Mike McGraw's 2008-09 predictions

NBA Finals

Hornets over Sixers

Eastern Conference finals

Sixers over Celtics

Western Conference finals

Hornets over Jazz

Most Valuable Player

1. Chris Paul, Hornets

2. Kobe Bryant, Lakers

3. Elton Brand, Sixers

Rookie of the Year

1. Derrick Rose, Bulls

2. Michael Beasley, Heat

3. Greg Oden, Blazers

Coach of the Year

1. Maurice Cheeks, Sixers

2. Rick Carlisle, Mavs

3. Jim O'Brien, Pacers

Most Improved

1. Louis Williams, Sixers

2. Brandon Bass, Mavs

3. Tyrus Thomas, Bulls

All-NBA first team

Chris Paul, Hornets

Kobe Bryant, Lakers

Dwight Howard, Magic

Kevin Garnett, Celtics

Elton Brand, Sixers

All-NBA second team

Deron Williams, Jazz

LeBron James, Cavs

Amare Stoudemire, Suns

Dirk Nowitzki, Mavs

Tim Duncan, Spurs

All underrated

Rafer Alston, Rockets

Louis Williams, Sixers

Paul Millsap, Jazz

Brandon Bass, Mavs

Sam Dalembert, Sixers

All overrated

Vince Carter, Nets

Sebastian Telfair, T-Wolves

Darko Milicic, Grizzlies

Andrea Bargnani, Raptors

Vladimir Radmanovic, Lakers

All no-defense team

Travis Diener, Pacers

Al Jefferson, T-Wolves

Charlie Villanueva, Bucks

Kevin Durant, Thunder

Zach Randolph, Knicks

All-preseason team

Eddie House, Celtics

Nate Robinson, Knicks

Kelena Azubuike, Warriors

Anthony Bonner, Spurs

Johan Petro, Thunder

Marketing slogan sampler

Philadelphia - Run with us

New Jersey - More than a game

Houston - Get Red

Denver - Can you feel it?

Indiana - Ignite the passion, restore the pride

Milwaukee - Get ready to rise

Toronto - Canada's team

2008 Eastern Conference capsules

(In predicted order of finish)

1. Boston Celtics

Coach: Glenn "Doc" Rivers (fifth season)

Last year: 66-16 (Won NBA championship)

Newcomer: C Patrick O'Bryant

Outlook: A drastically new lineup clicked immediately for the Celtics last season. The only difference this year is the loss of James Posey, so a repeat title is very possible for Kevin Garnett & Co.

2. Philadelphia 76ers

Coach: Maurice Cheeks (fourth season)

Last year: 40-42

Newcomers: PF Elton Brand, PF Donyell Marshall, C Theo Ratliff, SG Kareem Rush, PG Royal Ivey, C Marreese Speights

Outlook: The Sixers put together a surprisingly strong finish last year, then made the best acquisition of the summer by signing Brand as a free agent. The only real weak spot is outside shooting.

3. Detroit Pistons

Coach: Michael Curry (first season)

Last year: 59-23

Newcomer: PF Kwame Brown

Outlook: After the Pistons lost in the Eastern finals for the third straight year, GM Joe Dumars promised to make a significant trade during the summer - then didn't deliver. Now the same successful, but aging, cast returns for another shot at the Finals.

4. Orlando Magic

Coach: Stan Van Gundy (second season)

Last year: 52-30

Newcomers: SF Mickael Pietrus, PG Anthony Johnson, SG Courtney Lee

Outlook: Orlando's front line of C Dwight Howard, PF Rashard Lewis and SF Hedo Turkoglu is as good as any in the league. But the Magic did little to upgrade at guard.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers

Coach: Mike Brown (fourth season)

Last year: 45-37

Newcomers: PG Mo Williams, C Lorenzen Wright, PF J.J. Hickson

Outlook: The Cavaliers keep searching for the right complements to SF LeBron James. The latest in a long line of candidates is former Bucks PG Mo Williams, an accomplished scorer who was a poor fit next to Michael Redd in Milwaukee.

6. Indiana Pacers

Coach: Jim O'Brien (second season)

Last year: 36-46

Newcomers: PG T.J. Ford, PG Jarrett Jack, C Rasho Nesterovic, SG Brandon Rush, C Roy Hibbert

Outlook: The Pacers didn't play much defense, but they responded well last season to O'Brien's plan of playing fast and launching dozens of 3-point shots. Indiana's upgrades at point guard, T.J. Ford and Jarrett Jack, should enhance the fastbreak ability.

7. Washington Wizards

Coach: Eddie Jordan (sixth season)

Last year: 43-39

Newcomers: C JaVale McGee, SG Juan Dixon

Outlook: Maybe it wasn't the smartest move for the Wizards to give PG Gilbert Arenas, who missed nearly all of last season with a knee injury, a new $111 million contract. Arenas is hurt again and may be sidelined until January, while C Brendan Haywood (wrist) could miss the entire season. SF Caron Butler, PF Antawn Jamison and some promising young players will carry the load.

8. Toronto Raptors

Coach: Sam Mitchell (fifth season)

Last year: 41-41

Newcomers: C Jermaine O'Neal, PG Roko Ukic

Outlook: The Raptors could be a handful inside with O'Neal joining PF Chris Bosh. Then again, O'Neal missed significant time with injuries in three of his last four seasons in Indiana. If he falters again, Toronto will need former No. 1 pick Andrea Bargnani to start showing up.

9. Bulls

Coach: Vinny Del Negro (first season)

Last year: 33-49

Newcomer: PG Derrick Rose

Outlook: If the Bulls make a playoff charge this season, it will be because of Rose, whose athletic skills may be unprecedented for an NBA point guard. But there are plenty of wild cards in the equation, such as Del Negro and SG Ben Gordon choosing to sign for just one more year.

10. Milwaukee Bucks

Coach: Scott Skiles (first season)

Last year: 26-56

Newcomers: SF Richard Jefferson, PG Luke Ridnour, PG Tyronn Lue, PF Malik Allen, SF Adrian Griffin, SF Joe Alexander

Outlook: Skiles figures to whip these guys into shape and convince them to starting playing defense. The question is how soon can it happen? There is definitely some top-line talent with Jefferson, SG Michael Redd and C Andrew Bogut.

11. Miami Heat

Coach: Eric Spoelstra (first season)

Last year: 15-67

Newcomers: PF Michael Beasley, SF James Jones, PG Shaun Livingston, C Jamaal Magloire, PG Lionel Chalmers

Outlook: The Heat certainly have an intriguing trio with now healthy SG Dwyane Wade, SF Shawn Marion and rookie Beasley. The problem is there's not much talent at the other spots.

12. Atlanta Hawks

Coach: Mike Woodson (fifth season)

Last year: 37-45

Newcomers: SG Maurice Evans, SG Flip Murray

Outlook: The Hawks weren't very good last season, then shocked the NBA world by stretching Boston to seven games in the first round of the playoffs. Can Atlanta build on that success, or will the Hawksslide back into old habits? SF Josh Childress left for Greece, while PG Mike Bibby will be around for a full season.

13. Charlotte Bobcats

Coach: Larry Brown (first season)

Last year: 32-50

Newcomers: PG D.J. Augustin, SG Shannon Brown

Outlook: Brown has a history of making every team he coaches better. Every team except the Knicks, anyway. But there isn't much to work with here. The Bobcats did almost nothing over the summer besides signing Emeka Okafor long-term.

14. New York Knicks

Coach: Mike D'Antoni (first season)

Last year: 23-59

Newcomers: PG Chris Duhon, SF Danilo Gallinari

Outlook: D'Antoni, the former Suns coach, could have joined the Bulls and had Derrick Rose at the wheel of his up-tempo offense. Instead, he chose the Knicks just days before the draft lottery and will settle for ex-Bull Duhon and Isiah Thomas' leftovers.

15. New Jersey Nets

Coach: Lawrence Frank (sixth season)

Last year: 34-48

Newcomers: SF Yi Jianlian, C Brook Lopez, SF Jarvis Hayes, PG Keyon Dooling, PF Eduardo Najera, SF Bobby Simmons

Outlook: Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson have been sent away, and SG Vince Carter might be gone too if any team is willing to take on his huge contract. This is a clear indication that the Nets are aiming to create cap room for the 2010 free-agent bonanza.

2008 Western Conference capsules

(In predicted order of finish)

1. New Orleans Hornets

Coach: Byron Scott (fifth season)

Last year: 56-26

Newcomers: SF James Posey, SG Devin Brown

Outlook: Behind PG Chris Paul, PF David West and C Tyson Chandler, the Hornets were the best team in the West for most of last season, but their outside shooters disappeared in Game 7 of the playoffs against San Antonio. So New Orleans signed Posey, who buried some clutch baskets for the Boston and Miami championship teams.

2. Los Angeles Lakers

Coach: Phil Jackson (ninth season)

Last year: 57-25 (Lost NBA Finals)

Newcomers: none

Outlook: Whatever problems SG Kobe Bryant had with the Lakers a year ago are all forgotten now. The defending West champions welcome back promising C Andrew Bynum from an injury. Will he turn the Lakers into a championship team or just get in the way of Pau Gasol?

3. Utah Jazz

Coach: Jerry Sloan (21st season)

Last year: 54-28

Newcomers: PG Brevin Knight, C Kosta Koufos

Outlook: There is a sense of urgency in Salt Lake this season, because PF Carlos Boozer, C Mehmet Okur and SG Kyle Korver can all become unrestricted free agents next summer. The Jazz was able sign PG Deron Williams to a long-term deal, so one piece is in place.

4. San Antonio Spurs

Coach: Gregg Popovich (13th season)

Last year: 56-26

Newcomers: SG Roger Mason, G George Hill

Outlook: SG Manu Ginobili had surgery on his left ankle following the Olympics and could be sidelined for the first two months of the season. That means 35-year-old Michael Finley will be counted on to carry the load at shooting guard. Defensive specialist Bruce Bowen is 37, but the Spurs got a little younger when Robert Horry finally retired.

5. Dallas Mavericks

Coach: Rick Carlisle (first season)

Last year: 51-31

Newcomers: C DeSagana Diop, SF Shawne Williams

Outlook: Dallas took a huge gamble last season by trading promising PG Devin Harris to New Jersey for 35-year-old Jason Kidd. The Mavs exited the playoffs quickly, but this year provides another chance for the move to pay off, now that Kidd has the benefit of training camp. Carlisle has a history of turning teams around quickly.

6. Houston Rockets

Coach: Rick Adelman (second season)

Last year: 55-27

Newcomers: SF Ron Artest, SG Brent Barry

Outlook: Adding SF Ron Artest seemed to be an odd gamble for the Rockets, since they already have a defensive-minded small forward in Shane Battier. Health is usually the most important factor in Houston. Will C Yao Ming and SG Tracy McGrady be at full-strength when the playoffs arrive?

7. Portland Trail Blazers

Coach: Nate McMillan (fourth season)

Last year: 41-41

Newcomers: C Greg Oden, PG Jerryd Bayless, SG Rudy Fernandez

Outlook: The Blazers appeared to be an up-and-coming team last year and should now finally get the services of Oden, the No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft who missed his initial pro season with a knee injury.

8. Phoenix Suns

Coach: Terry Porter (first season)

Last year: 55-27

Newcomers: C Robin Lopez, SG Matt Barnes

Outlook: Do Steve Nash, 34, and Shaquille O'Neal, 36, have one more championship run in their aging legs? The Suns could look great in November, but fade out long before the playoffs begin.

9. Denver Nuggets

Coach: George Karl (fifth season)

Last year: 50-32

Newcomers: SF Renaldo Balkman, PF Juwan Howard, PF Chris Andersen

Outlook: The Carmelo Anthony-Allen Iverson combo hasn't taken the Nuggets very far. Denver acknowledged that it is not a title contender by giving Marcus Camby to the Clippers in a salary dump. Hard to see this group moving forward.

10. Los Angeles Clippers

Coach: Mike Dunleavy (sixth season)

Last year: 23-59

Newcomers: PG Baron Davis, PF Marcus Camby, SG Eric Gordon, SG Ricky Davis, PG Jason Hart, PF Brian Skinner

Outlook: The Clippers will always wonder what could have been had Elton Brand stuck around to play with Baron Davis. As it stands, C Chris Kaman and Camby could give the Clips the league's best interior defense. If SF Al Thornton and Gordon contribute, this team should be competitive.

11. Golden State Warriors

Coach: Don Nelson (third season)

Last year: 48-34

Newcomers: SF Corey Maggette, PF Ronny Turiaf, PG Marcus Williams, PF Anthony Randolph

Outlook: The Warriors could be in for a rough start. Not only did Baron Davis leave as a free agent, his replacement, PG Monta Ellis, is expected to be out for two months because of injuries he suffered in a moped accident.

12. Sacramento Kings

Coach: Reggie Theus (second season)

Last year: 38-44

Newcomers: PG Bobby Jackson, C Jason Thompson, SF Donte Greene

Outlook: The Kings were better than expected last season, but they will be hard-pressed to challenge for a playoff spot with this group of players. C Brad Miller could be this season's auction prize at the trade deadline.

13. Memphis Grizzlies

Coach: Marc Iavaroni (second season)

Last year: 22-60

Newcomers: SG O.J. Mayo, SF Antoine Walker, SF Quinton Ross, PG Marko Jaric, C Marc Gasol, PF Darrell Arthur.

Outlook: A young nucleus of Mayo, SF Rudy Gay and PG Mike Conley should help attract fans. The Grizzlies saved their cap room for next summer and still need help inside.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves

Coach: Randy Wittman (second season)

Last year: 22-60

Newcomers: C Kevin Love, SF Mike Miller, SF Rodney Carney, PG Kevin Ollie, C Calvin Booth

Outlook: The T-Wolves are almost the anti-Grizzlies. Strong inside with PF Al Jefferson and rookie Love, shaky on the perimeter with players like SG Randy Foye and PG Sebastian Telfair.

15. Oklahoma City Thunder

Coach: P.J. Carlesimo (second season)

Last year: 20-62

Newcomers: SG Russell Westbrook, PF Joe Smith, SF Desmond Mason.

Outlook: The team formerly known as the Seattle Sonics could be dangerous with PF Kevin Durant, SF Jeff Green and rookie Westbrook. Quality veterans and any sort of point guard are the missing ingredients.

<div class="infoBox"> <h1>More Coverage</h1> <div class="infoBoxContent"> <div class="infoArea"> <h2>Stories</h2> <ul class="links"> <li><a href="/story/?id=245653">Scouting the NBA Eastern Conference <span class="date">[10/27/08]</span></a></li> <li><a href="/story/?id=245655">Scouting the NBA Western Conference <span class="date">[10/27/08]</span></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>