NBA SEASON EASTERN CONFERENCE PREVIEW

As for my first entry ever, it is definitely an exciting day for me. I'm here to give to you, the people, my predictions for the NBA season, the best league on the planet, the best sport on the planet. No 24 seconds today, we'll start that later. Today is about breaking down some good teams, some average teams, and some totally "stank" teams. Let's start with the Eastern Conference.

1. BOSTON CELTICS

Of course there is a lot of discussion about who the top team is in the East, but mine is for the hated Celtics (I mean I'm a Lakers fan). So this shows the type of respect I believe the Truth, Garnettzilla, and Jesus Shuttlesworth deserve. However, they go as far as Rajon "Scissorhands" Rondo takes them.

2. ORLANDO MAGIC

You might be thinking how the h*ll can the best player in the league with the addition of "The Big Lazy" not be No. 1 in the East? One, LBJ is not the best player in the league, and two, Orlando's transactions this summer will be more effective than Cleveland's. The addition of Vinsanity, getting Gortat back, and adding big Bass trump any move Danny Ferry made.

3. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

Now, I just completely dogged them but they are miles ahead of the 4th best team in the East. However, they don't go any farther until LBJ can dominate the game from 15-20 feet and not 5 ft in. That needs to be Shaq's territory only. It's still interesting to me how patient Cleveland has been with Mike Brown. Let's see how long that last without a Finals appearance this year.

4. ATLANTA HAWKS

I was tempted to place Washington here until Jamison's shoulder became questionable. The Hawks are good, but Joe Johnson is a reluctant superstar. I don't know how you can be reluctant when every kid dreams of being the man in the league. I always wondered why he was so quick to leave Phoenix but was it because he didn't want the limelight? Too bad the Hawks actually got good. To turn down $60 mil is bold statement in a free agency class that is loaded and a struggling economy. Atlanta better hope JJ is ready to live up to what he thinks his value is.

5. WASHINGTON WIZARDS

Marc Stein and the boys at ESPN seem to think the Wizards have maximized their potential. I disagree and here's why. A healthy Arenas and Butler are not even in their 30s yet, a hopefully healthy Jamison is a steady rock. The return of B Wood and the additions of fire power in Mike Miller and Foye can prove fruitful. The Wiz have plenty of offense in a conference that is offensively handicapped. That should win them many regular season games.

6. CHICAGO BULLS

D Rose will have a lot of pressure to take his game to another level consistenly all season, but I'm convinced he can do it. I think they upgraded at the wing with Salmons and leaving Gordon out there for Detroit. Salmons can do more than just score. Deng is back and healthy. And I love this front line of Noah, Miller, Thomas, and the rookie James Johnson. All of them bring something different to the table. That bodes well against other frontlines in the East.

7. PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

Big question marks surround this team. Elton Brand's health? Lou Will replacing slow paced but effective Andre Miller? Iguodala's shot selection each and every night? However, I like Eddie Jordan and I like his 2 guard offense. If these players can adapt quickly to it, they have the combination of inside and out to be a balanced attack. Speights and Dalembert will help protect the paint leaving Brand to concentrate on scoring the ball and creating other opportunities for his teammates, something he has never been able to do before.

8. MIAMI HEAT

The ONLY reason they are here is because they are the ONLY team left with a player that can carry his team on his back into the playoffs. This team is bad otherwise. Chalmers is decent, but he's not great. Beasley is a disaster waiting to happen. Haslem is consistent, but JO runs a one-legged race every night. The bench is inconsistent. Pat Riley has a lot of decisions to make at the Feb. trade deadline if he hopes to keep D Wade in Miami or he truly will go MIA.

9. INDIANA PACERS

Next best player left on a halfway decent team, Danny Granger. This boy is a true warrior. I'm liking Hibbert more and more each day and if he can neutralize the middle the Pacers can compete for a playoff spot. I like Troy Murphy but he needs to bang a little more on offense. They are weak at guard, but Brandon Rush has potential. I think Dunleavy is done. Don't be surprised to see him on the way out soon.

10. TORONTO RAPTORS

I'm still not sure why Hedo came here, unless it was purely about the $. But isn't he too old to think that way? I would be thinking championships and clearly he wasn't by signing with this disaster of a franchise. Can somebody explain to me why we have a team in Canada in the first place? Who the hell wants to play up there in that cold azz place where your muscles are constantly tight and you're a hamstring away from the disabled list?

11. NEW YORK KNICKS

This won't be D'Antoni's year, but he's well on his way. One of my boys keeps telling me to expect Duhon to have a huge year. Not sure, but I want to tell him I could have a huge year if we took 100+ shots a night. Want to know why none of these guys will get great contract offers in 2010? BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT AS GOOD AS THEIR NUMBERS

12. DETROIT PISTONS

Many of you will say this is low, but let me put something out there. I don't like Ben Gordon, I don't like Villanueva. Bringing back Ben Wallace didn't do anything for me either and Kwame Brown, nough said. I feel sorry for Rip Hamilton and what he has to deal with up there. I think Joe D got big headed and lost his mind thinking that Ben Gordon and Villanueva can carry Detroit to the playoffs. Last time I checked UCONN competed in the NCAA.

13. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

I'd like to put them higher, but d*mn what did they do to convince me they can make a run at the playoffs? Felton has hit his ceiling, I'm taller than DJ, and my soon to be surgically repaired knee is healthier than Chandler's whole body. Diaw is this year's new Sean May apparently. LB should get out while he still has a chance.

14. MILWAUKEE BUCKS

It looks like Brandon Jennings is going to be good. Anybody who can muster 7 ast a night in the preseason with this team has to have some kind of talent. Redd will ball cause he needs a new contract, and I like Bogut if his back holds up, but I don't like much else on this team. They'll play hard, but they will lose harder.

15. NEW JERSEY NETS

I have to admit, I don't miss much, but I missed Devin Harris. This boy can play some ball. I love Brook Lopez, I expect a big year from him. Too bad no one else on this team is ready yet. See ya in Brooklyn soon.