Miami - Bron, Wade, Bosh, Battier, full season of Haslem, Chalmers, etc

Chicago - DRose, Boozer, Noah, Deng, adding a SG like Rip

Boston - KG, Pierce, Rondo, Ray Allen, David West, Brandon Bass, etc

New York - Amare, Melo, Tyson Chandler, Toney Douglas, Fields, Iman, Shawne Williams, hopefully one more piece

Orlando - Dwight and a big fat mess

New Jersey - Deron, Nene(?), Brook Lopez, maybe Jamal, maybe Humphries

2-4 is close. If C's get West I'd put them at 2-3. I think Chicago really overachieved last year. Rose is great but I think our front court is far superior. I honestly think we get a 2 seed if we stay healthy and find someone to distribute.

Erniecat wrote:Right now I think we are firmly No. 4, behind Miami, Chicago and Boston. No better, no worse.

But I think we can inch way up -- depending on what happens with our guards. As great as our front line is, the backcourt is filled with question marks. We all know that we do not necessarily need All-Stars in the backcourt, but we do need competence and consistency. TD, Fields, Iman and whoever else sees time back there have a ton to prove if this team is going to make serious noise in the postseason. Because if we are a No. 4 seed in the playoffs, it means we play the 5 seed in the first round, which would not be a given, and then if we move on we'd likely face the top seed in the second round.

So the bottom line is, while I am EXTREMELY excited about this team, I also am realistic and know that our guards are going to have to grow up mighty fast if we are going to have a really special season.

Agreed. Really, heading north in the rankings has to do with how many guards exceed *realistic* expectations (note: I do not think Shumpert can walk on water--yet)

1. Miami- I might not like it but the addition of Battier, a possible point guard and a year under them may help them overtake Chicago.

2. Chicago- Rose will come back to earth a lil but will still be good. They will make it close with Miami.

3. Boston- This will also come down to the wire but at least in the regular season, Boston may position themselves here. Still, age could make them fall quickly from here.

4. New York- Chandler makes a huge difference, as does the time Melo and Amare have been together. They will start to really move up before the playoffs.

5. Orlando- Only if Dwight stays, and that is a big "if".

6. Indiana- Building up fro their last season and playoff series, they step in front of the slowly fading Hawks.

7. Atlanta- They slip in their positioning this year, but still make the playoffs.

8. Charlotte- They narrowly win the battle for the playoffs against New Jersey and Philadelphia. Kemba Walker shines bright.

This order can change in the next minutes as many deals may or may not go down. :p