I actually think the East will be more interesting than the West for the first time in a long time. It won't be the stronger conference, but it'll be more interesting, and certainly won't be the doormat to the West anymore.
I hate the Heat, but I do think they're gonna be scary in another 15 - 20 games. I'm also interested to see how Chicago will do once Boozer gets back. Maybe DRose will decide to play some defense and shoot some 3s this year.
I know I'm not going out on a limb or anything, but I think the Lakers are gonna take it all again.
**** the heat. Lebron is going to choke as usual.
Hope they dont even make the playoffs.
i'm thinking a finals rematch with the Celtics taking it this year! however, the regular season will be a bit frustrating with Doc needing to pace the guys and limiting minutes. i love what Rondo has been doing so far. the lakers will once again be strong and with their additions there's no reason to believe they wont be coming out of the west.
.....and then theres the heat. will they win games? sure. but unless they can address their issues down low i can seem them going any farther than the conference finals. they need to add a real big man because bosh is not the answer. which of course is funny, because with all the "talent" they have, they still need one more piece. i mean, exactly how much does lebron need?
regardless, one of them is going to NEED to adapt their game, and it sure as hell wont be lebron. the reason it worked in Boston is you have 3 different types of players. wade and lebron are essentially the same player, and bosh is not the type of player you want playing down low. unfortunetly, wade is probly getting the short end of all this, and to be honest, i really question how long its going to last.
At first I was slightly worried about not having a true power center. But, then I realized the playing style of both Wade and James. These two love attacking the basket. They love getting fouled (especially Wade). They make their living off of it. Most big centers we face will get into foul trouble in a hurry... The blowouts will continue.
whats going to truly hurt them will be second chance opportunities and the ability to get their own. that plagued the Celtics last year, so they went out and addressed it. if opponents are getting two and three chances to score with each trip down the court, it doesnt really matter how much you score at your end.
I'm sure the Mavs will be decent but probably won't make the playoffs.