Western Conference Preview

I’m going to be hard pressed to surpass picking 14 of 16 playoffs teams, both Finals teams and the NBA Champion like I did before the season last year.  I’m also on a preseason prediction roll of 6 of 7 years with at least one Finals team, 4 of 5 champions and two years in a row with both Finals teams.  The great thing about having a blog for so long is that if you don’t believe me all you have to do is search the archives.

1. San Antonio Spurs – They looked invincible last year, including a 20-game winning streak (10 playoff games), until getting dismissed in four straight (after winning the first two) by OKC in the Conference Finals.  The only new addition to the roster is rookie Nando de Colo as GM R.C. Buford decided to bring the entire cast back.  I’m not sure that’s really a good thing but second guessing Buford and Coach Gregg Popovich is not allowed.  The Spurs will be great in the regular season and exposed in the playoffs.

Eyes On – Kawhi Leonard.  As the rest of his teammate’s age he should be groomed to be the new face of the franchise.  He can defend, rebound and could be a star if he starts hitting his jumper consistently.

Now or Never – Tiago Splitter.  He had a 20.51 PER last season in only 19 minutes a game.  I’m not sure why he can’t get on the court more but he’s about to be a RFA and likely won’t stay without more burn.

2. Los Angeles Lakers – GM Mitch Kupchak had quite a summer acquiring Dwight Howard, Steve Nash, Antawn Jamison and Jodie Meeks.  Nash & Howard will form a devastating pick and roll combo while Jamison & Meeks will give their bench some scoring punch.  Their bench is still not great but it’s much improved.  I expect the Lakers to struggle early with all their new parts and new Princeton offense, but once they find their groove, look out.  Their defense should be better and will be key in how far they go.

Eyes On – Devin Ebanks.  The 43^rd pick from 2010 is finally going to get his chance to be rotation player as backup SF.  He’s very athletic, a good defender, plays within himself and can hit an open jumper.

Now or Never – Kobe Bryant.  He keeps saying he’s only going to play 2-3 more years.  If that’s really the case it’s time for him to start sharing the ball more.  Otherwise there’s no way he’ll get ring number six.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder – GM Sam Presti shocked the NBA world by trading James Harden for Kevin Martin only three days before the season tips off.  Martin is not the ball handler, creator for others or finisher at the rim that Harden is but Kevin can really shoot it.  Martin will keep them at a near-elite level but OKC certainly takes a step back this year.  Presti made this move for the future and Jeremy Lamb (12^th pick 2012), two 2013 firsts (Toronto & Dallas) and a 2013 second (Charlotte) is a very nice haul.

Eyes On – Martin.  He’s coming of his lowest PER (16.60) since ’05-06 while replacing the Sixth Man of the Year.  Will he accept a reduced role and suddenly become a chemistry guy in his contract year?

Now or Never – Eric Maynor.  He tore his right ACL in the 9^th game last year and was done for the season.  He’s about to be a restricted free agent (RFA) so he has to bounce back quickly to get paid.

4. Denver Nuggets – Basketball Prospectus’ Kevin Pelton has them 1^st and ESPN’s John Hollinger has them 2^nd making the Nugs the favorite of the stat geeks.  It’s easy to see why computer projections love them; they are very deep, almost too talented and extremely athletic.  I would have to say this is probably Coach George Karl’s dream “no-star” roster too.  I question if they have enough shooting after Danilo Gallinari though and who’s their go-to-guy?  Another very tough regular season side that flames out early.

Eyes On – Ty Lawson.  His PER has risen every year he’s been in the league (16.51>17.99>19.43) and he’s about to be a RFA.  If he doesn’t sign an extension by 10/31 will it affect their chemistry?

Now or Never – Andre Iguodala.  We’ve heard how unhappy he was in Philadelphia and how he’s going to shoot more threes in Denver.  He’s the highest paid by Nugget by far so it’s time to walk the walk.

5. Memphis Grizzlies – Zach Randolph (right knee) appeared in only 28 games last season and Rudy Gay (left shoulder) 54 the year prior.  Since their core has never had a decent run together no one really knows how good they can be.  On paper their starters can hang with anybody but their wing depth is lacking.  Quincy Pondexter has yet to prove he belongs at backup SF and Jerryd Bayless has to replace O.J. Mayo’s offense as sixth man.  The Griz can certainly win a round but any more is likely a reach.

Eyes On – Darrell Arthur.  He missed all of last season with a torn right Achilles but is a very useful role playing big man.  He can hit an open jumper and is a great team defender.

Now or Never – Wayne Ellington.  I’ve always liked him for the designated 3-point shooter role but he’s never found his niche.  Since he’s about to be a RFA and has no other skill he better shoot near 40%.

6. Los Angeles Clippers – VP by default Gary Sacks made a lot of waves this summer by acquiring Lamar Odom, Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Matt Barnes, Willie Green, Ronny Turiaf and Ryan Hollins.  That’s a lot of new faces for Coach Vinny Del Negro to incorporate, some of whom will have to accept reduced roles.  I’m not going to deny the Clips have talent but it just doesn’t seem to fit together very well.  I also question if they will play any defense but they are a solid playoff team capable of pulling an upset.

Eyes On – Eric Bledsoe.  He struggled last year with a right knee injury but he might be the best player you’ve never seen play.  He’s an explosive athlete that’s a tough minded defender.  He just need minutes.

Now or Never – Odom.  A season after winning Sixth Man of the Year he flat out quit to the tune of a 9.26 PER.  He apparently showed up to camp out of shape yet again…not a good sign in a contract year.

7. Utah Jazz – Director Kevin O’Connor has done a masterful job assembling a team while managing to fly completely under the radar.  The Jazz could have as little as $1,660,000 on their salary cap this offseason if no options are picked up.  That’s amazing when you consider all the talent they have.  New addition Marvin Williams joins Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson to solidify their starting frontcourt and reserve Derrick Favors is a defensive force.  Their guard rotation isn’t as strong but this is a playoff team for sure.

Eyes On – Enes Kanter.  He reportedly lost 51 pounds in the summer and it shows BIG time from what I’ve seen so far.  He has a new found spring in his step and can suddenly score at the rim in traffic.

Now or Never – Mo Williams.  He has been slowed with a left hip injury in the preseason which is not good considering he’s in a contract year.  He’ll need to up his PER from 15.02 to get paid what he wants.

8. Minnesota Timberwolves – President David Kahn had a great offseason adding Andrei Kirilenko, Brandon Roy, Chase Budinger, Alexey Shved, Dante Cunningham, Greg Stiemsma and Lou Amundson.  That’s why it’s a shame that Kevin Love (right hand) is out 6-8 weeks and Ricky Rubio (left ACL/LCL) won’t be back until January.  When healthy this squad has enough depth and versatility to keep Coach Rick Adelman very busy.  They will struggle early but will be extremely dangerous when everyone’s back.

Eyes On – Nikola Pekovic.  The Montenegrin big man’s PER went from 11.29 to 21.47(!) in his second season.  He plays below the rim but is tough as nails, has good hands and a knack for finishing.

Now or Never – Roy.  After sitting out a year to rest his knees he signed a 2-year $10.4 million contract.  If healthy he could really help but people seem to forget how truly bad he was in 2010-11 (13.94 PER).

9. Golden State Warriors – GM Bob Myers made two quality additions to their roster in Jarrett Jack and Carl Landry but his big coup was landing Andrew Bogut last year.  The big Aussie gives Coach Mark Jackson the defensive anchor he desires and Bogut should form a nice starting tandem with David Lee too.  They are taking the SF by committee approach but other than that they have nice depth elsewhere.  If Bogut (left ankle) is able to play most of the season (65+ games) the playoffs are not out of reach.

Eyes On – Klay Thompson.  He has all the tools to be a prototypical SG in the classic mold and made Monta Ellis expendable.  He’s a prime candidate to make “the jump” in his second season.

Now or Never – Stephen Curry.  I’ve never been totally sold on him and especially since his twice surgically repaired right ankle can’t get healthy.  He’ll need some luck since he’s about to be a RFA.

10. Dallas Mavericks – Owner Mark Cuban missing the big free agent meeting with Deron Williams he had been planning for all year to film an episode of “Shark Tank” is my favorite offseason moment.  I mean…WOW!  President Donnie Nelson recovered nicely acquiring Chris Kaman, Elton Brand, O.J. Mayo, Darren Collison and Dahntay Jones.  They have enough talent to make the playoffs but this is a bad mix of players and Dirk Nowitzki (right knee) missing 3-6 weeks means they’ll likely start slowly.

Eyes On – Mayo.  He’s complained for years about being misused and needing more touches, well now’s his chance.  He should be the number two scoring option in Dallas so we’ll see what he’s made of.

Now or Never – Rodrigue Beaubois.  After two surgeries on his left foot since 2010 he already has a sprained left ankle.  His development has been poor and he needs to produce as an upcoming RFA.

11. Houston Rockets – Gone are Luis Scola, Kevin Martin, Kyle Lowry, Goran Dragic, Marcus Camby, Samuel Dalembert, Chase Budinger, and Courtney Lee.  That’s a decent club’s rotation right there alone.  In their place GM Daryl Morey has a slew of young and talented players with new acquisitions James Harden, Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik leading the way.  Coach Kevin McHale will have his work cut out for him with such a new group.  The playoffs are likely out of reach but they should be entertaining to watch.

Eyes On – Harden.  He forced his way off a legitimate Championship contender over $4.5 million total dollars over four years.  I suppose he really must want to be the man, but be careful what you wish for…

Now or Never – Lin.  After a phenomenal 35-game stint in New York (19.97 PER) he signed a 3-year $25 million contract (year three “poison pill” for $15 million).  Time to prove that he wasn’t just a fluke.

12. Phoenix Suns – If President Lon Babby has a plan I’d love to know what it is?  His biggest error was holding on to Steve Nash FAR too long and then trading him to a division rival.  Overall Babby’s track record is shoddy at best and this is why you don’t hire former agents to be personnel men.  I really like the Suns big man rotation of Marcin Gortat, Luis Scola and Markieff Morris but outside of that they don’t have much.  They aren’t making the playoffs and won’t have much salary cap room…so status quo.

Eyes On – Goran Dragic.  The Slovenian PG had a career year (18.03 PER) and was rewarded with a 4-year $30 million contract.  He will have the freedom to do whatever he wants, which should be interesting.

Now or Never – Wesley Johnson.  His team option for next season has yet to be picked up and I don’t think it should be.  He had an 8.08 PER last year while shooting 31.4% from three, his supposed strength.

13. Sacramento Kings – Coach Keith Smart’s boys were dead last in opponent shooting and 25^th in rebound differential last year.  Yet President Geoff Petrie added only two players, Aaron Brooks and James Johnson, to a club that won 22 games.  Umm…ok.  Throughout the preseason their rotation has been a mess and I still don’t know who their starting PG or SF will be.  For a franchise in residence limbo with broke ownership they do have some talent, but they also lack the cohesion to do anything with it.

Eyes On – DeMarcus Cousins.  He put up 18.1 points, 10.9 rebounds, 1.2 blocks and a 21.72 PER last year.  He looks to be in much better shape this season which should have his opponents worried.

Now or Never – Tyreke Evans.  He’s regressed badly after being the fourth rookie in history to average 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.  He’s about to be a RFA and finally being at his natural SG should help.

14. New Orleans Hornets – GM Dell Demps’ big offseason move was signing the crown jewel of the Chris Paul trade, Eric Gordon, to a 4-year $58 million contract.  Never mind that Gordon’s games played have dropped every year he’s been in the league (78>62>56>9) or that he’s missed the entire preseason with a sore right knee, David Stern knew what he was doing!  Besides Gordon the Hornets have nothing in the backcourt and their SF situation is a disaster.  They won’t win much, but they’ll likely play hard.

Eyes On – Anthony Davis.  I saw him play this summer on the National Team and the rookie number one pick is ready to dominate on defense immediately.  His offensive game is a still mystery but he’s for real.

Now or Never – Al-Farouq Aminu.  His team option has yet to be picked up and I’m not sure what NBA skill he has other than length and athleticism.  If he doesn’t progress the CP3 trade looks even worse.

15. Portland Trail Blazers – New GM Neil Olshey added Jared Jeffries, Sasha Pavlovic and Ronnie Price to a team that won 28 games a year ago...what!?!?  The Blazers could also have as many as FIVE rookies in their rotation before it’s all said and done.  New Coach Terry Stotts is not a defensive guru which is not a good thing for a side that was 28^th in opponent shooting last season.  I also question how LaMarcus Aldridge will hold up as a full time center.  These guys are going to be terrible in crunch time.

Eyes On – Damian Lillard.  The rookie sixth pick looked great in Summer League and preseason.  He’s lightning-quick with the ball, can shoot and find the open man.  He will get every opportunity to shine.

Now or Never – J.J. Hickson.  He signed a 1-year $4 million contract and has never had a PER above 15.67.  Since he’s going to start at PF and play a lot of minutes this is his big opportunity to prove himself.

Final Four – San Antonio, Memphis, Oklahoma City, Lakers

Western Finals – Memphis, Lakers

NBA Finals – Miami, Lakers

NBA Champion – Lakers

Eastern Conference Preview

1. Miami Heat – Coach Erik Spoelstra is planning on using a full time “position-less” system (i.e. small ball) with LeBron James as his main low post option.  With Bron playing “point power forward” he’ll look to draw double teams and pass the ball out to shooters like Ray Allen, Rashard Lewis, Mike Miller and James Jones.  The Heat still lack quality big men and could be vulnerable on the boards but stifling perimeter defense should offset some of that.  Injuries are all that can keep Miami from winning the East.

Eyes On – Chris Bosh.  He’s always bristled at playing center full time but that’s where he finds himself.  And with his recent admission that he’s no longer trying to bulk up I wonder if he can bang for 82 games?

Now or Never – Mario Chalmers.  He has been a starter by default for his entire career but has never posted a PER higher than his rookie season (13.35).  He’ll need to improve that mark in his contract year.

2. Boston Celtics – GM Danny Ainge recovered nicely from Ray Allen’s departure by signing Jason Terry and acquiring Courtney Lee in a sign-and-trade.  Once Avery Bradley (both shoulders) returns in mid-December the Celtics will sport a very deep and defensive minded backcourt rotation.  Up front they have more questions though as starters Brandon Bass and Kevin Garnett (now a full time center) are backed up by rookies and assorted stiffs.  If Miami stumbles Boston will be right there ready to pounce.

Eyes On – Jared Sullinger.  He fell to 21 on draft night due to concerns about his back but thus far the rookie has looked good in Summer League and preseason.

Now or Never – Jeff Green.  He didn’t play last year due to heart surgery then signed a 4-year $36 million contract.  His highest PER came in his second season (13.99) so he’s yet to prove he’s worth that money.

3. Indiana Pacers – Donnie Walsh and Kevin Pritchard replaced Larry Bird and David Morway as President and GM respectively and the new guys doubled-down on what old regime started.  They resigned starters Roy Hibbert (4-years/$56 million) and George Hill (5-years/$40 million) keeping their core intact.  New rotation players D.J. Augustin, Gerald Green and Ian Mahinmi should improve their bench as well.  Indiana is dangerous but their lack of a true go-to-guy will hold them back in the playoffs.

Eyes On – Paul George.  Even though I think he’s playing out of position at SG his potential upside is the x-factor for how much the Pacers can improve.

Now or Never – David West.  He’s entering his contract year and if he wants another big pay day he’ll have to increase the 12.8 points and 6.6 rebounds he averaged last season.

4. Brooklyn Nets – This summer President Billy King handed out $81,404,478 in salary for this season alone on 12 players not including draft picks.  Owner Mikhail Prokhorov wanted to be relevant when they moved into the new Barclays Center and he got his wish.  Deron Williams and Joe Johnson will form an extremely talented and versatile backcourt but their depth is very suspect and good chemistry won’t happen overnight.  Brooklyn will be a good team but genuine contender status is at least a year away.

Eyes On – MarShon Brooks.  A right foot injury has slowed him in training camp but the second year SG might be the only consistent scoring option off the bench for the Nets.

Now or Never – Brook Lopez.  He signed a 4-year $60 million contract after playing in only five games last season (right foot).  To justify that money he’s going to have to defend and rebound much better.

5. Atlanta Hawks – New GM Danny Ferry accomplished the almost unthinkable when he found takers for the massively overpaid Joe Johnson (4-years/$89 million left) and the overrated Marvin Williams.  The beauty of what Ferry did in clearing up Atlanta’s salary cap situation is they won’t be that much worse in the standings.  Al Horford (torn left pectoral) played in only 11 games last season and his return can’t be understated.  The Hawks don’t have a lot of quality depth but they will scrap and play defense.

Eyes On – Josh Smith.  He has already told management that he will play out the final year of his contract and not sign an extension.  Coming off a career high PER (21.14) I see another big year coming.

Now or Never – Devin Harris.  He’s on his fourth club in nine seasons as he enters his contract year.  He has to rediscover his defensive mindset and prove he can lead a good team by sharing the ball.

6. New York Knicks – President Glen Grunwald was busy in the offseason adding Ray Felton, Jason Kidd, Pablo Prigioni, Ronnie Brewer, Kurt Thomas, Marcus Camby and Rasheed Wallace (not exactly a youth corps).  Then there’s the question of what Amar’e Stoudemire (left knee) will look like after missing the first 6-8 weeks of the season.  When Mike Woodson took over as coach last year the Knicks really started playing better defense, and while their talent is decent, the age of their bench concerns me.

Eyes On – J.R. Smith.  He’s already complained about his role as sixth man after signing a reduced rate contract (2-years/$5.7 million).  That is not a good sign for a team with very tenuous chemistry.

Now or Never – Carmelo Anthony.  It’s his team in his city but he’s only advanced out of the first round of the playoffs once in his career.  If that doesn’t change the NY media is going get ugly with him.

7. Philadelphia 76ers – Coach Doug Collins has never lasted longer than three years in all of his previous three stops and marquee addition Andrew Bynum (right knee) has yet to practice with his new teammates.  These two factors combined with a slightly suspect bench worry me when it comes to how good they can really be.  The Sixers do possess a lot of youth and athleticism and have several players that could break out.  I just have a bad feeling about this group but they are playoff bound barring injuries.

Eyes On – Evan Turner.  Unlike many out there I still think he has the potential to be a quality NBA starter.  With Andre Iguodala finally gone it’s time for ET to show what he’s made of.

Now or Never – Jrue Holiday.  His highest PER was 15.49 in his second season and he’s apparently seeking a maximum contract extension.  He’ll have to prove he’s more than just a marginal starter first.

8. Chicago Bulls – With Derrick Rose (left ACL) out for most of the season Owner Jerry Reinsdorf decided to tighten the purse strings and dismantle arguably the best bench in the Association.  Gone are C.J. Watson, Kyle Korver, Ronnie Brewer, Omer Asik and John Lucas III and their replacements aren’t nearly as capable.  I have them here because Coach Tom Thibodeau will get them to play great defense and won’t allow excuses.  The boost Rose will provide when he returns should be just enough squeak in.

Eyes On – Taj Gibson.  He will be a restricted free agent (RFA) after the season and is one of the most underrated players in the league.  A productive season could mean a mega-contract for him this summer.

Now or Never – Richard Hamilton.  He has a team option for $5 million next season and if he wants it to be picked up he’ll have to improve on his 13.27 PER as he turns 35.

9. Milwaukee Bucks – After trading Andrew Bogut for Monta Ellis last year their big summer acquisition was Samuel Dalembert who will certainly help fill the defensive and rebounding void created by Bogut’s departure.  But that is it; they are counting on their versatility and the undersized pass last backcourt of Ellis and Brandon Jennings to carry them.  Year in and year out no group frustrates me more than the Bucks do.  They have decent talent, depth and play hard but it never seems to come together for them.

Eyes On – Ersan Ilyasova.  I think the 25-year old Turk is one of the best kept secrets in the league.  He sported a 20.55 PER last season, shot 45.5% from three and had a 25 rebound game as well.

Now or Never – John Hammond & Scott Skiles.  GM and coach respectively are both in their contract years and have compiled a sparkling 146-166 record together.  Obviously it’s playoffs or bust for both.

10. Toronto Raptors – In Dwane Casey’s first year as coach the Raps moved from 28^th to 7^th in opponent shooting and 19^th to 10^th in rebound differential.  Now if GM Bryan Colangelo could just give him enough talent they might be in business.  Kyle Lowry, Landry Fields, Dominic McGuire and John Lucas III give them more depth on the perimeter but their big man rotation has some question marks.  If Toronto can find someone besides Andrea Bargnani to score consistently they might sneak into the playoffs.

Eyes On – Jonas Valanciunas.  The rookie from Lithuania (5^th pick in 2011) has been the best big man in Europe for two years.  Word is he’s not afraid of contact and has a real live low post game on offense.

Now or Never – DeMar DeRozan.  I really don’t understand how he’s still a starter (12.87 PER last season)?  If he wants to get paid as a RFA he must defend with some zeal and pass once in a while.

11. Detroit Pistons – I’ve been very down on President Joe Dumars for a few years, and I while still don’t love the mix of players he’s put together, there’s no denying they have some talent.  Detroit goes three deep at almost every position with legitimate NBA players.  The question is can Coach Lawrence Frank get them to play together on offense while committing to some semblance of defense?  If they manage to develop a little chemistry and intensity I could see the Pistons making the playoffs.

Eyes On – Greg Monroe.  I was extremely late to the party on him but I have seen the light now.  He’s got a great low post game, can rebound and is a good passer.  All he needs is some national exposure.

Now or Never – Austin Daye.  He’ll be a RFA after the season but I don’t see him getting the minutes he’ll need to prove himself.  And why should he with a single digit PER (7.19) last season?

12. Cleveland Cavaliers – GM Chris Grant’s marquee offseason addition was…wait for it…C.J. Miles (2-years/$4.5 million).  Anderson Varejao (right wrist) played in only 25 games last season so getting him back will help, but I fail to see where else the Cavs improved?  Second year players Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson are really going to have to make “the jump” and Coach Byron Scott will have to get them to defend some to approach respectability.  Some people are predicting playoffs for them but I don’t see it.

Eyes On – Jon Leuer.  It’s amazing to me that he’s already on his third team entering his second year.  He’s a no frills big man that can finish around the rim, mix it up inside and hit an open jumper.

Now or Never – Omri Casspi.  The once promising Israeli has seen his PER drop every year he’s been stateside (13.04>11.76>11.26).  He needs to reverse that trend as he enters restricted free agency.

13. Orlando Magic – It’s hard to say what they will look like sans their franchise player and with new Coach Jacque Vaughn calling the shots.  Jameer Nelson, Hedo Turkoglu and J.J. Redick are still there and while the cast new GM Rob Hennigan put together may not be star laden the Magic actually have a bunch of solid guys.  I have them higher than most pundits but I’m counting on them doing the “us against the world” routine at every turn and playing hard every night.  Even with that the playoffs are out of reach.

Eyes On – Gustavo Ayon.  The Mexican national is very fun to watch and doesn’t need the ball to be effective.  He hustles all over the place and plays the game the right way in all phases.

Now or Never – Glen Davis.  He’s always griping about wanting to be the man and needing more touches, well he should finally get them as the sole low post threat on an offensively challenged team.

14. Washington Wizards – GM Ernie Grunfeld takes a lot of flak, and while he’s nowhere near great, I also don’t think he’s terrible.  The Wiz will have an entirely new starting frontcourt in Trevor Ariza, Emeka Okafor and Nene (not good enough for one name) Hilario.  That’s not top notch but it’s decent enough.  A.J. Price, Jordan Crawford and Martell Webster are all passable backups on the wings.  Where they are in trouble though is frontcourt depth if the fragile Mek or Nene gets hurt.  Its lottery time again in DC. 

Eyes On – Bradley Beal.  This rookie (3^rd pick) has been compared to everyone from Dwyane Wade to Ray Allen.  High praise to be sure and probably the one reason to watch Washington early on.

Now or Never – John Wall.  I had such high hopes for him and thus far he’s let me down.  He’s going to miss the first month of the season (left knee) but he’ll never reach his potential until he fixes his jumper.

15. Charlotte Bobcats – New GM Rich Cho is taking the build slowly and smartly approach and that’s probably a wise move.  At the very least it’s a direction which is something this franchise has lacked under Michael Jordan’s ownership.  New additions Ramon Sessions, Ben Gordon and Brendan Haywood are all legitimate role players so at the very least Charlotte shouldn’t look like a D-League side anymore.  I do have to question the hiring of Mike Dunlap though since rookie coaches and bad teams never mix.

Eyes On – Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.  Are you sensing a theme that rookies are the only reason to watch bad squads?  The 2^nd pick is supposed to be the next Scottie Pippen if you can stomach watching the Cats.

Now or Never – Byron Mullens.  He finally got some minutes in his third year and his PER exploded (0.76>3.53>13.02).  If he improves his rebounding and defense he could get overpaid as a RFA.

Final Four – Miami, Atlanta, Indiana, Boston

Eastern Finals – Miami, Boston