subject: Nba Tickets - Preseason Top 10 [print this page] Here are the top 10 teams in the NBA as I see them going into the 2009-10 season, listed in order.
Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers deserve the top spot as reigning champions who did not lose a major piece in the offseason. The addition of Ron Artest will certainly help the Lakers sell NBA tickets, but people may be purchasing them to see whether Artest blows this team up or not. Artest is the x-factor on this team and could be the key to the Lakers' title hopes. They're going to be good, but they could be really good if he keeps his act together for the duration of the season.
Orlando Magic: The same logic that places the Lakers at number one places the Magic at number two. Yes, they lost Hedo Turkoglu, but the addition of Vince Carter more than makes up for that. Carter gives the Magic the perimeter scorer that can create his own shot that the team desperately needed. As long as Carter keeps a good frame of mind, this team should be really tough to beat on any given night. It's odd that the top two teams' title hopes rest on two players' mindsets.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Shaq was a nice addition to this team, but it really all comes down to LeBron James. He's the best player on the planet and has the potential to be the best we've ever seen. Still, he can't do it alone. I like the additions of Anthony Parker and Jamario Moon more than the Shaquisition. The Cavs still need to prove that they can defend a team like the Magic before I put them into the top two teams.
San Antonio Spurs: I loved the Spurs' offseason. Richard Jefferson is a really good player and will be huge if Manu Ginobili gets injured again. The move I liked even better was the signing of Antonio McDyess. Dice averaged a double-double in the second half last season and he's going to take a lot of the interior pressure off of Tim Duncan. Rookie DeJuan Blair should help in that department, as well. Duncan is reportedly in the best shape he's been in for a while and could be in line for a big season.
Boston Celtics: This team is still good, but they need a lot to break for them this season. If Kevin Garnett is 100 percent, they're going to make a run at the one seed in the East. I expect Rajon Rondo to have a monster year and elevate himself into the elite group of point guards.
Dallas Mavericks: I like what the Mavericks did this offseason. It probably won't be enough to take home the hardware this season, but that's just because the five aforementioned teams are so good. Dirk Nowitzki has become underrated over the past few seasons.
Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers' young talent is growing up and growing up quickly. There's a chance that this team lands the third seed in the Western Conference if Greg Oden has a good season.
Denver Nuggets: The Nuggets may take a bit of a step back after a hot playoff run, but they're still a very talented team.
Utah Jazz: I like the Jazz a lot, but I have to see them play better together before pushing them up this list.
Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks are a good team, but do they have enough to elevate themselves to the next level?
