[Comey]

NBA 1985-86 Preview


Apparently, people think Jack is going to affect the Bulls, and the league, quite a bit. The Bulls are picked to finish first in the Central Division. In fact, experts are picking the Bulls to win the NBA title (based off the projected order in the game's draft preview). This seems rather ludicrous. The projection for the divisions are as follows:


Atlantic
1. Boston 2. Philadelphia 3. New Jersey 4. Washington 5. New York


Central
1. Chicago 2. Indiana 3. Cleveland 4. Detroit 5. Milwaukee 6. Atlanta


Midwest
1. Utah 2. Denver 3. Dallas 4. San Antonio 5. Houston 6. Sacramento


Pacific
1. Portland 2. LA Clippers 3. Seattle 4. Phoenix 5. Golden State 6. LA Lakers


If I were to pick the divisions, they would be


Atlantic
1. Boston: Deese is league's top center, has great surrounding cast.

2. New Jersey: Denny Smythe still great in his 14th year; league's top PG Perez entering his prime (17.9 ppg, 14.5 apg, 7.1 rpg a year ago).
3. Philadelphia: SF Whitney Gooden long one of league's best, but scoring will be a premium for 76ers.
4. Washington: Young, up-and-coming roster, led by SG Huge Turnage.
5. New York: Very young; John Jennings coming into his own at SG, and Richard Mertens league's top rookie C.


Central
1. Indiana: Better overall roster than the Bulls, led by young scoring machine Andrew Edmiston (24.8 career ppg).
2. Chicago: Severe issues at the point prevent them from going to full contender.
3. Detroit: This is going to be Chicago's big rival, with Crawford and Drake from Rice, and the reigning ROY, Thomas Henderson.
4. Cleveland: A lot of talent, but depth issues. PF Luke Black is the real deal.
5. Milwaukee: Snagged PG Richie Russell in the draft, but a lot more work to do.
6. Atlanta: Loads of busted youth. Early candidate for top pick next year.


Midwest
1. Utah: Defending champs favorites to repeat, mainly due to Harris Connors (23.1 ppg, 9.0 rpg).
2. Denver: Jim Burr as steady as can be, guarantee for at least 16 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 7.0 apg.
3. Dallas: Dom Winkler league's top scorer, averaged 28.0 ppg the last two seasons.
4. San Antonio: Stephen Ramirez is a legend, but his numbers are down a lot, and he still starts.
5. Sacramento: Keenan Sweet took a massive step last year, averaging 25.2 ppg and 9.3 rpg.
6. Houston: Lacking talent, and relying on 15-year man George Huie.


Pacific
1. LA Clippers: Clips are ready to become big player in West.
2. Portland: Made the conference finals each of the last three years. Ripe for decline.
3. Seattle: As much talent as anyone, but need C Cortez Strong to continue to rise.
4. Pheonix: Another team loaded with talent...but aging talent.
5. Golden State: PG Lionel Condon is a rising talent, but he needs help.
6. LA Lakers: Joshua Berry will be given every opportunity to star in Los Angeles.