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.