[phoenixnash]

He Hate me – I am with you on the top 7 in the west…that should be a no brainer…and the difference between these team is 2-3 games like last year. But I pick Denver, not Golden State will be battling Blazers for that spot. Despite giving away Camby, they still have AI, Melo, Nene and Martin and have space to another big signing. I think Sacramento will definitely finish better than Memphis and I know youre not a big fan of that Love-Mayo but I will put Memphis as the worst team in the West.

For the East…oh boy…I don’t like Miami’s chances winning that division over Orlando and even Wizards so I would put them as low as 6-7 spot. Not having a big man presence will be tough in a now towering East division. I would put the younger Orlando 2nd and Detroit 3rd , Philly 4th, Wizards 5th (if Agent 0 is healthy), Cavs 6th, Raptors 7th and Heat and Hawks batlling for 8th spot. I would not put down the Bucks that low, I can see Charlotte, Indiana, NJ, NY all rebuilding teams to be in that last spot.

[Word_Life_5]

inn all fairness im not being a homer. tell me what in that post u disagree with? i only stated thing that i and many others believe to be true. and im not saying teh raps are a contender because in reality they need a slashing wingman to be a contender still someone like gerald wallace maybe? but i do see the raps in the playoffs somewhere near the 6 seed

[phoenixnash]

Originally Posted by He Hate Me

Denver lost a 10/15 big man. That's going to hurt them greatly. Martin is injury prone. And if they lose Nene where does that put them. Sure they have space for another big signing, but who's left this year? Kwame Brown?

Denver's game does not really maximize Camby's potential anyway. That team does not play defense at all...so as long as they have a rebounding big man who can run...they will survive the regular season. The combo of AI and Melo is too strong offensively and experienced to pass up compared to a Baron Davis-less GSW, and an Elton Brand-less Clippers.

Baron Davis is as injury prone as Martin..the only reason why he has been staying healthy is because of the system in Golden State...that allows more North-South movement rather than East-West... Which is one of the the reason why Martin has been staying healthy lately...Grant Hill and Shaq with the (OLD) Suns are also a good example. Davis is going back to his Hornets days where he practically has to carry the team... i like BD but I dont like his fragile body in that system.

[DaGreatest]

All I gotta say, is that the Oklahoma City Thunder is gonna be making some noise next year

[M.W.]

Oden is worth 10 wins alone if he's healthy. His ability to protect the lane, alter shots, and have a relatively effective back to the basket post up game will make an overwhelmingly good effect on the Blazers's season.

EASTERN CONFERENCE SEEDING:
1. Boston
2. Detroit
3. Cleveland
4. Philly
5. Orlando
6. Washington
7. Miami
8. Toronto

WESTERN CONFERENCE SEEDING:
1. Utah
2. New Orleans
3. Lakers
4. Portland
5. Spurs
6. Houston
7. Denver
8. Phoenix

Eastern Conference > West this year.

Western Conference Semis:
Utah vs. Portland
Lakers vs. New Orleans

Eastern Conference Semis:
Boston vs. Philly
Detroit vs. Cleveland

[TR1]

Oden is hilarious. If anyone saw the ESPY's when he was presenting his award it was so funny.

[smackdown1111]

Hopefully Oden = the next Shaq when it comes to basketball as well. I would be happy.

[phoenixnash]

Josh Childress has now signed with a Greek team Olympiakos for about $20M after taxes. Childress is a restricted free agent that allows their mother team to have a right of first refusal on any offer but it only applies to NBA teams not internationally. Childress, is only one of many NBA players deciding to play abroad and getting a more lucrative offer. Nachbar, Delfino and Rodriguez were among others.

Also, Warriors got their much needed backup PG by getting Marcus Williams trading a conditional first round pick. This make sense to both teams since Nets just signed Dooling to back up Harris while I think Williams who is more of a streetball player than your typical NBA pure PG will flourish in that run and gun system...but he has to lose that weight from his injury first.

[M.W.]

All these players shipping overseas is truly astounding, I never saw any offers from Europe being compelling enough to current NBA players.

Marques Williams needs to get in major shape. I'm not too optimistic that he can get in proper shape to flourish in that system.

[chronoxiong]

Childress wont be the only American star to jump overseas for more money. as long as the economy continues to get worst, i wouldn't blame them for jumping overseas to make more money. i would do the same thing and bang hot European women. haha...i hope Childress succeeds over there though as he is talented.