Is Trading Dwyane Wade only a matter of time?

With the previously-perceived trouble in South Beach, is trading Dwyane Wade only a matter of time?

Until last week, things were not working in Miami. The team wasn't getting along, people were not settling into their roles and the wins weren't coming as easy as people predicted. Though the team has improved to 15-8 with a six-game win streak and are sitting at third in the Eastern Conference, it is still a far cry from the record-shattering 73-plus win season people predicted.

Many things have contributed to the unexpected sub-par season. Injuries, unestablished identity and, according to the "King," too many minutes and lack of a fun atmosphere. A week ago, it was being reported there was frustration from the players with coach Erik Spoelstra.

It was becoming obvious something had to happen. Things were not right and the blame had to fall somewhere. Heads needed to roll, so to speak. The media seems to think Pat Riley will step in and take over as coach like he did in '05-06. The conspiracy theory was this was the plan from the beginning when he lured Chris Bosh and Lebron James to South Beach. But I have to question that move. I honestly wonder what kind of difference Riley would make coaching this team because the problem isn’t the coach.

Lebron is a PR nightmare, making things worse for him and his team every time he opens his mouth (somewhere out there Mel Gibson and Pat O'Brien are giggling wildly together saying. 'Look at that idiot'). Bosh seems to be going through the motions and has been putting up decent numbers, but he looks like a deer in headlights, genuinely surprised (and scared) at the negative firestorm the Heat have to endure on a nightly basis.

Dwyane Wade has been oft-injured and put up some of the worst shooting percentages of his pro career. But the most alarming part? Wade really doesn't look like he wants any part of this union. Even when he claims he does.

Does anyone think Riley wants to take this team over? Riley is not a stupid man, and he knows simply changing coaches is not enough. Riley knows what it takes to win (note to King James: If you think Spoelstra is hard on you as a coach, you might want to ask around about Riley's practice sessions), and he knows the Heat are missing massive pieces like a point guard and a center. Why would Riley tarnish his image coaching this team?

Miami needs a floor general, a leader on and off the court who knows how to get the most out of the talent. Wade would be that leader in a normal setting. But after reports surfaced of player's being frustrated with Spoelstra, along with Wade's comments that the coach is “his guy,” it quickly became apparent teammates gravitate to Lebron as their leader. An odd occurrence considering he has made it clear through actions and words he isn’t the guy. Mentally, he isn’t capable of leading this team, though throughout their recent win streak he has led in most categories over Wade. Lebron is a spoiled child with a ton of talent -- Bobby Fischer, if you will. He just wants to have fun and joke around, practice his celebrations with teammates and enjoy South Beach.

So now that things are all better in South Beach, and Miami and the Heat have finally beat a winning team (the Utah Jazz Dec. 8), we don't need to worry about trades, right? But what if the current win streak is just a flash in the pan, a mirage? What if when they start playing some of the league's elite again the losing starts along with it.

The one thing championship coaches know is you can win all you want in the regular season, but if you can't beat the elite teams, you won't win a championship. Miami has been looking so good against sub-par teams lately, we are already starting to forget about their glaring holes at point guard and their attrition in the post. Riley, on the other hand, is still well aware of those holes. He knows as the team is built now, they cannot win it all. So if and when Miami starts losing against winning teams, what should Riley do? Well, the correct and unpopular decision is trade Dwyane Wade.

Delusions of a Sports Fan

This post came to me after the Nov. 14 Steelers game. See, I'm an avid Steelers fan, and it's important to me to see every game (yes, I mean every game) when it airs. I pride myself on seeing every moment of a game. The same is relatively true for Lakers games. Nov. 14, however, I broke a rule, a superstition rule, if you will. I fell asleep in the middle of an important game which led me to write out these rules so others would not make the same mistake.

See sports are riddled with athlete superstitions. Through the years, the media has made us privy to many of them:

• Jordan wore his UNC shorts under his Bulls shorts, and clapped hand chalk in front of the announcers' faces before games.
• Lebron does his Jordan-copycat, all-eyes-on-me, witness-my-greatness, worship-me chalk clap.
• Dwyane Wade has his pull-ups on the rim.

These are a few normal ones for starters, but they get far more interesting.

• Hockey sticks dunked in toilets before every game (Bruce Gardiner)
• Sleeping in opponents' game shorts the night before a game (Jason Terry)
• Wearing thong underwear while in uniform to break a hitting slump (Jason Giambi)
• Talking to the goal posts as if they are your "friends" (Patrick Roy)
• Brushing teeth between each inning (Turk Wendell; He has a bunch, actually.)
• Getting smacked in the face as hard as possible before an NFL game (John Henderson)
• Sexting pictures of your genitals to Jen Sterger (Brett Favre; What? Too soon?)

Athletes believe they must do these things or planets will fall out of alignment, groupies won't flock or poor performance will ensue. Well, fans have rules, too. Some are personal, and some apply to all fans.

If you are a true fan, these rules apply to you. If you violate a rule, it's a cardinal sin against your team, and chances are you have put your team in a position to lose (well, at least in your delusional mind).

Some of my personal ones are simple. I have to wear something Lakers-related on game day -- the bigger the better. On most game days, I'm wearing a pair of Lakers shorts underneath whatever pants I'm wearing to work. Steelers' garb is a much easier undertaking because I'm rarely working during a game. Watching the game is the ritual.

As I see it, there are a set of rules that must be followed by all fans when it comes to being a good/great fan:

Album Review: Arcade Fire -The Suburbs

Somewhere along the way we got lost in this country. The 35 and under generations got lost, lost in the dreams and ambitions of our parents. The things our parents idolized and wanted for their children -- freedom, enjoying work, fair pay, equality, job security, lack of war -- have somehow been taken for granted.

We assumed when our parents said they didn’t want us to work and struggle as hard as they did that we didn’t have to work at all for the lavishes of life. The idea of a normal life with a wife, kids, dog, some travel, good friends and a place to call your own is no longer enough. We want to see and have more. We watch TV and movies (and read the Hollywood tabloids, follow famous people on Twitter) and get the sense that to live normal is to be dead.

To endure what many would consider an average life is below ordinary. We have become enamored with our own dreams and believe the lies we were told as small children by our overprotective parents. "Everything is going to be bubble gum and rainbows" seemed to be the promise of life growing up.

But it's not.

And this generation has found the truth quite unsettling and confusing to the point of feeling betrayed. That feeling is something Arcade Fire addresses in their first album, "Funeral." "Funeral" was a simple WTF statement, a "you never told us it was like this!". There is pain, death and strife. It was an awakening, a scream at our elders for keeping the truth away from us. A scream because they assumed we couldn't handle the truth.

Arcade Fire's second album, "Neon Bible," was a reply to that scream. A tale from the other side, an explanation of why older generations felt they needed to hide the truth, why they overprotected us, why they indulged our every want and desire, revealing just how dark things really are in this world. But also sending a reassuring declaration of hope and encouragement before it was all said and done.

Arcade Fire's 2010 release of "The Suburbs" is the rebuttal of those children and their coming of age. A tale of just how interesting, complex and utterly boring alleged simplicity and over-protection can be.

The title track tells the story about how life wasn’t nearly as easy as our parents had hoped. "The Suburbs" encapsulates the angst we felt as teenagers, how we enjoyed so much, yet couldn't wait to get out on our own to take on the world. How boring that wait really was, and how unbelievable it was to finally get out in the world, be on our own and move past the bullshit, and in the same breath look back with an air of whimsical nostalgia upon all those feelings.

"The Suburbs" captures the feeling of growing up in the suburbs of middle America. Though it may not be the grit and struggle of the ghetto, things are still no picnic. The album manages to run a gamut of emotions most of us felt as teenagers. Songs like "The Suburbs," "Empty Room," "Suburban War" and "We Used To Wait" encapsulate the feeling of teenage angst, while "Rococo" and "Month of May" show even suburban kids can bare their teeth once in awhile.

"Wasted Hours," "Deep Blue" and "Sprawl II" bring the typical Arcade Fire introspection we have become acclimated to, while "Ready To Start," "Sprawl II" "Half Light II," and "Modern Man" serve as notice that the kids have come of age and are ready to play adults, setting out in the world.

The sounds on this album are classic Arcade Fire, but hit a more grandiose level. The drums are heavier, the bass lines thicker, the sound of the guitars just a little bit richer with an occasional 80s synthesizer thrown in. Arcade Fire have strived to give us something new but familiar with every album. In this day and age of overnight Internet sensations where most stars care more about their fame than their art, Arcade Fire have made it their goal to give us more than just a flash in the pan. "The Suburbs" is an American classic, something that not only captures the feeling of the moment it was in, but will portray and relate that feeling to future generations.

Arcade Fire did what so few in this day and age are capable of -- creating an album to echo through history. Now the question becomes: Where do they go from here? Who knows, but for now let's enjoy our walk through the 'burbs.

Must Listens: The Suburbs, Rococo, We Used to Wait, Sprawl II.

P.S. for a walk through your burbs set to the sounds of "We Used to Wait" go to www.thewildernessdowntown.com  Enjoy the Walk ! :)

Broderick Brown and the Play of the Year

Of all the football I have watched in my life I'd say this is easily one of the top 5 football plays I ever saw!Amazing awareness and football IQ to even know you could do something like this.

Blake Griffin -Thats Elevation Holmes

Cant describe in words what happens in this video. This kid is a monster athlete. He turns in 2-3 of these dunks a night. If you get a chance to watch a Clippers game do it, so worth it. By the way when was the last time you heard someone say that last line?

NBA Preview 2010-11

NBA 2010-2011 Preview

Here we are again, on the verge of another NBA season. For the first time in years, I am absolutely giddy to watch the NBA because of Lebron James and “The Decision,” and Craig Sager's ridiculous wardrobe choices (a Sager Suit Face off for your veiwing pleasure)

Nonetheless, I cannot remember a time when there was more excitement going into an NBA season, especially before the season even started. I suppose we have Lebron's “All eyes on me, kids there is no Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Tooth Fairy, I'm going to crush the hopes of an entire fan base and city with my ego” summer to thank for that.

And after all, it's been years since fans have had a common enemy to root against. The last one in memory was the Bad Boys in the 80s. For the past few years, people have hated different teams for different reasons. Whether it was for the team's image -- the Portland Jailblazers, Iverson's thugged-out 76ers squads, the Knicks' band of merry thugs (Sprewell, Mason, L.J., Marcus Camby) -- or just players like Kobe Bryant, Rasheed Wallace, Ron Artest to name a few. NBA fans have not had a common enemy. This year is different; every fan will cheer for any team playing against the Heat. We will rue their wins and cheer gleefully when they lose. We will mock Lebron every moment we can, with every commercial he does and every pseudo apology he tries to make because honestly it's way too late to apologize.

I'm excited not only because for the first time in a long time there is a true team to hate, but also because the NBA is competitive again. The league is no longer watered down, making a regular season pointless for fans. Top that off with the fact the word rivalry has reappeared in the NBA lexicon (thanks to Boston Celtics and LA Lakers of 2010) and you have a season I cant wait to watch.

Teams have stopped giving love to each other. Players have shown they have a distaste for the other team or the city (Johkim Noah's vacation to Cleveland ). Bulletin board material is no longer an issue. If you hate the team, you just come out with it and then let your play back you up. That’s why we have seen some of the best playoff matches in years. Politically correct is going out the window and fans are witnessing a resurgence of tough, hard-nosed players who care more about championships than money.

With that in mind, let me introduce you to my 5 part 2010-2011 NBA Season Preview. 

NBA Preview pt. 1

THE HEAVY HITTERS

1. LA Lakers

They may not be the popular choice for No. 1 in the league due to the Miami Heat's offseason, but champions are champions until they are dethroned.

The core nucleus is still with the team, including most of its depth, minus Jordan Farmar and Adam Morrison's mustache (its progress being that much more legitimate than its host). You know the key players: Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest, Derek Fisher and Kobe Bryant. And the addition of Steve Blake and Matt Barnes are key to a title defense.

Blake is a good three-point shooter and a highly-efficient ball handler, while Barnes will add defense to an extremely-deep bench. Also, don't forget the electric Shannon Brown.

All the pieces are in place to repeat, and all the attention and expectations being placed on the Miami Heat will be a blessing in disguise.

2. Boston Celtics

Last year's runner-up gave the Lakers everything they could handle while missing Kendrick Perkins to injury in Game 7 of the Finals. Who knows what would have happened if he had been there.

The Celtics are old, but they're wily, they know their roles, and they know what it takes to win. With their primary focus being on defense, and the addition of Shaq to clog the middle as well as the addition of Jermaine O’Neil to help bump up the size on the bench. This team will be a handful for anyone they go up against.

This is Kevin Garnett's second year, returning from severe knee injury. If all indications are correct, he should be ready to compete at a high level this season. Also, the removal of locker room cancer Rasheed Wallace can do nothing but help this team.

Boston's starting five have the ability to wear teams down and the unique ability to bring high-energy guys like Nate Robinson and Glen Davis to pick up the tempo and exploit the exhaustion of any opponent's starting five.

Don’t look for this team to play coy like they did last year. Playing coy last year stopped the focus on being No. 1 and put it on resting everybody, not caring where they fell in the rankings and deciding they could get to the finals no matter what their playoff position was. And they were right.

This year, the gloves are off. Look for Boston to come out of the gates swinging. They have spent a whole summer brooding over last year's Finals loss. In addition, they have heard every one anoint Miami the champs. That's going to be more than enough motivation for the reigning Eastern Conference champions to make another run this year.

People seem to want to count this team out for their age. But make no mistake, if they come up against the Heat in the playoffs, they will be more than ready.

3. Orlando Magic

Orlando may not have seen many roster changes in the offseason. But for the first time in his career, Dwight Howard is taking his talents -- and his weaknesses -- seriously, working with Hakeem Olajuwon in the offseason to add to his previously-anemic offensive repertoire.

As the leading defensive player the past two seasons, Howard has that part of his game on lockdown. Now, some much-needed work on his low post footwork, as well as his shooting touch, should make sure teams throw a double team his way more often. If Howard can prove to be a force in the paint on offense, he will not only open up the perimeter for an already trigger-happy (and extremely accurate) backcourt, but will make a legitimate run for MVP.

Solid core players Jameer Nelson, Vince Carter and Rashard Lewis make up Orlando's strong nucleus. The addition of Quentin Richardson should round out a deep and skilled bench, and look for J.J. Redick to have a breakout shooting season to help this deadly three-point shooting team.

The big question mark will be Vince Carter. Can he have an All-Star year like the days of old? Or is the old Carter gone for good? Last year we saw flashes of his brilliance, but that's just it -- mostly flashes. If Carter can average 15 points a game and find a new love for defense, Orlando will be a formidable opponent for any of the contenders. If Carter can't give Orlando those numbers, they better make a trade, or they can kiss the Finals goodbye.

With all the attention in Florida being focused on the Heat, the Magic should have plenty of motivation to remind people they were contenders well before the King brought his talents to South Beach.

4. Chicago Bulls

For the past two years the Bulls have provided us with playoff magic. Whether it was the playoff series two years ago when they gave the Celtics all they could handle for seven games, or last year's wonderful comments from Joakim Noah in regards to Cleveland as a vacation spot (one of my top 10 favorite sports quotes ever). Well folks, that team is back and better than ever.

The Bulls had a big offseason, acquiring Carlos Boozer and Kyle Korver to complement Derrick Rose and Noah. Boozer hurt himself in the preseason though, so don't expect a fast start. But this team will hold the fort well until he gets back.

This season should be different from last year's 41-41 team, so long as the injury bug stays away from any of the major players. Luol Deng will have to pick up the scoring a bit with the loss of Kirk Hinrich. But Korver should help with that as well.

Noah is poised to have a breakout season, be a consistent double-double guy and continue to be a defensive nightmare for the opposition. Putting Boozer beside Noah on the blocks just adds veteran leadership and chemistry. This team will be able to bang down low with the best of them, even if they're slightly undersized.

The ingredients are on the table, now it's up to first-year head coach Tom Thibodeau to put it all together for a long run in the playoffs. And with some luck, maybe a shot at the Finals.

With their combination of speed, power and youth, this team has a legit shot at taking a run at it. The only sad part is Noah won't be able to say anything about Miami the way he did Cleveland. Then again, I'm sure he will find something.

5. Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta would be higher up if it weren’t for their sporadic behavior the last two years -- coming into each season showing promise of a true contender only to fall short and be eliminated early in the playoffs.

New coach Larry Drew brings a more potent offensive scheme to the team and also a more man-to-man approach to an already-potent defensive team.

Their defense is anchored by larger-than-life players Al Horford and Josh Smith. The problem with Smith is he suffers from the same offensive diseases as Dwight Howard, relying strictly on athletic talent to produce offense. If he has improved at all, it could mean trouble for the power forwards and centers who guard him. They could really use a return to form from veteran guard Mike Bibby to assure a deep run in the playoffs.

This team is a year older, a year wiser and has a solid bench to back up their starters. If they can put it together by the end of the season, they will be a force to be reckoned with and will make a legitimate title run for a championship-deprived city.

NBA Preview pt. 2

On the Verge

6. Miami Heat

Most of America currently hates Miami, making them probably the most polarizing team in the field this year. James' "Decision" turned everyone except Miami residents against them. Rooting for the team to fail, it will be interesting to see how the Big Three functions with a target on their back no matter who they face.

This year's Steinbrenner approach to the season means anything less than a championship is a failure, putting added pressure on a team fighting their way out of a deep Eastern Conference. And though the Big Three seems to have all the necessary stuff on paper to bring the Heat, their supporting cast (the signing of Juwan Howard and Jerry Stackhouse has to be some type of Punk'd episode involving Pat Riley and LeBron James) doesn’t exactly scream 'Fear us.'

Actually it reminds me of something I used to cook up called Poor Man's Casserole. As a struggling 20-something, I would have a fridge full of leftovers: pasta, veggies, meat, potatoes, beans, rice, basically various scant items. I would throw them all together, put some type of sauce on top of it, toss it in the oven and pray for the best. Sometimes, I got something really good. Other times, I got something close to toxic sludge.

That’s exactly what this team is: Poor Man's Casserole. Miami spent a lot of money on three big-ticket players and are hoping their leftovers can satisfy their hunger. Riley is gambling on getting something good. I'm guessing it will be tolerable, but nothing to write home about. Look for them to cruise past teams like the 76ers, Nets and Detroit, but struggle with contenders like Orlando, Boston and Atlanta.

This isn’t the first time All-Star caliber players went mercenary for rings. Remember the 2004 Lakers adding Karl Malone and Gary Payton? Didn’t work for them, and it won't for Miami, at least not this year.

With karma already following this team around (and not necessarily the good kind), an injured Mike Miller, a recovering and oft-injured Dwyane Wade, a lack of size on the blocks, and a shallow bench, this season could prove to be more difficult than anyone expects unless some moves are made by the trade deadline.

This team winning a championship would not surprise anyone. Losing wouldn’t surprise anyone either, but if so, excuses are inevitable.

7. Utah Jazz

The Jazz have undergone a huge overhaul to their roster in the offseason, losing Ronnie Brewer, Kyle Korver and Carlos Boozer to the Chicago Bulls. Can Al Jefferson and Raja Bell make up the difference? Korver's three-point accuracy will be missed, but Bell is no slouch in the shooting department.

Bell will bring a defensive toughness courted by many teams in the offseason, including the reigning NBA champs. With the best point guard in the league and a cast of role players always ready to mix it up, the Jazz are looking to prove they truly belong among the league's elite.

With some luck on the health front and a midseason acquisition, or a monster year from Al Jefferson, the Jazz should do just that, and possibly earn Jerry Sloan his first Coach of the Year honors in his illustrious 22-year career.

8. New Orleans Hornets

The dismissal of the Hornets as a playoff contender is a mistake. The Hornets are coming off a season where Chris Paul was injured and Peja Stojakovic finally started to show his age. The loss of Tyson Chandler last year in a trade for Emeka Okafor was a huge blow toward team chemistry. However, from a roster standpoint, Okafor and Chandler are the exact same player. If Okafor can prove he is one of the team, fans should see chemistry reset itself.

Trevor Ariza will bring a defensive tenacity to the team as well as his championship attitude. Look for David West and and Marcus Thorton to provide offensive firepower, so long as Paul is healthy and creating scoring opportunities. If this team gets off to a fast start, they will make the playoffs.

9. San Antonio Spurs

Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are both healthy for the first time in years and should remind people why they were considered one of the best backcourts in basketball for years. Tim Duncan will be the consistent anchor he always is, but the wear and tear of playing for a perennial contender combined with his age will reduce his production.

Richard Jefferson will have to assert himself as the scorer he once was. If he can't do it, look for the Spurs to make a trade midseason for more scoring. They have never been a scoring team, rather a 'slow the pace, defensive grind-you-down' team. But that’s the problem. Duncan and Ginobili are losing a step on defense, and the bench is far from one of the deepest in the league. Teams like the Lakers, Thunder, Heat, Bucks and Rockets will give this team fits with their size and speed.

Look for a long, grinding season with 45-55 wins and a playoff appearance. Once in the playoffs, anything can happen. They have the coach, players and veteran experience to take advantage of any slip-ups by the major player (Lakers) as well as four championship rings to prove they know what it takes to finish the job. However, I'm not particularly worried about watching a Spurs vs. Boston bored-to-tears Final anytime soon.

NBA Preview pt. 3

The Middle 

10. Denver Nuggets

What needs to be said about the Nuggets? They are a perennial playoff team, well-coached and always one step (or one terrible George Karl inbounds play) away from being in the Finals.

The talent level of this team is never in question. The attitude is. Known ego maniacs Kenyon Martin and J.R. Smith are always one step away from combustion. Add this team's already tumultuous chemistry and the swirling rumors of Carmelo Anthony's inevitable departure, and you have a team on the down slope.

As much as the media says they will contend this year, they won't. Look for Anthony to be traded early in the season, possibly to the Knicks for draft picks or young talent. Also, look for Chauncey Billups to be moved after Anthony leaves.

This team may have the hunger as it's currently structured, but the situation is far to combustible to make any type of deep playoff run.

11. Dallas Mavericks

The Mavericks have been chomping at the bit for years now. They fell short in 2006 against the Heat, and since then have been the NBA's major import/export center in regards to players.

It seems every year is a must-win year and this season is no different. The addition of Tyson Chandler in the offseason will add defense and length in the post. A full season with Caron Butler will prove beneficial to their playoff run. The problem is this team is old and filled with combustible egos. Good thing that's Coach Carlisle's specialty.

But Mark Cuban's constant tinkering makes it hard for his teams to find continuity together. Jason Kidd brings years of experiences to the table, but is no longer capable of defending premier point guards.

Dirk Nowitzki, as always, is the foundation of the team. If he has another MVP caliber season, the Mavs may go far, meaning the conference finals, which they can't and won't win. If Dallas comes across the Thunder or a healthy Rockets team in the first round, expect an early exit.

12. Oklahoma City Thunder

KEVIN DURANT -- 'nuff said.

OK, I guess I'll say more. The Thunder sport one of the league's youngest, fastest, hungriest and most humble teams. In a league of ego-filled, self-centered brats, this team seems to be the exact opposite. After last year's big showing against the Lakers in the playoffs, they should be brimming with confidence.

Durant should be a lock for MVP, even if James averages the Oscar Robertson. Durant has vastly improved his game all around, which became evident while leading the USA to a FIBA championship this summer. Russell Westbrook has proven he's one the league's premier point guards. The bench is young, athletic and extremely versatile, allowing Oklahoma City to match up with most teams in the league.

As good as this team is, someone outside of Durant and Westbrook will need to step up as a consistent threat. If not, the Thunder will be facing another first round playoff exit.

13. Milwaukee Bucks

The one thing you need to know is speed kills. That being said, Brandon Jennings is speed.

Jennings came into the league last year with a chip on his shoulder from the many naysayers of the league. His start last season was breathtaking. His mature approach to the game and his team rivals Durant's in Oklahoma City. Jennings' end to the season was spectacular as well, elevating his numbers around the board in the playoffs. Had it not been for an injury to Andrew Bogut before the Bucks entered the playoffs, there could have been a different outcome to their seven-game first-round exit.

The good news: They did it all while missing their star player Michael Redd for all but 18 games last season. The bad news: Redd doesn’t look to be healed until late in 2011, if at all. This team will have to prove they have the same chemistry and willingness to play for each other this year.

Key acquisitions Drew Gooden and Corey Maggette could make or break that chemistry. Look for the Buck to continue to grow. And if someone emerges to replace Redd's 22 points per game, this team should find themselves in the second round.

14. Phoenix Suns

The Suns have a monster schedule to tackle in the first half of the season, which may prove difficult for a great start. If they can get through the first half of the season healthy, anything goes.

Apparently Suns' management thinks small forwards are the Pokemon of the league and have set their minds on collecting them all. This team is one of the Suns smallest in years, but they are extremely athletic, a factor Steve Nash thrives on.

The Suns are a great three-point shooting team and run the floor at a pace that leaves TV viewers struggling to catch their breath. The addition of Josh Childress, Hakim Warrick and Hedo Turkoglu ensures, though they are small, they will have no shortage of depth on their bench.

Goran Dragic will look to have a breakout year after last year's playoff performance and might as well be a Nash clone. Their styles are similar enough the team will never have to worry about adjusting to different point guards, all the while not giving opponents a break from the relentless attacking and passing Nash and Dragic execute so well.

This team will finish sixth or seventh in the West if they can dig deep. Find a penchant for tough defense come playoff time, and they could be dangerous. If they can't, they will find themselves flailing as Nash wonders if he ever should have left Dallas.

15. Cleveland Cavaliers

And from the ashes, a phoenix is reborn. OK, that's going a bit far, but the supporting cast is all still here minus the cancers of last year (Lebron James and Delonte West). Finishing so high in the Eastern Conference, and then losing Mr. All-World, hurt the Cavaliers chances for a top pick this year. But they did a solid job picking up Christian Eyenga, Manny Harris and Samardo Samuels.

This team has been written off because they lost their superstar, but that is the perfect chip on their proverbial shoulder. Mo Williams, Anderson Varejao and Antwan Jamison should bring the veteran leadership to keep this ship afloat till help arrives. Their salary cap is in great condition, and they have the pieces to make a move for a superstar when the time is right. Until then, look for them to play like the playoff contenders they are. If they find a new superstar, they could be right back in the thick of it. Let's just hope, for the sake of Cleveland fans, this one doesn’t have any big decisions to make.

16. Portland Trailblazers

Portland is one of the youngest and most talented teams in the league. Brandon Roy, Andre Miller, LaMarcus Aldrige and Marcus Camby are a formidable nucleus when running on all cylinders. If Greg Oden can have an injury-free season (doubtful), we could see growth from this young team.

Even if Oden is healthy, the integrity of team chemistry is in question for the first time in the last few years. Normally considered unselfish, rumors have been swirling of an unhappy Roy and Rudy Fernandez over playing time and contracts. If Nate McMillian can keep his stars happy, this Portland squad should see the playoffs. If not, well, I hear the fishing in Portland is good in May.

NBA Preview pt. 4

Between a Rock and a Hardplace 

17. Golden State Warriors

Last year, the question was whether or not Monta Ellis and Stephen Curry could play together, sharing the points and point guard responsibilities.

Well, that question was answered, but Golden State was still one of the worst teams in the league. The Warriors were capable of running the score up on teams last year, but were vastly undersized, which kept them from closing the deal to the tune of 56 losses last year.

In the offseason, Warriors management hit the free agent market hard grabbing 20-and-10 guy David Lee from the Knicks. Lee gives them more size down low along with some much-needed defensive aggressiveness. Even with the addition of Lee and the newly-acquired Dorell Wright, the Warriors are still undersized. This team will be high octane and capable of putting large amounts of points on the board. But they will need to make some moves to entertain any thoughts of the playoffs.

18.Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies fell just short of making the playoffs last year. The team is young and competitive. Marc Gasol and a new attitude Zach Randolph are consistent producers on both sides of the ball. Rudy Gay is always consistent and looking to become an All-Star. O.J. Mayo has yet to meet a shot he didn’t like, and Mike Conley Jr. just signed an extension to be in Memphis for another five years. But that’s all the Grizzlies have going for them at the moment.

To make the playoffs, Memphis will need to improve their bench scoring. Expect Memphis to eek into the playoffs when Denver falls apart.

19. New York Knicks

The Knicks are a tough read. They seem to be cleaning up the mess Isaiah Thomas created and are looking to build a team capable of competing with the rest of the NBA elite.

Acquiring Amare Stoudemire was a step in the right direction. His previous connection to coach Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix gives him a leg up in the system, allowing him to hit the ground running. Stoudemire means instant offense and will bring consistency in the rebounding category. But he isn’t a true center, and Eddy Curry isn’t built for D'Antoni's system.

Danilo Gallinari is in his third year, and the 6-foot-10 shooting forward should start to establish himself as a legitimate threat on a nightly basis. The point guard position was in question last year, but James Dolan went after fifth-year point guard Raymond Felton in the offseason as well.

Felton is a good PG, and should plug the gap the Knicks have had in D'Antoni's system. But he isn't the type of guard the coach loves. The question I keep asking myself: Why not wait another year? With players like Chris Paul (who asked to be traded to the Knicks in the offseason) up for free agency next year, isn’t the wait worth it? Coupled with Carmelo Anthony's desire to play for the Knicks, you are looking at a potent team suited precisely for Mike DiAntoni's run and gun system.

The Knicks' major problem will be their defense. Stoudemire has always lacked a defensive tenacity when guarding elite forwards and centers. With no one to set the tone for defense, this team might actually play none at all.

I don't know if this team will be good or not, but they will be competitive on a night-to-night basis, something you couldn’t say about last year's Knicks. Acquiring Carmelo Anthony would go a long way in putting the Knicks back in the playoffs, and if Dolan can somehow highjack Chris Paul from New Orleans, this team could be dangerous.

Look for a midseason trade for Anthony, and possibly a shooting guard if Toney Douglas doesn't emerge as a scorer. The Knicks probably won't make the playoff, but they're just a few pieces away.

20.Charlotte Bobcats

Since Bob's Cats are no longer employed by Bob after His Airness (Jordan) purchased them last year, can we please change the team's horrific color scheme? Craig Sager wouldn't wear those uniforms, and neither should they.

The team has been a borderline playoff team the past two years, just eeking in each time. Well-coached by Larry Brown, this team will scratch and grind every game out, every night. They are long, athletic and love to run the fast break. Brown loves his point guards, and D.J. Augustine fits the mold exactly, looking to facilitate first and score last.

Stephen Jackson and Boris Diaw will help round out a balanced scoring attack. Tyrus Thomas and Gerald Wallace will crash the boards and continue to be the defensive anchors. Charlotte's bench isn't particularly deep, but the addition of Kwame Brown should … should … uhm, yeah, I got nothing.

The Bobcats have barely made it to the playoffs in the past, and this year will not be one of those years. The Eastern Conference has gotten too big and fast, and the Bobcats didn’t bother to keep up with the Jones. Maybe Jordan will make some midseason moves and revitalize this team before it passes on. Then again, anything that puts the racing jersey to rest is OK with me.

21.Los Angeles Clippers

It's easy to dismiss this team. After all, they were put together by Donald Sterling and the logical ineptitude of Mike Dunleavy. But this team is loaded with talent, and that talent is hungry.

Eric Gordon has one of the most beautiful shots in the league, plus the range and accuracy to back it up. The addition of Eric Bledsoe should ensure there is always a solid guard play on this team. And speaking of additions, Bledsoe and Randy Foye kind of guarantee Davis will be shipped out before the year is done. Right?

The big plus this season will be getting rookie Blake Griffin back. After a season-ending injury last year, Griffin has been anxiously waiting to make his mark in the league. It will be no surprise at season's end if Griffin leads this team in three or more major statistical categories.

The Clippers' bench is sizable enough to contend with most in the league. If Baron Davis can get the competitive fires burning to lead LA's red-headed stepchild, they will prove to be in contention for the playoffs, and no longer the running joke of the NBA. … Just kidding, they will still be the running joke of the NBA. Speaking of which, Baron Davis and Chris Kaman walk into a bar ...

22.Indiana Pacers

The Pacers are one of my tweeners, meaning they can go either way. They have been in the rebuilding stage for a few years now, and have assimilated a good amount of talent.

Tyler Hansbrough will do the same blue collar work he was known for at UNC. Danny Granger is on the verge of being a star; question is, does he know? And is he capable of playing up to his potential? Mike Dunlevy Jr. will be productive on both sides of the ball, and the acquisition of firecracker Darren Collison will give them speed and efficiency at the point guard spot.

Where are they lacking? Their bench play is spotty, and they don’t have a dominate center. Although this could be a breakout year for Roy Hibbert. Here is the thing though -- if Hibbert can have a breakout year, the bench becomes more productive. Then, if the team as a whole can develop some defensive grit, they will be able to improve greatly on last year's 32-50 record. If not well, 30 wins isn't so bad. Apparently it's the new 20. Errrr, wait … bad analogy?

23. Sacramento Kings

When the Maloof brothers started dumping productive players like Kevin Martin, Andres Nocioni, John Salmons and Drew Gooden on other teams for little in return, there was no questioning the motives.

The Maloofs made it apparent they want out of Sacramento for the sandier, well-lit pastures of Las Vegas. Dumping good players and keeping a fan base disinterested is a sure way to do that. The problem? That plan may blow up in their face.

In the process of the player dump, they have actually formed a team who can play together. No one expected second-year man Tyreke Evans to perform so well, so soon (20.1 ppg, 5.8 apg). But the 6-foot-6, 220-pound Evans proved his unique combination of size and extreme speed (see: Brandon Jennings) will be a force to reckon with for years to come.

Demarcus Cousins' talent is undeniable. He will be a consistent double-double guy and the concerns with his maturity should be put on the backburner until we see something at the pro level to cause alarm. Players like Omri Casspi, Francisco Garcia, Beno Udrih and Carl Landry are consistent contributors in the points column and can prove to be a pesky group, though it's more of a pick-your-allergy situation as opposed to pick-your-poison.

Second-year coach Paul Westphal should get this team posed to improve, but the playoffs are a long way off. If this team can prove itself competitive (and it should), they may get their fan base back, which is the reason you can expect little in the way of player transactions until the season is over and the Maloofs have secured the teams move to Vegas.

24. Washington Wizards

Former Agent Zero has been causing mayhem for three years now. Though he is supposed to inflict it on the rest of the league ... not the city he plays for.

Weapons charges, suspensions, real injuries, fake injuries and a weird history of strange rants on his blog have fans wishing the Wizards had disavowed him when he was a free agent. Now, with all his crazy behavior, the Wizards will find it hard to trade him and his enormous cap-eating salary. But make no mistake, they do want to trade him. The last thing the Wiz wants is a quirky, egocentric, all-eyes-on-me Arenas taking an already-quirky rookie point guard in John Wall under his wing.

Wall will bring his blazing speed and court vision to the Wizards reclamation project. Kirk Hinrich will bring shooting and consistent guard play to the Wizards as well as show Wall the professional ropes.

The Wizards have 11 players with five years or less experience. Their youth and size will keep them in games with good teams, and great teams will look to pad their stats with them. The question mark is Arenas. If he decides to give a little bit of his thunder and let Wall thrive, this team could make strides and even the playoffs. If Arenas decides he want to keep acting like an idiot and needs to be The Man, this team will stall out. If Arenas can't get along, expect him to be traded by late December.

NBA Preview pt. 5

Basement Dwellers

25.New Jersey Nets

I want to hate on this team. Really, I do. But I can't. Their free-fall toward the bottom of the league has just been heart-wrenching. Plus, any team losing as much as they did last year, yet fights out every game, has to get your support.

Devin Harris is a franchise point guard and should never have been traded away from Dallas by Mark Cuban. But what Cuban discards, his mutant Russian twin (as Bill Simmons refers to him) is more than willing to keep. If nothing else, the team being purchased by a billionaire (Mikhail Prokhorov) who claims he doesn’t know where his yacht is, doesn’t go on it and only purchased it because “that’s what rich people do” should be interesting.

Brook Lopez looks to keep proving himself as one of the league's premier big men and will anchor this team down low. Travis Outlaw, Troy Murphy and rookie Derrick Favors look to help on the boards and keep teams from doubling Lopez on offense. Favors is a wild card but should give the Nets a good amount of offensive production.

This team lacks any type of defensive presence, but Nets first-year head coach Avery Johnson should be able to implement a defensive identity by the All-Star break. If the Nets can suture the gushing artery that is their shooting guard situation (they don't actually have one), they may be able to make a run at the playoffs. Who knows, maybe there is a shooting guard on Mikhail Prokhorov's yacht. … Now, if he could just find the damn thing.

26.Houston Rockets

The Rockets have gotten rid of their hefty baggage (Tracy McGrady) and have a more than suitable replacement in the blossoming Kevin Martin. The always-consistent and tough Shane Battier will provide the defensive stability and leadership while young talents Chase Budinger and Aaron Brooks promise to provide one of the best young perimeters in the league (along with Martin).

The problem is the Ming Dynasty looks to be on its last leg … literally. Yao Ming needs to stave off new injuries and recover completely from his current one for the Rockets will be a formidable playoff opponent. If bench players like Al Jeffries, Budinger, Hill and Lee mature, Houston may even be a title contender. But the whole thing hinges on the shoulders and feet of Ming.

27. Toronto Raptors

The exit of Chris Bosh was a far bigger hit for Toronto than Lebron's leaving will be for Cleveland. The only difference is Toronto knew Bosh was gone.

What makes it worse is they did nothing to try and trade him away to get something before he left. Toronto thought if they could make it to the playoffs, their star would stay. But just like Cleveland, they were shocked to find out a pact had been made by Bosh, James and Wade years ago in China.

Demar Derozen is a developing star, and Andrea Bargnani has been waiting to assert himself as a No. 1 option. Jose Calderon will provide solid guard play at the point, and Reggie Evans will help out on the boards in the absence of Bosh. Still, this team just doesn’t have it

They will scrap and push some teams to the brink because of their length, youth and athleticism, but they will not make it to the playoffs. Look for a 30-win season and a possible appearance in next year's lottery.

28.Philadelphia 76ers

Doug Collins is the master of preparing young talent, getting them to the verge of championships contention; he just isn’t the guy to win the championships. Philadelphia are training to be good players one day -- that day just isn’t today.

The Sixers are vastly undersized in an Eastern Conference housing six of the NBA's most talented big men. Elton Brand is not a center, and that will become more and more apparent as the season goes on.

Andre Iguodala is a defensive monster, a good scorer and this team's one bright spot. But he has made it clear if this team doesn’t show promise of competing, he will ask for a trade.

Evan Turner has to be wondering why he left Ohio State for such a small pay raise (sarcasm people), only to enter the NBA's doldrums. This team is almost as young as the Hornets and yet nowhere near as good. There will be no playoffs this year and honestly that's what you get for booing Santa and the Easter Bunny. If you're looking for reasons to watch this team: the Miami Heat, Rajon Rondo's triple double (Dec. 9), the Lakers, Dwight Howard making Elton Brand cry (Dec 18) and Kevin Durant (Nov. 10).

29.Minnesota Timberwolves

David Kahn makes some of the strangest choices as an NBA owner. I don’t want to go as far as saying he is on Joe Dumars level, but you have to wonder why someone would pick two point guards, Jonny Flynn and Ricky Rubio, in the draft when you had back-to-back picks.

Rubio refuses to play for your team because he feels (along with the rest of the world) he will get better tutelage over in Europe. Then, you go and spend millions on a center (Darko Milicic) who has done nothing and has had ample time to prove himself. If nothing else, Kahn makes the Timberwolves interesting with his recklessness.

Kevin Love, Michael Beasley and Flynn are the only bright spots for this team and will carry enormous workloads while constantly being outgunned by every team in the league. It's not a good year to be a fan of anything Minnesota, is it?

30. Detroit Pistons

If NBA GMs put on a high school play, it would be the Wizard of OZ, and Joe Dumars would play the Scarecrow. Ever since Dumars traded Chauncey Billups, he has followed it up with a string of boneheaded decisions -- none worse than this offseason.

Do you remember when you did something extremely stupid growing up? Your parents would pull you aside and call you by your first, middle and last name followed by a “What were you thinking?” Well, that’s what the Piston fan base did this summer when Dumars signed Tracy McGrady. A collective “What the eff where you thinking” escaped Detroit's lips. A one-year $854,000 deal typically wouldn’t be a big deal to pay an aging star. Unless that star is this generation's Shawn Kemp (just waiting to hear McGrady has six children by eight different women).

Detroit's players and fans understand they are in a rebuilding stage. What they can't understand is how McGrady fits into it. At least Ben Wallace is still a defensive producer (although not dominate). Richard Hamilton’s numbers have been decreasing year by year, and the enthusiasm he and Tayshaun Prince once shared in playing for this team has all but disappeared. That being said, without some major personnel moves, this team will end up being Feasts for the Beasts of the Eastern Conference.