http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/13798525p-14640076c.html
2005 Kings Preview: Piecing together the Eastern Conference
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, November 1, 2005
1. Miami Heat 2004-05: 59-23, first in Southwest, 11-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 212-198, tied for 14th in NBA in that span. Coach: Stan Van Gundy (101-63, two seasons). New pieces: Antoine Walker, Jason Williams, James Posey, Gary Payton. Missing pieces: Eddie Jones, Damon Jones, Keyon Dooling.
Why they'll win: Flat loaded with Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade and a new supporting cast that can run, rebound and shoot. If the Diesel doesn't pile up the minutes, Williams hits outside shots and Payton proves to be a content backup for the first time in his career, it could be parade time on South Beach.
Why they'll struggle: Too much talent, not enough minutes, not enough shots, possible fractured egos. Key is if Walker is an effective sub without jacking up too many three-pointers.
2. Indiana Pacers 2004-05: 44-38, third in Central, 6-7 in playoffs.
Last five years: 236-174, seventh in NBA in that span.
Coach: Rick Carlisle (205-123, four seasons).
New pieces: Sarunas Jasikevicius, Danny Granger.
Missing piece: Reggie Miller.
Why they'll win: Because they're hungry - starving - and eager to prove that they can unleash some hurt on the scoreboard and not in the stands. Ron Artest is a fabulous player, particularly on defense, and there's an elite franchise piece in Jermaine O'Neal. First-round pick Granger had an exceptional camp and preseason. Newcomer Jasikevicius and Stephen Jackson can replace Miller.
Why they'll struggle: If Artest can't keep his cool, center Jeff Foster or Jamaal Tinsley gets hurt and depth becomes a concern.
3. Detroit Pistons
2004-05: 54-28, first in Central, 15-10 in playoffs, lost in NBA Finals.
Last five years: 240-170, sixth in NBA in that span.
Coach: Flip Saunders (411-326, 10 seasons).
New pieces: Maurice Evans, Dale Davis, Jason Maxiel. Missing pieces: None of note.
Why they'll win: This still is a championship-caliber roster. Saunders might be exactly what Motown needs after all the drama by Larry Brown, a winner, yes, but seemingly always with one foot out the door. The defense is nails, particularly with the "Deny 3" of Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince, and the backcourt is among the league's best with Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton.
Why they'll struggle: The Pistons learn they feed off Brown's soap opera, or Saunders can't get a grasp of this team or Ben Wallace becomes a pushover.
4. Chicago Bulls
2004-05: 47-35, second in Central, 2-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 136-274, 28th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Scott Skiles (182-16, five seasons).
New piece: Darius Songaila.
Missing piece: Eddy Curry.
Why they'll win: If the momentum carries over from last season - meaning avoiding the dreadful start that stalled things early last season - and the talented trio of Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Chris Duhon continue to push the tempo. New banger Songaila and Andres Nocioni are Skiles' type of player, and this could be the year Tyson Chandler really breaks out.
Why they might struggle: Chandler's back acts up, as it did two seasons ago. The Bulls led the league in lowest field-goal percentage with a franchise record 42.2 percent but forget how to stop the ball, so help Skiles' sanity.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
2004-05 finish: 42-40, fourth in Central.
Last five years: 153-257, 26th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Mike Brown (first season).
New pieces: Larry Hughes, Damon Jones, Donyell Marshall.
Missing piece: Jeff McInnis.
Why they'll win: Ever hear of a guy named LeBron James? He continues to elevate his game well beyond his years, and now he has some backcourt help in Hughes, a rising star.
Why they'll struggle: The bench isn't capable of sustaining against elite teams, and the interior defense isn't near enough to bang with Miami, Detroit and Indiana.
6. New Jersey Nets
2004-05: 42-40, third in Atlantic, 0-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 216-194, 12th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Lawrence Frank (67-55, two seasons).
New pieces: Marc Jackson, Jeff McInnis.
Missing pieces: None of note.
Why they'll win: There aren't many 1-2-3 running sets better than Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson, even though Jefferson missed last season's stretch run with a wrist injury. Throw in emerging center Nenad Krstic - position coach Bill Cartwright loves him - and there's a good bench.
Why they'll struggle: There isn't enough muscle inside, particularly if the Beasts of the East devour Krstic (he weighs about as much as Shaq's left leg).
7. Philadelphia 76ers
2004-05: 43-39, second in Atlantic, 1-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 223-187, eighth in NBA in that span.
Coach: Maurice Cheeks (140-106, three seasons).
New piece: Steven Hunter. Missing piece: Marc Jackson.
Why they'll win: Chris Webber clicks with Allen Iverson, zipping passes from the high post and rediscovering his low-post game after reporting to camp lighter than in seasons past. Cheeks inspires the troops, Kyle Korver makes three-pointers and Samuel Dalembert earns his cash.
Why they'll struggle: Webber. Isn't it always Webber's fault? His shooting percentage fell to 39 percent in 21 games with the 76ers last season after shooting 49 percent in the rest of his career.
8. Boston Celtics
2004-05: 45-37, first in Atlantic, 3-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 210-200, 13th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Doc Rivers (216-205, six seasons). New piece: Brian Scalabrine.
Missing piece: Gary Payton.
Why they'll win: Paul Pierce ends trade speculation for good with a career year, and the Celtics find that No. 3 scoring option, post Antoine Walker, to flank Pierce and Ricky Davis.
Why they'll struggle: Pierce pouts, trade speculation heats up, there isn't a third scoring option, rookie Gerald Green is too green and the Celtics don't equal the 27-14 home record from last season.
9. Washington Wizards
2004-05: 45-37, second in Southeast, 4-6 in playoffs.
Last five years: 163-247, 23rd in NBA in that span. Coach: Eddie Jordan (103-158, three seasons).
New pieces: Chucky Atkins, Caron Butler, Antonio Daniels.
Missing pieces: Larry Hughes, Juan Dixon, Kwame Brown.
Why they'll win: Butler and Atkins find peace and harmony in D.C., and Butler makes the transition from small forward to shooting guard. Antawn Jamison stays healthy, and Gilbert Arenas has another monster season.
Why they'll struggle: The loss of Hughes hurts too much defensively, and the trend from last season - allowing more points by average (100.8) than scoring (100.5) - worsens.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
2004-05: 30-52, fifth in Central.
Last five years: 206-204, 17th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Terry Stotts (52-8, two seasons).
New pieces: Jamaal Magloire, Bobby Simmons, Andrew Bogut
Missing piece: Desmond Mason.
Why they'll win: Bogut plays big as the No. 1 pick, T.J. Ford returns from injury and they shoot lights out with Michael Redd and Bobby Simmons.
Why they'll struggle: Bogut isn't ready, Ford is sore, the defense doesn't improve and Joe Smith doesn't pick his game back up.
2005 Kings Preview: Piecing together the Eastern Conference
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, November 1, 2005
1. Miami Heat 2004-05: 59-23, first in Southwest, 11-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 212-198, tied for 14th in NBA in that span. Coach: Stan Van Gundy (101-63, two seasons). New pieces: Antoine Walker, Jason Williams, James Posey, Gary Payton. Missing pieces: Eddie Jones, Damon Jones, Keyon Dooling.
Why they'll win: Flat loaded with Shaquille O'Neal, Dwyane Wade and a new supporting cast that can run, rebound and shoot. If the Diesel doesn't pile up the minutes, Williams hits outside shots and Payton proves to be a content backup for the first time in his career, it could be parade time on South Beach.
Why they'll struggle: Too much talent, not enough minutes, not enough shots, possible fractured egos. Key is if Walker is an effective sub without jacking up too many three-pointers.
2. Indiana Pacers 2004-05: 44-38, third in Central, 6-7 in playoffs.
Last five years: 236-174, seventh in NBA in that span.
Coach: Rick Carlisle (205-123, four seasons).
New pieces: Sarunas Jasikevicius, Danny Granger.
Missing piece: Reggie Miller.
Why they'll win: Because they're hungry - starving - and eager to prove that they can unleash some hurt on the scoreboard and not in the stands. Ron Artest is a fabulous player, particularly on defense, and there's an elite franchise piece in Jermaine O'Neal. First-round pick Granger had an exceptional camp and preseason. Newcomer Jasikevicius and Stephen Jackson can replace Miller.
Why they'll struggle: If Artest can't keep his cool, center Jeff Foster or Jamaal Tinsley gets hurt and depth becomes a concern.
3. Detroit Pistons
2004-05: 54-28, first in Central, 15-10 in playoffs, lost in NBA Finals.
Last five years: 240-170, sixth in NBA in that span.
Coach: Flip Saunders (411-326, 10 seasons).
New pieces: Maurice Evans, Dale Davis, Jason Maxiel. Missing pieces: None of note.
Why they'll win: This still is a championship-caliber roster. Saunders might be exactly what Motown needs after all the drama by Larry Brown, a winner, yes, but seemingly always with one foot out the door. The defense is nails, particularly with the "Deny 3" of Ben Wallace, Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince, and the backcourt is among the league's best with Chauncey Billups and Richard Hamilton.
Why they'll struggle: The Pistons learn they feed off Brown's soap opera, or Saunders can't get a grasp of this team or Ben Wallace becomes a pushover.
4. Chicago Bulls
2004-05: 47-35, second in Central, 2-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 136-274, 28th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Scott Skiles (182-16, five seasons).
New piece: Darius Songaila.
Missing piece: Eddy Curry.
Why they'll win: If the momentum carries over from last season - meaning avoiding the dreadful start that stalled things early last season - and the talented trio of Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Chris Duhon continue to push the tempo. New banger Songaila and Andres Nocioni are Skiles' type of player, and this could be the year Tyson Chandler really breaks out.
Why they might struggle: Chandler's back acts up, as it did two seasons ago. The Bulls led the league in lowest field-goal percentage with a franchise record 42.2 percent but forget how to stop the ball, so help Skiles' sanity.
5. Cleveland Cavaliers
2004-05 finish: 42-40, fourth in Central.
Last five years: 153-257, 26th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Mike Brown (first season).
New pieces: Larry Hughes, Damon Jones, Donyell Marshall.
Missing piece: Jeff McInnis.
Why they'll win: Ever hear of a guy named LeBron James? He continues to elevate his game well beyond his years, and now he has some backcourt help in Hughes, a rising star.
Why they'll struggle: The bench isn't capable of sustaining against elite teams, and the interior defense isn't near enough to bang with Miami, Detroit and Indiana.
6. New Jersey Nets
2004-05: 42-40, third in Atlantic, 0-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 216-194, 12th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Lawrence Frank (67-55, two seasons).
New pieces: Marc Jackson, Jeff McInnis.
Missing pieces: None of note.
Why they'll win: There aren't many 1-2-3 running sets better than Jason Kidd, Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson, even though Jefferson missed last season's stretch run with a wrist injury. Throw in emerging center Nenad Krstic - position coach Bill Cartwright loves him - and there's a good bench.
Why they'll struggle: There isn't enough muscle inside, particularly if the Beasts of the East devour Krstic (he weighs about as much as Shaq's left leg).
7. Philadelphia 76ers
2004-05: 43-39, second in Atlantic, 1-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 223-187, eighth in NBA in that span.
Coach: Maurice Cheeks (140-106, three seasons).
New piece: Steven Hunter. Missing piece: Marc Jackson.
Why they'll win: Chris Webber clicks with Allen Iverson, zipping passes from the high post and rediscovering his low-post game after reporting to camp lighter than in seasons past. Cheeks inspires the troops, Kyle Korver makes three-pointers and Samuel Dalembert earns his cash.
Why they'll struggle: Webber. Isn't it always Webber's fault? His shooting percentage fell to 39 percent in 21 games with the 76ers last season after shooting 49 percent in the rest of his career.
8. Boston Celtics
2004-05: 45-37, first in Atlantic, 3-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 210-200, 13th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Doc Rivers (216-205, six seasons). New piece: Brian Scalabrine.
Missing piece: Gary Payton.
Why they'll win: Paul Pierce ends trade speculation for good with a career year, and the Celtics find that No. 3 scoring option, post Antoine Walker, to flank Pierce and Ricky Davis.
Why they'll struggle: Pierce pouts, trade speculation heats up, there isn't a third scoring option, rookie Gerald Green is too green and the Celtics don't equal the 27-14 home record from last season.
9. Washington Wizards
2004-05: 45-37, second in Southeast, 4-6 in playoffs.
Last five years: 163-247, 23rd in NBA in that span. Coach: Eddie Jordan (103-158, three seasons).
New pieces: Chucky Atkins, Caron Butler, Antonio Daniels.
Missing pieces: Larry Hughes, Juan Dixon, Kwame Brown.
Why they'll win: Butler and Atkins find peace and harmony in D.C., and Butler makes the transition from small forward to shooting guard. Antawn Jamison stays healthy, and Gilbert Arenas has another monster season.
Why they'll struggle: The loss of Hughes hurts too much defensively, and the trend from last season - allowing more points by average (100.8) than scoring (100.5) - worsens.
10. Milwaukee Bucks
2004-05: 30-52, fifth in Central.
Last five years: 206-204, 17th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Terry Stotts (52-8, two seasons).
New pieces: Jamaal Magloire, Bobby Simmons, Andrew Bogut
Missing piece: Desmond Mason.
Why they'll win: Bogut plays big as the No. 1 pick, T.J. Ford returns from injury and they shoot lights out with Michael Redd and Bobby Simmons.
Why they'll struggle: Bogut isn't ready, Ford is sore, the defense doesn't improve and Joe Smith doesn't pick his game back up.
