Ryno Sports

NBA Preview 05-06

Controlled Chaos?

When you have the most dominant player in the league playing alongside one of the best young players and are coming off a Game 7 in the Conference Finals, you keep the team together, right?

Not if you're the Miami Heat.

Not if that dominant player isn't getting any younger and you have a team president who is unwilling to let his chance at another championship slip away.

Common sense leads me to believe that volatile players such as Jason Williams, Antoine Walker and Gary Payton will cause the new look Heat to fall apart sometime after the All-Star break. Shaq will complain to the media about J-Will taking three pull up jumpers before sending the ball into the post. Then Williams will no doubt confront the Diesel, brilliantly challenge him to a fight and use the words "dawg", "thang" and "step off" several times. Just for fun, Gary Payton will walk off the court mid-play to sit down in the TNT booth and explain how he isn't being utilized.

It has to happen.

Or does it?

This face lift going on in Miami just might be crazy enough to work.

If Stan Van Gundy can convince Gary Payton to play defense even when he isn't getting the ball on offense and Jason Williams to play defense at any point, then Dwyane Wade will never have to worry about covering a team's best guard the way he always had to last season. This would almost certainly allow Wade to stay fresh throughout games and help him stay healthy come playoff time. A healthy Wade means teams that continue to double team Shaq in playoff games will get burned on the outside all game long.

Antoine Walker was a steadying influence on Paul Pierce in Boston and could be -- believe it or not -- the one person that holds this all together. Yes, Walker has always cared too much about his stats the way most players in the league do. But more than anything, Walker just wanted to get paid. Now that he has his money, the only thing he's missing is a championship and he knew when he agreed to the sign and trade that took him from Boston to Miami that he was never going to be the first (or second) option.

A team with Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade pinning their championship hopes on Jason Williams, Antoine Walker and Gary Payton?

I Love this game.


Eastern Conference
* In order of predicted finish*

1. Miami Heat - The winning formula is not all that complicated: keep Shaq and Wade healthy through the playoffs. If this team falters at any point in the season, look for Pat Riley to make a return to the bench, PR nightmare be damned.
Season Outlook: Anything short of a championship is a failure.

2. Detroit Pistons - Were the Pistons purely a result of Larry Brown the past two seasons? This year should finally give us an answer. Last year's team returns intact and it looks as if this kid Darko really does play basketball after all. Who knew?
Season Outlook: Sure, Flip Saunders inherits a complete team, but if he fails to bring Detroit back to the Finals he will be seen as a fraud in Motown and the legend of Larry will continue to grow.

3. New Jersey Nets - A full season of Kidd, Carter and Jefferson should mean some long nights for most of the Eastern Conference. If Nenad Krstic continues to improve at the center position, everyone know why the Nets were looking for reasons to get out of the Abdur-Rahim trade.
Season Outlook: Keep the holy trinity healthy and the Meadowlands will host plenty of playoff games they won't be able to sell out.

4. Cleveland Cavaliers - After failing to make the leap to playoff team last season, this is could be a make or break year for the Cavs. If new coach Mike Brown can't right the ship, then Cleveland could be looking at a future without LeBron. New additions Damon Jones, Larry Hughes and Donyell Marshall should make for a perfect supporting cast, but after last season's collapse, nothing would surprise me.
Season Outlook: No one is expecting a title yet, but if LeBron does not get to see the second round of the playoffs after all of the off season movement, he will be dropping hints about NY, LA and Chicago for the next two years.

5. Indiana Pacers - Is there anyone that does not expect Ron Artest to blow up again? With David Stern all but ready to boot Artest for so much as looking at a fan the wrong way, the Pacers better hope Ronnie plays nice. Adding first round pick Danny Granger to last year's squad (minus Reggie) will make the Pacers as formidable as ever.
Season Outlook: Jermaine O'Neal seems to be recovered from his shoulder injury and that means a return to the Conference Finals is a good possibility.

6. Milwaukee Bucks - Ladies and gentleman, meet this year's surprise team in the eastern conference. Not only does TJ Ford appear to be healed from his spinal cord injury, but the addition of Andrew Bogut, Jamaal Magloire and Bobby Simmons should allow Michael Redd to earn that big money contract.
Season Outlook: They will be playing with house money if they make the playoffs and could be a dangerous first round opponent if only for that reason.

7. Washington Wizards - The attention has been given to the loss of Larry Hughes, which will hurt, but Caron Butler will be a more than adequate replacement. Being able to turn Kwame Brown into three quality players was a coup for the Wiz as Brown was nothing but a distraction to this team.
Season Outlook: With so many teams in the East within striking distance of each other, the Wizards could easily find their way to home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

8. Philadelphia 76ers - I have never liked doubting Allen Iverson and I refuse to start doing it now. It will be hard for Philly to make any real noise since AI will be a walking M.A.S.H. unit by the end of the season, but I will not be the one that says they aren't getting into the playoffs.
Season Outlook: With Chris Webber, Andre Iguodala and a newly minted Samuel Dalembert there to help, the tools are there for the Sixers to make a run for one of the bottom 3 seeds in the East.

9. Orlando Magic - Time for Steve Francis to get through an entire season without complaining about his situation. Dwight Howard is on the verge of becoming a superstar and if Francis can get over himself for a long enough period of time to realize that, this team could be very dangerous. As with year's past, if Grant Hill can come back it will be a welcomed sight but far from expected.
Season Outlook: All it will take for this team to make a real run for the playoffs is Stevie Franchise realizing he isn't and never will be again.

10. Chicago Bulls - It showed in the playoffs just how much the Bulls are going to miss Eddy Curry down low. Tyson Chandler has a chance to play the hero here by picking up the slack, but he has yet to show he has ability to do that. The backcourt is as potent as ever (since MJ left anyways) with the trio of Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich and Chris Duhon, but it won't matter much if there is not anyone for them to throw the ball to in the post.
Season Outlook: Almost the opposite of the Sixers in that I know they have the talent but I have yet to see any heart or desire from this squad.

11. New York Knicks - With all of the talk surrounding the Knicks, there are really only two questions that need to be asked. Can Eddy Curry stay healthy (and play defense) and is Larry Brown that good? A 'Yes' to both of those questions will guarantee the Knicks a return to the post season and only one 'No' leaves them once again on the outside looking in.
Season Outlook: Even reverting to two seasons ago when they were one and done would be a huge improvement from last season.

12. Toronto Raptors - Most people -- all more intelligent than I -- are picking the Raptors to finish last in the East. I take exception with that predication if only because Chris Bosh is quickly becoming a superstar in Toronto. Not to mention adding an underrated/overcriticized draft pick in Charlie Villanueva to play next to Bosh that could give the Raptors one of the best young front lines in the East.
Season Outlook: The playoffs are probably not attainable, but another promising season from Bosh should finally give the fan(s) of Toronto hope.

13. Boston Celtics - A nice group of young players in Boston, but it's not quite clear where they all fit. Delonte West has proven to be an NBA player, but can he play the point? Al Jefferson is a man down low, but can he add some range to his game? Tony Allen is athletic as they come, but can he avoid starting fights at bars? Once Paul Pierce is traded the picture should become more clear.
Season Outlook: Making a return trip to the playoffs is out of the question, but a shot at the top pick in the draft is not!

14. Atlanta Hawks - Trading for Joe Johnson was a step in the right direction, but this team is still a ways away. The people in charge need to figure out that you don't win with a team of small forwards. Zaza Pachulia is a solid backup in this league, but he cannot be a starting center for a winning team.
Season Outlook: Unfortunately for the Hawks, the top draft prospect at the moment is Rudy Gay (UConn) and he's a small forward. Man, they can't get away from these guys.

15. Charlotte Bobcats - It is important for a young franchise to avoid getting used to losing. Drafting the UNC duo of Raymond Felton and Sean May to go along with Emeka Okafor is a great start. But after this year it's time for the Bobcats to go after the best available players, no matter where they went to school.
Season Outlook: What a nice new arena!

Western Conference

1. San Antonio Spurs - Another season of dominance. Ho hum.
Season Outlook: Same outlook as last season: Outside of an injury to Duncan, there is nothing stopping this team from another title.

2. Dallas Mavericks - We all know what Dirk is going to bring to the table every night, but can people like Erick Dampier and Doug Christie be solid enough role players to help Dallas take the next step? An emerging Josh Howard will help the cause as an inside out threat and Devin Harris should take over the starting job from Jason Terry by the All Star break.
Season Outlook: The playoffs are obviously no longer in question, but a Championship is.

3. Sacramento Kings - If Chris Webber is still in Sac town, there is no way I could put them in the Top 5. By then end of his stay with the Kings, it was clear the two needed to part ways. Not only was Webber making life miserable for Peja Stojakovic, but he made it clear he would never be the leader the Kings thought they would have when Vlade Divac left. Kenny Thomas is (gasp!) a team player who loves doing the dirty work and Shareef Abdur-Rahim will pick up the slack offensively.
Season Outlook: Once all the new parts gel, watch them run for the title.

4. Houston Rockets - Tracy McGrady is not only connected to Steve Francis because of their trade prior to last season, but also because both need to step up and realize their play is not the key to their team's success. T-Mac has to do anything he can to help Yao elevate his game to the next level. If Yao fails to take that next step than it will not matter who the Rockets brought in to help with the rebounding.
Season Outlook: Adding Rafer Alston as your PG when you need a calming influence is never the right move. T-Mac could take them to a first round home court series, but anything more than that is wishful thinking.

5. Denver Nuggets - Carmelo Anthony wants a max extension and it is just about time for him to start earning it. If he goes out and pouts through another late season run, the Nuggets have to think long and hard about how badly they want to build their franchise around him. It is interesting to note that the one thing this team needed going into the off season was a shooter and they failed to bring in one. Good job.
Season Outlook: The talent is there to make the next step in a tough Western Conference, but the lack of depth on the perimeter will cost them come playoff time.

6. Golden State Warriors - With Baron Davis finally happy, he's poised for a career year -- when it comes to wins anyways. There's a good chance Davis' numbers will take a dip with Jason Richardson, Troy Murphy and Mike Dunleavy all ready to put points, but the only number that really matters -- wins -- should be the highest he's ever posted. A breakout season from Mickael Pietrus certainly won't hurt matters either.
Season Outlook: Could be this year's version of the Sonics. Ready for the playoffs, but not quite for primetime.

7. Phoenix Suns - No matter how well Steve Nash and Shawn Marion hold down the fort, we will not know how far this team can go until Amare Stoudemire get back on the court. Unfortunately for the Suns, there is a chance he will never regain the explosiveness that made him such a player throughout his short career.
Season Outlook: A healthy Amare means a long playoff run. No Amare means no chance.

8. Seattle Supersonics - Last year's surprise team will come back to earth without Nate McMillan keeping things together. Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis are sure things, but who will make sure players like Reggie Evans, Vladimir Radmanovic and Danny Fortson stay motivated? Bob Weiss? It could happen...
Season Outlook: After last season, a return to the playoffs should be a lock but if things start to unravel it could happen quickly.

9. Minnesota Timberwolves - As long as his ankle is healthy, we know what KG will produce. Beyond that there are plenty of questions marks. Marko Jaric showed flashes with the Clips, but can he finally become a premier point guard? Are they really expecting Rashad McCants to produce his rookie season? And by the way, is it just me or were Wally Szczerbiak's 15.5 ppg last season the quietest 15.5 ppg in the history of the NBA?
Season Outlook: Could fight their way into the 7th or 8th seed, but there are no guarantees in Minny.

10. Utah Jazz - Beyond their star, Andrei Kirilenko, there really isn't much in the cupboard. Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur have been disappointments since signing long term contracts and while they hope Deron Williams is finally their point guard of the future, who is playing next to him? Gordan Giricek certainly isn't the answer.
Season Outlook: A seamless transition for Williams would mean a return to the playoffs for Jerry Sloan and the Jazz.

11. Los Angeles Lakers - Phil Jackson was the perfect coach for the mess that is the Lakers. However, it looks as if he will not have the talent he needs to run his system until at least year three. Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom will keep the Lakers in the race, but they cannot take the next step until Kwame Brown and Andrew Bynum get accustomed to LA.
Season Outlook: Getting this team in the playoffs is a long shot, but Phil is the only coach that might be able to pull this one off.

12. Memphis Grizzlies - Hubie Brown had a way of getting so much out of the Grizzlies and while Mike Fratello did an admirable job last season, you have to wonder if he can make this roster competitive in the always deep West. Pau Gasol is a star and after that there isn't much.
Season Outlook: The Griz better beef up their scouting, because you never want to mess up with a lottery pick.

13. Los Angeles Clippers - For the first time in a while the Clippers were on the verge of something special. Then Bobby Simmons and Marko Jaric left to get paid by the Bucks and Timberwolves, respectively. Now the Clips are looking at a season of headaches with Sam Cassell likely clashing with anyone and everyone.
Season Outlook: The return of Shaun Livington will go a long way to help Mike Dunleavy and Co. avoid the basement.

14. Portland Trailblazers - Attention Trail Blazer fan: There is hope! Portland has managed to put together a nice young core with Sebastian Telfair, Martell Webster and even Joel Przybilla. The problem is those players still have plenty to learn and the "best" player -- Zach Randolph -- looks as if basketball is the last thing on his mind now that he has been paid.
Season Outlook: Hopefully Nate McMillan didn't get too attatched to winning last season in Seattle because he's in for a long year.

15. New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets - After the trade of Jamaal Magloire for Desmond Mason, there is good news and bad news. The good news is they are sure to be the most athletic team in the league. The bad news is they are going to lose 60 games again. Hopefully Byron Scott can use the blowouts to find out what he has in Arvydas Macijauskas, Sean Banks and Kirk Snyder.
Season Outlook: The draft lottery is only eight months away.


Best Record: San Antonio Spurs

Worst Record: New Orleans Hornets

Eastern Finals: Heat over Nets

Western Finals: Spurs over Kings

NBA Finals: Heat over Spurs


Individual Awards

Most Valuable Player: Tim Duncan

Rookie of the Year: Charlie Villanueva

Sixth Man of the Year: Marc Jackson

Defensive Player of the Year: Ben Wallace

Most Improved Player: Zaza Pachulia

Coach of the Year: Gregg Popovich

Executive of the Year: Pat Riley
:: Ryan 7:46 PM [+] ::

NFL Week 8
Last Week: 8-5-1 (8-5-1 o/u)
Season: 50-49-3 (46-54-2)

Washington at NY Giants (-2/42.5) - Redskins and the over

Green Bay at Cincinnati (-9/46) - Packers and the over

Chicago at Detroit (-3/32.5) - Lions and the under

Minnesota at Carolina (-8/44.5) - Panthers and the under

Oakland (-1.5/46) at Tennessee - Raiders and the over

Arizona at Dallas (-9/39.5) - Cowboys and the under

Cleveland at Houston (-2/37) - Texans and the over

Miami at New Orleans (-2.5/41) - Dolphins and the under

Jacksonville (-3/43.5) at St. Louis - Jaguars and the under

Kansas City at San Diego (-6/51) - Chiefs and the over

Tampa Bay (-11/36) at San Francisco - Bucs and the over

Philadelphia at Denver (-3.5/42.5) - Eagles and the under

Buffalo at New England (-9/44) - Bills and the under

Baltimore at Pittsburgh (-10/33.5) - Steelers and the under
:: Ryan 10:02 PM [+] ::

NFL Week 7
Last Week: 5-9 (5-9 o/u)
Season: 42-44-2 (38-49-1)

Kansas City at Miami (-1.5/40) - Chiefs and the over

New Orleans at St. Louis (-3/47.5) - Saints and the over

Green Bay (-1.5/44) at Minnesota - Packers and the under

Indianapolis (-15.5/45) at Houston - Colts and the over

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (-1/43) - Steelers and the under

San Diego at Philadelphia (-3.5/47) - Chargers and the over

Detroit at Cleveland (-2.5/34.5) - Lions and the under

San Francisco at Washington (-13/36.5) - 49ers and the over

Dallas at Seattle (-3/46) - Cowboys and the over

Buffalo at Oakland (-3/40.5) - Raiders and the under

Baltimore at Chicago (-1/30.5) - Ravens and the under

Tennessee at Arizona (-3/45.5) - Titans and the under

Denver at NY Giants (-1.5/47) - Broncos and the over

NY Jets at Atlanta (-7/40.5) - Falcons and the under
:: Ryan 3:42 PM [+] ::

NFL Week 6
Last Week: 10-3-1 (8-6 o/u)
Season: 37-35-2 (33-40-1)

NY Giants at Dallas (-3.5/47.5) - Cowboys and the over

Carolina at Detroit (-1/42) - Lions and the under

Atlanta (-5.5/43.5) at New Orleans - Falcons and the under

Minnesota at Chicago (-3/37.5) - Bears and the over

Washington at Kansas City (-5.5/43) - Redskins and the over

Cincinnati (-3/45) at Tennessee - Bengals and the under

Jacksonville at Pittsburgh (-3/35) - Steelers and the over

Cleveland at Baltimore (-6/34.5) - Browns and the over

Miami at Tampa Bay (-4.5/34.5) - Bucs and the under

New England at Denver (-3/47) - Patriots and the over

NY Jets at Buffalo (-3/32.5) - Bills and the under

San Diego (-2/50.5) at Oakland - Chargers and the over

Houston at Seattle (-9/45.5) - Texans and the under

St. Louis at Indianapolis (-13.5/51) - Rams and the over
:: Ryan 10:25 PM [+] ::

NFL Week 5
Last Week: 8-6 (6-8 o/u)
Season: 27-32-1 (25-34-1)

Chicago at Cleveland (-3/34.5) - Browns and the under

New Orleans at Green Bay (-3/41.5) - Packers and the over

Tampa Bay (-3.5/31.5) at NY Jets - Bucs and the under

Seattle at St. Louis (-3/49.5) - Rams and the over

New England at Atlanta (-3/43.5) - Patriots and the under

Miami at Buffalo (-3/33.5) - Bills and the under

Baltimore at Detroit (-1/33) - Ravens and the over

Tennessee at Houston (-3/41) - Titans and the over

Indianapolis (-14.5/46.5) at San Francisco - Colts and the under

Carolina (-3/43) at Arizona - Panthers and the under

Philadelphia (-3.5/44.5) at Dallas - Cowboys and the under

Washington at Denver (-6.5/34.5) - Redskins and the over

Cincinnati at Jacksonville (-3/37) - Bengals and the under

Pittsburgh at San Diego (-3/45.5) - Steelers and the under
:: Ryan 10:23 PM [+] ::