What a crazy season of basketball. Between the great play by breakout stars and all the drama with which teams will emerge as the best, I have to be pleased with the terrific competitive play. I only wish the officiating was anywhere near the same quality but that's for another day. Here's a team-by-team breakdown of the 2008-09 season...
Free Agent Notation: (P) - Player Option; (R) - Restricted Free Agent; (ETO) - Early Termination Option
Atlanta Hawks (47-35, 4th in Eastern Conference, Game Four of Conference Semifinals to Cleveland):
With a 37-win season in 2007-08, let's just say expectations were low. However, several players stepped up their game this season and it resulted in a 10-win increase. The quintessential ensemble team, Atlanta got contributions from many players including Joe Johnson, Josh Smith, Mike Bibby and Al Horford . Their solid success on both sides of the game crested with a play-off series victory over the Miami Heat. For a team with low expectations, they ended up doing alright.
Key Free Agents: Mike Bibby, Marvin Williams (R), Zaza Pachulia, Ronald Murray, Fan Interest
Boston Celtics (62-20, 2nd in Eastern Conference, Game Seven of Conference Semifinals to Orlando):
Coming off a championship season, there were concerns about whether complacency would hamper Boston's title chances. Naturally, the team would have a 27-2 start. Then, Kevin Garnett took a bad jump that would result in a season-ending injury and significantly weakening a great defense. Most teams would fold after losing their best player. However, with terrific play by Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Rajon Rondo, the Celtics still ended up with 62 wins. "What if" questions could be raised about whether injuries derailed a back-to-back. There can be no questions about Boston having a terrific season.
Key Free Agents: Glen Davis, Leon Powe, Eddie House
Charlotte Bobcats (35-47, 10th in Eastern Conference):
Larry Brown has a pedigree for turning teams around. This season, Charlotte has made some improvement in their game, especially on defense. Specifically, Gerald Wallace and Emeka Okafor have had very solid seasons. Of course, it remains to be seen whether Brown can continue this progress without anyone with the caliber of David Robinson or Allen Iverson to improve their offense.
Key Free Agents: Raymond Felton (R), Michael Jordan's Caddie
Chicago Bulls (41-41, 7th in Eastern Conference, Game Seven of First Round To Boston):
This team was supposed to be a "team on the rise" in 2007 before stumbling the following season. It's good to see Chicago come full circle and be that once again. Now, they have an fantastic young player in Derrick Rose and a bunch of solid role players to make a good, young team. After a valiant series against Boston in the play-offs, it looks as though this time, the Chicago Bulls are here to stay.
Key Free Agents: Ben Gordon, Shooter Del Negro's Babysitter
Cleveland Cavaliers (66-16, 1st in Eastern Conference, Game Six of Conference Finals To Orlando):
From the start, Cleveland played so well . MVP LeBron James should get a lot of credit for playing at an unprecedented level. That said, also give credit to the coaching staff and the rest of the team for playing an 82-game season so professionally. Even without a second elite talent, they won 66 games and went far before falling to the better team in Orlando. A terrific season by just about any measure...
Key Free Agents: Anderson Varejao (P), Zydrunas Ilgauskus (P), Wally Szczerbiak
Dallas Mavericks (50-32, 6th in Western Conference, Game Five of Conference Semifinals to Denver):
For an aging team, they've persevered and their brand of offense still flourishes. In his 11th season, Dirk Nowitzki remains a great offensive weapon and Sixth Man of the Year Jason Terry adds some necessary firepower to the second unit. With those two and Jason Kidd in their thirties and a recent trend of only playing until late April / early May, you wonder when Dallas will start the youth movement.
Key Free Agents: Jason Kidd, Brandon Bass
Denver Nuggets (54-28, 2nd in Western Conference, Game Six of Conference Finals to Los Angeles Lakers):
As they were configured to start the season with Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson, the only way to have Denver thrive was to have two basketballs on the court. Then, the trade for Chauncey Billups happened and the stability came with it. The result was a much more efficient team on both ends. With the emergence of several players due to Billups' arrival, Denver rode that resurgence to within two games of the NBA Finals in a hard-fought series against the Lakers. Regardless of what happens in the future, the result was just about everything a Nuggets fan could ask for.
Key Free Agents: Chris Andersen, Dahntay Jones, Linus Kleiza (R)
Detroit Pistons (39-43, 8th in Eastern Conference, Game Four of First Round to Cleveland):
Speaking of Allen Iverson, the repercussions of the trade would have a significant impact on a team used to playing basketball in June. This, combined with an aging and complacent nucleus (Rasheed Wallace, Richard Hamilton) resulted in the earliest exit in eight seasons. With their time past, the trade will speed up the rebuilding process and hopefully return the team to prominence sooner. That said, it neither make players in the youth movement (Jason Maxiell, Rodney Stuckey) any better, nor makes this season any easier for Detroit.
Key Free Agents: Allen Iverson, Rasheed Wallace, Antonio McDyess
Golden State Warriors (29-53, 10th in Western Conference):
Monta Ellis' injury from the moped incident really set the tone for a dismal season. After trying to replace Baron Davis with Corey Maggette and making a trade for Jamal Crawford, Nellie-Ball fell flat all season. The numbers they had could work if they had an average defense. Judging by the record, I don't think that defense is going to work with any team trying to be decent. Get used to this, Warriors fans. The way the salaries are locked up long-term, this stretch could be a while, a LONG while (more on this another time). Uh...you get to watch Anthony "KG 2.0" Randolph? Yeah, it's going to be rough.
Key Free Agents: Competency of a Franchise
Houston Rockets (53-29, 5th in Western Conference, Game Seven of Conference Semifinals to Los Angeles Lakers):
Sometimes, it takes a tough situation to bring out the best in a team. Such is the case when a struggling Tracy McGrady decided to call it a season in February. From that, the rest of the roster picked up their game, especially on defense, to help out Yao Ming. With a healthy season, Yao led Houston to the play-offs and finally got over the first-round hump. Going seven games with the NBA champion Lakers, even with Yao out for most of the series, was icing on the cake.
Key Free Agents: Ron Artest, Von Wafer, Luther Head
Indiana Pacers (36-46, 9th in Eastern Conference):
No one's going to expect a drastic turnaround in the state that the Indiana Pacers was in. Even though Indiana is still mired in basketball limbo and stuck with bad contracts, they can take solace in having a player as good as Danny Granger. His play jumped a level and earned him the "Most Improved Player" award. We'll see if the front staff can give him enough support that it will reflect on the record in a better way. Until then, they are a mediocre run-and-gun team at best and nothing more.
Los Angeles Clippers (19-63, 14th in Western Conference):
Oh, my my my my my...look who we have here. It's the most dysfunctional franchise in the NBA. I can't think of more different roommates than the Lakers and the Clippers in Staples Center. I would have more fun with this team but I read a columnist I like a lot that's doing that for me. I will only mention two names to get the blood boiling, Sterling and Dunleavy. Just when the Zach Randolph trade couldn't get any worse, they get the first pick in a year where the only "sure thing" is a big man. This franchise needs every priest within a 1000-mile radius to save. Oh boy...
Key Free Agents: Blake Griffin's Sanity
Los Angeles Lakers (65-17, 1st in Western Conference, Won NBA Championship):
Any time I have to nitpick about flaws for a 65-win team with a championship ring, that team must be pretty good. It's amazing (so amazing) what Kobe Bryant has done in such a late stage of his career. After playing 100+ games, he goes on the Beijing Olympics tour, plays another 100+ games, all still in a high level leading to a championship. Just remember that having a complete team with guys like Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Trevor Ariza as teammates doesn't hurt either. With their all-around brilliance, the Lakers are the champions. Regardless of what happens in the future, Kobe now has one as the ace and no one can take that away. The doubters will now be silenced forevermore (including me)...
Key Free Agents: Kobe Bryant (ETO), Lamar Odom, Trevor Ariza
Memphis Grizzlies (24-58, 12th in Western Conference):
This is a team with some pieces with potential but it will be quite some time before we find out if they have much of an impact. As for this season, bright moments have been few and far between. The young team will learn to take better shots with the lumps right now. Hopefully, the defense will turn around. Of course, given how this season has turned out and who's running the team, I wouldn't hold my breath.
Key Free Agents: Who cares? Chris Wallace is running this team.
Miami Heat (43-39, 5th in Eastern Conference, Game Seven of First Round To Atlanta):
Not enough can be said about the brilliant play of Dwyane Wade. It's a miracle the defense is okay and the offense is mediocre. It's common knowledge that rebuilding is a polite way to say the team stinks. Michael Beasley and Mario Chalmers are probably the only ones that can get better. Of course, there's one difference between most rebuilding teams and this one. It's a nice luxury for them to have one of the best players as a teammate.
Key Free Agents: Jamario Moon
Milwaukee Bucks (34-48, 12th in Eastern Conference):
Under coach Scott Skiles, Milwaukee made a commitment to defense and made a nice improvement this season. However, injuries to Michael Redd and Andrew Bogut hampered a decent team in the Eastern Conference. Being hamstrung with long contracts to mediocrity doesn't help either. Here's a query. If Charlie Villanueva makes news with his Twitter and no one is around to hear it in Milwaukee, does it make a sound? That seems to be the best thing that ever happened to his traffic...
Key Free Agents: Ramon Sessions
Minnesota Timberwolves (24-58, 11th in Western Conference):
Now in year 88 of the rebuilding process (the second since Kevin Garnett got traded), there's some nice things about this team that may finally have hope for the future. Al Jefferson had a terrific season while he played in the low-post. Solid rookie and Internet aficionado (at 3:43) Kevin Love added impressive rebounding to the team. There are some pieces in place. Of course, it will take another impact player to end the rebuilding cycle. Until then, Minnesota will have to endure...
New Jersey Nets (34-48, 11th in Eastern Conference):
As struggling as this team has been, the youth movement has fared better than expected. A post-Jason Kidd future with players like Devin Harris and Brook Lopez seems alright, especially given how they played offensively at a young age. As long as they don't hit a wall too early in next season like this one, it'll be okay. Vince Carter has also had a decent season but I don't think he fits in this youth movement at this phase of his career.
New Orleans Hornets (49-33, 7th in Western Conference, Game Five of First Round To Denver):
The trendy pick to contend for the 2008-09 title ended up taking a step backwards. All of a sudden, only two players in New Orleans were even remotely efficient and only one was pretty good. Of course, Chris Paul makes so many things much easier for New Orleans. He and David West somehow managed to carry this team towards 49 wins. This may be one of the most disappointing teams but don't fault those that did their jobs to keep this team competitive.
New York Knicks (32-50, 14th in Eastern Conference):
Year one of S.S.O.L. East had its moments with David Lee and Nate Robinson leading the Mike D'Antoni offense. A team mired in incompetency for so long takes its first step towards gaining respectability. The one with the best job was GM Donnie Walsh for trading for shorter contracts and freeing up cap space for a potentially loaded free agent class. As this season has shown, it will take a while before the work shows on the court. Be patient, Knicks fans. Only 380 days until July 1st, 2010...
Key Free Agents: Al Harrington (P), David Lee (R), Nate Robinson (R)
Oklahoma City Thunder (23-59, 13th in Western Conference):
The inaugural season hasn't been great by any means, especially with a non-existent offense. However, a young nucleus anchored by Kevin Durant showed flashes of what's to come. The talent is there for something special. All it needs is time to let it bloom. Until then, the team is biding its time with its cap space and draft picks.
Key Free Agents: Desmond Mason
Orlando Magic (59-23, 3rd in Eastern Conference, Game Five of NBA Finals to Los Angeles Lakers):
This team was supposed to be a year away from being a serious contender with a little maturation from Dwight Howard, a more dependable scoring attack than the three-pointer barrage, and a better defense. Apparently, the Magic was ahead of schedule. Thanks to contributions from Jameer Nelson to bolster the offense and one of the league's most stifling defenses, anchored by Defensive Player of the Year Howard, Orlando managed to overcome numerous game-winners by opponents and play in the NBA Finals.
Key Free Agents: Hidayet Turkoglu (P), Marcin Gortat
Philadelphia 76ers (41-41, 6th in Eastern Conference, Game Six of First Round To Orlando):
Having signed Elton Brand, Philadelphia was expected to make another leap this season. Instead, Brand struggled mightily before ending his season after just 29 games due to injuries. However, Andre Iguodala, Andre Miller, and the rest of the Sixers carried on and put together another .500 season with a spirited play-off series against Orlando on top of that. It still wasn't exactly what Philadelphia had in mind when spending a lot of money on Iguodala, Brand, and Samuel Dalembert. Oh, wait...
Key Free Agents: Andre Miller
Phoenix Suns (46-36, 9th in Western Conference):
It's a little upsetting that Phoenix wasn't in the play-offs, yet Detroit was allowed to be in it. That said, talk about turbulence. It started with a change to a more defensive philosophy from coach Terry Porter which the players struggled to adjust and didn't like. Then, a coaching change to Alvin Gentry brought back S.S.O.L. West, only to play on without Amar'e Stoudemire due to an eye injury, not to mention the trade talks circulating the entire time but nothing materializing. It's an aging team that can't seem to figure out what to do. Like Dallas, you wonder when Phoenix will start anew.
Key Free Agents: Grant Hill, Matt Barnes
Portland Trail Blazers (54-28, 4th in Western Conference, Game Six of First Round to Houston):
With numerous young players, Portland was expected to take a step closer towards the top. They rose to the challenge this season. Led by the emergence of Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, the Blazers put together a terrific season that resulted in the fourth seed in the West. The likes of Rudy Fernandez and Travis Outlaw also has had nice seasons at a young age. However, team success requires a lot of players in this ensemble cast to perform, which they struggled to do in the play-offs against Houston. The big question mark is the struggling Greg Oden. Will he learn from his constant fouling to stay on the floor long enough to show something? There will come a point where injuries aside, it's not an accident.
Sacramento Kings (17-65, 15th in Western Conference):
By making the Ron Artest trade, the franchise lost their identity and sacrificed the 2008-09 season for a better future. By all accounts, the Kings had a dismal season. The only player in a horrendous team on both sides that's relevant is Kevin Martin. Hampered by big contracts to less-than-stellar players and no star power anywhere, the struggles of the franchise may extend beyond the on-court results. On top of that, they fell three spots in the draft. If there is such a thing as Murphy's Law, the 2008-09 Sacramento Kings are the epitome of that.
Key Free Agents: Rashad McCants (R)
San Antonio Spurs (54-28, 3rd in Western Conference, Game Five of First Round To Dallas):
The old guard that was a consistent power for the duration of Tim Duncan's career is slowly winding down. Despite a terrific season from Tony Parker, you can only make the most out of the likes of Kurt Thomas, Matt Bonner, and Roger Mason, Jr. for so long. After a terrific start, age and injuries significantly weakened San Antonio to the point where they couldn't get out of the first round. From their drop-off this season from the last, it'll be tough to envision them returning to the top as presently configured.
Key Free Agents: Drew Gooden
Toronto Raptors (33-49, 13th in Eastern Conference):
The solid play of Chris Bosh and Jose Calderon wasn't enough to save Toronto from being a poor team. The big trade for Jermaine O'Neal did not pan out and the experiment ended abruptly with another trade that sent O'Neal to Miami for Shawn Marion. No trade or coaching change could change the fortunes of the Raptors, whose team just played bland and poor. For all the talk about LeBron James leaving Cleveland, Toronto may have a more dire situation with keeping Bosh in Toronto. The way the Raptors have struggled to win games, it doesn't look good.
Key Free Agents: Shawn Marion
Utah Jazz (48-34, 8th in Western Conference, Game Five of First Round To Los Angeles Lakers):
If one word could describe this team, it's plagued. It was one injury after another to Deron Williams, Andrei Kirilenko, and Carlos Boozer and the mental health could be called into question for this team. All in all, it became a little chaotic for a Utah team that went run-and-gun en route to 48 wins. With all the uncertainty surrounding players in a contract year, I wonder more about the stability of that team and whether the roster as currently configured can co-exist. Maybe fresh faces are in order...
Key Free Agents: Carlos Boozer (P), Mehmet Okur (P), Kyle Korver (P), Paul Millsap
Washington Wizards (19-63, 15th in Eastern Conference):
I don't know how franchises are allowed to continue to defy common sense. The nucleus of Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, and Caron Butler seem to have a ceiling of getting to the second round. Yet, that's what the front staff did by locking up Arenas and Jamison for a combined $163 million. As it turns out, overall results were disastrous with just 19 wins and, like Sacramento, falling three spots in the draft. Regardless of who's the coach, being over the luxury tax threshold to a team that can't win 20 games is not promising.
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