Eastern Conference

Atlantic Division

The New Jersey Nets (3) will run away with this division, fueled by the sensational play of Vince Carter in a contract year.  The two rookies from UConn will lead to a deeper bench, which will allow Jason Kidd some much needed rest throughout the season.  Richard Jefferson is the best third option in the league and would be the featured star on most teams.  The Toronto Raptors (11) have improved their talent base but will compete with the Warriors for the distinction of the worst defensive team in the league.  Number one overall pick Andrea Bargnai will look like a number seven from time to time, making plays that remind NBA diehards of a young Toni Kukoc.  The Boston Celtics (9) return once again as a confusing mix of veterans and youngsters.  Danny Ainge was an extremely emotional player, and is relying too much on that attribute as GM.  The New York Knicks (14) will win more games this season than last, but not enough to save either of GM/Coach Isiah Thomas' jobs.  The Philadelphia 76ers (15) have some long term problems on the horizon, and will rest at the bottom of the Atlantic (with the Knicks) until they are free from the weight of all those terrible contracts.

Central Division

By sliding Rasheed Wallace to center and inserting Antonio McDyess at power forward, the Detroit Pistons (1) will offset the loss of Ben Wallace and continue to boast the league's best starting five.  The Chicago Bulls (4) have deftly cleansed their roster of underachievers and replaced them with hard-nosed veterans and no-nonsense young talent.  The Bull's depth, defensive intensity, and lack of a superstar provide an interesting contrast to the Cleveland Cavaliers (5).  The Cavs are a playoff team so long as they have LeBron James, yet lack the supporting cast, consistency, and defensive commitment to lift Cleveland to elite team status.  The Milwaukee Bucks (8) have a chance to sneak in to the playoffs if the trio of Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut, and Charlie Villenoeyebrows can gel early.  The Indiana Pacers (10) added as much talent as anyone in the off-season and Rick Carlisle is as good a coach as there is.  But the franchise has been stymied too much in recent years by injuries, knuckleheads, and a deliberately slow tempo to turn things around in one off season.