With the 2005/2006 NBA season ready to go in few weeks, prognosticators are in full swing forecasting the League’s movers and shakers. andPOP decided to get in on the action and provide our NBA predictions.

(EAST)

ATLANTIC

New Jersey Nets

The Nets looked as if they could be one of the better teams in the east when they “signed” Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Unfortunately for them, he failed his physical and they rescinded the deal. Marc Jackson will serve as Reef?s stand-in — but it won?t be the same. They?ll still be good enough to take the woeful Atlantic division, but expect a quick exit in the playoffs.

Key additions: Marc Jackson, Jeff McInnis, Antoine Wright
Key losses: Shareef Abdur-Rahim (sort of)

New York Knicks

The Knicks are an interesting team, especially with the inclusion of Larry Brown. They have all the talent in the world, but chemistry will be a big issue — after all, there?s only one ball. Should be interesting to see how Eddy Curry works out — or doesn?t.

Key additions: Eddy Curry, Nate Robinson, Jerome James, Larry Brown
Key losses: Jerome Williams, Tim Thomas

Philadelphia 76ers

I wonder if GM Billy King would make that trade for Chris Webber again? Either way, the 76ers are a talented team and could make some noise if they stay healthy. The key word being if…

Key additions: Steven Hunter, Lee Nailon
Key losses: Aaron McKie

Boston Celtics

Danny Ainge?s crazy vision is finally starting to take shape. The Celtics are a young, hungry team that will surprise if you let your guard down. Look for Al Jefferson to step up and average a double-double this season. The clock is ticking on Paul Pierce?

Key additions: Gerald Green, Dan Dickau
Key losses: Antoine Walker, Gary Payton

Toronto Raptors

Despite all the heat Rob Babcock has taken of late, the team has plenty of youth to build around. Look for the Raptors to finish in the bottom of the Atlantic this season, but gain more valuable ping-pong balls.

Key additions: Charlie Villanueva, Joey Graham, Mike James, Jose Calderon
Key losses: Donyell Marshall, Rafer Alston, Milt Palacio

CENTRAL

Detroit Pistons

The Pistons? stellar roster has, for the most part, remained the same. The biggest difference is, of course, the coaching swap that sent Larry Brown to New York and brought in Flip Saunders. Saunders will probably want to up the tempo and try some different zone defences. Can the Pistons acclimate fast enough? And who will warm Darko?s spot on the bench if he actually gets a chance to play?

Key additions: Flip Saunders, Dale Davis, Maurice Evans
Key losses: Larry Brown

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs will be one of the most improved teams this year. They added great talent, and cut some dead weight. LeBron will, no doubt, have another fantastic season — but what about the newly acquired Larry Hughes? Will he continue his stellar play, or relax now that he has a big, fat contract?

Key additions: Donyell Marshall, Larry Hughes, Damon Jones
Key losses: Jeff McInnis

Chicago Bulls

Considering the Bulls played much of last season without Eddy Curry, his trade shouldn?t affect them that much. However, if they don?t get Antonio Davis back,they?re front court is suspiciously weak. The Bulls are a deep team, whose young players are constantly improving.

Key additions: Tim Thomas, Darius Songaila
Key losses: Eddy Curry, Antonio Davis (maybe)

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers? roster didn?t change all that much, and Ron Artest is still out of his mind — same ol? in Indy. If Jermaine O?Neal can stay healthy and Ron Artest can stay out of jail, the Pacers should compete in the east.

Key additions: Sarunas Jasikevicius
Key losses: James Jones, Reggie Miller

Milwaukee Bucks

There are many questions in Milwaukee: Will Andrew Bogut?s post moves be as quick as his mouth? Will Bobby Simmons? new-found wealth go towards bail? Can T.J. Ford be as effective as he was before his big fall? One thing is for sure though; they?ll still be in the Central basemesnt.

Key additions: Andrew Bogut, Bobby Simmons, T.J. Ford (back from injury)
Key losses: Terry Porter, Zaza Pachulia

SOUTHEAST

Miami Heat
The Heat will win the east this year, unless J-Will and ?Toine don?t buy into being supporting cast members. Even with any personnel problems, the Heat will still be a top five team in the east. Throw it down big man. Throw it down!

Key additions: Jason Williams, Antoine Walker, James Posey, Gary Payton
Key losses: Damon Jones, Eddie Jones, Rasual Butler

Washington Wizards

The Wizards lost one of their best performers from last season in Larry Hughes, but picked up some nice pieces in Caron Butler and Antonio Daniels. I don?t think Washington can match last season?s performance without Hughes.

Key additions: Caron Butler, Antonio Daniels, Chucky Atkins
Key losses: Juan Dixon, Larry Hughes, Steve Blake

Orlando Magic

There won?t be anything magical about Orlando this season. Grant Hill will play around 30 games and Steve Francis will continue to make an ass of himself. The good news is Dwight Howard is a stud.

Key additions: Keyon Dooling, Bo Outlaw
Key losses: Doug Christie

Atlanta Hawks

Although very young, Atlanta has a terrible roster filled with duplication and one-dimensional players. They?ll be somewhat improved from last year, not that that?s saying much, but I still see them fighting Charlotte for last place in the Southeast.

Key additions: Zaza Pachulia, Marvin Williams, Salim Stoudamire
Key losses: Jason Collier (RIP)

Charlotte Bobcats

The Bobcats will play hard and develop their young talent. The Cats have a great core of talented players and good people. And of course, the more they lose, the more Tar Heels they can draft next year.

Key Additions: Sean May, Raymond Felton
Key losses: n/a

(WEST)

NORTHWEST

Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets have played very well since George Karl took the reigns as head coach. The Nuggs will be improved this season, as they have much greater depth at the guard spots. However, success or failure is ultimately a result of Carmelo Anthony and how he plays. Time to grow up, Melo.

Key additions: Earl Watson, Voshon Lenard (back from injury)
Key losses: n/a

Minnesota Timberwolves

The T?Wolves will be better this year, if you believe in addition by subtraction. With headaches Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell gone, the Wolves should be a much more cohesive team. However, I have to question Kevin McHale?s decision to can Flip Saunders.

Key additions: Marco Jaric, Rashad McCants
Key loses: Fred Hoiberg, Sam Cassell, Latrell Sprewell

Portland Trail Blazers

Portland is finally starting to shake that ?jailblazer? image they earned a few a seasons ago. Portland is a deep team that is stacked, I mean stacked, at the guard positions. If Zach Randolph can keep his head out of the clouds (figuratively and literally) and play team basketball, the Blazers could make some noise in the Northwest.

Key additions: Jarrett Jack, Juan Dixon, Martell Webster
Key losses: Derek Anderson

Utah Jazz

Utah is talented, but just doesn?t have the guns to keep up with the best of the West. Jerry Sloan will be his same long-winded self, which guarantees at least 20 wins regardless of what kind of team he has to work with.

Key additions: Devin Brown, Deron Williams
Key losses: Raja Bell, Kirk Snyder

SOUTHWEST

Sacramento Kings

The Kings aren?t as talented as they used to be, but with Phoenix?s off-season struggles they should be good enough to win the Southwest. Mike Bibby and Brad Miller will be solid. Is this the year they finally trade Peja?

Key additions: Bonzi Wells, Jason Hart
Key losses: Cuttino Mobley

Phoenix Suns

Last season the Suns tore up the League, but this season they?ll be lucky to win the Southwest. Amare is out for a while, Q-Rich is gone and Joe Johnson is gone. Phoenix is going to be a very different team. Will they be able to run as much with the inclusion of Kurt Thomas and Brian Grant?

Key additions: Briant Grant, Kurt Thomas, James Jones
Key losses: Quentin Richardson, Joe Johnson

Los Angeles Lakers

Reunited and it feels so good. Kobe and Phil Jackson are back together and seem to be on the same page. But can Phil really work with a guy he said was uncoachable? Either way, the Lakers aren?t going to be very good this season. Who?s going to play the point?

Key additions: Phil Jackson, Kwame Brown
Key losses: Chucky Atkins, Caron Butler

Los Angeles Clippers

What can you say about the Clippers? They stank last year and they?re going to stink this season. Elton Brand is a stud, but he can only do so much by himself. They?re somewhat improved from last season, but I just don?t believe they?re capable of making some noise.

Key additions: Cuttino Mobley, Sam Cassell
Key losses: Marco Jaric

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors we?re a good team towards the latter part of last season. Baron Davis, when healthy is a devastating offensive player. Troy Murphy is proving to be a good NBA player. Even with last season?s improvements, I don?t see the Warriors making it out of the Southwest basement.

Key additions: Ike Diogu, Monta Ellis
Key loses: n/a

PACIFIC

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs will win the title again this season. You heard it here first. Not only did they get Nick Van Exel, but they also picked up Michael Finley! If Tim Duncan stays healthy, David Stern can start polishing the rings tomorrow.
Key additions: Michael Finley, Nick Van Exel
Key losses: Devin Brown

Houston Rockets

The Rockets are deep at the guard spots, maybe even too deep. Rafer Alston was an interesting acquisition. Can he accept his role as a pass-first point guard and get it down low to Yao Ming? We could see an all Texas Western final with Houston and San Antonio.

Key additions: Derek Anderson, Rafer Alston
Key losses: Mike James, Clarence Weatherspoon

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizz were part of that huge trade that sent Jason Williams and James Posey to Miami. In return, they picked up Eddie Jones, who is a nice player, but not nice enough to dramatically improve the team. They lost Earl Watson, but picked up Damon Stoudamire and Bobby Jackson. They?ll be a good team, but not good enough to make much noise in the West.

Key additions: Eddie Jones, Damon Stoudamire, Bobby Jackson
Key losses: Earl Watson, Jason Williams, James Posey

Dallas Mavericks

The Mavs are sliding and have been for the past few seasons. The Mavs didn?t make much noise this off-season, but they will be good if Dirk can step up his game. How long before Mark Cuban blows it up?

Key additions: Doug Christie
Key losses: Michael Finley

New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets

Even with the drafting of Chris Paul, the Hornets aren?t much improved this off-season. It?s just a matter of time before the Hornets are relocated again. Can?t wait to see Chris Andersen in the dunk contest this year!

Key additions: Chris Paul, Rasual Butler
Key losses: n/a






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