16. Milwaukee Bucks
I used to think Michael Redd was overrated.  I was dead wrong.  He’s the real deal.  When he separates
from the defender, he has such a quick release that it’s impossible to defend him.   Adding to the offense is
Yi.  He’s off to a nice start.  He will be in the top three in rookie voting this season if he keeps up his pace
of 11 points, 7 rebounds a game.  Surprised stat for me is his 2 blocks per game.  Experts have been raving
about his offense, but nobody mentioned his defense.

17. Charlotte Bobcats
Injuries are hurting this teams depth.  With May and Morrison out, the Cats are going to have to depend on
their starters to play a lot of minutes.  Okafor has been filling up the stat sheet, averaging 12 points, 12
rebounds, and almost 2 blocks a game.  This team has the talent to sneak up on you if you’re not prepared. 
I like their chances for the playoffs.

18. Portland Trailblazers
Bulls fans, the debate begins.  Did Paxson make a mistake by trading for Tyrus?  Aldridge has a
tremendous stat line for a second year player: 19 points, 8 rebounds and a respectable 51% from the field. 
He looks so consistent, while us Bulls fans watch Tyrus dribble off his foot.  Brandon Roy is a very good
basketball player, averaging 19 points a game.  This team has a lot going for them.  I still think this team is
out of the playoffs this season, but next season they will be contenders.

19. Atlanta Hawks
They have a superstar in Joe Johnson, a stat filler in Josh Smith, and a lot of power forwards.  This team
has the talent to compete for a playoff spot, but it’s this authors opinion that with the management structure
of the Hawks, they will not get further than an 8th spot.  This team will put up points, but the stigma of them
being the Hawks will haunt them until there is a new regime in Atlanta.  How do they improve?  Keep on
reading.

20. Indiana Pacers
Got off to a fast start, but lost five straight.  This is not a defensive team anymore, so if you’re the Pacers
you must bring in guys that fit the system.  My idea?  Trade Jermaine O’Neal and David Harrison to
Atlanta for Josh Smith, Tyronn Lue, Speedy Claxton, Josh Childress, and Lorenzen Wright (It works on the
ESPN trade machine).  Smith is a high-flyer that can run with anybody.  A trio of Tinsley, Granger, and
Smith would be really tough to stop on the run..  This trade would also open up cap space for next years
free agent crop.  E-mail me and let me know if I’m crazy. 

21. Memphis Grizzlies
Pau Gasol has got to get it going.  His struggles have forced the team to make in-game adjustments that
play to their weakness.  Their only shooter is Mike Miller, so the drive and kick game will not work.  Gasol
makes the offense work by playing the high/low game.  I do like the progress Rudy Gay has shown,  but he
is still a below average outside shooter.  His game reminds me of Andre Iguodala.  Once Gay hits his
jumpers, he’ll have much easier driving abilities. 

22. Chicago Bulls
They’ve been in most of the ball games they’ve played, sans the Toronto game.  The core has been so bad,
and so inconsistent.  The preseason gave me so much to look forward to, but they’ve dropped a stink bomb
thus far.  Losing 3 straight at home to the 76’ers, Bucks, and Clippers is inexcusable.  Nice win against
Detroit, but 2 nights later lost by 30 to Toronto.  They could come back from this circus road trip being 2-
11 if things do not change.  The Bulls need to play .500 ball on this trip for me to have some confidence in
them.  I’m a homer, can’t you tell?

23. New York Knicks
What a mess.  I hate reality TV, but if the Knicks had their own show, I’d watch in a heart-beat.  Now
Marbury is blackmailing his boss.  That’s fabulous TV.  As unlovable as this team is, I love them.  When
the Knicks are playing, it’s best assured I’m watching.  You may think this is a strange question, but right
now, who would you rather have?  Crawford or Gordon?  Curry or Wallace?  If you think long and hard,
it’s probably not as easy a choice as you think.  I think I found my next article topic.  Nice.  Oh, I’d be
wrong if I didn’t mention the great ball Zach Randolph is playing: 19 points, and 14 rebounds a game.  For
what the Knicks gave up to nab him, the Bulls could have put up a better trade proposal.  Another Paxson
miscue? 

24. Washington Wizards
On paper this team should be better than what their record indicates.  Arenas is playing hurt, that’s a fact. 
His knee is being drained on a nightly basis.  If I’m Eddie Jordan, I’m sitting him out a game to rest. 
Arenas would not like it because it’s a contract season for him, but for the good of the team he should rest. 
You need healthy knees to be an effective shooter, thus my next comment--his shooting has been atrocious. 
18.2% on three pointers, and shooting 33% overall, is killing the Wiz.  Further more, he plays no defense. 
He needs to sit out, rest the knee, and come back strong. 

25. Sacramento Kings
I like the play of Kevin Martin, who is playing at a bargain price of 11 million a year.  He has all-star
written all over him before his career is over.  Ben Gordon thinks he’s worth more?  Please.  With Artest
coming back, I’m worried Martin’s shots will decrease per game, and that in itself will lose games for the
Kings.  Though let’s be honest, how many wins did you see this club having?  Artest would bring talent
back via trade, and I think the Kings should look into it.

26. Philadelphia 76ers
I still do not think this team is talented.  You have to give them credit for beating the Bulls on the road 
though the Bulls lost that game as opposed to the  76’ers winning it.  I wish I could talk more about them,
but they’re a boring club.  They are the Anti-Knicks.  Maybe this team wins 30 games.

27. Miami Heat
Man do they suck.  Without Dwyane Wade, they’re atrocious.  Shaq is looking old, and their best player on
the court is a guy who’s been ousted by 3 other teams, including his current team (Ricky Davis).   Wade
coming back means a few more wins, but I cannot see how Wade’s ability will make this team a playoff
contender today.  At the beginning of the season I did not think the Heat’s talent was this bad, but I was
wrong.  Lebron has much better talent around him than Wade does.  If Wade takes this team to the playoffs,
he’s a legend. 

28. Golden State Warriors
Donny ball is not working right now.  In order for it to work, you need shooters surrounding a driving point
guard.  They had that guy in Jason Richardson, but gave him up for a very raw Brandon Wright.  The
reason it worked last season was because they got hot at the right time.  Now, they are cold, and have a
point guard who’s similar to Stephon Marbury.  This team was a fluke.

29. Seattle Sonics
This team will go as far as Kevin Durant can take them.  Though there is high expectations for Durant, the
opposite was set for the team.  I honestly thought the Sonics would put up more of a fight.  Tough schedule
or not, this team should have more wins than Minnesota.  You have to love the confidence that Durant has
though.  He isn’t shy with the basketball.  If the Sonics are on TV, you should watch because you can see
they have a bright future, though playing dim right now.

30. Minnesota T’Wolves
They are playing exactly the way everyone in the NBA thought they would.  How do you win when you
have the Celtics outcast?  I’m happy they were able to sign Al Jefferson to a long term deal.  They have a
centerpiece to build around.  My concern is that they had a power forward to build around, and it did not
work the first time.  Jefferson will never be as good as Garnett, so how do they think building around
Jefferson will work?  I have an idea, hire a new GM.  Give someone else a try.