Preseason prognistication

The 2002-03 NBA season looks like another four-horse race

It’s déjà vu all over again. The 2002-03 NBA season is about to tip off and, like last year, it shapes up as a four-horse race between the Lakers, Kings, Mavs and Spurs. Injuries to Shaq (toe surgery) and Mike Bibby (broken foot) could slow the Lakers and Kings, respectively, at the start. But look for these two titans to resume their battle for Western Conference supremacy before it’s all over.

As for the East, put 'em all in a hat. For now, the defending champion Nets and new New Orleans Hornets look like the best bets to become this year’s Finals roadkill. The Nets have Jason Kidd and a stout defense. The Hornets have good big men, a healthy Jamal Mashburn and continuity. The latter aspect cannot be overestimated, especially on the defensive end.

As for surprises, we’ll take the Blazers as a high riser (loads of talent and Mo Cheeks now has his system in place) and the Pistons as a big dropper (they’ll miss Jerry Stackhouse’s scoring). Of course, last year we had Detroit down at the bottom to start the season, and Rick Carlisle & Co. proved us wrong. So much for predictions.

At any rate, here’s how the NBA race breaks down heading into the season.

Marty Burns' Power Rankings
Rank	LW		Team
1			L.A. Lakers Now that Shaq’s toes are fixed, their quest for a four-peat looks to be on solid footing.
2			Sacramento Kings They came within a whisker of dethroning L.A. last year, and added another quality big man in free agent Keon Clark.
3			Dallas Mavericks The NBA’s most potent offensive team returns all its key players, but they’ve got to start playing some defense.
4			San Antonio Spurs Reigning MVP Tim Duncan gets one more shot alongside David Robinson before the Admiral hangs it up for good.
5			New Jersey Nets Dikembe Mutombo should make the defending East champs better, but developing chemistry could take time.
6			New Orleans Hornets Fans in the Big Easy should have plenty to cheer about, provided Jamal Mashburn returns to All-Star form.
7			Portland Trail Blazers Once again, the talent is there for a title run. Unfortunately, so are the big egos that always seem to wreck their season.
8			Philadelphia 76ers Keith Van Horn and Todd MacCulloch should thrive alongside Allen Iverson. But their team defense still looks slow.
9			Boston Celtics If Vin Baker is rejuvenated by his return to New England roots, they could be a force again in the East.
10			Washington Wizards Michael Jordan is back, and this time he has more help in Jerry Stackhouse, Bryon Russell and Larry Hughes.
11			Minnesota Timberwolves Kevin Garnett will keep them competitive, but another first-round playoff exit looks inevitable.
12			Milwaukee Bucks They're highly motivated after last year’s embarrassment, but Tim Thomas must prove worthy of a starting role.
13			Indiana Pacers Head coach Isiah Thomas could be on the hot seat if Reggie Miller & Co. don’t take step a forward this season.
14			Orlando Magic If Grant Hill (ankle) and Tracy McGrady (back) stay healthy, they could form the East’s best 1-2 punch .
15			Utah Jazz They're aiming for their 20th straight playoff appearance, provided they don’t trade Karl Malone in midseason.
16			Toronto Raptors Vince Carter is out to prove a point, but the loss of Keon Clark and Chris Childs has hurt their depth.
17			Atlanta Hawks Glenn Robinson and Theo Ratliff make them one of league’s most improved teams -- at least on paper.
18			Houston Rockets If Yao Ming can live up to the hype, Steve Francis & Co. could cause headaches for the rest of the West.
19			L.A. Clippers Andre Miller joins this up-and-coming team, but uncertainty over the future has left a cloud over the franchise.
20			Seattle SuperSonics Gary Payton can keep them competitive, but will he stay happy without a contract extension?
21			Detroit Pistons They're solid defensively, but young Rip Hamilton is not yet ready to fill Jerry Stackhouse’s scoring role.
22			Phoenix Suns There's a decent mix of youth and veterans, but Stephon Marbury (ankles) must stay healthy.
23			Miami Heat Without Alonzo Mourning (kidney), Pat Riley will need big seasons from Brian Grant and Eddie Jones.
24			New York Knicks The loss of Antonio McDyess (knee) is the latest blow for a franchise that has fallen and can’t get up.
25			Memphis Grizzlies Reigning Rookie of the Year Pau Gasol should have more help with the return of Michael Dickerson.
26			Chicago Bulls Jay Williams joins an exciting young core, but their brutal defense will keep them near the Central cellar.
27			Golden State Warriors Jason Richardson, Mike Dunleavy and Antawn Jamison give hope to new coach Eric Musselman.
28			Cleveland Cavaliers Until Zydrunas Ilgauskas proves he can regain his form, put them in the LeBron James Sweepstakes.
29			Denver Nuggets GM Kiki Vandeweghe’s rebuilding project will take a severe beating in the ultra-competitive West.

 

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