NBA Overview

Now that the NBA is entering into its third week of games, teams are getting the feel of what type of team they are going to be this year. The Lakers and Celtics look dominate in a class above everyone else in the league. The Cavs, Magic, Rockets, Hornets, Jazz, Suns, Pistons, Nuggets and many other teams are trying to stay close to the top of their conferences and get into position for a possible trade that will put them over the top. Injuries have also slowed down teams and their progression and have given evidence that teams like San Antonio, will have to scrap and claw to make the postseason.

After watching many games in these first few weeks I've witnessed the Nuggets with Iverson look like an average team and then transform into a legitimate playoff contender with the acquisition of Chauncey Billups. The Pistons have a new identity that looks like a fierce defense when needed but more of an offensive minded team looking to mix it up. The Knicks now are selling their team in order to offer LeBron James a historical contract offer in 2010.

Based on what has been played out my predictions for this season in the NBA goes out like this. In the West, no one will touch the Lakers. Kobe Bryant has looked good and hasn't had to carry the team much at all with Gasol and Bynum in the middle working together on both ends of the floor. Ariza has improved and the veteran leadership of Derek Fisher has and will continue to play dividends in the Staples Center. Even with the playoff bust, Lamar Odom still on the roster for now, look for the Lakers to try and deal him to sure up the team for the postseason where they will, without a hick up win the west and be in the Finals.

Also in the West, the Hornets have started out slow other than CP3. Paul will be in contention for MVP of the league and take the Hornets deep into the postseason for the second consecutive year but they are not quite there, even after the addition of Posey. The Rockets made noise in the off season by acquiring Ron Artest, but on the court in the early goings the "Big 3" in Houston have yet to play well together and be healthy. Yao, McGrady, and Artest all have been banged up and have not jelled yet. Their bright spot thus far have been rookie guard from Oregon, Aaron Brooks. He has played well and will be important for the Rockets to score on the second line and generate offense when the main guys struggle. Houston should get on track and roll into the playoffs and cause some havoc.

Utah continues to look like a Jerry Sloan team since he has been there. Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer look good, and get the necessary help from many role players and will try and advance beyond the second round and possibly into the finals. The Trail Blazers are one of the youngest teams in the league and have the most upside in the future as well as now. Brandon Roy a great young stud in the league continues to carry the young team to victories and now they finally get their prized pick in Greg Oden off the injured list. He along with LaMarcus Aldridge once they get more playing time should be a great combo inside to help open things for Roy and other shoots like Steve Blake and Sergio Rodriguez. The Blazers will likely make the playoffs and impress many people along their ride this year.

Other teams to watch in the West include the new look Nuggets. With a new sheriff running the point and a big time shooter as Chauncey Billups is, the Nuggets increased their chances at making noise in the postseason by 100 times. When the Spurs get their weapons back (Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili) from injury they should be back. It is an odd numbered year so it is not out of the question for San Antonio to be there in the end. Dallas cannot be figured out. One night they are on and clicking together and the next they look like a poor man's Knicks. They have the talent and coaching, but they don't always show up and play. The Phoenix Suns' window to make a deep run at a title is getting ever so closely to being finished. Nash is losing a little bit of a half step and Shaq and Grant Hill are almost at the end. Amare can be dominate but refuses to be on a consistent basis to make the Suns a feared threat at the title. They should make the playoffs but that is about it. Finally, the Golden State Warriors have defiantly shown flashes of potential but if they can sustain that kind of basketball over the marathon of a season is yet to be seen. Stephen Jackson has rejuvenated his career out in Oakland and looked like a new player and they have many other young talents. If Don Nelson can have them focused on a consistent manner they will be a tough out if they get into the top 8.

In the East, it is the Boston Celtics, then the Cleveland LeBrons' and then a bunch of so-so's. Many teams on paper have looked to improve like the 76ers, Raptors, and Pistons. But thus far the jury is still out. These three teams are among a few others that are just not there at the level of Cleveland. Atlanta and Orlando are two more teams that are just not their. If these teams got one more piece to their puzzles they may be over the hump and on the level but as of now it is not so.

The defending champs look like they can and could repeat as Eastern Conference Champs. The Big 3 all together, Pierce looking like the best clutch player in the league and Rondo's growth as the Point Guard has Boston looking for more. Behind them LeBron has his game at the highest as it could be. Not settling for jump shots as often as he has in the past and taking it strong and getting to the line has also opened up Gibson and newly acquired Mo Williams. The Cavs will be around til the end and will possibly setting up a potential Game 7 in the Conference Finals against the Celts.

The Magic lead by Dwight Howard, can be a dangerous team in the postseason with his presence and dominance at times, but he looks unfocused and not as hungry as a big man should. He will defiantly be around for a long time and into the postseason as the Magic could be a dark horse. The Raptors are trying to use their own duo in the post with Chris Bosh and Jermaine O'Neal. They can cause match up problems as they both can shoot the mid range jumpers and back down a defender. Youth and inexperience in the team will eventually be a problem and a likely early round exit in their future.

The Pistons can be great this year or average with AI in Mo Town. Price and Hamilton still running the show in Detroit, for now, with Rasheed still chatting it up with the officials and now Iverson in town taking it slow for now, but look for the old, shoot first mentality to come forth eventually and may take the Pistons down with him. This may very well be the last good chance for Detroit to get another Championship with their main group. They will make the playoffs and then a second round exit. Philly and Elton Brand look to make it into postseason play and then drop out early. They look to be not ready to play with one another and need time to grow with one another. In 2 or 3 years this team will be dangerous with guys like the "other AI," Brand, Miller, and Dalembert. Atlanta may be a surprise in the postseason this year. They took the champs to a game 7 and with a better match up in the first round may pull off an upset and make a second round appearance for a change.

In the end I look for the Celts to take the East by beating Bron Bron in a Game 7, again. Bron will carry the team through the playoffs but eventually his supporting cast will not be good enough. The Lakers will dominate the West all season long and again make it to the finals. This time around the Lakers will take it to a Game 7 and Still lose. The rivalry will be in full strength again and will make a very interesting finals and the Celts will repeat as Champs.

LeBron will be this years MVP and Greg Oden will win Rookie of the Year. Oh, and the Knicks will have the worst record in the league.