Jeff from CelticsBlog.com is doing the grunt work to put together a comprehensive NBA preview from bloggers ’round the ‘sphere. The Atlantic Division Preview was first, the Southwest Division was second, the Central Division was third, and now the Northwest Division is out. Here are the highlights from the participating bloggers for each team, click on the blog links to see the full team preview:
Denver Nuggets
[Pickaxe and Roll]
I think there are different answers depending on whether you are talking about the goals of management or the goals of the players. Management has clearly been geared towards the future. The Camby trade revolved around future cap flexibility. They traded their first round pick for a future first round pick. Older players Camby and Najera have been sent packing in exchange for younger players. Management would never admit it, nor should they, but I do not think they expect anything other than another first round exit at best from this squad. Prediction: 47-35
[The Nugg Doctor]
The goal for this team is to not be content just making the playoffs, but to finally advance in the postseason. For five straight seasons the Nuggets have been one of only four teams in the league to make the playoffs in said consecutive years and are the only team to have not made it to the conference semis. Prediction: 44-38
Minnesota Timberwolves
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Ok, so it goes without saying that this game is one the Wizards need to secure. The T-Wolves are the worst, but the NBA is a professional sports league…..nap and you might go home to a restless night of sleep.
T’Wolves coach, Randy Wittman, missed their last 3 games after undergoing a backiotomy. I bet he just needed to talk to Sampson. But even more important, the Wiz float at .500 as I type. It would be nice for them to keep above the waterline and get running down hill.
Now let’s start the show…
1st Quarter
Craig Smith is a big dude. He’s gonna be a load for Antawn Jamison to handle…then again, I think AJ will take the +/- with his effort on the offensive end.
Speaking of…AJ hits a deuce to start the game, and Smith cuts to the basket and makes a layin to get on the board for Minny.
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The Timberwolves, a take care of bi-ness game. Word is that Randy Wittman has all but given Rashad McCants the green light to gun it. Ain’t much going on with Dee-Shawn so far this season, as we all know. But if anything, his year is going to start with Dee-Fence. So, I’m hoping that his hustle swag gets all up in McCant’s grits. Bullets Forever would start Haywood out on Al Jefferson. I would too, as long as AJ keeps Theo Ratliff off the boards.
Go Rule Wizards….One Game At A Time.
Buck says the Wiz haven’t won in Minny since 2000, they are due.
1st Quarter
10:41 – Bad pick and roll communication b/t Haywood and Arenas leads to a Jefferson dunk…help defense didn’t even have a chance.
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