Continuing our weeklong celebration of NBA training camps opening this week, we give the people what they want and turn our eyes to teams in Sportaphile’s own backyard, breaking down the grind that is the Western Conference’s Pacific Division:

(Last year’s record)

(48-34) When things go bad, they sure do fall apart quickly. First, the Warriors win 48 games but still miss the playoffs. Then the front office fronted on its offer to Baron Davis, resulting in Boom Dizzle going Hollywood, albeit to the Clippers. Then there’s Monta. So truthfully, I don’t know what to make of the messy Golden State affairs. I don’t even think newcomer Coery Maggette and Captain Jack will be able to S.O.S. this thing before it capsizes. I hate to say it but I think the Warriors can RSVP right now for the 2009 Draft Lottery.

(23-59) It sure must feel good to be back at home for Baron Davis. He has gotten on the Boom Dizzle diet plan courtesy of Jenny Craig and is having a grand ol’ time chilling with Cash W. and Jessica Alba and all his other celebrity cronies. Even without Elton Brand, who surprisingly dipped to Philly, things still look promising for LA’s stepchild team. With the addition of Marcus Camby, I really think the Clips can have about 40-44 wins, which might even leave enough in the tank to trump whoever is hanging on for that final playoff spot. Read the rest of this entry »

NBA training camps have officially gotten underway, and my body is slowly stabilizing itself from the withdrawals it annually experiences when the NBA Finals conclude in June. My fellow junkies in hoop got a little reprieve while keeping up with the Redeem Team capturing the gold in Beijing. But it just ain’t the same as the phenomenon of NBA action. Plus, I don’t get to write my No Bitchassness Allowed reports. So for the next few days, Sportaphile’s NBA report will be giving our in-depth analysis of each team, by division. Consider this the training camp edition.

Today we look at teams in the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic division. (Last year’s record)

(66-16). Never say never. I never in 1,000 years could have imagined myself rooting for the Boston Celtics. But this past spring, if loving them was wrong, I sure as hell wanted to be charged with the crime. I have a love for KG and won’t take the space to go on about the glory of the 2008 NBA FInals. Going into this season it’s the champs who hold the top spot (even without my guy James Posey) until a team is bold enough to beat them down and take it. That is no easy task, so as of right now, I have the Celtics in the Finals until further notice. My Finals pick will be posted on Opening Night of the NBA season.

(34-48) The Nets drew the line in the sand this summer and traded Richard Jefferson. In exchange, they got Yi Jianlian, who will undoubtedly expand the team’s marketing reach in China, but will not have that same impact where it counts–on the court. I do believe that the Nets scored a keeper in Chris Douglas-Roberts, though, who will be playing with a certified chip on his shoulder after being dissed in this year’s draft. CDR and Devin Harris should really push the rock once they get in sync but it’s truly shit or get off the pot time for Vince Carter in New Jersey as far as I’m concerned. Overall, the Nets aren’t making any noise this year. Read the rest of this entry »