Utah has been a decent team for the last few years, but they haven’t been a real contender since the days of Stockton and Malone. Al Jefferson and Paul Millsap were the faces of the franchise last season, but neither of them is on this year’s roster. Utah is rebuilding, but they aren’t necessarily going to be short on talent either.
The Boston Celtics went just 41-40 last year, and they were dispatched of pretty quickly in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Danny Ainge decided in the offseason to speed up the rebuilding process and ship off a couple long-time Celtics stars. It wasn’t necessarily a popular move at first, but I think it ends up being a big boost to the Celtics hopes in the long run.
The Houston Rockets made as a big of a splash in the free agent market this season as anyone. There were several bidders in the Dwight Howard free agency contest, but the Rockets ended up winning out. Houston put up a nice fight in last year’s playoffs, and expectations are now much higher for this year’s team.
The Miami Heat are the odds on favourite to win the NBA Championship again this season. I like the moves they have made during the offseason making this year’s version maybe better than last year’s.
The Atlanta Hawks have been winning a decent team for quite a while, but they have never been able to take the next step. The Hawks continually get knocked out in the first or second round of the NBA playoffs, and they win about 43-45 games each year. Atlanta decided to change things up in the offseason.
Game 5 of the NBA Finals produced one of the most entertaining basketball games of the season. Each side’s Big Three came to play, and they didn’t disappoint. San Antonio’s win leaves Miami in the precarious position of needing to win consecutive games to claim their second consecutive NBA title. Here are five reasons why you can expect them to do just that:
The NBA has become one of the most star-driven leagues in all of sports, and as a result, there are more than a handful of candidates when it comes to the 2012-13 MVP award.
Superstars are scattered all over the league, but only the top of the top-tier players earn legitimate MVP consideration heading into the year.
NBA news: Dwight Howard wanted more say in Magic trades, may play overseas
Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard was in the news for multiple reasons yesterday. First off, Superman told a radio station that he had wanted a bigger say in the trades Orlando made during the 2010-11 season.
NBA news: Deron Williams signs with Turkish team
New Jersey Nets point guard Deron Williams is officially part of the Turkish club Besiktas.
NBA news: Gilbert Arenas suggests Wizards leaked gun story
Orlando guard Gilbert Arenas lashed out at his former team, the Washington Wizards, over Twitter this week.
NBA news: NBA will return $160 million owed to players
On Tuesday, the NBA will return the $160 million that it threatened to keep from players during labor negotiations last month.
NBA news: Yao Ming retires
The Yao Ming era is officially over.
NBA news: Michael Beasley busted for marijuana
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Michael Beasley was stopped last week in a Minnesota suburb for speeding and possession of marijuana.
NBA news: Pacers to name Vogel head coach
I would’ve sworn this was already reported – but the Indiana Pacers are expected to name Frank Vogel their head coach for 2011 today.
Vogel took over as interim coach after Jim O’Brien’s midseason firing and took the Pacers to a 20-18 record, helping them reach the playoffs for the first time since 2006. 
Lakers assistant Brian Shaw was considered a major candidate for the job but has instead accepted a spot on Indiana’s bench as an associate head coach.
The Detroit Pistons are now the only NBA team without a head coach.
Rudy Fernandez to play one more year in NBA?
It appears Rudy Fernandez is not long for the NBA – but he plans to honor the rest of his current contract. The Dallas Mavericks forward had previously complained about playing time and talked about returning to his native Spain before he was traded to the reigning NBA champs last month.
He also reportedly received a lucrative offer from Real Madrid. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
But Fernandez says he’ll honor final year of his contract before going anywhere. He averaged 9.1 points over three season with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Today’s sports water cooler talk. Here, you won’t just find the straight news; you’ll find the stuff everyone is talking about – the ice breakers, the Twitter Sports Picks and topics…well, basically all the stuff you discuss at the water cooler.
CappersPicks.com InHouse Handicapper!!!! The #5 Capper in the WORLD, and #1 NHL Capper! You asked for them.
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NBA news: Lockout Officially Begins, NBA.com Lockdown
Happy Canada Day to our Canadian Friends!
NBA news: Sides far apart with CBA set to expire;
The NBA is on the verge of its first lockout since 1998-99 Reportedly, the players and owners remain far apart in their negotiations with the current collective bargaining agreement set to expire by the end of today. Free agency won’t commence if a deal isn’t struck. 
The NBA has already cancelled the summer league in Las Vegas for this season.
Nene to opt out
Given all the rumors including his name, it’s no surprise that Nene is opting out of his contract with the Denver Nuggets. The center had one year left on his six-year, $60-million deal. He averaged 14.5 points and 7.6 rebounds last season.
Blazers make qualifying offer to Greg Oden
It appears the Portland Trail Blazers will give Greg Oden one more chance. They will extend a one-year, $8.8-million qualifying offer to the former No. 1 overall pick and oft-injured center.
That will make Oden a restricted free agent, meaning Portland can match any offer Oden receives during free agency.
Mark Cuban contributes to rapist capture reward
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is doing his part to capture whoever is responsible for beating and raping a woman following the Mavs’ NBA championship victory on June 13. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Cuban has contributed $20,000 to the reward for capturing the perpetrators.
Today’s sports water cooler talk. Here, you won’t just find the straight news; you’ll find the stuff everyone is talking about – the ice breakers, the Twitter Sports Picks and topics…well, basically all the stuff you discuss at the water cooler.
CappersPicks.com InHouse Handicapper!!!! The #5 Capper in the WORLD, and #1 NHL Capper! You asked for them.
Now you’re getting them. Razor’s plays are PUBLIC. Games are locked and loaded, Good luck today on your picks.
Grab yourself a 3 Day weekend all access pass for $89.95 or 7 Days Pass $169! Guaranteed to C-A-$-H! CLICK HERE BUY NOW!
Comments are welcome below!
