NBA Season Preview

Instead of going up and down the league and giving by two cents on each team, I decided to do a more reader friendly season preview where I make predictions on players and teams and tell you who will beat who in the NBA finals. Obviously the thousands of people who read this blog won't agree witch everything I have to say. That's why I'll ask you to leave your comments at the bottom and fill me in on some of your own predictions. It should be a great NBA season, so let's get started!

Most Improved Team- Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks have been basement dwellers in the East for years, and it's been a while since they contended for a playoff spot. The smart thing the Hawks have done over the past two or three seasons has been keeping it's strong nucleus of young players together. By adding AC Law and Al Horford to a team that already has some of the NBA's best young talent the Hawks look like a team who could be a force for a long time as long as they can stay healthy. Expect the Hawks to take the 7 or 8 spot in the East.

Most Disappointing Team- Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavs were fun to watch in last years playoffs. They took advantage of a weak Eastern Conference to upset the Pistons and make the Finals. This year will be different as the Cavs now face some stiffer competition with the Celtics and Magic making major moves in the off season and the Baby Bulls being a year older. Michael Jordan didn't get it done without help from Pippen, Grant, and Rodman, and James won't get it done without..... Oh yeah, there is no one else on the Cavs. I see the Cavs having a first round playoff exit.

Ugliest Player: This award could be given out to a few guys in the league, and since I can't give it to Patrick Ewing or Detlef Scrempf, Eddy Curry wins by a nose. Has anyone since this guy lately?! He looks like he spent the off season on the competitive eating tour.

Most Improved Player- Raymond Felton: Last season Felton average 14 points and 7 assists while splitting time with Brevin Knight at the point. With Knight gone to the Clips Felton will get a lot more opportunities to score and to set up teammates. The addition of Jason Richardson will help open things up for Felton, and will also give Felton a good running mate on the fast break. Felton might not be that exciting to watch, but he'll establish himself as a good point guard this season. It's too bad the Bobcats stink worse than Eddy Curry's underwear after another day sweating it out at the buffet table. Well, maybe not that bad.

Most Disappointing Player- Dwayne Wade: Is Wade one of the top players in the league? Without a doubt. Is Wade coming off serious shoulder surgery and a knee surgery in the off season? Yes, and he's gonna miss the first bit of the season. I don't think Wade's play will be disappointing when he's on the court, I just don't think he'll play much due to his lack of durability, which is a huge disappointment to anyone who enjoys the game. I really hope Wade doesn't turn into one of these athletes who's career is ruined by injuries, because things are kinda starting to look that way. I'll be surprised if Wade plays more than 55 games this season.

Defensive Player of the Year- Ron Artest: Ron Ron is in a contract year and he's gonna want to get paid. He'll re-elevate himself to what he was originally known for. Hard nosed, in your face, shut down defense. Does anyone remember when Artest was a rookie with the Bulls and he applied for a job at Circuit City so he could receive the employee discount. Hilarious! That alone erases all of his on and off court hi jinx in my books.

Most Arrest- This is the hardest award to predict. There's so many bad apples out there, but I'm gonna have to go with Matt Bonner of the Spurs. This guy looks like he could snap at any given moment.

Coach of the Year- This is easily the most exciting award the NBA hands out. Time stands still and people sit on the ends of their seats eagerly awaiting for a winner. Yes, I'm being sarcastic, but I think Doc Rivers will come ot on the top of the heap this year. The Celtics will have a successful season, and gel early on in the year, which will be partially due to great coaching by Rivers.

Sixth Man Award- Leonardo Barbosa will win the award this year. Sure, he had a brutal playoffs, but on most other NBA teams he'd be starting. Plus, stepping in after Nash and Co wear down an opposing teams defense can't be to difficult for a player with his skill set.

Least Valuable Player- Rafael Araujo of the Jazz. Araujo did average a double double last year. Oh, I'm sorry, I mean two point and two boards a games. Why would anyone want this guy on their team. He contributes next to nothing on the court. Off the court he's busy trying to fit in with the other scubs in the league. And by the way, nice shark tattoo on your arm Araujo. I'm sure Raptors fans agree with my assessment of this guy.

Most Valuable Player- Kevin Garnett: Garnett's previous MVP season was with the Wolves when he was part of another talented trio with Sam Cassell and Latrell Spewell. This time around he's hungrier than ever and is part of a better group of players. His point production might go down a tad due to sharing the ball with Pierce and Allen, but overall he'll be better than ever. I feel bad for the rest of the East.

How they’ll finish

EAST

1. Celtics
2. Pistons
3. Bulls
4. Raptors
5. Magic
6. Cavs
7. Heat
8. Hawks
9. Wizards
10. Knicks
11.Nets
12. Bucks
13. Pacers
14. 76ers
15. Bobcats

WEST

1. Mavericks
2. Suns
3. Rockets
4. Spurs
5. Denver
6. Utah
7. Memphis
8. New Orleans
9. Golden State
10. LA Lakers
11. LA Clippers
12. Sacramento
13. Portland
14. Minnesota
15. Seattle

NBA Finals
Suns over Celtics in 7 games.

So ladies and gents, that's it! You either completly agree, think i'm absolutly nuts, or you're stuck somewhere in the middle. Either way, leave a comment and tell me how you feel and why. Enjoy the season!
-Joe Osborne