KoriEllis
09-08-2004, 05:47 AM
Season Preview: Eastern Conference
LAST UPDATE: 9/6/2004 12:09:31 AM
www.woai.com/spurs/story....403B5EC06A (http://www.woai.com/spurs/story.aspx?content_id=D8362E29-8C00-4AA0-B88F-14403B5EC06A)
By Kori Ellis
SpursZONE.com
With the NBA season quickly approaching, let's breakdown the offseason moves of each team and how the changes will affect their success.
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics
This summer Danny Ainge traded Chucky Atkins, Chris Mihm and Jumaine Jones to the Lakers for Gary Payton and Rick Fox. Obviously the move was just for salary cap reasons, as Fox is expected to retire. Who knows what impact Payton will have at all, as he has threatened not to report to camp. At some point, Ainge needs to make some moves that actually improve this team. New head coach Doc Rivers has a daunting task ahead of him this season with a trio of rookies and not much else outside Paul Pierce.
New Jersey Nets
This summer somehow the Nets managed to go from conference champions to destined for the cellar. New Jersey lost Kenyon Martin, Kerry Kittles and Rodney Rogers this offseason and didn't get much in return. Jason Kidd's knee is a huge question mark with conflicting reports as to when he will be able to return to action. But Jason or no Jason, this team is going nowhere.
New York Knicks
The Knicks acquired a player they coveted in Jamal Crawford and added Jerome Williams for depth, while getting rid of Dikembe Mutombo and three other non-impact players. Crawford will be a big plus, playing along side of Stephon Marbury. New York re-signed free agent Vin Baker, believing (or hoping) that Baker will return to form.
Philadelphia 76ers
With Eric Snow now a member of the Cavs, the 76ers have handed the reins to Allen Iverson to lead the offense. Iverson, who spent his summer pursuing Olympic glory, has matured considerably and might finally be ready to be a team leader. The addition of Brian Skinner should give the team a rebounding and defensive force they've lacked in recent years.
Toronto Raptors
Rookie head coach Sam Mitchell and new GM Rob Babcock team up in Toronto to get this organization turned around. But rumors have been flying all summer that franchise player Vince Carter wants out and the Raptors haven't done much to build around him. Toronto signed Rafer Alston and retained Morris Peterson, but they are still a few players away from contending for anything. Second year player Chris Bosh could make a big difference if he stays healthy.
Central Division
Chicago Bulls
With the additions of rookies Ben Gordon and Luol Deng, the Bulls have a nice, young core to build upon. Central to their rebuilding process could be the development of Eddy Curry. Under new guidance, Curry has shed weight and has started to show the work ethic necessary to star in this league. Though this squad is not ready to contend this season, they are beginning to take shape for the future.
Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James with a year under his belt will be a scary sight for the rest of the teams in the NBA. As good as he was last year, he'll be even better this season. The controversial loss of Carlos Boozer to free agency will hurt the team, but James growth as a team leader might be enough to push the Cavaliers into the playoffs. Cavaliers' brass hopes the acquisition of Drew Gooden will be enough for fans to forget about the Boozer fiasco.
Detroit Pistons
The NBA Champions will get a chance to go back-to-back this upcoming season. Although they lost Mehmet Okur in free agency, they gained some useful bigmen in Antonio McDyess and Derrick Coleman. Re-signing Rasheed Wallace was the team's offseason priority, and they were able to accomplish that. Rookie Carlos Delfino will be an added bonus to this already stacked squad.
Indiana Pacers
By bringing back a similar roster to last year, the Pacers hope that they can build upon what they accomplished. The main alteration to their lineup involved trading Al Harrington to the Hawks for Stephen Jackson. Jackson will give the Pacers a clutch shooter who isn't afraid to let it all hang out in tense situations. Rumors keep resurfacing about the possible trade of Ron Artest, but so far he's still in a Pacers uniform.
Milwaukee Bucks
A big question mark is the status of point guard T.J. Ford. If Ford can return to the court and lead the Bucks' offense with his playmaking ability, the team can once again contend for a playoff spot. If his spinal injury prevents him from returning to the lineup, the Bucks will struggle to initiate their offense. The loss of Brian Skinner to free agency may also have more of an impact than expected.
Southeast Division
Atlanta Hawks
With the additions of Antoine Walker and Al Harrington, the Hawks have two very capable scorers. Rookie Josh Childress looks like he will be a solid player in the league, while rookies Josh Smith and Donta Smith are superb athletes who have potential to be NBA scorers. The future is brighter in Atlanta than it has been in a while.
Charlotte Bobcats
While the Bobcats will struggle like virtually all expansion franchises in sports, they have some nice talent assembled. Getting Emeka Okafor in the draft with the second pick was regarded as a coup by some and should provide an immediate inside presense. Jason Kapono shined in the summer leagues and could be the team's first option on offense.
Miami Heat
Shaquille O'Neal. The Big Transaction was the big news this summer. With the addition of the best center in the league, the Heat automatically become a championship contender. Dwyane Wade will play the role of Kobe Bryant and will need to score from the perimeter to keep the pressure off Shaq. If Wade blossoms into a superstar, the Heat might be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
Orlando Magic
The Magic weren't afraid to make bold moves this summer. With the number one overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft, Orlando selected high schooler Dwight Howard over Emeka Okafor. Tracy McGrady wanted out and GM John Weisbrod granted his wish, dealing McGrady to Houston in exchange for Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato. The Magic also acquired Tony Battie from Cleveland and picked up free agents Hedo Turkoglu, Stacey Augmon and Michael Bradley. Grant Hill is still trying to return, but the Magic have made steps toward solidifying their future without him.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards dealt Christian Laettner, Jerry Stackhouse and a pick to Dallas for Antawn Jamison, adding some scoring punch and leadership. Veteran Anthony Peeler will provide a scoring threat off the bench. If the coaching staff can help raise the basketball IQ of this young squad, they can start improving for the future.
LAST UPDATE: 9/6/2004 12:09:31 AM
www.woai.com/spurs/story....403B5EC06A (http://www.woai.com/spurs/story.aspx?content_id=D8362E29-8C00-4AA0-B88F-14403B5EC06A)
By Kori Ellis
SpursZONE.com
With the NBA season quickly approaching, let's breakdown the offseason moves of each team and how the changes will affect their success.
Atlantic Division
Boston Celtics
This summer Danny Ainge traded Chucky Atkins, Chris Mihm and Jumaine Jones to the Lakers for Gary Payton and Rick Fox. Obviously the move was just for salary cap reasons, as Fox is expected to retire. Who knows what impact Payton will have at all, as he has threatened not to report to camp. At some point, Ainge needs to make some moves that actually improve this team. New head coach Doc Rivers has a daunting task ahead of him this season with a trio of rookies and not much else outside Paul Pierce.
New Jersey Nets
This summer somehow the Nets managed to go from conference champions to destined for the cellar. New Jersey lost Kenyon Martin, Kerry Kittles and Rodney Rogers this offseason and didn't get much in return. Jason Kidd's knee is a huge question mark with conflicting reports as to when he will be able to return to action. But Jason or no Jason, this team is going nowhere.
New York Knicks
The Knicks acquired a player they coveted in Jamal Crawford and added Jerome Williams for depth, while getting rid of Dikembe Mutombo and three other non-impact players. Crawford will be a big plus, playing along side of Stephon Marbury. New York re-signed free agent Vin Baker, believing (or hoping) that Baker will return to form.
Philadelphia 76ers
With Eric Snow now a member of the Cavs, the 76ers have handed the reins to Allen Iverson to lead the offense. Iverson, who spent his summer pursuing Olympic glory, has matured considerably and might finally be ready to be a team leader. The addition of Brian Skinner should give the team a rebounding and defensive force they've lacked in recent years.
Toronto Raptors
Rookie head coach Sam Mitchell and new GM Rob Babcock team up in Toronto to get this organization turned around. But rumors have been flying all summer that franchise player Vince Carter wants out and the Raptors haven't done much to build around him. Toronto signed Rafer Alston and retained Morris Peterson, but they are still a few players away from contending for anything. Second year player Chris Bosh could make a big difference if he stays healthy.
Central Division
Chicago Bulls
With the additions of rookies Ben Gordon and Luol Deng, the Bulls have a nice, young core to build upon. Central to their rebuilding process could be the development of Eddy Curry. Under new guidance, Curry has shed weight and has started to show the work ethic necessary to star in this league. Though this squad is not ready to contend this season, they are beginning to take shape for the future.
Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James with a year under his belt will be a scary sight for the rest of the teams in the NBA. As good as he was last year, he'll be even better this season. The controversial loss of Carlos Boozer to free agency will hurt the team, but James growth as a team leader might be enough to push the Cavaliers into the playoffs. Cavaliers' brass hopes the acquisition of Drew Gooden will be enough for fans to forget about the Boozer fiasco.
Detroit Pistons
The NBA Champions will get a chance to go back-to-back this upcoming season. Although they lost Mehmet Okur in free agency, they gained some useful bigmen in Antonio McDyess and Derrick Coleman. Re-signing Rasheed Wallace was the team's offseason priority, and they were able to accomplish that. Rookie Carlos Delfino will be an added bonus to this already stacked squad.
Indiana Pacers
By bringing back a similar roster to last year, the Pacers hope that they can build upon what they accomplished. The main alteration to their lineup involved trading Al Harrington to the Hawks for Stephen Jackson. Jackson will give the Pacers a clutch shooter who isn't afraid to let it all hang out in tense situations. Rumors keep resurfacing about the possible trade of Ron Artest, but so far he's still in a Pacers uniform.
Milwaukee Bucks
A big question mark is the status of point guard T.J. Ford. If Ford can return to the court and lead the Bucks' offense with his playmaking ability, the team can once again contend for a playoff spot. If his spinal injury prevents him from returning to the lineup, the Bucks will struggle to initiate their offense. The loss of Brian Skinner to free agency may also have more of an impact than expected.
Southeast Division
Atlanta Hawks
With the additions of Antoine Walker and Al Harrington, the Hawks have two very capable scorers. Rookie Josh Childress looks like he will be a solid player in the league, while rookies Josh Smith and Donta Smith are superb athletes who have potential to be NBA scorers. The future is brighter in Atlanta than it has been in a while.
Charlotte Bobcats
While the Bobcats will struggle like virtually all expansion franchises in sports, they have some nice talent assembled. Getting Emeka Okafor in the draft with the second pick was regarded as a coup by some and should provide an immediate inside presense. Jason Kapono shined in the summer leagues and could be the team's first option on offense.
Miami Heat
Shaquille O'Neal. The Big Transaction was the big news this summer. With the addition of the best center in the league, the Heat automatically become a championship contender. Dwyane Wade will play the role of Kobe Bryant and will need to score from the perimeter to keep the pressure off Shaq. If Wade blossoms into a superstar, the Heat might be the team to beat in the Eastern Conference.
Orlando Magic
The Magic weren't afraid to make bold moves this summer. With the number one overall pick in the 2004 NBA draft, Orlando selected high schooler Dwight Howard over Emeka Okafor. Tracy McGrady wanted out and GM John Weisbrod granted his wish, dealing McGrady to Houston in exchange for Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato. The Magic also acquired Tony Battie from Cleveland and picked up free agents Hedo Turkoglu, Stacey Augmon and Michael Bradley. Grant Hill is still trying to return, but the Magic have made steps toward solidifying their future without him.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards dealt Christian Laettner, Jerry Stackhouse and a pick to Dallas for Antawn Jamison, adding some scoring punch and leadership. Veteran Anthony Peeler will provide a scoring threat off the bench. If the coaching staff can help raise the basketball IQ of this young squad, they can start improving for the future.