Originally Posted by Kitty

You're right Kro, we have to stay focus in the 4th quarter. We gave up a ton of games last season, due to 4th quarter collapses. As for Allan, he may retire before the regular season even starts if his knee continues to cause him pain. I agree he is soft, but he has one of the smoothest jump shots in the league, which we can use right now. The key to going back to our winning ways is Marbury. Like I said months ago, this is his last chance to prove to the haters that he can win. Despite what you guys might think, he is the major factor in our teams success or failure. I agree about the Nets, folks are giving them way too much credit. Some fans actually think they winning a championship this year. Their are way too many elite teams out their that have surpassed them. I think their window of opportunity is indeed closing or not closed already. They still big playoff contenders, but I don't see any Final appearances this season, unless they pull off that rumor KG trade (bye RJ). As for the 76ers who I actually like, they will give teams a lot of problems. The key is Chris Webber, if he can stay healthy Philly will be the team to watch. Iggy will only get better, and AI is just AI. Krover for threeeee!

The Heat, Pacers and Pistons are the big 3 that we really need to be paying attention too. Can the Heat continue their winning ways with the new core of players they have on their team? I say yes, and the key is Shaq. He must stay healthy toward the end so they can finish off teams. Stu needs to rest him early in the season and then pump on the minutes toward the end. He is an aging center so you really have to be careful with him. Knick fans know a lot about aging centers. I haven't wrote the Pistons off either, but I want to see where they will be without the disciplinary LB at the helm. Flip is a good coach, but he isn't really big on defense. If they can continue with the same defensive intensity during LB's tenure they will be fine. Lastly, the Pacers are the silent assassins of the East. If Artest can keep his head straight (hopefully) they are the team to beat. Early on in the season they looked deadly, and they showed a lot of heart during the suspension period.

The Cavs, Bulls and Wizards are my dark horses. Can Butler make the Wizards regret losing Larry Hughes? Can Butler step up and contribute and share the ball with Gilbert and Jamison. As for the Cavs getting Larry Hughes will just add more fast break points for this young squad. His steals wil turn into easy buckets for Lebron. Locking up Big Z long term was a plus and if he stays healthy they should finally get into the playoffs. The Marshall pickup was also huge. I don't think Gooden will be around too long time will tell. As for the Bulls, the major factor is their front court. They need Antonio back in the worse way, or make another deal to get additional front line help. Sweetney if he starts and Tyson can only take them so far. They really need veteran front line help. Gordon was no fluke and I expect him to be even better this season. I picked them to make the playoffs as well, and eliminate the Bucks out of the equation. Three young teams that are on the rise and are expected to make noise this season.