With the insane amount of player movement in the offseason, this is one of the most intriguing seasons ever! There are 8 teams with legitimate title hopes. Fans in LA, Boston, Orlando, Dallas, Chicago and San Antonio all have a lot to be excited about; and theres some rumors about something going on with Miami too. Melo looks like he won't be in Denver much longer (it's looking like he's gonna be a Knick) and CP3 may be next on the trade block.This all makes 2010-11 a season to remember. For now, I'll break it all down for you...
Western Conference
1) LA Lakers 60-22. The defending champs go back to work with an injured center and a not fully healed superstar, yet will STILL be the overwhelming favorites out West. After 3 straight Finals trips and back to back titles against two of the East's elite, The Purple and Gold are rightfully looking down at a weakened conference, and smiling.
2) Dallas Mavericks 56-26. Dallas brought back the best player in their franchise's history this summer, and with Dirk teaming with Kidd, Caron Butler, Jet Terry, Brendan Haywood, Shawn Marion and Roddy Beaubois, the Mavs are still among the NBA's elite, though a trade for a post presence to compliment Dirk will make them more feared.
3) San Antonio Spurs 54-28. The Spurs finally had their age catch up with them last season. Facing injury after injury, they just couldnt reach their usual lofty expectations. Look for the roster, infused with young talent the past couple of years to bounce back, and be what they always are, the team no one wants to see in the playoffs. Timmy has one great year left in him.
4) Oklahoma City Thunder 54-28. Its a well known fact that Kevin Durant is every basketball fan's 2nd favorite player (behind their team hero). The kid says and does the right things, and has already become one of the game's best scorer's. With continued improvement from Russ Westbrook, Jeff Green and sleeper Serge Ibaka, the young Thunder are a team quickly rising toward the league's elite, though I disagree that they're contenders this year. Without a legitimate post-up player, it looks like the Thunder will have to wait until 2011-12 to make the final leap.
5) Utah Jazz 53-29. The Jazz lost a star in Carlos Boozer, but have done reasonably well in getting Al Jefferson to fill his shoes. This is Deron Williams' team, and the star point guard has enough talent around him to be a threat to the three teams above, but the Jazz can't seem to match up with the Lakers. Should they face LA in the second round, expect the same result as years past.
6) Portland Trail Blazers 51-31. The Blazers are what they have been every year for the past few, a very talented young team who cant stay healthy. Is THIS the year Greg Oden plays 65 games? Probably not since he's already projected to miss November, but if Brandon Roy can play in 75 games, they will be infinitely better. Nicholas Batum should also make the leap this year and become a more offensively-potent Trevor Ariza.
7) Houston Rockets 50-32. Yao Ming is back, YAAAAY!(sarcasm) The big man is back but only going to play about 24 minutes a game. They have a solid core in Scola, Brooks and Kevin Martin, but it's all on Yao who will make yet another undeserved All Star game start this season. If he can catch up by the playoffs, Houston can give teams fits in the playoffs, but if you're betting with history, you're betting on an injured Yao.
8) New Orleans Hornets 48-34. Okay, so last year, everyone forgot exactly how incredible Chris Paul really is. He is the game's premier point guard and undoubtedly one of the 6 or 7 best players in the world. He can will the Hornets into the final playoff spot, and at WORST increase his trade value so the Hornets don't lose him for nothing. Watch out for CP3 this year, I'm serious.
9) Phoenix Suns 46-36. Too many perimeter players and no bigs to replace the loss of Amare. Turk will be rejuvenated running screen-rolls with Nash but this team doesn't have the magic this year. Too many role players, too many shooters, nothing inside. It's a shame we never got to see Nash with another top 10 player in Phoenix.
10) Memphis Grizzlies 44-38. If the Grizz were in the East, they'd have a legitimate playoff shot, but out West it's too deep. Between Rudy Gay, OJ Mayo and Marc Gasol, this is still a team on the rise, but it looks like theyre gonna have to wait for some of the older teams to fall back to the pack.
11) LA Clippers 38-44. This is actually an improvement for the Clippers! They have GREAT studs in Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon, and Baron and Kaman can do work if their minds are right, but the West is too deep and too tough for them to make a splash this season. Give Blake another year to get in the swing of it.
12) Golden State Warriors 35-47. This is actually also a big improvement for the Warriors who now have a legitimate franchise face in Stephen Curry, and great players to flank him in Monta Ellis and David Lee. Unfortunately, as I keep saying, the West is too deep, and the Warriors have a new system to learn, and new players to integrate. Give them 2 years and they will be a good squad.
13) Denver Nuggets 31-51. I'm obviously a believer that they will trade Melo sooner rather than later, and a team of Chauncey (who's next out the door), Gallo, Anthony Randolph and Nene won't hold up to the West's elite. I will also say however, if they DO decide to keep Melo all season, they are probably a playoff team. but I'm betting they won't risk it.
14) Sacramento Kings 28-54. It might not seem like it right now, but this Kings team is setting itself up to be a force with a couple more good drafts. They got a top 2 player in each of the last 2 drafts with a #4 and a #5 pick. I'm a big fan of Evans and Cousins, and with another top 5 pick or two, the Kings will be back among the NBA's elite.
15) Minnesota Timberwolves 17-65. It may be cliche but... KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN! Seriously, this is an awful team and they may be even worse than this. Kevin Love deserves better. Also, did you know that if Ricky Rubio stays in Spain for a 3rd season instead of just two, he can become an UNRESTRICTED free agent after just ONE season with the T-Wolves. Here's betting that's the route Ricky takes.
East
1) Miami Heat 60-22. I've been saying for awhile that Karma tends to kill stars trying to make a superteam. It happened to T-Mac and Hill in Orlando, these things need to come together organically, not on live television with a man backstabbing the state he grew up in. All this aside, LeBron is going to play at an MVP Level, and the Heat are going to finish with the East's best record, beyond that it's anybody's guess.
2) Orlando Magic 57-25. Can Dwight Howard become the offensive force he's capable of becoming? One would assume that's the only way the Magic can take that next step and overcome the other elite teams in the league. This season will also be a farewell tour of sorts for Vince Carter's career. His contract is up after the season, and it seems like the Vinsanity is over, sorry buddy.
3) Boston Celtics 55-27. The Celtics are the deepest, biggest team in the NBA. If Shaq can be solid for them, Jermaine can stay healthy and Perkins can come back strong for the playoffs, there's no telling how good this team can be. Rajon Rondo is one of the league's top 4 point guards and Pierce, KG and Ray-Ray are still going to be factors in Mr. Rondo's neighborhood. God I hate this team.
4) Chicago Bulls 52-30. The Bulls added Boozer and re-upped Noah, that in and of itself is a strong summer. They also added some very good role-players to go to war with Derrick Rose, who is the real key here. This will be Rose's 3rd season, typically a make or break year for prospects. Rose is already an All Star, but he's capable of so much more. Will he become a legitimate superstar? This will be the year he shows us all.
5) Atlanta Hawks 47-35. The Hawks are a team moving sideways. They terribly overpaid Joe Johnson, instantly making him the worst contract in the NBA, but they have gold with Al Horford and Josh Smith. They seem to be a team destined for first and second round upsets, because Joe Johnson is NOT a superstar.
6) New York Knicks 45-37. This is assuming Melo becomes a Knick. I think it's gonna happen, but maybe not right away. The Knicks should be a playoff team this year with or without Melo, but they aren't going to make much noise in year 1. The true test will be seeing how they handle next offseason with 2 max money players on a shallow roster.
7) Milwaukee Bucks 44-38. Fear The Deer. The Bucks are a talented, deep team, but I'm too worried about Andrew Bogut's arm to put them any higher. They have a very high ceiling but a very low floor as well, depending on how fast Bogut can re-establish his elite big status. Jennings, Salmons and Maggette will be able to fill it up, but Bogut is the gear keeping the defense moving. Without him, they fail.
8) Charlotte Bobcats 42-40. They're a boring team aside from Captain Jack and the electric Gerald Wallace. They almost make the playoffs by default because all of the East's non playoff teams are horrendous. But hey, Michael Jordan is the owner, so everyone has to pretend to care or he'll write you into his next Hall of Fame speech (oh wait, he's been notified even HE only gets one? Damn, I was expecting great things).
9) Indiana Pacers 34-48. The Addition of Darren Collison will be huge for Danny Granger, Roy Hibbert and company, but the Pacers are far from a good team
10) Washington Wizards 29-53. The Wiz got John Wall and it's all getting better already. Wall looks to be a stud almost immediately and is already making the Wizards his team. It leads to be seen what Washington can get for Gilbert Arenas, but anything that gets him on to another team without getting back bad contracts is a huge boon. With another lottery pick, the Wiz could be playoff bound next season.
11) Philadelphia 76ers 26-56. The Sixers had the second pick in the draft, but went with the wrong guy. Evan Turner is already in coach Doug Collins' doghouse and looks like a shell of the stud that led Ohio State in everything last season. I think he'll be better than he looks, but it's not gonna be as sudden as everyone initially thought.
12) New Jersey Nets 25-57. The Nets will be improved, but Favors is a couple of years away from making any real impact. They are still in the hunt for Melo, but it seems like that door too, is closing for the Jersey Boys. They're Lottery bound for another year or two.
13) Detroit Pistons 23-59. The Pistons will be in full-on rebuild mode this year, and it likely means the team's 3 stalwarts from the title team (Prince, Rip and Big Ben) will all be traded. Greg Monroe has great potential, but beyond him this team is full of bad contracts. The Ben Gordon-Charlie Villanueva spending spree is as bad as it looks.
14) Cleveland Cavaliers 21-61. I feel horrible for Clevelanders. They got stabbed in the back and left with an awful, overpaid, old team. Luckily, David Stern is already at work rigging the 2011 Draft Lottery to get them Harrison Barnes and make the Cavs matter again. He owes them that.
15) Toronto Raptors 18-64. Truly a horrific, meaningless NBA team.
Playoffs
(1) Lakers over (8) Hornets in 5 games.
(4) Thunder over (5) Jazz in 7 games.
(2) Mavericks over (7) Rockets in 6 games.
(3) Spurs over (6) Trail Blazers in 7 games.
(1) Heat over (8) Bobcats in 4 games.
(4) Bulls over (5) Hawks in 6 games.
(2) Magic over (7) Bucks in 6 games.
(3) Celtics over (6) Knicks in 6 games.
(1) Lakers over (4) Thunder in 6 games.
(2) Mavericks over (3) Spurs in 7 games.
(1) Heat over (4) Bulls in 6 games.
(3) Celtics over (2) Magic in 6 games.
(1) Lakers over (2) Mavericks in 6 games.
(1) Heat over (3) Celtics in 7 games.
NBA Champions: LA Lakers over Miami Heat in 7 games.
MVP - Kevin Durant. It's his time and the media loves him. Kobe, LeBron and Chris Paul round out the top 4 in voting.
Rookie of the Year - DeMarcus Cousins. He's gonna get the minutes and he has the talent. I expect 16 pts. 9 rebs and a block per game.
Defensive Player of the Year - Dwight Howard. It's his for awhile.
Coach of the Year - Phil Jackson. He's due one sometime. He'll earn it for managing the minutes and injuries in LA.
Most Improved Player - Nicholas Batum. He becomes a top role player this season en route to eventual #2 guy.
Sixth Man of the Year - Jamal Crawford. Because Lamar Odom will start too many games to qualify.
All-NBA First Team
C - Dwight Howard
F - Kevin Durant
F - LeBron James
G - Kobe Bryant
G - Chris Paul
All-NBA Second Team
C - Pau Gasol (he'll play there enough to qualify)
F - Carmelo Anthony
F - Dirk Nowitzki
G - Dwyane Wade
G - Deron Williams
All-NBA Third Team
C - Tim Duncan (will also play there enough to qualify)
F - Chris Bosh
F - Carlos Boozer
G - Steve Nash
G - Rajon Rondo
All-NBA 1st Team Defense
C - Dwight Howard
F - Josh Smith
F - Gerald Wallace
G - Kobe Bryant
G - Rajon Rondo
All-NBA 2nd Team Defense
C - Andrew Bogut
F - LeBron James
F - Ron Artest
G - Dwyane Wade
G - Chris Paul
All Rookie 1st Team
C - Greg Monroe
C-F - DeMarcus Cousins
F - Blake Griffin
F-G - Wes Johnson
G - John Wall
Deserved All-Star Teams (ignoring the China vote)
West
Starters
C - Pau Gasol
F - Dirk Nowitzki
F - Kevin Durant
G - Kobe Bryant
G - Chris Paul
Bench
C - David Lee
F - Tim Duncan
F - Rudy Gay
G - Tyreke Evans
G - Brandon Roy
G - Steve Nash
G - Deron Williams
East
Starters
C - Dwight Howard
F - Carmelo Anthony
F - LeBron James
G - Dwyane Wade
G - Rajon Rondo
Bench
C - Al Horford
F - Chris Bosh
F - Carlos Boozer
F - Amare Stoudemire
F - Gerald Wallace
G-F - Paul Pierce
G - Derrick Rose
And finally, something I did last year... the NBA's top 40 players from #1 to #40
1) Kobe Bryant
2) LeBron James
3) Kevin Durant
4) Dwight Howard
5) Dwyane Wade
6) Chris Paul
7) Deron Williams
8) Pau Gasol
9) Dirk Nowitzki
10) Carmelo Anthony
11) Rajon Rondo
12) Steve Nash
13) Tim Duncan
14) Brandon Roy
15) Chris Bosh
16) Amare Stoudemire
17) Paul Pierce
18) Carlos Boozer
19) Derrick Rose
20) Tyreke Evans
21) Rudy Gay
22) Gerald Wallace
23) Stephen Curry
24) Al Horford
25) Manu Ginobili
26) Joe Johnson
27) Danny Granger
28) Jason Kidd
29) Josh Smith
30) Chauncey Billups
31) Andrew Bogut
32) Brook Lopez
33) Joakim Noah
34) Kevin Love
35) Russell Westbrook
36) Lamar Odom
37) David Lee
38) David West
39) Andrew Bynum
40) Yao Ming
Here's to another great NBA season!
Western Conference
1) LA Lakers 60-22. The defending champs go back to work with an injured center and a not fully healed superstar, yet will STILL be the overwhelming favorites out West. After 3 straight Finals trips and back to back titles against two of the East's elite, The Purple and Gold are rightfully looking down at a weakened conference, and smiling.
2) Dallas Mavericks 56-26. Dallas brought back the best player in their franchise's history this summer, and with Dirk teaming with Kidd, Caron Butler, Jet Terry, Brendan Haywood, Shawn Marion and Roddy Beaubois, the Mavs are still among the NBA's elite, though a trade for a post presence to compliment Dirk will make them more feared.
3) San Antonio Spurs 54-28. The Spurs finally had their age catch up with them last season. Facing injury after injury, they just couldnt reach their usual lofty expectations. Look for the roster, infused with young talent the past couple of years to bounce back, and be what they always are, the team no one wants to see in the playoffs. Timmy has one great year left in him.
4) Oklahoma City Thunder 54-28. Its a well known fact that Kevin Durant is every basketball fan's 2nd favorite player (behind their team hero). The kid says and does the right things, and has already become one of the game's best scorer's. With continued improvement from Russ Westbrook, Jeff Green and sleeper Serge Ibaka, the young Thunder are a team quickly rising toward the league's elite, though I disagree that they're contenders this year. Without a legitimate post-up player, it looks like the Thunder will have to wait until 2011-12 to make the final leap.
5) Utah Jazz 53-29. The Jazz lost a star in Carlos Boozer, but have done reasonably well in getting Al Jefferson to fill his shoes. This is Deron Williams' team, and the star point guard has enough talent around him to be a threat to the three teams above, but the Jazz can't seem to match up with the Lakers. Should they face LA in the second round, expect the same result as years past.
6) Portland Trail Blazers 51-31. The Blazers are what they have been every year for the past few, a very talented young team who cant stay healthy. Is THIS the year Greg Oden plays 65 games? Probably not since he's already projected to miss November, but if Brandon Roy can play in 75 games, they will be infinitely better. Nicholas Batum should also make the leap this year and become a more offensively-potent Trevor Ariza.
7) Houston Rockets 50-32. Yao Ming is back, YAAAAY!(sarcasm) The big man is back but only going to play about 24 minutes a game. They have a solid core in Scola, Brooks and Kevin Martin, but it's all on Yao who will make yet another undeserved All Star game start this season. If he can catch up by the playoffs, Houston can give teams fits in the playoffs, but if you're betting with history, you're betting on an injured Yao.
8) New Orleans Hornets 48-34. Okay, so last year, everyone forgot exactly how incredible Chris Paul really is. He is the game's premier point guard and undoubtedly one of the 6 or 7 best players in the world. He can will the Hornets into the final playoff spot, and at WORST increase his trade value so the Hornets don't lose him for nothing. Watch out for CP3 this year, I'm serious.
9) Phoenix Suns 46-36. Too many perimeter players and no bigs to replace the loss of Amare. Turk will be rejuvenated running screen-rolls with Nash but this team doesn't have the magic this year. Too many role players, too many shooters, nothing inside. It's a shame we never got to see Nash with another top 10 player in Phoenix.
10) Memphis Grizzlies 44-38. If the Grizz were in the East, they'd have a legitimate playoff shot, but out West it's too deep. Between Rudy Gay, OJ Mayo and Marc Gasol, this is still a team on the rise, but it looks like theyre gonna have to wait for some of the older teams to fall back to the pack.
11) LA Clippers 38-44. This is actually an improvement for the Clippers! They have GREAT studs in Blake Griffin and Eric Gordon, and Baron and Kaman can do work if their minds are right, but the West is too deep and too tough for them to make a splash this season. Give Blake another year to get in the swing of it.
12) Golden State Warriors 35-47. This is actually also a big improvement for the Warriors who now have a legitimate franchise face in Stephen Curry, and great players to flank him in Monta Ellis and David Lee. Unfortunately, as I keep saying, the West is too deep, and the Warriors have a new system to learn, and new players to integrate. Give them 2 years and they will be a good squad.
13) Denver Nuggets 31-51. I'm obviously a believer that they will trade Melo sooner rather than later, and a team of Chauncey (who's next out the door), Gallo, Anthony Randolph and Nene won't hold up to the West's elite. I will also say however, if they DO decide to keep Melo all season, they are probably a playoff team. but I'm betting they won't risk it.
14) Sacramento Kings 28-54. It might not seem like it right now, but this Kings team is setting itself up to be a force with a couple more good drafts. They got a top 2 player in each of the last 2 drafts with a #4 and a #5 pick. I'm a big fan of Evans and Cousins, and with another top 5 pick or two, the Kings will be back among the NBA's elite.
15) Minnesota Timberwolves 17-65. It may be cliche but... KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN! Seriously, this is an awful team and they may be even worse than this. Kevin Love deserves better. Also, did you know that if Ricky Rubio stays in Spain for a 3rd season instead of just two, he can become an UNRESTRICTED free agent after just ONE season with the T-Wolves. Here's betting that's the route Ricky takes.
East
1) Miami Heat 60-22. I've been saying for awhile that Karma tends to kill stars trying to make a superteam. It happened to T-Mac and Hill in Orlando, these things need to come together organically, not on live television with a man backstabbing the state he grew up in. All this aside, LeBron is going to play at an MVP Level, and the Heat are going to finish with the East's best record, beyond that it's anybody's guess.
2) Orlando Magic 57-25. Can Dwight Howard become the offensive force he's capable of becoming? One would assume that's the only way the Magic can take that next step and overcome the other elite teams in the league. This season will also be a farewell tour of sorts for Vince Carter's career. His contract is up after the season, and it seems like the Vinsanity is over, sorry buddy.
3) Boston Celtics 55-27. The Celtics are the deepest, biggest team in the NBA. If Shaq can be solid for them, Jermaine can stay healthy and Perkins can come back strong for the playoffs, there's no telling how good this team can be. Rajon Rondo is one of the league's top 4 point guards and Pierce, KG and Ray-Ray are still going to be factors in Mr. Rondo's neighborhood. God I hate this team.
4) Chicago Bulls 52-30. The Bulls added Boozer and re-upped Noah, that in and of itself is a strong summer. They also added some very good role-players to go to war with Derrick Rose, who is the real key here. This will be Rose's 3rd season, typically a make or break year for prospects. Rose is already an All Star, but he's capable of so much more. Will he become a legitimate superstar? This will be the year he shows us all.
5) Atlanta Hawks 47-35. The Hawks are a team moving sideways. They terribly overpaid Joe Johnson, instantly making him the worst contract in the NBA, but they have gold with Al Horford and Josh Smith. They seem to be a team destined for first and second round upsets, because Joe Johnson is NOT a superstar.
6) New York Knicks 45-37. This is assuming Melo becomes a Knick. I think it's gonna happen, but maybe not right away. The Knicks should be a playoff team this year with or without Melo, but they aren't going to make much noise in year 1. The true test will be seeing how they handle next offseason with 2 max money players on a shallow roster.
7) Milwaukee Bucks 44-38. Fear The Deer. The Bucks are a talented, deep team, but I'm too worried about Andrew Bogut's arm to put them any higher. They have a very high ceiling but a very low floor as well, depending on how fast Bogut can re-establish his elite big status. Jennings, Salmons and Maggette will be able to fill it up, but Bogut is the gear keeping the defense moving. Without him, they fail.
8) Charlotte Bobcats 42-40. They're a boring team aside from Captain Jack and the electric Gerald Wallace. They almost make the playoffs by default because all of the East's non playoff teams are horrendous. But hey, Michael Jordan is the owner, so everyone has to pretend to care or he'll write you into his next Hall of Fame speech (oh wait, he's been notified even HE only gets one? Damn, I was expecting great things).
9) Indiana Pacers 34-48. The Addition of Darren Collison will be huge for Danny Granger, Roy Hibbert and company, but the Pacers are far from a good team
10) Washington Wizards 29-53. The Wiz got John Wall and it's all getting better already. Wall looks to be a stud almost immediately and is already making the Wizards his team. It leads to be seen what Washington can get for Gilbert Arenas, but anything that gets him on to another team without getting back bad contracts is a huge boon. With another lottery pick, the Wiz could be playoff bound next season.
11) Philadelphia 76ers 26-56. The Sixers had the second pick in the draft, but went with the wrong guy. Evan Turner is already in coach Doug Collins' doghouse and looks like a shell of the stud that led Ohio State in everything last season. I think he'll be better than he looks, but it's not gonna be as sudden as everyone initially thought.
12) New Jersey Nets 25-57. The Nets will be improved, but Favors is a couple of years away from making any real impact. They are still in the hunt for Melo, but it seems like that door too, is closing for the Jersey Boys. They're Lottery bound for another year or two.
13) Detroit Pistons 23-59. The Pistons will be in full-on rebuild mode this year, and it likely means the team's 3 stalwarts from the title team (Prince, Rip and Big Ben) will all be traded. Greg Monroe has great potential, but beyond him this team is full of bad contracts. The Ben Gordon-Charlie Villanueva spending spree is as bad as it looks.
14) Cleveland Cavaliers 21-61. I feel horrible for Clevelanders. They got stabbed in the back and left with an awful, overpaid, old team. Luckily, David Stern is already at work rigging the 2011 Draft Lottery to get them Harrison Barnes and make the Cavs matter again. He owes them that.
15) Toronto Raptors 18-64. Truly a horrific, meaningless NBA team.
Playoffs
(1) Lakers over (8) Hornets in 5 games.
(4) Thunder over (5) Jazz in 7 games.
(2) Mavericks over (7) Rockets in 6 games.
(3) Spurs over (6) Trail Blazers in 7 games.
(1) Heat over (8) Bobcats in 4 games.
(4) Bulls over (5) Hawks in 6 games.
(2) Magic over (7) Bucks in 6 games.
(3) Celtics over (6) Knicks in 6 games.
(1) Lakers over (4) Thunder in 6 games.
(2) Mavericks over (3) Spurs in 7 games.
(1) Heat over (4) Bulls in 6 games.
(3) Celtics over (2) Magic in 6 games.
(1) Lakers over (2) Mavericks in 6 games.
(1) Heat over (3) Celtics in 7 games.
NBA Champions: LA Lakers over Miami Heat in 7 games.
MVP - Kevin Durant. It's his time and the media loves him. Kobe, LeBron and Chris Paul round out the top 4 in voting.
Rookie of the Year - DeMarcus Cousins. He's gonna get the minutes and he has the talent. I expect 16 pts. 9 rebs and a block per game.
Defensive Player of the Year - Dwight Howard. It's his for awhile.
Coach of the Year - Phil Jackson. He's due one sometime. He'll earn it for managing the minutes and injuries in LA.
Most Improved Player - Nicholas Batum. He becomes a top role player this season en route to eventual #2 guy.
Sixth Man of the Year - Jamal Crawford. Because Lamar Odom will start too many games to qualify.
All-NBA First Team
C - Dwight Howard
F - Kevin Durant
F - LeBron James
G - Kobe Bryant
G - Chris Paul
All-NBA Second Team
C - Pau Gasol (he'll play there enough to qualify)
F - Carmelo Anthony
F - Dirk Nowitzki
G - Dwyane Wade
G - Deron Williams
All-NBA Third Team
C - Tim Duncan (will also play there enough to qualify)
F - Chris Bosh
F - Carlos Boozer
G - Steve Nash
G - Rajon Rondo
All-NBA 1st Team Defense
C - Dwight Howard
F - Josh Smith
F - Gerald Wallace
G - Kobe Bryant
G - Rajon Rondo
All-NBA 2nd Team Defense
C - Andrew Bogut
F - LeBron James
F - Ron Artest
G - Dwyane Wade
G - Chris Paul
All Rookie 1st Team
C - Greg Monroe
C-F - DeMarcus Cousins
F - Blake Griffin
F-G - Wes Johnson
G - John Wall
Deserved All-Star Teams (ignoring the China vote)
West
Starters
C - Pau Gasol
F - Dirk Nowitzki
F - Kevin Durant
G - Kobe Bryant
G - Chris Paul
Bench
C - David Lee
F - Tim Duncan
F - Rudy Gay
G - Tyreke Evans
G - Brandon Roy
G - Steve Nash
G - Deron Williams
East
Starters
C - Dwight Howard
F - Carmelo Anthony
F - LeBron James
G - Dwyane Wade
G - Rajon Rondo
Bench
C - Al Horford
F - Chris Bosh
F - Carlos Boozer
F - Amare Stoudemire
F - Gerald Wallace
G-F - Paul Pierce
G - Derrick Rose
And finally, something I did last year... the NBA's top 40 players from #1 to #40
1) Kobe Bryant
2) LeBron James
3) Kevin Durant
4) Dwight Howard
5) Dwyane Wade
6) Chris Paul
7) Deron Williams
8) Pau Gasol
9) Dirk Nowitzki
10) Carmelo Anthony
11) Rajon Rondo
12) Steve Nash
13) Tim Duncan
14) Brandon Roy
15) Chris Bosh
16) Amare Stoudemire
17) Paul Pierce
18) Carlos Boozer
19) Derrick Rose
20) Tyreke Evans
21) Rudy Gay
22) Gerald Wallace
23) Stephen Curry
24) Al Horford
25) Manu Ginobili
26) Joe Johnson
27) Danny Granger
28) Jason Kidd
29) Josh Smith
30) Chauncey Billups
31) Andrew Bogut
32) Brook Lopez
33) Joakim Noah
34) Kevin Love
35) Russell Westbrook
36) Lamar Odom
37) David Lee
38) David West
39) Andrew Bynum
40) Yao Ming
Here's to another great NBA season!
