J.A. Adande | ESPN.com

Predicted Finish for Western Conference: 2010-11

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1

Los Angeles Lakers

 The Lakers no longer worry about Ron Artest's head. No, it's Kobe Bryant's knee that's of greater concern, and as of now the greatest impediment to another championship.

2

OKC Thunder

 Even if they can't avoid injuries as successfully as last season the Thunder will still find the five more victories they need to move near the top of the West. By April we'll be talking about Russell Westbrook in addition to Kevin Durant.

3

Dallas Mavericks

 Maybe they've lasted just long enough for a payoff. If Denver dismantles and the Spurs' AARP cards have arrived and OKC's not quite ready ... that's a lot of ifs, isn't it? Probably another solid season and early playoff exit.

4

Por. Trail Blazers

 If everyone's healthy it could create more problems than it solves. How do Brandon Roy and Andre Miller split the ballhandling duties? How many touches for Greg Oden? Will Rudy Fernandez say he wants out in a third language?

5

Utah Jazz

 Has Deron Williams been that good or has Al Jefferson been that unlucky? Deron has won four playoff series in four years. Big Al's never won a playoff series. Williams' way will win out. Oh, and can we get a coach of the year award for Jerry Sloan?

6

San Antonio Spurs

 Gregg Popovich is the best at managing his stars' minutes, only the payoff has decreased lately. Tiago Splitter's arrival makes the Spurs less dependent on Tim Duncan, but is that a good thing?

7

Denver Nuggets

 Best-case scenario is last season's Utah: Against all speculation team holds on to star forward and reaches second round of playoffs. Worst case: Carmelo Anthony leads an exodus out of Denver. I predict Melo gets moved in February, seven-year playoff run ends.

8

L.A. Clippers

 We should know better than to envision best-case scenarios for the Clippers, but wouldn't a healthy Blake Griffin, a steady Eric Gordon and a fit Baron Davis equal playoff material?

9

Phoenix Suns

 I already miss those Steve Nash and Amare Stoudemire pick-and-rolls. Can't see how Hedo Turkoglu will fit in. The Suns will miss Leandro Barbosa, too. Last season they were 32-12 with him, 22-16 without.

10

Houston Rockets

 Had to go without their top three scorers from '09 last season, but found Aaron Brooks' value in the process. Plenty of options, but can Brooks, Kevin Martin, Luis Scola or a limited Yao Ming carry a team in playoffs like the big boys do?

11

N.O. Hornets

 As long as the payroll costs take priority, Chris Paul will be in purgatory. But at least he'll be in New Orleans for a full season. Doubt we'll be able to say that next season.

12

Memphis Grizzlies

 Rudy Gay will be better, O.J. Mayo will be better, but does anyone on this team make anyone else better? That's the Grizzlies' biggest problem, one they never seem to address.

13

Sacramento Kings

 While their youth will overshadow their talent at times, the Kings have a good shot at their first winning season since '05-06. DeMarcus Cousins' bid for rookie of the year will negate a possible sophomore slump by Tyreke Evans.

14

G.S. Warriors

 Still haven't resolved the issue of their two best players -- Stephen Curry and Monta Ellis -- playing the same position. Still haven't shown they can play defense. At least this season they'll have a coach who's vested in the team.

15

Minn. Timberwolves

 I'll try to focus on the positive: Wesley Johnson has an NBA-ready game and Nikola Pekovic has NBA-ready size. Otherwise? See you in Secaucus.

Predicted Finish for Eastern Conference: 2010-11

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1

Orlando Magic

 A new arena, an Olajuwonated Dwight Howard, an instant in-state rival ... and most importantly some familiarity for a roster that added five new players last season. It's their chance to grab a ring before the Heat start running things.

2

Miami Heat

 Rash of preseason injuries a good reminder that this won't happen instantly for them. It took two years when Shaq arrived and it will take two years for this group's ascent to greatness.

3

Boston Celtics

 Lots to like: They're defending conference champs who still feel the need to prove they're not too old, and they've brought the fun side of Shaq back out.

4

Chicago Bulls

 Isn't Tom Thibodeau supposed to be a defensive guy? So why is Chicago's offense looking so fast-paced and fun? Like this squad a lot, even while Carlos Boozer's out.

5

Milwaukee Bucks

 The league's most useful roster: John Salmons, Brandon Jennings, Andrew Bogut, Corey Maggette, Drew Gooden, Ersan Ilyasova give Scott Skiles all kinds of options, and you know he'll force them to play defense.

6

Atlanta Hawks

 They stayed the same when teams all over the East were loading up. They're fine physically, which made their mental checkout in the playoffs even more alarming.

7

New York Knicks

 Troubling NY Post Anthony Randolph-Kenny Walker comparison aside, Amare Stoudemire, Timofey Mozgov and Raymond Felton will bring some life back to the Garden. Not sold on shooting and defense, and those are kinda important in the NBA.

8

Philadelphia 76ers

 Doug Collins will find a better way to utilize Andre Iguodala and the Sixers will play better defense -- although they don't have the shot-blocking presence of Samuel Dalembert anymore.

9

Wash. Wizards

 I'm bullish on the Bullets, er Wizards. Speed (John Wall) and size (JaVale McGee), and perhaps a taste of winning will be enough to keep the heads of guys like Gilbert Arenas and Andray Blatche in the game.

10

Detroit Pistons

 The only bright spots are the expiring contracts of Tayshaun Prince and Chris Wilcox. The Pistons need to get back to a defensive mentality; it worked best for them, and they have one of the few fan bases that appreciates it.

11

Charlotte Bobcats

 It won't be enough, but Larry Brown will squeeze extra wins from this team. And speaking of extra, Boris Diaw looks as if he spent the summer saying "Plus de croissants."

12

New Jersey Nets

 If they don't care about their 2009-10 season, why should we? Summer moves were about avoiding jumbo contracts that would clog the salary cap later. Check back when they're in Brooklyn, maybe with Melo.

13

Indiana Pacers

 Honestly, they were a lot more interesting when their players were fighting in stands and discharging firearms. They'll be good enough to knock off some top teams, but not good enough to be a top team themselves.

14

Toronto Raptors

 Even if Chris Bosh's mind was elsewhere last season he still gave the Raptors 24 and 11 when he was on the court. Where are they gonna get that from? And those points and boards will be easier to find than a lineup with five good defenders on this squad.

15

Cleveland Cavaliers

 Since 2007 the Cavaliers have lost 13 of the 14 games they've played without LeBron, so I'm afraid to do the projections of them playing 82 games without him.

Click the mugs below to see our writers' predictions

J.A. Adande Chris Broussard Chad Ford Zach Harper John Hollinger Tim Legler Chris Sheridan Marc Stein Michael Wallace Brian Windhorst

J.A. Adande | email

NBA
  • ESPN.com senior writer since 2007
  • Around The Horn panelist
  • Formerly at Los Angeles Times

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