1. San Antonio Spurs
Their old age will fool you, but they know how to win when it matters.
2. Memphis Grizzlies
They were close last year and they know the pressure is on to cash it in this year.
3. New Orleans Pelicans
They’re clearly ready to contend now with a fresh backcourt.
4. Houston Rockets
The winners of the Dwight Howard sweepstakes now must show for it.
5. Dallas Mavericks
They made a lot of moves that were puzzling at the time, but they will contend.
Head Coach: Gregg Popovich
Key Position: All – It’s not to say that the Spurs have any issues at any position, but rather they are now a year older with Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili. If Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green can capitalize on a tremendous playoff performance last year the Spurs should be well within an earshot of another title.
Key Acquisitions: G Marco Belinelli
Key to Win the Finals: Keep doing what you do best.
Head Coach: David Joerger
Key Position: Frontcourt – There is a lot of familiarity with this team. Their new head coach has been apart of the coaching staff for a while and knows the personnel he has. The only question is can the Grizzlies repeat the success they had with Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol dominating the paint against almost every team.
Key Acquisitions: G Mike Miller
Key to Win the Finals: Familiarity is a big plus.
Head Coach: Monty Williams
Key Position: Backcourt – They already had a good backcourt with Austin Rivers, Greivis Vasquez and Eric Gordon. Now they have acquired Tyreke Evans and Jrue Holiday in trades to go along with Rivers and Gordon. It bodes well for a team that instantly has expectations of competing for a playoff spot.
Key Acquisitions: G Tyreke Evans, G Jrue Holiday
Key to Win the Finals: Build on the new acquisitions.
Head Coach: Kevin McHale
Key Position: Frontcourt – Adding Dwight Howard will help a lot, but what will that do for Jeremy Lin and Omer Asik who were the Rockets big free agent acquisitions the year before? It should help Lin to have a pick and roll player like Howard, but Asik is none too happy. He does provide the Rockets an excellent trade chip, but for now he gives them good depth considering Howard’s injury history.
Key Acquisitions: C Marcus Camby, C Dwight Howard
Key to Win the Finals: Don’t waste this opportunity.
Head Coach: Rick Carlisle
Key Position: Frontcourt – They really wanted Dwight Howard to pair with Dirk Nowitzki, but Howard passed and now the Mavericks have Samuel Dalembert? It makes sense with the Mavs horrible defense in the paint last year and with Monta Ellis and Jose Calderon in the backcourt this Dallas team should remain in contention.
Key Acquisitions: C Samuel Dalembert, G Monta Ellis, G Jose Calderon, G Devin Harris, F DeJuan Blair
Key to Win the Finals: Stay competitive.
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