NBA Pacific Division Preview

This is the first segment of TheBostonInsider's 2008-09 NBA preview. For each of the six NBA divisions, I will break down my predicted order of finish and some things to look for from each team. I am starting with the Pacific because I want to work my way from west to east so I can finish with an in-depth look at the Celtics. When looking over my predeictions do not forget that I picked the Red Sox in 6 over the Rays in the ALCS. 1. Los Angeles Lakers 2007-08 Regular Season: 57-25, Division Champs 2007-08 Playoffs: Lost to Boston in NBA Finals The Lakers rebounded from the Kobe-Shaq divorce to win the Western Conference a year ago but then they ran into the Celtics and were destroyed in the Finals. This edition of the Lakers has serious championship hopes. Kobe Bryant leads a killer offense that also showcases Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom. Andrew Bynum returns from a knee injury that kept him out of the entire playoffs. If the Lakers had a physical presence like Bynum in the Finals, the outcome could have been a lot different. Phil Jackson has his work cut out for him in trying to keep Kobe focused on playing within the team for a full 82 and then the playoffs. In a conference as deep as the West, a few bad games from #24 could put the Lakers in the bottom half and on the road for the playoffs. Team MVP: Bryant Player to Watch: Bynum 2. Phoenix Suns 2007-08 Regular Season: 55-27, 2nd in Pacific 2007-08 Playoffs: Lost to San Antonio in 1st Round Just a few years after the Suns lit up every scoreboard in the NBA and made Seven Seconds or Less into one of favorite basketball books, it seems that the Steve Nash Show is on its last legs. Gone is Mike D'Antoni, who is off to try and save the Knicks (God help him). New coach Terry Porter has the job of squeezing at least one more good run out of Nash and fellow aged veterans Shaquille O'Neal and Grant Hill. The Suns do have interesting young talent but the questions is if they have enough to win a championship. Amare Stoudemire is legitimate stud but his fellow young vets Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa tend to be too inconsistent. Team MVP: Nash Player to Watch: Alando Tucker 3. Golden State Warriors 2007-08 Regular Season: 48-34, 3rd in Pacific 2007-08 Playoffs: None Even with the loss of Baron Davis and the injury/suspension of Monta Ellis, things look good in Golden State. In fact, if it were not for the black clouds over the head of Ellis, I think the Warriors could challenge for second place in this division. The Warriors lost Davis to the Clippers but gained Corey Maggette in revenge. They have active young big men Andris Biedrins, Ronny Turiaf, Anthony Randoph, and Brandan Wright to make things happen inside. Maggette will be joined on the wing by Al Harrington and Stephen Jackson. Marcus Williams will hold down the point guard position until Ellis returns. If things fall right, the Warriors could do some serious damage. Team MVP: Jackson Player to Watch: Randolph 4. Sacramento Kings 2007-2008 Regular Season: 38-44, 4th in Pacific 2007-08 Playoffs: None The Kings were ever so close to winning the West just a few years ago but Shaq, Kobe, and Robert Horry did them in and then Chris Webber got old and, well, things fell apart. The Kings have done a solid effort in rebuilding and could be in contention again in the near future. Kevin Martin might be the best player in the NBA that no one knows about and is a nice piece to build around. Young big men Spencer Hawes, Jason Thompson, and Shelden Williams have promise and a nice roster of veterans (Brad Miller, Bobby Jackson, John Salmons) provide some stability. This team is not playoff material quite yet but is moving in the right direction. Team MVP: Martin Player to Watch: Donte Greene 5. Los Angeles Clippers 2007-08 Regular Season: 23-59, Last in Pacific 2007-08 Playoffs: None Just when it looked like the Clippers would add Baron Davis to a nucleus featuring Elton Brand and Corey Maggette, Brand bolted for Philadelphia and Maggette jumped up the California coast to the Warriors. Bill Simmons and the rest of Clipper Nation will suffer through another miserable season. Marcus Camby and Chris Kaman are both above average in the paint and should help the development of rookie DeAndre Jordan. Ricky Davis should be let go to make room for second year wing forward Al Thornton. First round pick Eric Gordon has the ability to be a special player in the NBA for a long time. Steve Novak, one of the best shooting forwards in the league, could help a contender. Team MVP: Baron Davis Player to Watch: Gordon