NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

[Knickerbocker91]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

I'd want to see Wade's legend grow and Cleveland upset Orlando to face Atlanta in the East, and I'll pick Sacramento and San Antonio to advance out West.

[the_kevstaaa]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

Conference Semifinals So Far

(3) Dallas Mavericks 3 vs. (2) Sacramento Kings 4
Game 1: DAL 123 @ SAC 131 (OT) – K. Bryant (29 points, 9 assists)
Game 2: DAL 110 @ SAC 108 – P. Stojakovic (30 points)
Game 3: SAC 105 @ DAL 112 – D. Nowitzki (24 points, 8 rebounds)
Game 4: SAC 102 @ DAL 101 – M. Bibby (18 points, 6 assists)
Game 5: DAL 112 @ SAC 131 – K. Bryant (29 points, 8 assists)
Game 6: SAC 107 @ DAL 112 – S. O’Neal (20 points, 12 rebounds)
Game 7: DAL 109 @ SAC 125 – C. Boozer (18 points, 7 rebounds)

(3) Atlanta Hawks 3 vs. (2) Chicago Bulls 3
Game 1: ATL 108 @ CHI 123 – J. Crawford (23 points, 12 assists)
Game 2: ATL 74 @ CHI 105 – K. Garnett (23 points, 17 rebounds)
Game 3: CHI 118 @ ATL 120 (OT) – C. Anthony (28 points, 7 assists)
Game 4: CHI 112 @ ATL 105 – K. Garnett (24 points, 20 rebounds)
Game 5: ATL 115 @ CHI 111 – S. Nash (24 points, 19 assists)
Game 6: CHI 114 @ ATL 116 – C. Anthony (33 points, 9 rebounds)

(5) Memphis Grizzlies 3 vs. (1) San Antonio Spurs 3
Game 1: MEM 101 @ SAS 106 – T. Parker (25 points, 10 assists)
Game 2: MEM 90 @ SAS 98 – T. Duncan (19 points, 10 rebounds)
Game 3: SAS 103 @ MEM 89 – S. Hawes (24 points, 10 rebounds)
Game 4: SAS 106 @ MEM 132 – M. Redd (26 points, 9 rebounds)
Game 5: MEM 112 @ SAS 91 – J. Williams (20 points, 10 assists)
Game 6: SAS 120 @ MEM 125 – P. Gasol (20 points, 10 rebounds)

(4) Cleveland Cavaliers 2 vs. (1) Orlando Magic 4
Game 1: CLE 113 @ ORL 102 – D. Wade (24 points, 10 assists)
Game 2: CLE 104 @ ORL 121 – T. McGrady (30 points, 10 assists)
Game 3: ORL 107 @ CLE 112 – D. Wade (20 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists)
Game 4: ORL 114 @ CLE 111 – T. McGrady (21 points, 7 assists)
Game 5: CLE 114 @ ORL 116 (OT) – S. Marion (22 points, 15 rebounds)
Game 6: ORL 115 @ CLE 97 – S. Abdur-Rahim (29 points, 7 assists)

Around the League
• Like Portland last round, Memphis has rallied from down 0-3 to force a Game 7. Meanwhile, Atlanta has turned a 3-1 hole into a Game 7.
• For those wondering, these were Kobe and Shaq’s stats in their first series as opponents: Shaq (19.5ppg, 9.5rpg, 5.1apg, 1.5bpg) Kobe (25.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 8.1apg)

Game 7
(3) Atlanta Hawks @ (2) Chicago Bulls

Hawks
Steve Nash (20.4ppg, 9.6apg, 1.2spg, 52FG%)
Jason Terry (17.7ppg, 7.0apg, 1.1spg, 53FG%)
Carmelo Anthony (27.3ppg, 9.6rpg, 5.3apg, 1.5spg, 1.4bpg, 50FG%
Rasheed Wallace (5.1ppg, 6.9rpg, 1.4bpg, 41FG%)
Joakim Noah (5.9ppg, 8.2rpg, 3.3apg, 1.3spg, 1.5bpg, 35FG%)
6th Man: Cuttino Mobley (10.7ppg, 38FG%)

Bulls
Brevin Knight (4.2ppg, 9.0apg, 1.4spg, 44FG%)
Jamal Crawford (18.7ppg, 7.9apg, 1.2spg, 1.3bpg, 51FG%)
Jalen Rose (20.5ppg, 30.rpg, 6.7apg, 1.1spg, 52FG%)
Kevin Garnett (19.2ppg, 13.8rpg, 5.8apg, 2.0spg, 1.4bpg, 59FG%)
Channing Frye (14.4ppg, 5.5rpg, 54FG%)
6th Man: Nick Collison (15.7ppg, 6.6rpg, 51FG%)

[the_kevstaaa]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

The Hawks completed a 3-1 comeback, beating the Bulls 118-112 in Game 7 in Chicago. Carmelo Anthony (38 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists) overcame a lackluster shooting night to sink clutch free throws that sealed the game and to find his teammates for big baskets. Veterans like Jason Terry (17 points), Steve Nash (18 points, 8 assists), and Rasheed Wallace (playoff high 16 points) all hit big buckets. However, Joakim Noah (10 points, 15 rebounds) was the difference, blocking Kevin Garnett (22 points, 17 rebounds) twice on late possession and altering a shot on another. The Bulls were led by Jamal Crawford (34 points).

[the_kevstaaa]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

*Sorry for the delay in posts. I was on vacation last week and have been catching up the past few days.

Conferences Finals So Far
(3) Atlanta Hawks 2 vs. (1) Orlando Magic 4
Game 1: ATL 93 @ ORL 110 – T. McGrady (24 points)
Game 2: ATL 96 @ ORL 118 – T. McGrady (23 points, 7 assists)
Game 3: ORL 105 @ ATL 128 – C. Anthony (38 points, 6 rebounds)
Game 4; ORL 86 @ ATL 118 – S. Nash (19 point, 14 assists)
Game 5: ATL 102 @ ORL 146 – S. Marion (32 points, 8 rebounds)
Game 6: ORL 120 @ ATL 107 – S. Abdur-Rahim (35 point, 10 assists)

(2) Sacramento Kings 3 vs. (1) San Antonio Spurs 2
Game 1: SAC 106 @ SAS 109 – T. Duncan (28 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists)
Game 2: SAC 101 @ SAS 99 – K. Bryant (22 points, 9 assists)
Game 3: SAS 115 @ SAC 102 – T. Duncan (24 points, 16 rebounds, 9 assists)
Game 4: SAS 77 @ SAC 118 – K. Bryant (20 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists)
Game 5: SAC 106 @ SAS 103 – K. Bryant (27 points, 7 assists)

Game 6 (Kings lead 3-2)
(1) San Antonio Spurs @ (2) Sacramento Kings

Spurs
Tony Parker (22.4ppg, 8.5apg, 55FG%)
Stephen Jackson (11.6ppg, 3.3rpg, 4.1apg, 1.1spg, 44FG%)
Gerald Wallace (6.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.1bpg, 43FG%)
Tim Duncan (21.8ppg, 13.9rpg, 6.9apg, 1.1spg, 2.4bpg, 56FG%
Spencer Hawes (11.4ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.2spg, 1.3bpg, 47FG%)
6th Man: Manu Ginobili (7.5ppg, 3.0rpg, 5.1apg, 1.1spg, 38FG%)

Kings
Mike Bibby (15.5ppg, 9.2apg, 1.6spg, 49FG%)
Kobe Bryant (23.1ppg, 4.3rpg, 7.6apg, 1.0spg, 56FG%)
Shane Battier (9.1ppg, 3.1rpg, 1.3spg, 1.3bpg, 48FG%)
Carlos Boozer (14.2ppg, 9.5rpg, 1.0spg, 1.2bpg, 50FG%)
Zach Randolph (16.1ppg, 10.0rpg, 47FG%)
6th Man: Desmond Mason (9.8ppg, 4.2rpg, 53FG%)

[the_kevstaaa]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

Kobe Bryant came out looking to set the tone and he did so by scoring or assisting on his team’s first 25 points. They took an early double-digit lead but the Spurs turned it around and went ahead by five going into the fourth. Bryant (36 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists) led the charge in the fourth to give his guys a 104-97 win and their second straight Western Conference title. The Spurs were led by Tim Duncan (22 points, 19 rebounds) and though Tony Parker struggled (15 points, 7-21 FG), they got a strong game from rookie Spencer Hawes (9 points, 9 rebounds, 7 blocks).

[Knickerbocker91]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

Kobe vs T-Mac is gonna be good!

[the_kevstaaa]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

NBA Finals Preview

(2) 57-25 Sacramento Kings vs. (1) 58-24 Orlando Magic
For years, Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady have been considered the best two-guards in the league. Bryant has three championships, McGrady has the scoring titles and MVP. They finally meet on the biggest stage and the teams are evenly matched in most stat categories. The Kings have a slight edge in starting five because of Randolph over Milicic but Orlando likely has a stronger bench. It’ll be close but it’s hard to see Bryant lose two Finals in a row.

Prediction: Kings in 6

[the_kevstaaa]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

NBA Finals So Far
(2) Sacramento Kings 3 vs. (1) Orlando Magic 2
Game 1: SAC 115 @ ORL 131 – T. McGrady (32 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists)
Game 2: SAC 97 @ ORL 96 – Z. Randolph (17 points, 11 rebounds)
Game 3: ORL 107 @ SAC 116 – K. Bryant (20 points, 6 rebounds, 13 assists)
Game 4: ORL 112 @ SAC 126 – K. Bryant (26 points, 4 steals)
Game 5: SAC 94 @ ORL 96 – S. Marion (23 points, 6 rebounds)

Game 6
(1) Orlando Magic @ (2) Sacramento Kings

Magic
Rajon Rondo (9.2ppg, 8.4apg, 2.0spg, 54FG%)
Tracy McGrady (27.2ppg, 4.8rpg, 7.5apg, 1.6spg, 1.2bpg, 60FG%)
Shawn Marion (18.6ppg, 6.4rpg, 3.0apg, 1.4spg, 1.4bpg, 49FG%)
Shareef Abdur-Rahim (17.8ppg, 5.2rpg, 4.6apg, 1.0spg, 52FG%)
Darko Milicic (4.0ppg, 5.8rpg, 1.8bpg, 38FG%)
6th Man: Salim Stoudamire (13.8ppg, 1.0spg, 49FG%)

Kings
Mike Bibby (12.2ppg, 10.0apg, 1.6spg, 37FG%)
Kobe Bryant (22.0ppg, 4.8rpg, 9.0apg, 2.2spg, 51FG%)
Shane Batter (8.6ppg, 3.6rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0bpg, 45FG%)
Carlos Boozer (19.6ppg, 8.6rpg, 63FG%)
Zach Randolph (19.0ppg, 11.6rpg, 54FG%)
6th Man: Desmond Mason (10.2ppg, 3.4rpg, 50FG%)

[the_kevstaaa]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

It took until Game 6 but the world finally got dueling epic performances from Kobe Bryant (44 points, 12 assists) and Tracy McGrady (41 points, 6 assists) in a double overtime thriller. Zach Randolph (20 points, 14 rebounds) scored with 20.6 left to tie the game in regulation and send it into overtime. Once there, Mike Bibby (25 points, 8 assists) got going before Carlos Boozer (22 points, 18 rebounds) sank two free throws to put the Kings up. Rajon Rondo (16 points, 12 assists) drained a floater as time expired to send it into double OT. Bryant took over from there and though McGrady hit a deep three at the buzzer, Sacramento won 134-131 to earn their first championship. Bryant was named Finals MVP.

[the_kevstaaa]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

2008 NBA Offseason

Retirements
• Penny Hardaway (6.2ppg), David Wesley (10.1ppg), Nick Van Exel (10.0ppg), Shawn Bradley (1.0bpg), Glenn Robinson (10.6ppg), Juwan Howard (7.9ppg), Theo Ratliff (3.3ppg), Tony Delk (6.3ppg), and Earl Boykins (7.8ppg) announced their retirements.

Other Offseason Notes
• The Nuggets, Kings, Hornets, Raptors, and Wolves are changing their jerseys.
• The league vetoed moving the Seattle Supersonics to Oklahoma City. The Sonics will remain in the league.
• Phil Jackson is returning to coach for the New York Knicks.

NBA Draft Lottery Odds
1. Magic (via MIL) – 25.0%
2. Supersonics (via LAL) – 19.9%
3. Knicks – 13.8%
4. Supersonics – 13.7%
5. Raptors (via PHI) – 8.8%
6. Raptors – 6.3%
7. Wizards – 4.3%
8. Suns – 2.8%
9. Jazz – 1.7%
10. Celtics – 0.8%
11. Nuggets (via HOU) – 0.8%
12. Hornets – 0.8%
13. Timberwolves – 0.8%
14. Pacers – 0.5%

NBA Draft Lottery
14. Pacers
13. Timberwolves
12. Hornets
11. Nuggets
10. Jazz
9. Wizards
8. Raptors
7. Raptors
6. Supersonics
5. Knicks
4. Magic
3. Celtics
2. Suns
1. Supersonics (third time Seattle has had #1 pick in four years, previously took Paul & Horford)

[kibaxx7]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

The Sonics staying and getting the 1st pick. I love this

[the_kevstaaa]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

2008 NBA Draft
1. Supersonics – PF – Kevin Love
2. Suns – PG – Russell Westbrook (first time college teammates go 1-2 in draft)
3. Celtics – PG – Derrick Rose
4. Magic – C – Kosta Koufos
5. Knicks – SF – Michael Beasley
6. Supersonics – SG – Courtney Lee
7. Raptors – C – Brook Lopez
8. Raptors – PF – Serge Ibaka
9. Wizards – PF – Ryan Anderson
10. Jazz – C – Alexis Ajinca
11. Lakers – C – DeAndre Jordan (Acquired from Denver)
12. Hornets – PF – Darrell Arthur
13. Timberwolves – SG – OJ Mayo
14. Pacers – SF – Nicolas Batum
15. Bucks – PF – Boris Diaw (Acquired from Golden State)
16. Nuggets – PF – Anthony Randolph
17. Bobcats – C – Nikola Pekovic
18. 76ers – SG – Eric Gordon
19. Pistons – PG – George Hill
20. Trail Blazers – PG – DJ Augustin
21. Grizzlies – PF – Marreese Speights
22. Clippers – SF – Danilo Gallinari
23. Raptors – PG – Mario Chalmers
24. Hawks – PG – Jerryd Bayless
25. Cavaliers – C – Roy Hibbert
26. 76ers – SF – Chris Douglas-Roberts
27. Timberwolves – C – Robin Lopez
28. Hornets – C – JJ Hickson
29. Spurs – SF – Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
30. Kings – C – Omer Asik

Notable 2nd Round Picks
*Brandon Rush – 31st pick to Milwaukee
*Goran Dragic – 32nd pick to Lakers
*Jason Thompson – 34th pick to Knicks
*CJ Watson – 35th pick to Rockets
*Joe Alexander – 47th pick to Bobcats
*Javale McGee – 53rd pick to Clippers

Trades
*After the 2007 Draft was filled with trades, this year was exceptionally quiet on that front.
*Denver traded the #11 pick to the Lakers for Kareem Rush.
*The Warriors sent the #15 pick to Milwaukee for Corey Brewer.

[Knickerbocker91]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

Lol the alternate NBA universe overcompensating Seattle as an apology for the team moving

[the_kevstaaa]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

2008 NBA Free Agency/Trade News
• Kobe Bryant chose to stay in Sacramento (5yr/$119.1M) and will be joined by Jermaine O’Neal (3yr/$55.85M).
• Like Bryant, Tracy McGrady remained with his team, signing the same 5yr/$119.1M extension with Orlando.
• Speaking of re-upping, Dirk Nowitzki remained in Dallas (5yr/$116.0M).
• The Knicks finally landed a major star, signing Ray Allen (3yr/$64.37M).
• Portland made a huge splash, signing Elton Brand to be LeBron James’s new running mate. The Blazers also traded Jamal Mashburn and a 2012 2nd round pick to Denver for Kenny Satterfield, Josh Boone, and a 2011 1st round pick.
• In major news, Allen Iverson found a new home in Indiana (2yr/$41.89M).
• After losing Elton Brand, the Clippers tried to regroup with Eddy Curry (4yr/$56.59M) and Drew Gooden (2yr/$7.44M).
• Atlanta shored up their starting lineup with the addition of Antawn Jamison (3yr/$17.23M).
• Andrei Kirilenko agreed to a 3yr/$57.03M extension with the Jazz.
• Zach Randolph is headed to Houston (3yr/$44.67M) to team up with Yao Ming and Stephon Marbury and the same goes for Paul Pierce (3yr/$68.33M)
• Stromile Swift inked a 4yr/$33.87M deal to stay in Minnesota.
• Chicago signed Mo Williams (3yr/$23.72M) to take over as the starting point guard.
• The Celtics signed David West (2yr/$5.25M) to start at the 4 and added Joe Johnson (3yr/$34.74M) to replace Paul Pierce.
• The Nets signed Gerald Wallace away from the Spurs for 2yr/$6.68M.
• The 76ers added Chris Webber (2yr/$6.60M) for veteran insurance.
• Milwaukee signed Brevin Knight (1yr/$875K) to mentor young star Kyle Lowry.
• Veterans like Kerry Kittles (2yr/$4.24M), Michael Finley (1yr/$1.39M) and young Ndudi Ebi (2yr/$3.05M) all signed with Charlotte.
• Orlando traded Ian Mahinmi and a 2013 2nd round pick to the Lakers for Marcin Gortat.

[the_kevstaaa]

Re: NBA 2K23 - The Kobe Era Reimagined

2008-2009 NBA Season Preview

Philadelphia 76ers (24-58)
The first year of the post-Iverson era in Philadelphia was as rocky as expected. Kevin Martin blossomed into a top scorer though and LaMarcus Aldridge continued to develop. If Andrew Bynum can be next (Chris Webber mentoring him should help), they can take a step forward, especially if rookies Eric Gordon and Chris Douglas-Roberts perform. That’s a lot to ask though so expect under 30 wins again.

Projected Record: 29-53
Projected Starters: Beno Udrih/Kevin Martin/Wilson Chandler/LaMarcus Aldridge/Andrew Bynum

Charlotte Bobcats (43-39)
How ‘bout them Bobcats? They surprised many by making the Playoffs and have done so by drafting well and finding hidden gems. The same team returns with a few new pieces like rookie Nikola Pekovic and veteran Kerry Kittles. They won’t sneak up on anyone though.

Projected Record: 42-40
Projected Starters: Deron Williams/Andre Iguodala/Jeff Green/Paul Millsap/Clark Rivera

Milwaukee Bucks (18-64)
Things are looking bleak in Milwaukee even with Lowry, Stuckey and Wally World playing well. Losing Eddy Curry isn’t going to help matters either and neither did not owning their 1st round pick. This team already had the worst record in the league and looks to take a step back. It could get really ugly.

Projected Record: 13-69
Projected Starters: Kyle Lowry/Rodney Stuckey/Wally Szczerbiak/Boris Diaw/Jason Smith

Chicago Bulls (52-30)
Adding Kevin Garnett got the Bulls to the second round but blowing a 3-1 lead stings. Luckily, they retooled again and fixed their biggest need. Brevin Knight was a fine floor general but his talents were kind of wasted as Garnett, Rose, and Crawford can all facilitate. He’s out and in steps Mo Williams, who adds more shooting firepower and improves the team.

Projected Record: 55-27
Projected Starters: Mo Williams/Jamal Crawford/Jalen Rose/Kevin Garnett/Channing Frye

Cleveland Cavaliers (52-30)
It seems like the Cavaliers have been on the verge of taking that next step for years. They keep finding little ways to improve but last season was kind of a disappointment given the addition of Rashard Lewis. The East has gotten better though. The same team is mostly back other than a few bench pieces. It could be make or break in Cleveland.

Projected Record: 53-29
Projected Starters: Jay Williams/Dwyane Wade/Mike Dunleavy/Rashard Lewis/Zydrunas Ilgauskas

Boston Celtics (41-41)
Boston seems some of the biggest changes in the league as longtime standout Paul Pierce is out after 10 years. Replacing him as face of the franchise is high draft pick Derrick Rose, who will be joined by the ever-improving Chris Kaman and the underachieving Joe Johnson. This all depends on how well Rose plays and if David West shows improvement.

Projected Record: 36-46
Projected Starters: Derrick Rose/Mike Miller/Joe Johnson/David West/Chris Kaman

Los Angeles Clippers (51-31)
Once again, the Clippers were outed by the Grizzlies way sooner than expected. With that, Elton Brand departed and the team lost its biggest icon. There’s still talent here and Eddy Curry is an interesting choice to replace things in the middle but one has to think the team is going to drop a bit.

Projected Record: 47-35
Projected Starters: Steve Francis/Quentin Richardson/Lamar Odom/Drew Gooden/Eddy Curry

Memphis Grizzlies (50-32)
For the second straight year, the Grizzlies made noise in the postseason, giving fits to top teams. They lost Antawn Jamison and Antonio McDyess’ declining body isn’t the most inspiring replacement. They might drop in the standings but Pau Gasol keeps getting better and they are scary in the Playoffs.

Projected Record: 48-34
Projected Starters: Jason Williams/Michael Redd/Ron Artest/Antonio McDyess/Pau Gasol

Atlanta Hawks (52-30)
Speaking of scary teams, Atlanta made the Conference Finals last year and added more firepower. Nash and Terry are a sharpshooting backcourt, Noah is a stout rim protector, Jamison boosts their strength at the 4, and Anthony is the reigning MVP. If the bench produces or they make a small move or two, they’re a title threat.

Projected Record: 58-24
Projected Starters: Steve Nash/Jason Terry/Carmelo Anthony/Antawn Jamison/Joakim Noah

Miami Heat (45-37)
The Allen Iverson experiment failed and all Miami has to show for it is a Playoff appearance and the loss of a talented big in Aldridge. They’ve kind of just reverted to who they were before Iverson but with Jianlian instead of Aldridge. That means 30-35 wins.

Projected Record: 34-48
Projected Starters: Shaun Livingston/Kyle Korver/Caron Butler/Yi Jianlian/Andrew Bogut

New Orleans Hornets (41-41)
Brandon Roy only got better in year two and the Hornets nearly made the Playoffs. Another step forward and things could get scary out West. Mike Conley and Thaddeus Young also had strong rookie seasons and the team looks to keep getting better.

Projected Record: 44-38
Projected Starters: Mike Conley/Brandon Roy/Tim Thomas/Thaddeus Young/Kendrick Perkins

Utah Jazz (39-43)
Utah had their most promising year since the Stockton/Malone era and just re-signed Andrei Kirilenko. Their Draft doesn’t seem too exciting but there are a lot of quality young pieces here, with no top 7 rotation player over 27. A .500 season is very possible.

Projected Record: 41-41
Projected Starters: Travis Ball/Kirk Hinrich/Danny Granger/Andrei Kirilenko/Andrea Bargnani

Sacramento Kings (57-25)
Kobe Bryant is back on top as a champion, leading Sacramento to the franchise’s first title and then signing an extension there. They also replaced Zach Randolph with another All-Star in Jermaine O’Neal. It’ll be interesting to see how it goes but expect them near the top of the West again.

Projected Record: 57-25
Projected Starters: Mike Bibby/Kobe Bryant/Shane Battier/Carlos Boozer/Jermaine O’Neal

New York Knicks (21-61)
The Knicks went from a team with potential to a hot mess. However, they managed to reel in a big free agent in Ray Allen. He may be in the tail end of his prime but he can combine with rookie Michael Beasley, Ramon Sessions, Al Jefferson, and others to make a run at the Playoffs.

Projected Record: 40-42
Projected Starters: Raymond Felton/Ray Allen/Michael Beasley/Antoine Walker/Al Jefferson

Los Angeles Lakers (20-62)
Kevin Durant is the real deal but any hopes of pairing him with a Westbrook or Rose were thwarted by the Lakers not owning their top pick. Alas, they landed promising players like DeAndre Jordan and Goran Dragic, so things are looking up, especially if Durant takes another big step forward.

Projected Record: 26-56
Projected Starters: Goran Dragic/Martell Webster/Kevin Durant/Al Harrington/DeAndre Jordan

Orlando Magic (58-24)
Tracy McGrady finally made an NBA Finals but came up just short against his rival Kobe Bryant. A move to acquire Marcin Gortat shores up the frontline and makes them better, plus Rajon Rondo is only getting better. They should be in line for another Finals appearance.

Projected Record: 58-24
Projected Starters: Rajon Rondo/Tracy McGrady/Shawn Marion/Shareef Abdur-Rahim/Marcin Gortat

Dallas Mavericks (52-30)
Dallas was kind of disappointing given their three stars and the NBA’s assist leader. That core returns but the issue lies in the bench. There’s not much in the supporting cast and if Dallas is going to truly contend, they must make some mid-season moves to fix that.

Projected Record: 50-32
Projected Starters: Andre Miller/Rashad McCants/Peja Stojakovic/Dirk Nowitzki/Shaquille O’Neal

New Jersey Nets (52-30)
The Nets went from winning the NBA Title to getting ousted in the first round. They didn’t do much to change the team, only adding Gerald Wallace to their bench. They believe they’re still a title contender and despite that early exit last year, it’s a good bet to believe in them too.

Projected Record: 54-28
Projected Starters: Jason Kidd/Vince Carter/Richard Jefferson/Kenyon Martin/Marcus Camby

Denver Nuggets (42-40)
Ultimately, the Nuggets were disappointing last year despite the impressive play of Marc Gasol. A year better, Gasol can really be the leader the team needs, plus they added veteran Jamal Mashburn to the mix. Expect a step forward.

Projected Record: 50-32
Projected Starters: Devin Harris/Corey Maggette/Hedo Turkoglu/Jamal Mashburn/Marc Gasol

Indiana Pacers (42-40)
Indiana has been on the outside looking in more than they want and losing Jermaine O’Neal might seem like the end of their hope. However, Dwight Howard being alone down low can mean a big jump for him, while Allen Iverson is a huge addition, and Marcus Williams and Gerald Green are really good. They’ll be back in the postseason.

Projected Record: 48-34
Projected Starters: Marcus Williams/Allen Iverson/Bonzi Wells/Nicolas Batum/Dwight Howard

Detroit Pistons (46-36)
It really feels like the Pistons are done as title threats, yet they have yet to give up on their core from years ago. If they start slow, expect moves as they could be broken up but Chris Bosh will likely stay. If they stick together, they’ll hover around 45 wins and not really challenge down the stretch.

Projected Record: 45-37
Projected Starters: Chauncey Billups/Richard Hamilton/Tayshaun Prince/Chris Bosh/Ben Wallace

Toronto Raptors (25-57)
The Raptors have compiled an impressive core of young talent. Nelson is blossoming, Redick is a sharpshooter, Sefolosha is the kind of guy who plays a key role on great teams, and Lou Williams is explosive off the bench. Brook Lopez and Serge Ibaka could be the duo down low they need to get back into Playoff contention.

Projected Record: 39-43
Projected Starters: Jameer Nelson/JJ Redick/Thabo Sefolosha/Serge Ibaka/Brook Lopez

Houston Rockets (41-41)
Houston rebounded nicely from the loss of Ray Allen by acquiring Paul Pierce and Zach Randolph. Add in Stephon Marbury and Yao Ming and Houston has a loaded team that includes a pretty solid bench. They feel like a true threat in the West if the team gels.

Projected Record: 56-26
Projected Starters: Stephon Marbury/James Posey/Paul Pierce/Zach Randolph/Yao Ming

San Antonio Spurs (59-23)
They didn’t win a title but the Spurs were back to their great selves, nearly winning 60 games. With Wallace out, Manu Ginobili steps into the starting lineup which could change things given the energy he brought off the bench. This is the Spurs though and every move they make seems to work out.

Projected Record: 62-20
Projected Starters: Tony Parker/Manu Ginobili/Stephen Jackson/Tim Duncan/Spencer Hawes

Phoenix Suns (30-52)
The Suns gave up being stuck in mediocrity and chose to rebuild around Amar’e Stoudemire. He had his best year and his reward is a partnership with exciting rookie Russell Westbrook. This team won’t win a lot but that duo is bound to make a ton of highlight reels.

Projected Record: 32-50
Projected Starters: Russell Westbrook/Marco Belinelli/Nicholas Alexander/Amar’e Stoudemire/Emeka Okafor

Seattle Supersonics (21-61)
Somehow, the Sonics keep regressing despite having Chris Paul, Al Horford, Josh Smith, and a few other solid pieces. They landed the top pick again and Kevin Love could be the thing that finally brings it all together. Expect a jump forward but nothing too significant. Still, it’s a good sign.

Projected Record: 36-46
Projected Starters: Chris Paul/Courtney Lee/Josh Smith/Kevin Love/Al Horford

Minnesota Timberwolves (41-41)
The Wolves challenged for the Playoffs and remain in the thick of the bottom of the best teams out West. They return the same starting unit and only really added rookie OJ Mayo to the bench but that could be enough to put them into the postseason.

Projected Record: 43-39
Projected Starters: Gilbert Arenas/Josh Howard/Ricky Davis/Stromile Swift/Tyson Chandler

Portland Trail Blazers (47-35)
LeBron James needs help, there’s no doubt about it. Portland answered the call by signing Elton Brand and giving him a major #2 option. The rest of the team is still hit or miss like new addition Kenny Satterfield, veteran Jerry Stackhouse, and the talented Hakim Warrick. It’ll be interesting to see play out though.

Projected Record: 50-32
Projected Starters: Kenny Satterfield/Jerry Stackhouse/LeBron James/Elton Brand/Etan Thomas

Golden State Warriors (42-40)
Golden State has remained in the same position more or less for years and haven’t done much to change that. Richardson continues to fill it up, Baron Davis has disappointed, and Monta Ellis is still waiting to take the next step. They’ll likely flirt with .500 once again unless someone steps up.

Projected Record: 41-41
Projected Starters: Baron Davis/Monta Ellis/Jason Richardson/Marcus Fizer/Adin Durmanenko

Washington Wizards (27-55)
Things are still pretty tough in D.C. Larry Hughes is struggling, Greg Oden was up and down, and Sebastian Telfair has plateaued. Rudy Gay remains a highlight though, Leandro Barbosa is a strong 6th man, and Ryan Anderson has promise as a rookie. Alas, it feel slike another 20 win season.

Projected Record: 25-57
Projected Starters: Sebastian Telfair/Larry Hughes/Rudy Gay/Ryan Anderson/Greg Oden