NBA Pacific Division Preview
Defending NBA Champion Lakers Are Huge Favorites In This Division
Oct 27, 2009
The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, and Sacramento Kings will all due battle in a division where the Lakers are expected to dominate.
Golden State Warriors Season Preview
The Warriors will hope to get a full season out of emerging star Monta Ellis. He has great speed and is a premiere scorer. They hope to get an immediate impact from draft pick Stephen Curry. Corey Maggette is still a capable scorer and Andris Biedrins is a capable scorer and a very good rebounder. Stephen Jackson is a very good player but has had disciplinary issues and apparently has requested a trade. Even if he stays and behaves himself, this team does not have enough depth on the frontline and they don't play enough defense to make the playoffs.
Prediction: Fourth Place
Los Angeles Clippers Season Preview
There was much optimism in Clipper land when the team drafted Blake Griffin with the number one overall pick. That has been tempered, though, with news that he will be out six weeks with a broken kneecap. This team just can't catch a break. This is a talented roster with solid big men like Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby, a good guard tandem in Baron Davis and Eric Gordon, and a solid small forward in Al Thorton. This team would have had a legit chance at making the playoffs with Blake Griffin but with him out six weeks, it's hard to believe this team can overcome that and still make the playoffs.
Prediction: Third Place
Los Angeles Lakers Season Preview
The Lakers are the defending NBA Champions and the scary thing is that they may be even better this year, replacing Trevor Ariza with Ron Artest. The Lakers are clearly the most talented and deepest team in the league. Kobe Bryant is north of 30 but is still arguably the best player in the league. Pau Gasol is a legit All-Star, Lamar Odom gives them great versatility, Andrew Bynum is an up and coming center, and Derek Fisher gives them experience and leadership. The Lakers are the odds on favorite to win another NBA Championship.
Prediction: First Place
Phoenix Suns Season Preview
The Suns are coming off a disappointing year where they missed the playoffs. The Shaquille O'neal experiment did not work and now the team is looking to rebuild. Steve Nash is still there but he is getting old. Grant Hill is also getting old. Amar'e Stoudemire is coming off eye surgery. Jason Richardson did not play as well as expected for them last year. Defense is also a big concern for this team. On the positive side, Leandro Barbosa is a very explosive player with his speed and scoring ability. He might be the team's best player this year. Overall, though, this team is heading in the wrong direction and is unlikely to make the playoffs despite being the second best team in the division.
Prediction: Second Place
Sacramento Kings Season Preview
The Kings were the worst team in the NBA last year and may very well be again this year. On the bright side, Kevin Martin is one of the best young scorers in the league and rookie Tyreke Evans has the potential to give this team a boost. Other than that, the team has major issues. Their frontline is weak, they don't have much depth, and they are very inexperienced. It is going to be another long year for the Kings.
Prediction: Fifth Place
