2009-2010 NBA Projected Standings

Not my favorite sport, but why not throw out some thoughts?


Eastern Conference

1. Orlando 63-19: I actually think Carter is an upgrade on Turkoglu, plus a full season from Nelson couldn't hurt either.

2. Cleveland 58-24: Jamario Moon may be just as important an addition as Shaq, definitely James' deepest supporting cast ever.

3. Boston 56-26: Don't really trust Garnett's health or Wallace head, and everyone else is one year older, but still just so much talent.

4. Chicago 47-35: Salmons and Miller seem like real good fits, and there's plenty of guys to pick up the slack left by Gordon's departure.

5. Miami 45-37: But if Wade gets hurt they are a lottery team. If O'Neal can contribute much of anything they'll be dangerous.

6. Atlanta 44-38: There's enough talent on this roster to win 50, but they've under achieved the last couple of years.

7. Philadelphia 43-39: Remember last year when everyone thought Philly would be good? It happens this year with a healthy Brand.

8. Toronto 40-42: Another team that seems too talented to not be better, but last year is hard too forget.

9. Washington 39-43: I actually expect a good year from Arenas, but never believed the big 3 in D.C. was that special, and they all have long injury histories.

10. Charlotte Bobcats 36-46: Diaw seems like a good fit, but this is a shallow roster with a couple big injury risks.

11. Detroit Pistons 35-47: Neither Gordon nor Villanueva made much sense to me, Detroit probably needs to tear it down and rebuild.

12. New York 32-50: They're just biding their time until the 2010 free agents hit the market.

13. New Jersey 28-54: Lopez and Harris are a nice inside outside combo, but Yi might be their 3rd best player... yikes.

14. Indiana 23-59: This team should just be called Danny Granger and the forgettables.

15. Milwaukee 18-64: There really is not a whole lot of reason for optimism now or in Milwaukee's future.


Western Conference

1. San Antonio 61-21: I was on the bandwagon when they got Jefferson and McDyess, then moved to the front row when they drafted Blair.

2. LA Lakers 58-24: There's a lot of personalities on this roster, but also far too much talent not to have a great season.

3. Utah 50-32: Big dropoff after the top 2, but a healthy Boozer should allow Utah to coast into the playoffs.

4. New Orleans 46-36: Okafor should contribute more than Chandler, but the subtle loss of Butler and Pargo the year before has hurt them more than most realize.

5. Denver 45-37: A great season last year, but I see them coming back to Earth just a little bit, don't expect full seasons from Nene and Martin again.

6. Dallas 43-39: Don't really think all the parts fit together particularly well here but again, enough talent that it shouldn't matter.

6. Houston 43-39: No Yao for the season and you can't expect more than 50 games from McGrady, but Houston always seems to find a way.

8. Portland 42-40: Hated the Miller signing, but I'm expecting a better year from Oden and this is still probably the deepest roster in basketball.

8. LA Clippers 42-40: +Griffin, - Randolph. That's such a huge difference almost nothing else matters, but expect Thornton and Gordon to continue to improve as well.

10. Phoenix 41-41: Cranky Stoudemire coming off an injury, aging Nash and Hill... they're really going to have to fight to get in the playoffs this year.

11. Golden State 38-44: This team is in desperate need of addition by subtraction, find a way to get rid of Jackson, Maggette, Nelson, Cohan and let the kids blossom.

12. Oklahoma City 37-45: Bound to be one of the most exciting teams this year, I think they're still a year away from being taken seriously.

13. Memphis 31-51: I just feel bad for Lionel Hollings, this is not going to be an easy year for him.

14. Minnesota 27-55: I think the Jefferson/Love frontcourt is going to be great but I'm not sold at all on the guards.

15. Sacramento 19-63: Didn't think Evans was the right pick, they now have 3 combo guards and their best player starts at the two already... curious to see if Hawes continues to improve.