Houston. Last season the Rockets had the 3rd best defense in the League. Their offense was ranked 14th. Van Gundy was all about the defense. Their new coach Adelman stresses both ends of the court but excels at creating an offense using the strengths of his players.
2007-10-24 15:26:52
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answer #1
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answered by Scotty 6
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A strong case has to be made for the Golden State Warriors. I am not a bandwagon fan and I have been cheering for them since birth. To say they might lock up a 4th seed maybe a little insane, but what the heck we have seen too much losing. Back to your question, the Warriors have a great chance at showing last year was not a fluke. As you said Phoenix, San Antonio, and Dallas are givens, but the Rockets, Jazz, and Lakers have distractions. Rockets have a new system in check with Adelman, the Jazz are having trouble with AK 47, and well the Lakers, we all know what's going on with them. Denver and Golden State seem like prime contenders for 4th place. The Clippers will disappoint for they don't have brand or Livingston for awhile, Portland was eliminated when Oden went down, the Sonics are young, Minnesota will be the worst team in the conference, the Hornets WILL surprise this year, but not make a jump to a 4th place position. These factors lead me to believe either Golden State or the Denver Nuggets will snatch 4th place.
2007-10-25 01:16:32
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answer #2
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answered by elias 6
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I am going with Denver for the simple fact of injuries I like Houston I hope for T-Mac's sake that he doesn't get hurt but, Yao Ming is man made and injury prone. I like Utah but, they are like 5th or 6th in my book. Golden State is the underdog and may win more than you think but, Denver is better than them I mean Camby, Iverson, Mello, NeNe those boys are ballers and they have had a little time to play together after the 15 game suspension and the trade last year these guys neede some time to work thing out. Give them a chance they will be a top contender in the West.
2007-10-25 10:52:24
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answer #3
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answered by luscious 2
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As much as I would like to say Golden State but I have to face the harsh reality that we don't have the big men that Houston, Denver, or Utah has to solidify us against these teams. The way I see it is, San Antonio, Phoenix, and Dallas are on the first tier. Houston, Denver, and Utah are on the 2nd tier. New Orleans, Golden State, and Memphis are on the 3rd tier.
Houston, Denver, and Utah will all be competing for the upper half echelon rankings to get homecourt advantage in the playoffs and these teams are pretty evenly matched. They've got the big men to compete in the paint and the go-to players to give other team fits. Houston offers the best defense out of the group. Denver has the high scoring offense powered by A.I. and Melo. Utah has the perfect team structure and system devised by Jerry Sloan. I'm still not sold on A.I. and Melo gelling as a team because they are both players who need the ball to be effective. Melo is not much of a passer and a poor defensive player. Chemistry will be Denver's biggest obstacle. Utah looks more like a team who is a benefactor of great coaching. Deron, Okur, Kirilenko, and Boozer are great players but they lack depth and the star power that Houston and Denver possess. Houston has the star power and the defense to thrive but they never had the right coach to bring out the best of T-Mac and Yao.
This year could be different for the Rockets as they brought in coach Rick Adelman who took a Portland team to the NBA finals twice (1990 & 1992). He also coached a Sacramento team who went as far as the Western Conference finals and pushing a championship Lakers team to 7 games. Adelman could be the key to getting the most out of T-Mac and Yao. Houston has also added more depth this year with the addition of Luis Scola, Mike James, and Steve Francis. They've also brought in Bonzi Wells who has played his best ball under Adelman in Sacramento. The Rockets are more deep and balance this year. They have the right coaching formula to go far in the playoffs and I'm convinced that will get reflected in this season's record too. Houston will be the fourth best team in the West. I hope this answers your question.
2007-10-25 02:42:29
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answer #4
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answered by JR 6
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I would have to say the Golden State Warriors. I mean, did you see them come out and play against Dallas. I know Dallas has trouble in the playoffs and against Golden State, but it was still a #1 vs. a #8. The 8 isn't supposed to win. And Baron Davis, going out there and playing like a future MVP. I'm a Spurs fan, but if I had to choose I would put Golden State in 3rd and Dallas in 4th!
2007-10-24 23:16:20
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answer #5
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answered by Jake 1
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Golden State Warriors
2007-10-24 22:32:03
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Golden State ... yeah they lost J-Rich but I think the have a good rookie class and A game talent. Don't be surpised if they go deeper into the playoffs this year.
Houston ... To much hype no results
Utah .... Disgruntled AK-47
Lake Show ... yeah right
Denver .... Never have two shooters on the same court ... deal was stupid when it was made
2007-10-25 00:41:13
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answer #7
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answered by Big Bean 2
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Nuggets ended the season last year on a 10-2.
How do you think they are going to began with this new team.
Melo and JR will not be suspended for a brawl at MAdison Square Garden and AI will Not Miss 15 games.
I Got Denver!
2007-10-24 22:45:47
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answer #8
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answered by TimBuckTu 1
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utah. last season was their coming out party. with deron williams steering the ship like a 10 year vet, he's got the best group of frontmen to toss the rock to: okur, boozer, and milsap. utah has been drafting perfectly for their system and quite simply forge their coals into diamonds. give credit to sloan and his personnel scouts: they know how to pick'em.
and most of last season, they didn't even rely upon the ridiculous wingspan of kirilenko. this team is studly enough to defeat a favorite out of houston, esp away at the rockets' turf. i wouldn't be surprised if they're only a game or two away from dallas and phoenix by new years.
2007-10-24 22:31:46
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answer #9
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answered by smarty_pants 3
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i say either houston or denver...
why?
houston- adittion of scola and francis back they can get it in this yr. tmac will have a mvp canidate year and yao will too while averaging a double double
denver- ai & melo just began to start playing good together in the playoffs, melo will have an mvp season and camby will defend his defensive player award.Kmart will be healthy J.R. Smith will have a breakout yr and Nene will be a double-double waiting!!
2007-10-24 23:27:42
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answer #10
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answered by LAKERS8238 3
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