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| The Three Dipshits will win a ring this year |
1) Miami Heat
The Heat will come out this season with a chip on their shoulder and will dominate their competition all the way to an NBA title.
2) Chicago Bulls
The Bulls will be a good team in 2012 but they still are a shooting guard short of being a title team. Rip Hamilton is an upgrade but he doesn't put you over the top. It will be interesting to see how Carlos Boozer comes out after sucking last season.
3) New York Knicks
Tyson Chandler was a huge reason why the Mavericks won the NBA championship last year but how will he fit in D'Antoni's system? The Knicks look very good this season but still lack the depth to win a championship.
4) Boston Celtics
Another year older and in a season where the schedule is condensed, this won't help the Celtics at all. Wouldn't be surprised if they drop to the 5 spot.
5) Atlanta Hawks
Is Jeff Teague as good as he played in the playoffs last season? The Hawks still have a good team but giving Joe Johnson that ridiculous contract ensures they will never get over the top.
6) Indiana Pacers
If David West can stay healthy, the Pacers could be a good team in 2012. Remember, they could have easily upset the Bulls in the first round last playoffs. Will they build off this success?
7) Philadelphia 76ers
Not a top-heavy team but a very good defensive team with a lot of depth. Will Doug Collins lead the Sixers to another playoffs?
8) New Jersey Nets
If they get Dwight Howard at the trade deadline, they'll probably move up to the 5 or 6 seed and could be potential playoff spoilers.
West:
1) Dallas Mavericks
Lost Tyson Chandler but added Lamar Odom. I don't think they're good enough to repeat but they have the best bench in the NBA.
2) Oklahoma City Thunder
I fully expect the Thunder to grow up and reach the Finals in a winnable West this season.
3) Los Angeles Lakers
Unless they get Dwight Howard before the trade deadline, the Lakers will fall short of the Finals again. Trading away Lamar Odom for nothing? Yeah brilliant.
4) Los Angeles Clippers
Need to fire Vinny Del Negro but right now they're the most exciting team in the NBA. Can't wait for their bandwagon to fill up.
5) Memphis Grizzlies
Last year's Cinderella team brings back Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph and has the size that can beat anyone in the West. They'll be a dangerous team in the playoffs again.
6) San Antonio Spurs
Like the Celtics, they're too old for this condensed schedule so expect this to influence their seed. Still a dangerous team in the playoffs despite age.
7) Portland Trail Blazers
Loved the addition of Gerald Wallace at the deadline in February but too many key injuries to climb the ladder in the West.
8) Golden State Warriors
Could see the Phoenix Suns in this spot as well but I think the Warriors have enough to get back in the playoffs.
Playoffs:
Eastern Conference Finals: Miami Heat defeat Chicago Bulls in 6
Western Conference Finals: Oklahoma City Thunder defeat Los Angeles Lakers in 5
NBA Finals:
Miami Heat defeat Oklahoma City Thunder in 6
Awards
MVP:
Kevin Durant
The Derrick Rose hype is gone and he's expected to do good this season and will be good, Dwight Howard will probably be changing teams halfway through the year so I think this eliminates him, LeBron James is still sharing the load with Dwyane Wade and unless they have a historic season, this will eliminate him. I think it's time for Kevin Durant to get this much-deserved award.
Rookie of the Year:
Derrick Williams
I see Kyrie Irving struggling in his first year in Cleveland while Derrick Williams is pretty much as NBA ready as they get. I don't think Derrick Williams is that great but he's going to give you the exciting plays like Blake Griffin which will attract attention and quite frankly, this is a pretty weak rookie class compared to year's past.
Coach of the Year Candidates:
Lionel Hollins
Tom Thibodeau
Doug Collins
Mike D'Antoni
