Northwest Division Preview

1. Denver Nuggets: People criticize this team for not having a true point guard. And I’m not talking about the scrubs that are on the roster, but other than that, I don’t really see the problem. There’s this guy, a proven veteran, one of the top guards in the League, who also might have the biggest heart. His name is Allen Iverson, averaging over 7 assists per game in the last 3 seasons. Averaging 6,2 in his career. The man can still drop 30 points on whoever is guarding him, but being on the Nuggets, he has embraced the role of a playmaker even more. I expect him to average 8 assists this season, playing alongside another superstar in Carmelo Anthony, and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Camby. I like this team, and to win this division and at least get to the second round of the playoffs, is something they have to accomplish. And maybe even more.

2. Utah Jazz: I don’t know how they did it, but the Utah still has a team that should scare the crap out of everybody in the Western Conference. A young and uprising team, well-coached, and…. Andrei Kirilenko. I really wonder how he will perform this season, and if he’s still there in February. I bet coach Jerry Sloan will lead this bunch again deep into the playoffs. Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer are a terrific duo. So the Utah Jazz are set at point guard and power forward for years to come. Kind of reminds me of something.

3. Portland Trail Blazers: If only if only if only. If only Greg Oden wasn’t out for the season, then the Blazers would’ve been the team to watch this year. But hey. LaMarcus Aldridge is still around. Channing Frye will do well in Portland, and R.O.Y. Roy is obviously still there. Expect the unexpected with this team, but I can imagine Blazer fans can’t wait ‘til next year.

4 Seattle SuperSonics: Kevin Durant. One of the few reasons I don’t place them any lower. I have a hard time believing this team will do anything much this year. Durant will have great nights, but a lot of times it will tough on him. Being defended by the Artests and Bowens of this League will be interesting to watch, because he doesn’t really have any help. Wilcox? Ridnour? It will be a long year in Seattle, and the question is: for how long will Durant and the Sonics even be in this city?

5. Minnesota Timberwolves: Al Jefferson will put up monster numbers, and will be the new cornerstone of this franchise. But Kevin McHale is holding a garage sale. It’s now AKG (After Kevin Garnett), and even Tricky Ricky is gone. To quote Red from That 70’s Show: “Funtime is over!”. Although I don’t remember any fun out there in the last 3 years.