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Article #113: 2004-05 NBA Season Preview

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2004 NBA PREVIEWby Leigh Douglas 2PacersShould be even closer this year
If there was one single theme to this 3CavaliersIn either other eastern
off-season for the NBA it was 'change' division would contend for 1st
not only was there quite a bit of 4BullsSlowly getting better, very slowly
significant player movement, but the (and really did they have anywhere else
league itself underwent a makeover of to go
sorts, finally expanding to a 30th 5BucksWill be tough to follow up on last
franchise, and realigning to six years success
divisions of five teams each. Southeast Division
Of course the biggest headlines this 1HeatShaq alone makes them contenders -
off-season surrounded the ongoing saga look for Eddie Jones to re-emerge as all
that has become the Los Angeles Lakers. star
Basically the Lakers surrendered to Kobe, 2MagicFrancis looks to return to Stevie
and he got all that he asked for - namely Franchise days
the exit of Shaq, and Phil Jackson. 3HawksHave some potential young talent,
Shadowed by the Shaq move to Miami was Harrington one of favorites for most
what could end up being an even bigger improved
deal with Tracy Mcgrady going from 4WizardsThey are just treading water, and
Orlando to Houston for Steve Francis and should be very afraid of Bobcats passing
Cuttino Mobley. Many speculate that the them quickly
tandem of Mcgrady and Yao Ming will be 5BobcatsThey have to start somewhere,
the new Shaq-Kobe, but what is being couldn't have asked for a better division
overlooked is the potential for Steve Southwest Division
Francis to re-establish himself as "the 1SpursAdding Barry for depth gives them
franchise". Other moves of note this just another weapon
off-season, was Phoenix getting a whole 2RocketsWill be interesting to watch how
new back court of Steve Nash and Quentin it unfolds
Richardson, Dallas having wholesale 3MavericksNew look Mav's probably not any
changes after losing out on Nash in the better, still won't stop anyone
open market, they proceeded to unload defensively
Antawn Jamison and Antione Walker, and 4GrizzliesHave made great strides, but
replaced Nash with Jason Terry (and will be harder to take next step
rookie Devin Harris) and replaced 6th man 5HornetsBiggest victims of the
Jamison with Jerry Stackhouse. One very realignment
interesting move that went relatively Northwest Division
unheralded was the trade of Al Harrington 1T-wolvesThis could be their year (may
from Indiana to Atlanta for Stephen have to be)
Jackson. Both players and teams should 2NuggetsQuietly have put together one of
benefit greatly from this trade, best starting 5 in league
especially Indiana, as it now allows 3TrailblazersHow long before they shake
Reggie Miller to come of the bench. Then up the roster even more?
of course there are the defending world 4SonicsHave to decide what kind of team
champion Detroit Pistons who by all they want to be, and then commit to it
indications should be even stronger this 5JazzKirilenko is easily the most
year, having Rasheed Wallace for a whole unheralded player in the league
season, as well as adding Antonio McDyess Pacific Division
and Derrick Coleman to their bench (both 1KingsStill have one run left in them
of whom would probably start for some 2SunsAre well on their way to being 'the
teams) plus if they get anything at all next team'
out of last years lottery pick Darko 3LakersNew look Lakers are in for some
Milicic it would be a bonus. surprises
When all is said and done this season all 4ClippersClippers will battle Warriors
of the shuffling will have gotten a lot and Wizards to stay ahead of Bobcats
of teams closer, and it might have closed 5WarriorsSee Clippers
some gaps, but come next summer the final Eastern Conference Finals:
four should be very similar to what it Pacers over Pistons
has been recently, Detroit is still the Western Conference Finals:
team to beat in the East, and Indiana is Timberwolves over Spurs
the only team with a chance to do so. In Finals:
the West San Antonio will once again be a Pacers over Timberwolves
force, and Minnesota should continue its MVP:
recent success behind perennial MVP Favorite:Kevin Garnett, Twolves
candidate Kevin Garnett. Sleeper: Stephon Marbury, Knicks
2004 Forecast: Defensive Player of the Year:
Atlantic Division Favorite:Ben Wallace, Pistons
1KnicksMarbury is a sleeper for MVP, will Sleeper:Andrei Kirilinko, Jazz
not miss Allan Houston at all Most Improved Player:
2CelticsPayton will be on a mission to Favorite:Al Harrington, Hawks
regain some status, Pierce another MVP Sleeper:Drew Gooden, Cavaliers
candidate Sixth Man:
3NetsLosses of Martin & Kittles too big Favorite:Bobby Jackson, Kings
to overcome Sleeper:Joe Johnson, Suns
4RaptorsHow high a ceiling can Bosh have Scoring Champion:
on such a small frame? Favorite:Kobe Bryant, Lakers
576ersIverson will be demanding a trade Sleeper:Shaquille O'Neal, Heat
by January Rookie of the Year:
Central Division Favorite:Dwight Howard, Magic
1PistonsBiggest question is if they can Sleeper: J.R.
sustain the 'drive to win'






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