http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/13798524p-14640084c.html
2005 Kings Preview: Piecing together the Western Conference
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, November 1, 2005
1. San Antonio Spurs
2004-05: 59-23, first in Southwest, 16-7 in playoffs, NBA champions.
Last five years: 292-118, first in NBA in that span.
Coach: Gregg Popovich (455-233, nine seasons).
New pieces: Nick Van Exel, Michael Finley.
Missing pieces: None of note.
Why they'll win: Are you kidding? It's the model franchise of the league, with an MVP-level talent in Tim Duncan, a tireless All-Star in Manu Ginobili, the cool playoff scoring of Robert Horry and a fear-factor coach in Popovich. Team could win 65-plus games.
Why they'll struggle: Finley and Van Exel decide they don't like the view from the bench, and if Duncan or Ginobili goes down, the machine will sputter. And what if Horry has nothing left in the playoffs?
2. Denver Nuggets
2004-05: 49-33, second in Northwest, 1-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 162-248, tied for 24th in NBA in that span.
Coach: George Karl (740-507 in 17 seasons).
New piece: Earl Watson.
Missing pieces: None of note.
Why they'll win: Amazing depth in the frontcourt with Marcus Camby, Nene, Kenyon Martin and Carmelo Anthony, meaning rebounds, swats and snarls. Anthony is poised to elevate his game - he has responded well to Karl - and could become a triple-double threat.
Why they'll struggle: The perimeter game - on offense or defense - isn't there, the 1-2-3 guard mix of Andre Miller, Earl Boykins and Watson doesn't mix and Martin and Camby are slowed by injuries.
3. Houston Rockets
2004-05: 51-31, third in Southwest, 3-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 212-198, tied for 14th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Jeff Van Gundy (344-240, nine seasons).
New pieces: Stromile Swift, Rafer Alston, Derek Anderson, Luther Head.
Missing piece: Mike James.
Why they'll win: Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady make more strides, with McGrady posting MVP-like totals and avoiding a slow start like last season. Swift finally plays to his potential, and the Jon Barry-led bench produces.
Why they'll struggle: T-Mac somehow, some way isn't allowed to reach the second round of the playoffs, a trend that rings true to this point. Yao tires late again, and Van Gundy can't win his own tug of war on whether to play half-court or speed-it-up (and loses more sleep for it).
4. Sacramento Kings
2004-05: 50-32, second in Pacific, 1-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 280-130, tied for second in NBA in that span.
Coach: Rick Adelman (708-443, 15 seasons).
New pieces: Bonzi Wells, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Jason Hart, Francisco García.
Missing pieces: Bobby Jackson, Darius Songaila, Cuttino Mobley, Maurice Evans.
Why they'll win: The rotation is as good as anyone's when healthy and inspired on both ends of the floor, and Adelman seems to find a way to assimilate newcomers with baggage, Wells being the latest piece.
Why they'll struggle: Defense. Ever hear that one before? If Brad Miller or Peja Stojakovic goes down, if Mike Bibby struggles to stop the ball, if Kevin Martin and García can't make outside shots to match their hustle and athleticism, if Kenny Thomas doesn't like his role, the whole thing could sputter and wheeze.
5. Phoenix Suns
2004-05: 62-20, first in Pacific, 9-6 in playoffs.
Last five years: 222-188, ninth in NBA in that span.
Coach: Mike D'Antoni (97-96, three seasons).
New pieces: Raja Bell, Kurt Thomas, Brian Grant, Boris Diaw.
Missing pieces: Quentin Richardson, Joe Johnson, Steven Hunter.
Why they'll win: Amare Stoudemire comes back with a vengeance from knee surgery in February, Kurt Thomas and Raja Bell provide some defensive muscle that was lacking last season and Jim Jackson and Leandro Barbosa induce sparks off the bench.
Why they'll struggle: Stoudemire's knee doesn't recover and he's out until the spring, or the entire season as a safety precaution. Also, reigning MVP Steve Nash goes down himself after logging 40-plus minutes a game.
6. Dallas Mavericks
2004-05: 58-24, second in Southwest, 6-7 in playoffs.
Last five years: 280-130, tied for second in the NBA in that span.
Coach: Avery Johnson (16-2, part of one season)
New pieces: Doug Christie, DeSagana Diop.
Missing piece: Michael Finley.
Why they'll win: After going 16-2 down the stretch as coach, Johnson continues the trend this season, with defense the theme. If Dirk Nowitzki plays like an MVP, if Erick Dampier stays healthy, if Josh Howard, Marquis Daniels and Jason Terry remain a formidable 1-2-3 punch, 55 wins are there for the taking.
Why they'll struggle: Dampier, Christie and Jerry Stackhouse compete for the most ice bags to soothe ailing joints and limbs, Devin Harris can't provide anything off the bench, and Mark Cuban fights the league all season about his own dress code.
7. Seattle SuperSonics
2004-05: 52-30, first in Northwest, 6-5 in playoffs.
Last five years: 218-192, 10th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Bob Weiss (210-282, six seasons).
New pieces: None of note.
Missing pieces: Antonio Daniels, Jerome James.
Why they'll win: Ray Allen, content with a new contract, can keep the Sonics in any game with his quick release and steady hand. Rashard Lewis and Luke Ridnour improve even more, and Nick Collison batters all foes as a starter.
Why they'll struggle: There isn't enough in the middle, particularly if that means a lot of minutes for second-year man Robert Swift; Vladimir Radmanovic can't get healthy and rediscover his good stroke; and the team doesn't respond to Weiss after players pleaded with management to elevate him to succeed Nate McMillan, who bolted to Portland.
8. Golden State Warriors
2004-05: 34-48, tied for fourth in Pacific.
Last five years: 147-263, 27th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Mike Montgomery (34-48, one season).
New pieces: Ike Diogu, Monta Ellis, Chris Taft.
Missing pieces: None of note.
Why they'll win: Is there a more electrifying backcourt than Baron Davis and Jason Richardson? Davis' arrival via trade last season injected energy and new hope to a franchise that hasn't had much to shout about in 10 years.
Why they'll struggle: Davis starts to break down again after missing 83 games the past three seasons because of a tender back, knee and Achilles' tendon, and if Troy Murphy and Adonal Foyle can't score enough inside, the West heavies win those contests.
9. Memphis Grizzlies
2004-05: 45-37, fourth in Southwest, 0-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 169-241, 22nd in NBA in that span.
Coach: Mike Fratello (572-465, 13 seasons).
New pieces: Bobby Jackson, Eddie Jones, Damon Stoudamire.
Missing pieces: Jason Williams, James Posey, Bonzi Wells, Stromile Swift.
Why they'll win: A new era, with a slew of new faces, allows Fratello a decent night's sleep. Jackson, Jones and Stoudamire offer scoring in bunches.
Why they'll struggle: Jackson gets hurt again, Stoudamire remembers he can't defend, Jones realizes he's older, and Pau Gasol can't stay healthy long enough to realize his potential.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
2004-05: 44-38, third in Northwest.
Last five years: 250-160, fifth in the NBA in that span.
Coach: Dwane Casey (first season).
New pieces: Marko Jaric, Rashad McCants.
Missing pieces: Latrell Sprewell, Sam Cassell.
Why they'll win: Kevin Garnett. He alone makes this team a headache, and he was the only one to start all 82 games last season. If he can coexist with Wally Szczerbiak, and Michael Olowokandi and Jaric offer anything, there could be a playoff return.
Why they'll struggle: KG finally goes down, Olowokandi remains Olowokandi, Wally's World includes too much pouting, and the team misses the shooting of Fred Hoiberg, out with a heart ailment.
2005 Kings Preview: Piecing together the Western Conference
By Joe Davidson -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, November 1, 2005
1. San Antonio Spurs
2004-05: 59-23, first in Southwest, 16-7 in playoffs, NBA champions.
Last five years: 292-118, first in NBA in that span.
Coach: Gregg Popovich (455-233, nine seasons).
New pieces: Nick Van Exel, Michael Finley.
Missing pieces: None of note.
Why they'll win: Are you kidding? It's the model franchise of the league, with an MVP-level talent in Tim Duncan, a tireless All-Star in Manu Ginobili, the cool playoff scoring of Robert Horry and a fear-factor coach in Popovich. Team could win 65-plus games.
Why they'll struggle: Finley and Van Exel decide they don't like the view from the bench, and if Duncan or Ginobili goes down, the machine will sputter. And what if Horry has nothing left in the playoffs?
2. Denver Nuggets
2004-05: 49-33, second in Northwest, 1-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 162-248, tied for 24th in NBA in that span.
Coach: George Karl (740-507 in 17 seasons).
New piece: Earl Watson.
Missing pieces: None of note.
Why they'll win: Amazing depth in the frontcourt with Marcus Camby, Nene, Kenyon Martin and Carmelo Anthony, meaning rebounds, swats and snarls. Anthony is poised to elevate his game - he has responded well to Karl - and could become a triple-double threat.
Why they'll struggle: The perimeter game - on offense or defense - isn't there, the 1-2-3 guard mix of Andre Miller, Earl Boykins and Watson doesn't mix and Martin and Camby are slowed by injuries.
3. Houston Rockets
2004-05: 51-31, third in Southwest, 3-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 212-198, tied for 14th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Jeff Van Gundy (344-240, nine seasons).
New pieces: Stromile Swift, Rafer Alston, Derek Anderson, Luther Head.
Missing piece: Mike James.
Why they'll win: Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady make more strides, with McGrady posting MVP-like totals and avoiding a slow start like last season. Swift finally plays to his potential, and the Jon Barry-led bench produces.
Why they'll struggle: T-Mac somehow, some way isn't allowed to reach the second round of the playoffs, a trend that rings true to this point. Yao tires late again, and Van Gundy can't win his own tug of war on whether to play half-court or speed-it-up (and loses more sleep for it).
4. Sacramento Kings
2004-05: 50-32, second in Pacific, 1-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 280-130, tied for second in NBA in that span.
Coach: Rick Adelman (708-443, 15 seasons).
New pieces: Bonzi Wells, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Jason Hart, Francisco García.
Missing pieces: Bobby Jackson, Darius Songaila, Cuttino Mobley, Maurice Evans.
Why they'll win: The rotation is as good as anyone's when healthy and inspired on both ends of the floor, and Adelman seems to find a way to assimilate newcomers with baggage, Wells being the latest piece.
Why they'll struggle: Defense. Ever hear that one before? If Brad Miller or Peja Stojakovic goes down, if Mike Bibby struggles to stop the ball, if Kevin Martin and García can't make outside shots to match their hustle and athleticism, if Kenny Thomas doesn't like his role, the whole thing could sputter and wheeze.
5. Phoenix Suns
2004-05: 62-20, first in Pacific, 9-6 in playoffs.
Last five years: 222-188, ninth in NBA in that span.
Coach: Mike D'Antoni (97-96, three seasons).
New pieces: Raja Bell, Kurt Thomas, Brian Grant, Boris Diaw.
Missing pieces: Quentin Richardson, Joe Johnson, Steven Hunter.
Why they'll win: Amare Stoudemire comes back with a vengeance from knee surgery in February, Kurt Thomas and Raja Bell provide some defensive muscle that was lacking last season and Jim Jackson and Leandro Barbosa induce sparks off the bench.
Why they'll struggle: Stoudemire's knee doesn't recover and he's out until the spring, or the entire season as a safety precaution. Also, reigning MVP Steve Nash goes down himself after logging 40-plus minutes a game.
6. Dallas Mavericks
2004-05: 58-24, second in Southwest, 6-7 in playoffs.
Last five years: 280-130, tied for second in the NBA in that span.
Coach: Avery Johnson (16-2, part of one season)
New pieces: Doug Christie, DeSagana Diop.
Missing piece: Michael Finley.
Why they'll win: After going 16-2 down the stretch as coach, Johnson continues the trend this season, with defense the theme. If Dirk Nowitzki plays like an MVP, if Erick Dampier stays healthy, if Josh Howard, Marquis Daniels and Jason Terry remain a formidable 1-2-3 punch, 55 wins are there for the taking.
Why they'll struggle: Dampier, Christie and Jerry Stackhouse compete for the most ice bags to soothe ailing joints and limbs, Devin Harris can't provide anything off the bench, and Mark Cuban fights the league all season about his own dress code.
7. Seattle SuperSonics
2004-05: 52-30, first in Northwest, 6-5 in playoffs.
Last five years: 218-192, 10th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Bob Weiss (210-282, six seasons).
New pieces: None of note.
Missing pieces: Antonio Daniels, Jerome James.
Why they'll win: Ray Allen, content with a new contract, can keep the Sonics in any game with his quick release and steady hand. Rashard Lewis and Luke Ridnour improve even more, and Nick Collison batters all foes as a starter.
Why they'll struggle: There isn't enough in the middle, particularly if that means a lot of minutes for second-year man Robert Swift; Vladimir Radmanovic can't get healthy and rediscover his good stroke; and the team doesn't respond to Weiss after players pleaded with management to elevate him to succeed Nate McMillan, who bolted to Portland.
8. Golden State Warriors
2004-05: 34-48, tied for fourth in Pacific.
Last five years: 147-263, 27th in NBA in that span.
Coach: Mike Montgomery (34-48, one season).
New pieces: Ike Diogu, Monta Ellis, Chris Taft.
Missing pieces: None of note.
Why they'll win: Is there a more electrifying backcourt than Baron Davis and Jason Richardson? Davis' arrival via trade last season injected energy and new hope to a franchise that hasn't had much to shout about in 10 years.
Why they'll struggle: Davis starts to break down again after missing 83 games the past three seasons because of a tender back, knee and Achilles' tendon, and if Troy Murphy and Adonal Foyle can't score enough inside, the West heavies win those contests.
9. Memphis Grizzlies
2004-05: 45-37, fourth in Southwest, 0-4 in playoffs.
Last five years: 169-241, 22nd in NBA in that span.
Coach: Mike Fratello (572-465, 13 seasons).
New pieces: Bobby Jackson, Eddie Jones, Damon Stoudamire.
Missing pieces: Jason Williams, James Posey, Bonzi Wells, Stromile Swift.
Why they'll win: A new era, with a slew of new faces, allows Fratello a decent night's sleep. Jackson, Jones and Stoudamire offer scoring in bunches.
Why they'll struggle: Jackson gets hurt again, Stoudamire remembers he can't defend, Jones realizes he's older, and Pau Gasol can't stay healthy long enough to realize his potential.
10. Minnesota Timberwolves
2004-05: 44-38, third in Northwest.
Last five years: 250-160, fifth in the NBA in that span.
Coach: Dwane Casey (first season).
New pieces: Marko Jaric, Rashad McCants.
Missing pieces: Latrell Sprewell, Sam Cassell.
Why they'll win: Kevin Garnett. He alone makes this team a headache, and he was the only one to start all 82 games last season. If he can coexist with Wally Szczerbiak, and Michael Olowokandi and Jaric offer anything, there could be a playoff return.
Why they'll struggle: KG finally goes down, Olowokandi remains Olowokandi, Wally's World includes too much pouting, and the team misses the shooting of Fred Hoiberg, out with a heart ailment.
