2008-2009 NBA Pacific Division Preview

2008 Pacific Division season preview from MadduxSports.com. If you are a sports bettor you will love Maddux's NBA lines page where you can compare daily odds

The NBA Pacific Division offers one true contender—the Los Angeles Lakers. The Phoenix Suns have some potential but their age is really showing. The rest of the division, the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings, are all too understaffed to even come close to a playoff berth.

The Los Angeles Lakers put five talented starters on the court and offer a solid bench. Now in his 12th year, shooting guard Kobe Bryant simply seems to get better and better as time goes on. Power forward Pau Gasol, center D.J. Mbenga and small forward Trevor Ariza make up one of the best frontcourts in the league. Coach Phil Jackson, now in his 18th NBA season, is an excellent motivator and strategist.

The Suns roster two hall of fame players—point guard Steve Nash and center Shaquille O’Neal. Nash has lost a step or two but he is still one of the best assist men in the league. O’Neal is prone to injury and fatigue. Power forward Amare Stoudemire is rough and tough under the boards. As head coach, Terry Potter brings two years of experience with the Bucks to the Suns.

The Warriors of Golden State will put a quality player on the court when eight-year vet Stephen Jackson returns. The small forward has a nice scoring stroke and possesses the ability to find the open man. Don Nelson, a NBA icon, starts his 30th year as a NBA coach. He has a lot of mentoring and rebuilding to do.

Look for the Los Angeles Clippers to be led by power forward Zach Randolph. He’s a fine point scorer. Center Marcus Camby is a true double-double guy. At the point, Baron Davis offers some impressive skills. The Clippers are good overall but they lack depth. In five prior seasons with the Clippers, coach Mike Dunleavy has gotten them to above .500 just once.

The Sacramento Kings will be at the bottom of the Pacific Division. That’s the truth. You can’t expect much from this team that is thin in just about every area. Shooting guard Kevin Martin will put points on the board by hitting from downtown. This club has little defense, and that will be a major problem. Coach Reggie Theus is in his second year with the club. He can make things happen.

2008 NBA Pacific Division Predictions

Projected Order of Finish: Click on team name for individual in-depth team outlook.

1) Los Angeles Lakers
2) Phoenix Suns
3) Golden State Warriors
4) Los Angeles Clippers
5) Sacramento Kings