Western Conference 2011-2012 Standings:
(1) Dallas Mavericks
(2) Oklahoma City Thunder
(3) Los Angeles Lakers
(4) San Antonio Spurs
(5) Los Angeles Clippers
(6) Memphis Grizzlies
(7) Portland Trailblazers
(8) Houston Rockets
The West has definitely gotten weaker due to superstars migrating to the East. Let's not forget that some teams have apparently taken steps backward in terms of free agency. Dallas lost a major athletic defensive force, the Spurs still don't have a big to help Duncan on the front-line, and the Lakers got rid of their only decent offensive bench player. As far as I'm concerned, the only team to conceivably get way better than before is... Chris Paul's.
It's likely Dallas is going to remain the regular season champion. I feel they require less in this department mostly because they were the most active in free agency compared to the other powerhouses, so they can still manage last year's consistency at least (playoffs are a different story). After that, who knows how far Lakers can get even if they trade for Dwight. They still lack good outside shooters. Mike Brown is also the coach's curse.
The Clippers have the widest range, but I can't see them being top four just yet. Call me a skeptic. Three guys just got their knees fucked up years prior and the team in my opinion isn't comparable to the 07-08 Hornets. Maybe next year. Their ceiling is 3, but I'm going to aim them at the middle.
Denver's in a tough situation with almost half of their relevant guys overseas. They can of course sneak in the 7-8 area, but let's see what Houston's cooking with Dalembert.
Eastern Conference 2011-2012 Standings:
(1) Miami Heat
(2) Chicago Bulls
(3) Boston Celtics
(4) New York Knicks
(5) Orlando Magic
(6) Atlanta Hawks
(7) Indiana Pacers
(8) Milwaukee Bucks
The only thing I can be certain about are the division champs with a slight debate between Boston/New York. That all depends on how horrible Boston's collapse will be in Spring. I have no doubt in my mind that Boston will have a hot start as usual; but once those old legs get tired, however far ahead they are of New York will depend on whether they get the 3/4 champion seed or not. Besides, Boston has done nothing this free agency and they've lost plenty of depth behind the big three. I wouldn't be surprised how far they honestly fall from grace this time around even with a 66-game season. No center and lost depth from last year is a good recipe for stepping down.
Miami I feel maintained their core the best and improved in some areas. I guess I could see them getting worse, but for what they accomplished in their first year... I think they'll at least maintain the division title. Chicago could get it too, but I don't think Rip Hamilton is enough to secure that 1 seed again.
Meanwhile, Magic/Atlanta slowly dip into mediocrity. If Howard is traded, they'll fall even worse (or even straight out of the playoffs). The Magic didn't really do all too much but sign more shooters and traded for.. Big Baby. Expect more of the same. Atlanta lost Crawford but gained T-Mac. I have nothing to say to that one. The seeding says it all.
After that.. uh, I guess the only two improved teams in the East remain. Bucks get Bogut back (the last time they had a healthy Bogut, they were a threat to be the fifth seed) and the Pacers who already made the playoffs last year get David West in addition to competent guards. 76ers get a steal? Who knows, but that's the only possibility I see. The Nets aren't exactly in a position to dominate, either. Lopez just broke his foot and Okur is no game changer. Any other team is really stretching it.
(1) Dallas Mavericks
(2) Oklahoma City Thunder
(3) Los Angeles Lakers
(4) San Antonio Spurs
(5) Los Angeles Clippers
(6) Memphis Grizzlies
(7) Portland Trailblazers
(8) Houston Rockets
The West has definitely gotten weaker due to superstars migrating to the East. Let's not forget that some teams have apparently taken steps backward in terms of free agency. Dallas lost a major athletic defensive force, the Spurs still don't have a big to help Duncan on the front-line, and the Lakers got rid of their only decent offensive bench player. As far as I'm concerned, the only team to conceivably get way better than before is... Chris Paul's.
It's likely Dallas is going to remain the regular season champion. I feel they require less in this department mostly because they were the most active in free agency compared to the other powerhouses, so they can still manage last year's consistency at least (playoffs are a different story). After that, who knows how far Lakers can get even if they trade for Dwight. They still lack good outside shooters. Mike Brown is also the coach's curse.
The Clippers have the widest range, but I can't see them being top four just yet. Call me a skeptic. Three guys just got their knees fucked up years prior and the team in my opinion isn't comparable to the 07-08 Hornets. Maybe next year. Their ceiling is 3, but I'm going to aim them at the middle.
Denver's in a tough situation with almost half of their relevant guys overseas. They can of course sneak in the 7-8 area, but let's see what Houston's cooking with Dalembert.
Eastern Conference 2011-2012 Standings:
(1) Miami Heat
(2) Chicago Bulls
(3) Boston Celtics
(4) New York Knicks
(5) Orlando Magic
(6) Atlanta Hawks
(7) Indiana Pacers
(8) Milwaukee Bucks
The only thing I can be certain about are the division champs with a slight debate between Boston/New York. That all depends on how horrible Boston's collapse will be in Spring. I have no doubt in my mind that Boston will have a hot start as usual; but once those old legs get tired, however far ahead they are of New York will depend on whether they get the 3/4 champion seed or not. Besides, Boston has done nothing this free agency and they've lost plenty of depth behind the big three. I wouldn't be surprised how far they honestly fall from grace this time around even with a 66-game season. No center and lost depth from last year is a good recipe for stepping down.
Miami I feel maintained their core the best and improved in some areas. I guess I could see them getting worse, but for what they accomplished in their first year... I think they'll at least maintain the division title. Chicago could get it too, but I don't think Rip Hamilton is enough to secure that 1 seed again.
Meanwhile, Magic/Atlanta slowly dip into mediocrity. If Howard is traded, they'll fall even worse (or even straight out of the playoffs). The Magic didn't really do all too much but sign more shooters and traded for.. Big Baby. Expect more of the same. Atlanta lost Crawford but gained T-Mac. I have nothing to say to that one. The seeding says it all.
After that.. uh, I guess the only two improved teams in the East remain. Bucks get Bogut back (the last time they had a healthy Bogut, they were a threat to be the fifth seed) and the Pacers who already made the playoffs last year get David West in addition to competent guards. 76ers get a steal? Who knows, but that's the only possibility I see. The Nets aren't exactly in a position to dominate, either. Lopez just broke his foot and Okur is no game changer. Any other team is really stretching it.
