The Houston Rockets (42-40) had a tough year last season as they finished ninth in the West and third in the Southwest Division. This year with a strong cast of supporting players and a healthy Yao Ming, the Rockets will be back in the playoff mix again.
Last season, the Denver Nuggets (53-29) took the Northwest Division and earned fourth seed in the Western Conference. But despite their solid division showing, they were out of the NBA playoffs after the first round, losing to Utah in six games. Chances are the Nuggets will be playoff bound again, but how high will they finish and how good of a postseason team will they be?
There have been times when people have felt that the Minnesota Timberwolves (15-17) were about to break through and get to the next level. Last year, in which the Wolves finished last in the Northwest Division and last in the Western Conference, was not one of those years. This season, you should expect more of the same from this franchise in distress.
The Sacramento Kings (25-57) were never in the mix last season as they finished fifth in the Pacific Division and 14th in the Western Conference. However, their record belies just how interesting this team was in 2009-2010. Overall, the Kings showed some marked improvement, offered us an exciting rookie and hosted an exciting comeback. This year, the club should show more improvement due to the addition of more young talent.
In 2009-2010, the Phoenix Suns (54-28) were second in the Pacific Division and third in the Western Conference. In the postseason, the Suns beat Portland in round one four games to two and then San Antonio in round two four games to none. They met the Lakers in the Western Conference Finals where they we dispatched in six games. Now it’s a whole new season.
The New Orleans Hornets (37-45) ended last season in last place in the Southwest Division and 11th in the Western Conference. They finished 13 games out of the postseason. Their major problem lay in the numerous contracts that they had to shed to ensure they were under the luxury tax threshold. That led to frustration on the team, which was expressed vocally by star point guard Chris Paul. But after a terrible season, things are starting to look up for this team.
For the Utah Jazz (53-29) last year’s playoffs were about trying to get by the Los Angeles Lakes. The Jazz finished second in the Northwest Division and fifth in the Western Conference. In the postseason, they beat Denver four games to two in round one and then were swept by the Lakers in round two. Once again, this Jazz team will probably find themselves in the same situation once this year’s regular season is over.
For the 30th time in 34 years the Clippers of Los Angeles (29-53) failed to earn a playoff berth last season. When that type of thing happens ownership loves to blame everyone but ownership. Of course, the problem is with ownership and for the Clippers that comes by the name of Donald Sterling. If there’s a bad move to make or a good one that fate will mess with, then Sterling will make it. This year, the Clippers go for their 31st season where they end up out of the playoff mix.
For the Golden State Warriors (26-56) last season was pretty much what was expected—a losing record, a fourth place Pacific Division finish and a 12thplace Western Conference ranking. No postseason for this team. This season, fans will see an entirely new team. The reason has less to do with some grand scheme and more to do with having messed up the grand scheme a few years ago. Facing a major salary cap dilemma, the Warriors got rid of just about an entire roster in the off-season, trading Jackson, Maggette, Randolph, Turiaf, Azubuike, Watson and Morrow. Here’s what the Warriors look like for 2010-2011.
In 2009-2010, the Memphis Grizzlies (40-42) ended the season fourth in the Southwest Division and ninth in the Western Conference. For most teams a sub-500 season would be considered a failure, but the Grizzlies considered it a success. This season should be worse for what is one of the worst managed franchises in the NBA.