Announcement

**StarDust Bum** · 10-13-2010, 12:25 AM

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MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

2009-10 record: 40-42, 10th place in Western Conference

GUARDS
The ”O.J. MAYO: point guard” experiment was pretty much over before it began. He’ll play the two again, but . . . He’s yet to step up and claim the point, but at age 23 MIKE CONLEY still has time to do it. The Grizzlies added plenty of depth to the backcourt in case he doesn’t . . . TONY ALLEN came to Memphis for a bigger role, and the Grizzlebees are desperate for some defense. Don’t be surprised if he eats into a healthy chunk of Mayo’s minutes . . . GREIVIS VASQUEZ came up with big play after big play at Maryland, but it’s tough to see how he’s going to guard anyone in the NBA.
FORWARDS
The Grizzlies locked up RUDY GAY with a huge deal. Considering how little defense he plays, they figure to give him plenty of chances to put up offensive numbers . . . ZACH RANDOLPH may have turned over a new leaf in Memphis (there’s no need for concern over alleged ties to an Indiana drug bust). He’ll continue to be a 20-10 machine . . . The Grizzlies drafted XAVIER HENRY to provide the three-point shooting they’ve needed, but defense is also an issue for him . . . SAM YOUNG is a serviceable rotation player with low upside . . . DARRELL ARTHUR is buried . . . DeMARRE CARROLL will have to provide a little more than just energy.

CENTERS
MARC GASOL is a borderline All-Star, with a great blend of size and skill. He’ll continue to play full-time minutes in the middle . . . There’s no reason to soil yourselves over HASHEEM THABEET’s rookie year. He’s a long-term project who still has a ways to go offensively. He’s clearly a back-up for now, but he can rebound and block shots at an NBA level.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 60-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 102.5 points per game (7th in the NBA)
Defense - 104.0 points per game (24th in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-13-2010, 07:18 PM

Milwaukee Bucks 2010-11 Outlook

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

2009-10 record: 46-36, 6th place in Eastern Conference

GUARDS
BRANDON JENNINGS wore down last year, but he should be better prepared for year two. He’ll be more of a distributor with the Bucks adding so many scorers . . . JOHN SALMONS is their best scorer, but there’s no telling how many shots he’ll get with ballhog Corey Maggette playing on the opposite wing . . . Skiles has a more viable alternative to Jennings with KEYON DOOLING backing him up . . . CHRIS DOUGLAS-ROBERTS is going to miss Jersey. He’ll have a tough time finding PT . . . MICHAEL REDD won’t be back before midseason. He’ll be a shadow of his former self, and the Bucks are uninterested in playing him.
FORWARDS
COREY MAGGETTE has been a tunnel-vision scorer at every stop in his career . . . We’re not sure what the Bucks see in DREW GOODEN, but the way they’re paying him they’ll have to give him a starting spot . . . When they need defense, LUC RICHARD MBAH A MOUTE will be in the lineup . . . CARLOS DELFINO provides a little more offense off the bench . . . He’s raw, but LARRY SANDERS has a chance to develop into a solid starter with his combination of size, skill and athleticism . . . ERSAN ILYASOVA is in danger of being buried on the bench if he doesn’t play well early . . . JON BROCKMAN will occasionally provide rebounding muscle.

CENTERS
ANDREW BOGUT will probably be rusty after shattering his arm last April. He would have lost shots playing alongside Corey Maggette and John Salmons for a full season. The Bucks also have more than Dan Gadzuric to back him up, as Drew Gooden and Jon Brockman can both play the five spot in a pinch.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 50-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 97.7 points per game (22nd in the NBA)
Defense - 96.0 points per game (7th in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-13-2010, 07:19 PM

Miami Heat 2010-11 Outlook

MIAMI HEAT

2009-10 record: 47-35, 5th place in Eastern Conference

GUARDS
There’s little doubt that DWYANE WADE won’t get as many touches playing alongside LeBron James. He’ll still put up plenty of numbers . . . He might end up coming off the bench, but Miami will find enough minutes for MIKE MILLER. They don’t need a true point guard, but they do need Miller’s three-point shooting and basketball IQ . . . The Heat would love to see MARIO CHALMERS step up and claim the point guard spot, but he’s been shaky over his first two seasons . . . CARLOS ARROYO is Plan B at the point. If he can regain his three-point touch, he’d be a better fit . . . EDDIE HOUSE will do some part-time gunning.
FORWARDS
The plan is for LEBRON JAMES to sacrifice scoring and be this team’s Magic Johnson. We’ll see how it works out. Wade needs to dominate the ball too, so it’s tough to imagine LeBron averaging double-digit assists . . . Of the Big Three, CHRIS BOSH figures to lose the most field-goal attempts. LeBron and Wade will take more shots and possibly even grab more rebounds than Bosh . . . UDONIS HASLEM will probably spend a lot of time at center, serving as the muscle alongside Bosh. His role won’t be different than it’s been . . . JUWAN HOWARD will be a second-unit glue guy; most nights he’ll be a cheerleader . . . JAMES JONES will be a seldom-used three-point specialist.

CENTERS
ZYDRUNAS ILGAUSKAS doesn’t have much left in the tank; Miami will use Udonis Haslem more often than they use Big Z . . . JOEL ANTHONY’s not much on offense, but he can bang and defend . . . If all else fails, they can turn to JAMAAL MAGLOIRE to take up space . . . Even if there were minutes for him, DEXTER PITTMAN can’t go much longer than 15 minutes a night.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 8-to-5

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 96.5 points per game (25th in the NBA)
Defense - 94.2 points per game (2nd in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-14-2010, 06:47 PM

New Jersey Nets 2010-11 Outlook

NEW JERSEY NETS

2009-10 record: 12-70, 15th place in Eastern Conference

GUARDS
The Nets understand that they can’t count on DEVIN HARRIS to stay healthy (unless they allow him to stand outside and hoist jumpers, which is an even worse solution). His minutes will be reduced a bit . . . ANTHONY MORROW is one of the league’s best up-and-coming three-point specialists, but he’s strictly a spot-up shooter who does nothing else well. Look for him in a time-share on the wing . . . They needed to take some heat off Harris, which is why JORDAN FARMAR is coming to the Jersey swamp. He’s a back-up, but he’ll see more minutes than he did in L.A.
FORWARDS
TROY MURPHY steps right into the starting frontcourt, though New Jersey got him for his expiring contract as much as for his talent . . . TRAVIS OUTLAW is still an intriguing talent; he’s 26 and has improved his skills over the past couple seasons. He’s the best bet to emerge as the starting three . . . TERRENCE WILLIAMS could force his way into minutes. He defends, but he has the kind of offensive game that makes you go Yeesh . . . DERRICK FAVORS isn’t quite ready. He’ll spend the season as Murphy’s understudy . . . DAMION JAMES could earn big minutes. He’s NBA-ready (especially as a rebounder) and can play three spots.

CENTERS
BROOK LOPEZ is a borderline All-Star and the centerpiece of the Nets’ offense. The skilled big man has added the counter moves needed to score consistently with his back to the basket, or from the high post . . . He’s a solid back-up, but JOHAN PETRO’s lack of ability on the offensive end will keep him from developing into anything more than that.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 100-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 92.4 points per game (Last in the NBA)
Defense - 101.5 points per game (17th in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-14-2010, 06:47 PM

Minnesota Timberwolves 2010-11 Outlook

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

2009-10 record: 15-67, 15th place in Western Conference

GUARDS
LUKE RIDNOUR will start while Jonny Flynn is recovering from hip surgery, and he’s probably the better player when both are healthy. He’ll be solid as Minny’s starter . . . The T-Wolves were in desperate need of some shooting, so MARTELL WEBSTER should fit right in. He has as much offensive upside as any of their perimeter players . . . Hip surgery likely cost JONNY FLYNN a couple weeks at the beginning of the season. He was thoroughly unimpressive as a rookie, and a back-up role could be his future . . . WAYNE ELLINGTON was brutal as a rookie. He has his work cut out for him if he’s going to earn a rotation spot . . . Go away, SEBASTIAN TELFAIR.
FORWARDS
KEVIN LOVE won’t be happy with a sixth man role, but his below-the-rim athleticism isn’t the kind of thing you see in a starting four on a good team. He’ll fill the stat sheet regardless . . . For all his warts, MICHAEL BEASLEY is the most talented player on the roster. He’s capable of posting much better per-minute numbers than he did in Miami . . . WESLEY JOHNSON can shoot it and rebounds very well for a wing. He should claim a starting job early in the year . . . COREY BREWER made a strong return from a torn ACL, but his lack of offense could relegate him to a defensive specialist role off the bench.

CENTERS
For all the punchlines, DARKO MILICIC is still only 25 and a proven shot blocker. If they can ever get him to attack the rim, he could become one of the league’s better centers . . . NIKOLA PEKOVIC is a brute, especially on the offensive boards. He’ll have a significant role off the bench . . . KOSTA KOUFOS is skilled, but still buried too deep on the bench.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 200-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 98.2 points per game (20th in the NBA)
Defense - 107.8 points per game (29th in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-16-2010, 01:44 AM

New York Knicks 2010-11 Outlook

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NEW YORK KNICKS

2009-10 record: 29-53, 11th place in Eastern Conference

GUARDS
Settling for RAYMOND FELTON is kind of like losing in the Showcase Showdown and going home with the $100 you won in Plinko. Still, in the Knicks’ system, he’ll post big numbers . . . D’Antoni would like to find a way to make WILSON CHANDLER a reserve . . . TONEY DOUGLAS is a poor man’s Felton who will play hard and defend . . . He’s coming off a major knee injury, but if KELENNA AZUBUIKE is healthy he’ll push for a starting job . . . ROGER MASON will hoist threes for 15 minutes a night . . . LANDRY FIELDS works hard. It could be enough to get him a roster spot . . . ANDY RAUTINS’ role will be chucking from deep.
FORWARDS
They’re flirting with the idea of using DANILO GALLINARI at the two, which would hurt his rebounding numbers playing alongside so much size. Regardless, he’ll be their second option after Amar’e Stoudemire and their best scorer on the perimeter . . . They got him in part as trade bait, but ANTHONY RANDOLPH should get a crack at the starting power forward gig. He rebounds, blocks shots and runs the floor well, all things needed to succeed under D’Antoni . . . They’re flirting with the idea of playing RONNY TURIAF alongside Stoudemire and Randolph. He’d be a shot blocking and rebounding specialist.

CENTERS
We liked it better when AMAR’E STOUDEMIRE was playing alongside Steve Nash. He’ll get his numbers, he might just have to work a little harder to do it . . . He moves well for his size (7-foot-1, 270 pounds), but Russian import TIMOFEY MOZGOV is very raw . . . Now in the final year of his contract, get in your EDDY CURRY jokes while you still can.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 80-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 102.1 points per game (9th in the NBA)
Defense - 105.9 points per game (27th in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-16-2010, 01:45 AM

New Orleans Hornets 2010-11 Outlook

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NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

2009-10 record: 37-45, 11th place in Western Conference

GUARDS
The CHRIS PAUL trade rumors will swirl assuming the Hornets aren’t title contenders, but New Orleans has every intention of keeping him. It’s the only reason they would have traded Darren Collison. With no true point guard backing him up, CP3 will play a ton of minutes and should get back to putting up absurd numbers . . . MARCUS THORNTON is their future at the two, though he might not beat out Peja Stojakovic this season. He’s a gunner who can score in bunches, but he’s not really a guy who can play a lot of minutes at the point . . . MARCO BELINELLI gives them another three-point shooter deep on the bench.
FORWARDS
DAVID WEST is more likely to be traded this year than Chris Paul, as he’s in line for a big payday after the season . . . PEJA STOJAKOVIC is barely hanging on. He’s one-dimensional and has back issues . . . JAMES POSEY returns to his familiar sixth-man role . . . A skilled big man, CRAIG BRACKINS could be groomed as West’s successor. Monitor if West gets traded . . . Veteran DARIUS SONGAILA will throw his weight around for 15-to-20 minutes a night . . . QUINCY PONDEXTER could emerge as a solid reserve as a guy who does a little bit of everything.

CENTERS
EMEKA OKAFOR’s acquisition was a killer. He’s a serviceable big man, capable of rebounding and blocking the occasional shot, but he has a superstar’s contract. If Paul is traded, Okafor is likely to be packaged with him . . . What do you mean no big moves by the Hornets this summer? They re-signed AARON GRAY!

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 75-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 100.2 points per game (17th in the NBA)
Defense - 102.7 points per game (22nd in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-18-2010, 07:30 PM

Orlando Magic 2010-11 Outlook

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ORLANDO MAGIC

2009-10 record: 59-23, 2nd place in Eastern Conference

GUARDS
JAMEER NELSON is the MVP of this offense. He’s the only guy who can consistently create . . . For VINCE CARTER, the pressure will be on even more after last year’s postseason struggle. Expect him to take a back seat during the regular season . . . J.J. REDICK is making up for his athletic shortcomings by becoming a much-needed scrapper. There’s a chance he’ll be one of the NBA’s better sixth men . . . MICKAEL PIETRUS could end up stepping into Matt Barnes’ old defensive specialist spot . . . Enter CHRIS DUHON in the worst contract of the offseason competition . . . JASON WILLIAMS will get the nod over Duhon when Orlando wants offense.
FORWARDS
RASHARD LEWIS never looked comfortable playing that stretch power-forward spot. The departure of Matt Barnes means he can play his natural small forward spot more often . . . He’s not the kind of glue guy that Barnes was, but the Magic will find a role for long-range shooter QUENTIN RICHARDSON . . . BRANDON BASS was disappointed in his lack of playing time last season and Orlando plays too much small ball for him to get a ton of minutes. However, his role should grow with Barnes gone and Van Gundy likely to use a traditional lineup more often . . . RYAN ANDERSON is streaky enough to make an impact once or twice a month.

CENTERS
DWIGHT HOWARD won’t develop an offensive game past the occasional jump hook. It caps his offensive upside, but he’s the one guy in the league with enough power and athleticism to get away with it . . . MARCIN GORTAT is still stuck on the bench until he’s traded . . . They might be able to move Gortat if long-term project DANIEL ORTON shows signs of promise.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 10-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 102.8 points per game (6th in the NBA)
Defense - 95.3 points per game (4th in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-18-2010, 07:31 PM

Oklahoma City Thunder 2010-11 Outlook

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OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

2009-10 record: 50-32, 8th place in Western Conference

GUARDS
It’s probably time to accept that RUSSELL WESTBROOK is never going to be a shooter. He’ll make up for it by piling up assists alongside Kevin Durant . . . He wants to have a bigger offensive role, but THABO SEFOLOSHA is going to have to accept he’s a defensive specialist . . . JAMES HARDEN should be a great sixth man. He’ll get the nod over Sefolosha when the Thunder need more offensive firepower . . . ERIC MAYNOR will be the Steve Nash of second-unit point guards . . . DAEQUAN COOK has to start hot just to break into the rotation as a three-point specialist . . . MORRIS PETERSON’s expiring contract will be trade bait.
FORWARDS
With LeBron taking a co-starring role in Miami, KEVIN DURANT becomes the favorite for MVP. . . JEFF GREEN has developed into the do-everything stud role player he was supposed to be. He’ll continue to be the No. 3 man in OKC . . . NICK COLLISON is being steadily squeezed out of the rotation. He’ll see fewer minutes at the five with Cole Aldrich coming to OKC and Serge Ibaka developing nicely . . . Former first-rounder D.J. WHITE is squarely on the roster bubble . . . D-League draftee LATAVIOUS WILLIAMS is probably heading back to where he came from.

CENTERS
NENAD KRSTIC’s rotation spot is in jeopardy. They don’t need his offense, and they have two defensive-minded bigs who might be better fits . . . COLE ALDRICH can defend and rebounds, and his offensive shortcomings won’t matter. He could be the starter by midseason . . . He’s still a bit raw, but the Thunder like what they’ve seen from athletic shot-blocker SERGE IBAKA.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 15-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 101.5 points per game (14th in the NBA)
Defense - 98.0 points per game (11th in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-19-2010, 09:08 PM

Phoenix Suns 2010-11 Outlook

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PHOENIX SUNS

2009-10 record: 54-28, 3rd place in Western Conference

GUARDS
They’ve been wanting to cut back on STEVE NASH’s minutes for years, and they finally have the depth to do so. Nash will be fine from a per-minute production standpoint, he’ll just be spending more time on the bench . . . JASON RICHARDSON will slip even further into the realm of “role player” as the Suns loaded up on perimeter talent. He should get more scoring opportunities when he’s on the court, though . . . GORAN DRAGIC can play alongside Nash for spurts, but his strength is creating in the open court with the second team. If Nash were to suffer an injury, Dragic would be able to showcase his talent.
FORWARDS
He’s the closest thing to a natural power forward and their best option with Nash in the pick-and-roll, so expect HAKIM WARRICK to see solid minutes. He can score and rebound, but he still needs to improve defensively . . . GRANT HILL’s ankle is no longer a concern, but he’s a mediocre offensive player who’s fading on defense . . . He washed out in Toronto, and now HEDO TURKOGLU is more of a part-time player in a very deep Phoenix rotation . . . JOSH CHILDRESS returns to the U.S. slightly improved. Considering he can play three positions, he’ll get major PT . . . EARL CLARK is still a long way from the rotation.

CENTERS
With Amar’e Stoudemire gone, ROBIN LOPEZ is poised to start most nights. He’s still a bit limited offensively and he’ll be splitting time, but he’s a potential double-digit scorer who can rebound and block some shots . . . CHANNING FRYE will continue to stretch the defense with his three-point shooting. He’s a part-time player who doesn’t spend much time in the paint.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 30-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 110.2 points per game (1st in the NBA)
Defense - 105.3 points per game (26th in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-19-2010, 09:09 PM

Philadelphia 76ers 2010-11 Outlook

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PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

2009-10 record: 27-55, 13th place in Eastern Conference

GUARDS
It will be interesting to see how this works out. Like Andre Iguodala, EVAN TURNER needs the ball in his hands, but the rookie probably won’t get his way. Add in the fact that Doug Collins doesn’t have a great track record of developing young players, and Turner might have a tougher transition to the NBA than originally thought . . . JRUE HOLIDAY is almost a lock to run the point, but he’s more of a caretaker than a playmaker . . . LOU WILLIAMS can score in bunches and will bring instant offense off the bench. It’s unlikely he’ll overtake Holiday as the starter at the point . . . JASON KAPONO needs to be dealt to a team that can tolerate his lack of defense.
FORWARDS
He struggled at times in a system that didn’t fit his strengths, but ANDRE IGUODALA should be more comfortable now that Eddie Jordan is gone. He’ll be the focal point of Collins’ offense . . . Collins will try to rejuvenate ELTON BRAND’s career, but injuries and mediocrity define EB these days. Collins plans on using him at center often . . . THADDEUS YOUNG has bulked up for a move to power forward. He’s done a nice job scoring in the paint in the past . . . ANDRES NOCIONI is a hard-nosed vet that Collins will take a liking to . . . MARREESE SPEIGHTS is productive on a per-minute basis. However, his inconsistent effort won’t impress the new staff.

CENTERS
Brand figures to get the majority of minutes at the five, as the acquisition of SPENCER HAWES was more about cap relief . . . JASON SMITH will be used sparingly, but can draw opposing big men away from the paint . . . TONY BATTIE provides another warm, 7-foot body.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 100-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 97.7 points per game (23rd in the NBA)
Defense - 101.6 points per game (18th in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-20-2010, 06:08 PM

Sacramento Kings 2010-11 Outlook

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SACRAMENTO KINGS

2009-10 record: 25-57, 14th place in Western Conference

GUARDS
Every possession flows through TYREKE EVANS. He’s on his way to another big year as the Kings plan on going up-tempo . . . BENO UDRIH is in good graces again and is locked in alongside Evans. He’s not a true point guard, but an effective combo guard nonetheless . . . Oh, FRANCISCO GARCIA keeps breaking our hearts. He has great potential, but he’s far too fragile (and shies from contact way too often) to have more than a reserve role . . . ANTOINE WRIGHT could end up getting solid minutes at small forward, but will he ever deliver on the offensive end?
FORWARDS
CARL LANDRY will likely emerge as a starter in a suddenly crowded frontcourt. The undersized four is one of the few proven vets on this roster . . . Of the three guys fighting for small-forward minutes, DONTE’ GREENE has the most upside. If he gets a clue on the defensive end, he has the athleticism and shooting range to put up nice numbers in an up-tempo system . . . Westphal has soured on OMRI CASSPI a bit, to the point that Casspi wouldn’t mind being traded. The Hebrew Hammer will likely have to settle for a reserve role . . . JASON THOMPSON’s ability to play the four and five will earn him minutes, but he’s not an NBA-caliber starter.

CENTERS
SAM DALEMBERT is the defensive presence they desperately need, and he’ll be motivated for a big year as he’s set to hit free agency . . . We believe DeMARCUS COUSINS will have his head on straight, and he has the offensive game to make a big impact. What we’re worried about is conditioning and foul trouble . . . HASSAN WHITESIDE is worthy of his roster spot simply because of his blocked shot potential.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 200-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 100.0 points per game (18th in the NBA)
Defense - 104.4 points per game (25th in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-20-2010, 06:09 PM

Portland Trail Blazers 2010-11 Outlook

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PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

2009-10 record: 50-32, 6th place in Western Conference

GUARDS
BRANDON ROY’s knee should be healthy, and he’ll pick up where he left off carrying the bulk of the offensive load . . . ANDRE MILLER will own the point guard spot mostly to himself this year. The 34-year-old is the same player he was five years ago . . . WESLEY MATTHEWS will compete with Nicolas Batum for the starting spot on the wing opposite Roy but probably fall short. He’ll still be a key part of the rotation . . . High-scoring combo guard JERRYD BAYLESS still needs a trade if he’s going to have significant scoring numbers . . . RUDY FERNANDEZ wanted out of Portland, but was not dealt in the offseason . . . There’s not much room for ELIOT WILLIAMS and ARMON JOHNSON.
FORWARDS
LaMARCUS ALDRIDGE is still the No. 2 option. His defensive and rebounding loads will be lightened a bit if either Marcus Camby or Greg Oden can manage to stay healthy . . . He does a little bit of everything, and NICOLAS BATUM should take another step up this year, enough to hold off Wesley Matthews for his starting spot . . . With his shooting and ability to get to the line, LUKE BABBITT has the skills to be a 20-point scorer. With Portland’s depth though, he’s not guaranteed a rotation spot . . . DANTE CUNNINGHAM and JEFF PENDERGRAPH are capable big bodies off the bench, but neither will have a major role off the bench.

CENTERS
It looks like MARCUS CAMBY will get the first shot at starting, especially after a solid stint with Portland last year. He’s a non-factor on offense, but rebounds and blocks shots . . . Portland would like to see GREG ODEN claim the job after returning from his knee injury, but they can’t play their fragile big man full-time . . . After two knee surgeries, JOEL PRZYBILLA is at the bottom of the depth chart.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 25-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 98.1 points per game (21st in the NBA)
Defense - 94.8 points per game (3rd in the NBA)

**StarDust Bum** · 10-21-2010, 06:24 PM

Toronto Raptors 2010-11 Outlook

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TORONTO RAPTORS

2009-10 record: 40-42, 9th place in Eastern Conference

GUARDS
The Raptors’ coaching staff has soured on JOSE CALDERON, but he appears to be the opening-night starter . . . JARRETT JACK will split time with Calderon as long as the two are there. He’s not as good offensively, but a more competitive player . . . DeMAR DeROZAN will likely start, but he’s also a part-time player who’s limited offensively . . . LEANDRO BARBOSA brings more firepower to the backcourt. He’s primed for a bounce-back year and should be one of the league’s better sixth men . . . MARCUS BANKS is a name attached to an expiring contract.
FORWARDS
AMIR JOHNSON should get first crack at replacing Chris Bosh. He’s an athletic four who can rebound and block shots, and he’s shown flashes of offense . . . LINAS KLEIZA will feel right at home. He should land a starting gig and provide threes and some dirty work . . . SONNY WEEMS will have a major role thanks to energy and D . . . Rookie ED DAVIS is raw after missing a chunk of last year, but he has the length, athleticism and soft touch to emerge as a challenger to Johnson . . . They’ll try to solve the enigma that is the athletic, but perennially disappointing, JULIAN WRIGHT . . . REGGIE EVANS is in his last year of collecting $5 million to ride pine.

CENTERS
ANDREA BARGNANI is the closest thing to The Man on this team. He’s very skilled, but he won’t do much rebounding out of his area . . . DAVID ANDERSEN is another high-post big man who doesn’t like contact . . . Concerns over hepatitis B caused SOLOMON ALABI’s draft day freefall. If healthy, he’s a rotation player.

Sportsbook.com Odds to Win NBA Championship: 200-to-1

2009-10 TEAM STATISTICS
Offense – 104.1 points per game (5th in the NBA)
Defense - 105.9 points per game (28th in the NBA)

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