Welcome to the Preseason version of what will be a weekly look at how the NBA teams stack up against each other. And, remember, just like Highlander, "there can be only one" top dog in the NBA. So, check out who's barking loudest and who's whispering a weak "woof." Last season's W-L record is in parentheses.
1. Miami Heat (52-30): Until someone actually beats them in a game that matters, the Heat have to be considered the number one team in the league simply because they're the defending champs. Is it possible that Dwyane Wade can actually build on his Finals performance and get better? With some veterans who are older and maybe not as hungry, Wade might have to in order to keep the Heat on top of this list.2. Dallas Mavericks (60-22): The Mavs are basically the same team that represented the West in the Finals against the Heat. If not for Wade's heroics, the Mavs first Finals appearance ever could have also been their first championship. Look for Dirk Nowitzki to have another MVP-type season.
3. San Antonio Spurs (63-19): The Spurs will always be contenders as long as Tim Duncan is down in the block, Tony Parker is penetrating through the lane like a hot knife through butter, and Manu Ginobili makes you wonder how he does it. Word on the street is that Duncan is feeling better than ever after just relaxing this summer. That can't be good for the rest of the league.
4. Phoenix Suns (54-28): Can Amare Stoudemire come back strong? If so, the Suns will rise high in the NBA stratosphere. And with two-time MVP, Steve Nash, as well as the underrated Shawn Marion, the Suns could be raising an NBA trophy when all is said and done.
5. New Jersey Nets (49-33): Right after the Heat this is the strongest team in the East. Vince Carter will be playing for a new contract, Jason Kidd is always doing a little bit of everything, and Richard Jefferson is one of the more solid players in the NBA. Add the development of Nenad Krstic and this could be a strong Nets push for the title.
6. Cleveland Cavaliers (50-32): I think we've all "witnessed" the greatness of LeBron James this past season, especially during the postseason. A healthy Larry Hughes will need to become what the Cavs hoped for when they signed him - another scoring threat right along with James. Basically the Pippen to James' Jordan.
7. Chicago Bulls (41-41): Adding Ben Wallace during the offseason made an already very good defense that much better. Some say that Wallace is too old and that his contract was way too much money, but don't doubt the power of the 'Fro. Wallace's whole career was spent proving people wrong and he will do that again this season.
8. Utah Jazz (41-41): I'm really digging the Jazz this season, especially if their frontcourt can stay healthy, in particular Andrei Kirilenko and Carlos Boozer. Mehmut Okur is one of the league's better big man and has range on his shot. Look for a strong sophomore season from Deron Williams.
9. Houston Rockets (34-48): If Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady can get more than 31 games of floor time together, the Rockets will be very strong contenders for the title. I'm talking Arnold Schwarzenegger strong. Especially considering the signing of Bonzi Wells, who manhandled the Spurs in a postseason series when Wells was with the Kings. Also, don't sleep on "Mr. Everything" Shane Battier and rookie Steve Novak who was the best shooter in college last season. Yes, better than J.J. Reddick.
10. Detroit Pistons (64-18): Last year's transition from a primary defensive team to one that added a great deal of offense into the flavor of the team was a successful mix during the regular season. However, the Pistons struggled in the playoffs and looked tired throughout. How much of a difference will the absence of Ben Wallace be? Does this just give Tayshaun Prince the opportunity to truly breakout?
11. Washington Wizards (42-40): The Wizards had the highest scoring trio in the NBA last season in Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, and Caron Butler. Yet, because of their bad defense, they couldn't get past the first round of the playoffs against the Cavaliers.
12. Los Angeles Clippers (47-35): Last year's successful season (well, successful for the Clips anyway) could either be the start of a trend or an anomaly in a trend of disappointment and plain old bad. As important as Sam Cassell was to the Clips last season, it's only a matter of time before Shaun Livingston gets his time to shine.
