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Preseason Team Rankings

Texas trio stands tall on list of title hopefuls

By David DuPree, USA TODAY
The road to the NBA title could go through Texas as the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets have the talent to win it all. In the East, the Boston Celtics, title-less since 1986, have added superstars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to holdover Paul Pierce. But the deep, young and hungry Chicago Bulls are primed to take the next step. USA TODAY ranks the teams:

1. San Antonio Spurs (West)

No team is as dominant at both ends of the floor as the Spurs, and no three superstars play better together than Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili.

Danny Sheridan's odds — 5:1

2. Houston Rockets (West)

Rick Adelman returns to coaching after taking last season off, and his team is loaded with the acquisitions of versatile Argentine forward Luis Scola, sharpshooter Mike James and rookie point guard Aaron Brooks. Add them to superstars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, and the Rockets are legitimate contenders.

Sheridan's odds— 18:1

3. Dallas Mavericks (West)

No matter what they say, their confidence has to be shaken after winning 67 games only to get ousted in the first round of the playoffs. The major change is expected to be Devin Harris replacing Jason Terry at point guard and perhaps Jerry Stackhouse moving from sixth man to starting shooting guard.

Sheridan's odds — 5:1

4. Phoenix Suns (West)

They hope the addition of Grant Hill will give them that one talented veteran they need to reach the Finals, but they will miss the inside savvy of Kurt Thomas (traded to the Seattle SuperSonics). The cloud as to whether to deal Shawn Marion could hang over until the trading deadline, however.

Sheridan's odds— 5:1

5. Chicago Bulls (East)

This is a hard-nosed team that pounds opponents. There still is no consistent low-post scoring threat, but Luol Deng is a rising star and Ben Gordon is as explosive a scorer as there is in the NBA.

Sheridan's odds— 18:1

6. Boston Celtics (East)

The Celtics went through a massive overhaul, acquiring Garnett, Allen, James Posey, Eddie House and Scot Pollard to join Pierce. The question is at point guard, however, where second-year player Rajon Rondo has been given the reins.

Sheridan's odds— 15:1

7. Detroit Pistons (East)

Looking to shake things up without making major deals, the Pistons are planning to start Rasheed Wallace at center and move Antonio McDyess to starting power forward. Add Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton and Tayshaun Prince, and there isn't a better starting five in the league.

Sheridan's odds— 20:1

8. Cleveland Cavaliers (East)

LeBron James showed last season just how far a superstar can take a team, but he needs help. Instead of getting any, the Cavaliers took a step back; as of Monday morning they were embroiled in negotiations with free agents Anderson Varejao and Sasha Pavlovic.

Sheridan's odds— 18:1

9. Utah Jazz (West)

Led by Deron Williams, Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur, the experience this team gained by getting to the second round of the playoffs will be invaluable. Andrei Kirilenko apparently has ironed out his differences with head coach Jerry Sloan.

Sheridan's odds— 22:1

10. Toronto Raptors (East)

With the most international roster in the NBA, the Raptors are a solid all-around team with depth, youth and speed, led by power forward Chris Bosh .

Sheridan's odds— 60:1

11. New Jersey Nets (East)

The major moves were in not making any involving Vince Carter, Jason Kidd and Richard Jefferson. Nenad Krstic, who missed the last 56 games last season with a torn knee ligament, is back.

Sheridan's odds— 50:1

12. Washington Wizards (East)

Gilbert Arenas is coming off knee surgery but is expected to be the same MVP candidate he was before the injury — and could lead the NBA in scoring. Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison team with him to give the Wizards a high-scoring trio, but they have little in the middle with inconsistent Brendan Haywood.

Sheridan's odds — 75:1

13. Orlando Magic (East)

They landed perhaps the biggest free-agent pickup in forward Rashard Lewis, who teams with center Dwight Howard to give the Magic one of the best inside-outside 1-2 punches in the league.

Sheridan's odds— 125:1

14. Denver Nuggets (West)

Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony went through training camp together for the first time. That is a plus because their chemistry is vital to Denver's success.

Sheridan's odds— 25:1

15. Los Angeles Lakers (West)

The Lakers failed to get the big name to play alongside Kobe Bryant. Now the Bryant situation probably will be a distraction until he is traded or has a meeting of the minds with management.

Sheridan's odds— 30:1

16. Memphis Grizzlies (West)

They acquired shooting guard Juan Carlos Navarro from the Wizards. That move, and the addition of Darko Milicic, should keep Pau Gasol happy. New coach Marc Iavaroni brings the Suns' up-tempo approach. Rookie point guard Mike Conley Jr. should also thrive as the Grizzlies, winners of a league-low 22 games last season, could be one of the most improved teams.

Sheridan's odds— 10,000:1

17. New Orleans Hornets (West)

If they stay healthy, a trip to the playoffs could be in order. Peja Stojakovic, who missed 69 games last season with a back injury, has returned. And with David West and Tyson Chandler at the power positions, Chris Paul at point guard and newcomer Morris Peterson, this could be an explosive team.

Sheridan's odds— 150:1

18. Golden State Warriors (West)

The high-scoring Warriors are loaded with talent. Coach Don Nelson has given practically everybody a green light to shoot, and they live by the three-pointer, putting up a league-high 23.99 attempts a game.

Sheridan's odds — 50:1

19. Milwaukee Bucks (East)

Rookie Yi Jianlian is progressing faster than expected. The other big move the Bucks made was re-signing steady point guard Mo Williams, the perfect backcourt running mate for high-scoring Michael Redd.

Sheridan's odds— 400:1

20. New York Knicks (East)

They acquired power forward Zach Randolph from the Portland Trail Blazers to play alongside center Eddy Curry, giving the Knicks a solid low-post combination, but neither is a good passer or defender. A lot rides on how point guard Stephon Marbury performs.

Sheridan's odds — 750:1

21. Miami Heat (East)

Dwyane Wade is expected to be out until at least late November, and it's uncertain how much Shaquille O'Neal has left. Pat Riley's Heat went winless in the preseason for the first time ever.

Sheridan's odds— 12:1

22. Seattle SuperSonics (West)

They might not be playing in Seattle much longer, but this team has been overhauled. With new coach P.J. Carlesimo, the Sonics have celebrated rookie Kevin Durant, and the return of center Robert Swift from knee surgery will help.

Sheridan's odds— 1 million:1

23. Charlotte Bobcats (East)

They lost Adam Morrison and Sean May for the season with knee injuries, but the Bobcats still will be tough. New coach Sam Vincent will have them playing an up-tempo style, and the Bobcats re-signed Gerald Wallace and traded for Jason Richardson from Golden State.

Sheridan's odds— 1,000:1

24. Portland Trail Blazers (West)

Losing top pick Greg Oden to knee surgery is a devastating blow. But this is a solid young team that plays well together, led by last season's rookie of the year, shooting guard Brandon Roy.

Sheridan's odds— 750:1

25. Indiana Pacers (East)

Danny Granger could very well be the best player new coach Jim O'Brien has, as Jermaine O'Neal still could be traded. Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Troy Murphy have to play big for this team to be effective, and point guard Jamaal Tinsley has to stay healthy.

Sheridan's odds— 500:1

26. Atlanta Hawks (East)

They have two exciting performers in Joe Johnson and Josh Smith and drafted power forward Al Horford and point guard Acie Law. One of the youngest teams in the league, the Hawks are making steady progress.

Sheridan's odds— 2,000:1

27. Philadelphia 76ers (East)

Andre Iguodala is the star of this team and could be an All-Star. But the 76ers didn't make any major moves to keep up with the teams in the East that did.

Sheridan's odds— 25,000:1

28. Sacramento Kings (West)

Rookie center Spencer Hawes had knee surgery but could be back by December for first-year coach Reggie Theus. Kevin Martin (20.2 points) is a big scorer, but Mike Bibby (thumb) is out for six to eight weeks.

Sheridan's odds — 250:1

29. Los Angeles Clippers (West)

With Elton Brand out after Achilles tendon surgery and Shaun Livingston out indefinitely after last year's knee injury, the Clippers could be in for a tough time.

Sheridan's odds— 500:1

30. Minnesota Timberwolves (West)

The question will long be, did they get enough for Garnett? They got the one player they sought in Al Jefferson, but it's going to be a long season in Minnesota.

Sheridan's odds— 1 billion:1

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http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/rockets/2007-10-29-bonus_N.htm

Rockets may benefit from new coach, running mates

By David DuPree, USA TODAY

The Houston Rockets made a number of offseason moves they hope will not only get them past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in a decade, but make them legitimate championship contenders.
Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming are still Houston's go-to stars, but a new coach with a new style of play and a number of key personnel moves may make the Rockets barely traceable to Houston teams of recent seasons.

"Houston, in my humble opinion, is one of two or three teams that can actually beat San Antonio this year," says TNT analyst Reggie Miller. "I know they haven't really won anything with Tracy and Yao paired together, but you have the law of averages to help get them out of the first round."

Besides adding new players in power forward Luis Scola, veteran guards Mike James and Steve Francis and rookie point guard Aaron Brooks, the Rockets will play a completely different style. A rejuvenated Bonzi Wells is also being counted on.

Gone is former coach Jeff Van Gundy's defensive-oriented, slower-paced offensive game, replaced by new coach Rick Adelman's up-tempo, open-court attack.

"I think Rick Adelman's style of the Princeton offense and motion is really going to help Tracy McGrady," Miller says.

"We want to push it whenever we can," Adelman says. "If we get it up quickly, we can get into our offense and a team can't lock in on us and we can just run (the offense). The more we can push it up the court, the better off we're going to be."

This biggest addition could be Scola, a star in the European League the past five seasons. The Spurs drafted him in the second round of the 2002 draft but had trouble trying to negotiate a buyout of his contract with his Spanish League team, Tau Ceramica.

"They really shored up the power-forward position by picking up Scola, the one position in which they lacked in the past — someone to have Yao's backside," Miller says. "Everyone is saying he was the best player not playing in the NBA."

Scola was named the MVP of the Olympic qualifying tournament last summer in which he led Argentina to a silver medal and an automatic Olympic berth, averaging 19.5 points and 7.5 rebounds.

Another pivotal player for the Rockets this season could be Wells. He was injured for much of last season, his first with the Rockets, had difficulty fitting in and was limited to 28 games. He did very well with the Sacramento Kings in Adelman's system during the 2005-06 season, the one time the two were together.

But the Rockets' success still depends on McGrady and Yao. In the past, teams double-teamed Yao in the post and trapped McGrady on the perimeter. In Adelman's system, Yao will play away from the basket at a high post at times and McGrady will play more off the ball.

"Both those guys have to get their touches and their opportunities," Adelman says. "But I'd like to see them get it where they are not surrounded by people, where they're not the focal point (of the defense)."

Notes McGrady, "For me, it's sort of a new way of getting shots. I was always having the ball in my hands, creating shots not only for myself but for my teammates. In this system, I'm playing off the ball a lot. I'm sort of on the receiving end.

"It's something it's going to take me some time to get comfortable."

It hasn't taken too long; McGrady scored 30 points in 24 minutes in a preseason game against the Seattle SuperSonics.

"We have so many talented players," Yao says. "From that standpoint, we're better than last year. But we still have a lot of work to do. Winning doesn't come to you just because you have talented players."

 

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/2007-10-30-bonus-imports_N.htm

Imports with plenty of game bring it to the NBA this season

By David DuPree, USA TODAY

For the first time in NBA history last season, foreign-born players who didn't play college or high school basketball in the USA were the regular-season and NBA Finals MVPs. Dirk Nowitzki (Germany) of the Dallas Mavericks was the regular-season MVP, and Tony Parker (France) of the San Antonio Spurs was the MVP in the Finals. The influx of talented foreign players continues this season, and USA TODAY looks at the top five now in the NBA who were playing overseas last season:

Luis Scola, Houston Rockets

Road to the NBA: The 6-9 power forward was drafted in the second round in 2002 by the San Antonio Spurs; played for Tau Ceramica in the Spanish League last season; his rights were traded to the Rockets this summer, and a buyout of his contract with Ceramica was completed.

Style: Solid all-around player; rugged rebounder, excellent passer and can step outside and hit the medium-range jump shot.

Pregame chatter: "He'll give Houston what (Manu) Ginobili gives us. He has the heart of a lion."

• Spurs coach Gregg Popovich

Yi Jianlian, Milwaukee Bucks

Road to the NBA: Drafted in the first round (sixth overall pick) after playing for the Guangdong Southern Tigers in the Chinese Basketball Association.

Style: A 6-11 power forward, he is more finesse than muscle and has a little playground in him; solid ballhandler and has nice moves around the basket.

Pregame chatter: "It's a blessing when you have players you can tell something one time and they actually do it. It's obvious that he's real cerebral."

• Bucks coach Larry Krystkowiak

Juan Carlos Navarro, Memphis Grizzlies

Road to the NBA: Drafted in the second round in 2002 (40th pick overall) by the Washington Wizards; the 6-3 shooting guard played last season for AXA FC Barcelona in the Spanish League; his rights were traded to the Grizzlies last summer for a first-round draft pick.

Style: A three-point shooter, solid ballhandler and clever passer. He is fearless and plays with flair.

Pregame chatter: "Everyday is a new motivation for me. I have confidence in my play. I can play good in this league."

• Navarro

Marco Belinelli, Golden State Warriors

Road to the NBA: Drafted in the first round in June (18th overall selection) after playing for Virtus Bologna in the Italian Lega A and the Euroleague.

Style: He is a great shooter from practically anywhere on the floor but does have defensive deficiencies.

Pregame chatter: "I want to be very important for the team and for myself. I have to prove myself in practice because I want to play."

• Belinelli

Oleksiy Pecherov, Washington Wizards

Road to the NBA: Drafted in the first round by the Wizards in 2006 (18th overall pick); played for BC Kyiv of the Ukrainian Superleague last season.

Style: Not a power player; though he is 6-11 and a power forward, he seems more comfortable outside than inside; will mix it up.

Pregame chatter: "I'm just trying to do my best and play basketball. Playing hard is what they expect of me."

• Pecherov