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.