NBA 2010 Preview

Seeing that the Lakers closed the Finals out in five (as you heard here), I figured the the best thing to do was to forget this season and offer you a preview for next season.

I realize there may be some serious trades (Shaq to Cleveland) some big free agent moves (Turkoglu leaving Orlando for more money) and a sleeper rookie pick (Rubio to Oklahoma City). However this is a pre pre-season prediction.

Let me preface by saying this by saying this has the potential to be one of the most exciting seasons in NBA history. Just some of the story lines.

The last ride of Duncan and the Spurs- Duncan has one more year as a dominant post player in the NBA. With Manu coming off surgery and Parker exploding as one of the most underrated stars in the league, this will probably be the last season the Spurs big 3 will contend for a title. Can Manu and Timmy stay healthy for one more year? If so the road to the Finals may go through San Antonio.

Boston's Big 3 part duex- With the injury to Kevin Garnett the Celtics were never really a factor in the playoffs. However, the Big 3 return at full strength and with the development of Rajon Rando, Kendrick Perkins, and Glen Davis, and this could make them the outright favorite for the title.

Kobe Quest for Repeat- Kobe got his 4th ring, and has cemented himself as one of the Top Ten players in history. So he will probably just settle to enjoy the rest of his career and relax. I just cannot see that happening. Not to mention the Lakers could return with their entire nucleus back from a team that dominated the Finals.

Lebron- Will he stay or will he go? Will the Cavs get over the hump? What moves will be made to make Lebron believe they are a contender? Can Lebron repeat as MVP after one of the best statistical seasons in recent memories? Its a season of questions for Cleveland and yet I think everyone expects them to be a 60 win team.

60 wins- We could legitimately see 6 teams win 60 games this season. Lakers (lock for 60), Cavs (lock), Celtics (lock), and the Magic and Spurs could easily get above 60 wins themselves. The Nuggets could even be near that number as well.

Young Talented Teams trying to break through- Blazers, Bulls, Thunder, and Hawks. 4 teams that are loaded with young players and have the talent to be in the mix very deep into the postseason.

So my pre pre-season predictions
MVP: Lebron James
Coach of the Year- Greg Poppovich
Defensive Player of the Year- Dwight Howard
Rookie of the Year- Ricky Rubio
6th Man of the year- Manu (unfair because he is really a starter)

1st Team All NBA 2nd Team All NBA
G-Rajon Rondo G- Steve Nash
G- Kobe Bryant G- Dwayne Wade
F- Lebron James F- Kevin Durant
F- Dirk Nowitzki F- Paul Pierce
C- Dwight Howard C- Tim Duncan

Playoffs:
East:
1. Celtics
2. Cavs
3. Magic
4. Bulls
5. Heat
6. Hawks
7. 76ers
8. Pacers
9. Raptors

West:
1. Lakers
2. Spurs
3. Nuggets
4. Blazers
5. Rockets
6. Mavericks
7. Jazz (if Boozer returns)
8. Thunder
9. Suns

Round 1-
West: East:
Lakers over Thunder in 5 Celtics over Pacers in 4
Spurs over Jazz in 6 Cavs over 76ers in 5
Mavericks over Nuggets in 6 Magic over Hawks in 7
Blazers over Rockets in 7 Bulls over Heat in 6

Round 2:
Lakers over Blazers in 6 Celtics over Bulls in 6
Spurs over Mavericks in 7 Cavs over Magic in 7

Conference Finals
Spurs over Lakers in 6 Celtics over Cavs in 7

NBA Finals:
Spurs over Celtics in 6

So there is my pre pre-season review. We will check back in on these before the season and at the end of next year.