ESPN Season Predictions

[etbluffer]

This morning, ESPN.com released their season predictions for the Western Conference. Link is below and story as well. For the most part, all the writers seem to agree Lakers first, Spurs second; that is except for Spurs hater Hollinger!

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Spurs

Expert predictions: San Antonio Spurs


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ESPN.com

http://a.espncdn.com/media/motion/2009/1007/dm_091007_nba_spurspreview.jpg

Predicted Finish For San Antonio Spurs: 2009-10

ANALYST COMMENT PREDICTIONS http://espn.go.com/i/columnists/adande_j.a._m.jpg J.A. Adande, ESPN.com | Adande's picks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Adande)

Counting out the Spurs means counting out Duncan and Parker and Manu and Popovich ... and I can't count that high. Should be refreshed after a shorter-than-normal season plus a productive summer. Southwest: 1

West: 2

http://espn.go.com/i/columnists/barry_jon_m.jpg Jon Barry, ESPN | Barry's picks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Barry)

They are reloaded. As long as the big three of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are healthy, they'll be championship contenders. Richard Jefferson and Antonio McDyess will play big roles. Southwest: 1

West: 2

http://espn.go.com/i/columnists/broussard_chris_m.jpg Chris Broussard, ESPN Mag | Broussard's picks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Broussard)

Their biggest opponent is the injury bug, but if healthy, the Spurs could raise banner No. 5. Richard Jefferson was just what the doctor ordered (no pun intended), Antonio McDyess will provide much-needed aid up front, and DeJuan Blair could prove to be their latest draft-night steal. Southwest: 1

West: 2

http://espn.go.com/i/columnists/ford_chad_m.jpg Chad Ford, ESPN.com | Ford's picks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Ford)

The Spurs had the most productive summer of any team. They stole Jefferson in a trade and Blair in the draft. Last year's first-round pick, George Hill, continues to improve. And Parker, Ginobili and Duncan are all finally healthy. If they can avoid injuries, they can beat the Lakers. Southwest: 1

West: 2

http://espn.go.com/i/columnists/hill_jemele_m.jpg Jemele Hill, ESPN.com Page 2 | Hill's picks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Hill)

They get written off and then come back better than ever -- the unofficial Spurs mantra. But unlike past offseasons, the Spurs reloaded with impressive youth, adding RJ and stealing DeJuan Blair in the draft. And just for good measure, they brought in the steady 'Dyess. Southwest: 1

West: 2

http://espn.go.com/i/columnists/hollinger_john_m.jpg John Hollinger, ESPN.com | Hollinger's picks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Hollinger)

Decrepit supporting cast got needed upgrade with additions of Richard Jefferson, Antonio McDyess and second-round steal DeJuan Blair. But there'll be no fifth ring unless Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili regain their former mojo. Southwest: 1

West: 3

http://espn.go.com/i/columnists/rose_jalen_m.jpg Jalen Rose, ESPN | Rose's picks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Rose)

They are motivated and healthy; they added quality depth with Jefferson, McDyess and Blair; and Pop has his championship-caliber core back in TD, Parker and Manu. Southwest: 1

West: 2

http://espn.go.com/i/columnists/sheridan_chris_m.jpg Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com | Sheridan's picks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Sheridan)

Loved the McDyess and Jefferson deals, but this second-place pick only holds up as long as Ginobili's ankle does -- and I've seen Manu roll that ankle too many times since the 2002 worlds to think it won't happen again. Southwest: 1

West: 2

http://espn.go.com/i/columnists/stein_marc_m.jpg Marc Stein, ESPN.com | Stein's picks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Stein)

It all comes down to where Timmy and Manu stand healthwise in the playoffs, as always, but rest assured that if any other team in the Western Conference is in Kobe Bryant's thoughts at night, it's the reloaded Spurs. Southwest: 1

West: 2

http://espn.go.com/i/columnists/thorpe_david_m.jpg David Thorpe, ESPN.com | Thorpe's picks (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions0910-Thorpe)

Managing the health of this team is priority one, from the big three to rookie DeJuan Blair and his ACL-less knees. But this team is built for a long postseason run. It has needed some athletic energy off the bench for years, and George Hill will be a big factor here. Southeast: 1

West: 2


AVERAGE RANKING Southwest: 1.0 | Standings (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions-Standings0910#southwest) West: 2.1 | Standings (http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/preview2009/news/story?page=Predictions-Standings0910#west)

[Allanon]

6 out of 10 analysts mentioned Blair. The Blair Kool-Aid well is obviously very deep. I wonder if Pop is taking some sips too? :lol

[Danny.Zhu]

That's ok.

[Flux451]

Hollinger and his punch me in the face, face.

[RonnekMC]

Hollinger is such a bastard. :lol

[Interrohater]

wow,Thorpe thinks we'll win the southeast division as well. we're good.

[toki9]

Hollinger has the Blazers as #2 in the West, then the Spurs. Interesting.

[phxspurfan]

They're all playing it very safe and picking the Lakers.

[Shifty]

I like how Thorpe mentions the importance of George Hill. You can tell some people actually watch games when they mentions little things like that and not just say what everyone else already knows.

Out of all ESPN writers, the last 2, Stein and Thorpe are better.

[Phenomanul]

I like how Thorpe mentions the importance of George Hill. You can tell some people actually watch games when they mentions little things like that and not just say what everyone else already knows.

Out of all ESPN writers, the last 2, Stein and Thorpe are better.

+1

I was thinking the same thing. "someone mentioned GHill, must be that they actually followed the pre-season and Pop's newfound confidence in his game..."

[FromWayDowntown]

Egads! Hollinger picked the Spurs 3rd and not 2nd. That bastard!!

[narmerguy]

They're all playing it very safe and picking the Lakers.

Yeah. You'd think they dominated their way to the championship. They didn't. Nuggets should have broken them and Houston damn near did. Jazz were a joke and they had mismatch advantages against orlando.

[rjv]

hollinger actually predicted ∑ to win the championship this season.

[wildbill2u]

Wonder how far the Lakers will go if any of their stars (Kobe, Odom, etc) go down with injuries?

Health is always a crapshoot in such a physical game.

[narmerguy]

Wonder how far the Lakers will go if any of their stars (Kobe, Odom, etc) go down with injuries?

Health is always a crapshoot in such a physical game.

If Kobe goes that team is blasted. Who will they look to? Farmar? Vujabitch?

Out of curiosity, how were the Spurs being treated/ranked after the 2007 season?

[phxspurfan]

Wonder how far the Lakers will go if any of their stars (Kobe, Odom, etc) go down with injuries?

Health is always a crapshoot in such a physical game.

But their arguments about our big 3 are more legit than arguments about players who have very little injury history.

[Old School 44]

No surprise here. Unless something drastic happens to them over the summer, the incumbent always has a free pass to #1 ranking. Has any prior champion come into the next season not favored?

[Shifty]

But their arguments about our big 3 are more legit than arguments about players who have very little injury history.

Aren't they more due for an injury then? :lol

[Duncan2177]

Hollinger is a douchebag

[NFGIII]

I'd pick the lakers too since until they are beaten they are still the champs. And that team that is pretty much intact from last year's championship run. But if the Big 3 of SA are healthy then it will be very interesting come playoff time, especially with our new additons along with the maturing of Hill.

Way too early to predict anything and I think they know as well as most of us here. As stated already just one injury to a key player like Kobe and Duncan or Manu and those teams are in serious trouble making it all the way to the finals.

:flag:

[Allanon]

Aren't they more due for an injury then? :lol

The Lakers have been plagued by some injuries the last couple of years.

2007 - Odom separated shoulder, Radmanovic "skiing" accident, Chris Mihm ankle surgery
2008 - Kobe torn ligament in his shooting hand, Bynum busted knee stepping on Odom, Trevor Ariza broken foot
2009 - Bynum busted knee again when Kobe fell into him

The Lakers have been playing with 1, 2 and even 3 injured/missing starters over the last three seasons.

If anything, I think they're finally "due" for a healthy year :lol

[Shifty]

The Lakers have been plagued by some injuries the last couple of years.

2007 - Odom separated shoulder, Radmanovic "skiing" accident, Chris Mihm ankle surgery
2008 - Kobe torn ligament in his shooting hand, Bynum busted knee stepping on Odom, Trevor Ariza broken foot
2009 - Bynum busted knee again when Kobe fell into him

The Lakers have been playing with 1, 2 and even 3 injured/missing starters over the last two years.

If anything, I think they're due for a healthy year.

Don't get me wrong. I don't wish for injuries, Spurs nor anyone else. This seasons feels too interesting to be tarnished by injuries to important players that diminish great matchups.

[Agloco]

lol@Hollinger

[Allanon]

Don't get me wrong. I don't wish for injuries, Spurs nor anyone else. This seasons feels too interesting to be tarnished by injuries to important players that diminish great matchups.

I totally understand, Shifty. I'm just hoping for Lakers health this year as well. But as you said, in a dynamic sport like the NBA, anything can happen. The only thing we can do as as fans is just cross our fingers and hope that it doesn't. :lol

[timtonymanu]

wow,Thorpe thinks we'll win the southeast division as well. we're good.

with DeJuan Blair, anything is possible.

[phxspurfan]

The Lakers have been plagued by some injuries the last couple of years.

2007 - Odom separated shoulder, Radmanovic "skiing" accident, Chris Mihm ankle surgery
2008 - Kobe torn ligament in his shooting hand, Bynum busted knee stepping on Odom, Trevor Ariza broken foot
2009 - Bynum busted knee again when Kobe fell into him

The Lakers have been playing with 1, 2 and even 3 injured/missing starters over the last three seasons.

If anything, I think they're finally "due" for a healthy year :lol

Yeah but for some reason the Lakers kick ass without Bynum. It makes me wonder if they need him...


Bynum for Bonner, straight up. :lobt2:

[Shifty]

Yeah but for some reason the Lakers kick ass without Bynum. It makes me wonder if they need him...


Bynum for Bonner, straight up. :lobt2:
Hell no! At least Bonner plays!:rollin

[Whisky Dog]

Is it me or did everyone just take the same opinion and repackage using slightly different language? Does anyone at that network think for themselves??

[rjv]

Is it me or did everyone just take the same opinion and repackage using slightly different language? Does anyone at that network think for themselves??

hell no. they are too busy chasing after all the female interns over there.

[Shifty]

Is it me or did everyone just take the same opinion and repackage using slightly different language? Does anyone at that network think for themselves??

I always get the feeling they read each other too much and rarely look elsewhere. Once one of them posts an idea about something, the rest seem to take it as a given and base much of their opinions on them.

In their defense, you can't expect a lot of inside from a global perspective written in a small paragraph. They all end up saying pretty much the same because doing otherwise would need a longer explanation...or using their brains...:rolleyes

[phxspurfan]

hell no. they are too busy chasing after all the female interns over there.

I wouldn't be chasing the interns. I'd be all over Rachel Nichols.

[Mr. Body]

6 out of 10 analysts mentioned Blair. The Blair Kool-Aid well is obviously very deep. I wonder if Pop is taking some sips too? :lol

Hey lookit that. You mentioned him, too.

[spursncowboys]

They're all playing it very safe and picking the Lakers.
That is just groupspeak. Not one out of the box commentator. They act like they'll be held liable to go off the limb a little. Then again the Lakers won it all and got an All-Star in the off. LUck the Fakers!!

[Agloco]

6 out of 10 analysts mentioned Blair. The Blair Kool-Aid well is obviously very deep. I wonder if Pop is taking some sips too? :lol

If it were a Blair wine-cellar I'd be much more concerned.......

[TD 21]

Hollinger is a joke. Always trying to be different just for the sake of it, so he can look like a genius in the end in the event he's right. Last year it was with his desire to push the Jazz as the 2nd best team in the West and a serious title contender (how'd that work out for him?), this year clearly his modus operandi is to push the Spurs off as nothing more than an old, past-their-prime team not capable of competing with the league's elite. I have a good feeling he'll be going o-for-2. As an aside, his slobbering of the Lakers ad nauseam this off season is already sickening and the season hasn't even started.

[Allanon]

If it were a Blair wine-cellar I'd be much more concerned.......

We know Blair can play, how "successful" he is in terms of stats will depend on how many minutes Pop is willing to give him.

Pop better start drinking that Blair Merlot or else we'll be seeing alot of Red Rocket again this year. Save Dice (35) and Ratliff (36) for the Playoffs.

[spursfan1000]

Don't really care what these people say, Spurs will be #1 in West!

[Mr.Robinson]

I like how Thorpe mentions the importance of George Hill. You can tell some people actually watch games when they mentions little things like that and not just say what everyone else already knows.

Out of all ESPN writers, the last 2, Stein and Thorpe are better.

Stein knows his stuff.

[urunobili]

Thorpe with his usual man crush with George Hill... :lol none of the analyst picking us to win the west...