Complex NBA Power Rankings (Week 1)

2010-11 Record: 19-63 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: Antawn Jamison, Anderson Varejao, Manny Harris
Key Additions: Kyrie Irving (R), Tristan Thompson (R)
Key Losses: J.J. Hickson, Baron Davis
This Week: vs. Toronto, Monday (12/26); @ Detroit, Wednesday (12/28); @ Indiana, Friday (12/30)

Last season was basically one big 82-game pity party in Cleveland. With LeBron James out of the picture, Cavs fans knew they weren't gonna be any good, so they spent most of their time whining and complaining about 'The Decision.' This year, it's back to business. Their record probably won't be all that great. But with Kyrie Irving and Tristan Thompson coming to town, they've at least got a pretty solid foundation in place for the future. We get the feeling the pity party isn't over just yet—guess we'll have to wait and see when Bron returns—but it's definitely last call. Time to make some new memories, guys. —Chris Yuscavage

2010-11 Record: 17-65 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: Kevin Love, Michael Beasley
Key Additions: Derrick Williams (R), Ricky Rubio (R), J.J. Barea
Key Losses: None
This Week: vs. Oklahoma City, Monday (12/26); @ Milwaukee, Tuesday (12/27); vs. Miami, Friday (12/30)

Maybe it's just the hope talking, but the Timberwolves could very well make the largest leap in these rankings between now and April. Kevin Love is a 20/20 threat whenever he's not breaking news on Twitter, Derrick Williams is a superfreak, and the waterbug backcourt of J.J. Barea and the long-awaited Ricky Rubio is capable of making some noise (in Spanish, English AND Catalan). Then there's Michael Beasley, who's so mercurial that his logo should be a thermometer. Of course they DID only win 17 games last year, so... yeah. —Russ Bengtson

2010-11 Record: 23-59 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: John Wall, Nick Young
Key Additions: Jan Vesely (R)
Key Losses: Josh Howard
This Week: vs. New Jersey, Monday (12/26); @ Atlanta, Wednesday (12/28); @ Milwaukee, Friday (12/30)

If there was anything that all those lockout pick-up games showed us, it is that John Wall's skills have improved over the course of a season. And now with the overly affection rookie Jan Vesely on his squad, Wall has their big man of the future. But let's put things into perspective, Washington isn't going far because besides Jan, Jimmy and Young, there are still too many holes in their team. But things are starting to look up for the Wizards. —Jose Martinez

2010-11 Record: 22-60 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: Andrea Bargnani, DeMar DeRozan, Jose Calderon
Key Additions: Gary Forbes
Key Losses: None
This Week: @ Cleveland, Monday (12/26); vs. Pacers, Wednesday (12/28); @ Dallas, Friday (12/30)

Toronto might as well be in Siberia. Colangelo thinks he's running a FIBA team up there. They have a few bright spots with Jerryd Bayless and DeRozan, but lack the toughness to compete in the Atlantic, let alone the East (let alone the even tougher NBA as a whole). Bargnani is baby butt soft and has to get meaner in order for this team to make some kind of progress. Jose Calderon can ball his ass off, but can't seem to stay healthy. The Raptors still have a ways to go. Dwane Casey is liable to get canned, let's see if he's up for it. —Angel Diaz

2010-11 Record: 24-58 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: Marcus Thorton
Key Additions: J.J. Hickson, John Salmons
Key Losses: Beno Udrih, Samuel Dalembert
This Week: vs. LA Lakers, Monday (12/26); @ Portland, Tuesday (12/27); vs. Chicago, Thursday (12/29); vs. New York, Saturday (12/31)

Before we even get into the on the court issues, this team deserves some props for staying in Sacramento. On top of that, they landed Jimmer! Now onto some of the points of concern for the 2011-12 season, this team lacks experience and is coming off a season where they finished 14th in the Western Conference. Much of their success will depend on whether or not Tyreke Evans can bounce back from an injury-filled season which only saw him play in 57 games. With Samuel Dalembert said to have agreed to sign with the Houston Rockets, the team will take a loss in both size and defense. But a shortened season with multiple back-to-back-to-back games plays to the advantage of a young team like the Kings. Will there be playoff basketball in Sacramento this season? That's highly unlikely. But Sac-Town natives can take solace in the fact that there's NBA basketball in their city at all. —Ralph Warner

2010-11 Record: 30-52 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: Rodney Stuckey, Greg Monroe, Jonas Jerebko
Key Additions: Brandon Knight (R)
Key Losses: Richard Hamilton, Tracy McGrady
This Week: @ Indiana, Monday (12/26); vs. Cleveland, Wednesday (12/28); @ Boston, Friday (12/30); vs. Indiana, Saturday (12/31)

Things got bad in the D last season. So bad that the highlight of their season was when they formed a mutiny against ex-coach John Kuester. It's a good thing Kuester was there, too. Because he's just about the only person that any of the Pistons could beat. We really can't see things getting all that better this season, either. Sure, they've got Rodney Stuckey—but he's upset over his current contract. They've got Greg Monroe, too—but he's just a second-year player. And, of course they've got Brandon Knight—but he's only a rookie and, hold up, isn't he gonna beef with Stuckey over playing time? D'ah well. You guys were good for almost a decade. It's someone else's time to shine. —Chris Yuscavage

2010-11 Record: 24-58 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: Deron Williams, Brook Lopez
Key Additions: Shawne Williams
Key Losses: None
This Week: @ Washington, Monday (12/26); vs. Atlanta, Tuesday (12/27); @ Orlando, Thursday (12/29); @ Atlanta, Friday (12/30)

The Nets are holding on for dear life, desperately trying to pry Dwight from Orlando's clutches. They did manage to stage another coup by stealing swingman Shawne Williams from the Knicks. Sadly, Kim K broke up with Kris Humphries, so Net fans should be prepared for a dismal season from him. Blah, blah, blah. Basically if the Nets don't land Howard, they are fucked and D-Will will skip town before they move to the planet of Brooklyn. Marshon Brooks can ball, though! —Angel Diaz

2010-11 Record: 34-48 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: D.J. Augustin, Boris Diaw
Key Additions: Corey Maggette, Bismack Biyombo (R), Kemba Walker (R)
Key Losses: Stephen Jackson
This Week: vs. Milwaukee, Monday (12/26); vs. Miami, Wednesday (12/28); vs. Orlando, Friday (12/30); @ Miami, Sunday (1/1)

Aside from their season opener against Milwaukee, there is no team that is going to be tested early on quite like the Bobcats. In their first week, they will face Miami twice and Orlando once. For a team with a couple new faces and few returning players, Charlotte will need to gel real quickly. And it all starts with Kemba Walker. No pressure, of course. The jury is still out on how Kemba will perform on the NBA level, but if he can catch on early, we may have a squad that can really turn some heads by the end of the season. —Jose Martinez

2010-11 Record: 35-47 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: Andrew Bogut, Brandon Jennings
Key Additions: Mike Dunleavy, Stephen Jackson, Beno Udrih
Key Losses: John Salmons, Corey Maggette
This Week: @ Charlotte, Monday (12/26); vs. Minnesota, Tuesday (12/27); vs. Wizard, Friday (12/30)

Stephen Jackson? Drew Gooden? Shaun Livingston? Mike Dunleavy? Outside of the team's anchors Brandon Jennings and Andrew Bogut, the Bucks feature a hodge-podge of players that, frankly, aren't going to scare many teams at the beginning of the season. But if they gel together—and that's a big IF—they could surprise some people towards the end of the year. And, if not? Well, at least Jennings and Bogut will get them on SportsCenter a few times and remind us that there IS still an NBA team located in Milwaukee, regardless of what you might think. —Chris Yuscavage

2010-11 Record: 46-36 (Lost in 1st Round to L.A. Lakers, 4-2)
Key Returning Players: Marco Belinelli, Trevor Ariza
Key Additions: Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman
Key Losses: Chris Paul, David West
This Week: @ Phoenix, Monday (12/26); vs. Boston, Wednesday (12/28); vs. Phoenix, Friday (12/30); @ Sacramento, Sunday (1/1)

Are Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman, and Al-Farouq Aminu better than Lamar Odom, Kevin Martin, and Luis Scola? In the long run, probably, but try telling that to the 10,000 the Hornets coaxed into buying season tickets before this season with the promise of seeing Chris Paul, or, barring that, at least some winning basketball. The Hornets are a couple seasons removed from being one of the more exciting teams in the L; now they're the game's version of purgatory, with even Carl Landry unwilling to commit to the team long-term because of concerns about the future ownership. But try this thought experiment: Fix yourself a Hurricane, pound the whole thing, then fill it halfway again. Now you've got a glass that's either half-empty or half-full. Half-full if you think Gordon is ready for Joe Johnson almost-superstar status, if you think that Jarrett Jack can be an above average NBA point, and if you think that a frontline of Kaman, Landry, and Trevor Ariza can rough up some of the softer teams in the Western Conference. And if you think it's half-empty, well, hey, you've got half of a Hurricane and you're drunk already. —Jack Erwin

2010-11 Record: 43-39 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: Kevin Martin, Luis Scola
Key Additions: Marucs Morris (R), Jonny Flynn
Key Losses: Chuck Hayes
This Week: @ Orlando, Monday (12/26); vs. San Antonio, Thursday (12/29); @ Memphis (12/30); vs. Atlanta (12/31)

It's meaningless to wonder about it now, but would the Pau Gasol trade (you know, the one involving that Paul guy) really have benefitted the Rockets that much? Sure, they'd have one of the most legit big men in the game, but without their current top two players, it just doesn't seem like they'd be that much improved. The Rockets are what we think they are: a good team that can score with anyone, and can give up points to just about anyone. Put them in the East and they're a playoff team; in the Western Conference, they're just another plus-.500 lottery team. —Jack Erwin

2010-11 Record: 39-43 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: Devin Harris, Al Jefferson, Paul Millsap
Key Additions: Josh Howard, Enes Kanter (R), Alec Burks (R)
Key Losses: None
This Week: @ Los Angeles, Tuesday (12/27); @ Denver, Wednesday (12/28); vs. Philadelphia, Friday (12/30); @ San Antonio Saturday, (12/31)

The Utah Jazz are scheduled to appear on national television (including NBA TV) a full dozen times this season, and we're not sure whether anyone knows why. It's not that the Jazz will be particularly terrible, but they're just so blah. Bad teams can be entertaining for their badness alone, but the Devin Harris led Jazz, who finished four games under .500 last year, promise to be about as exciting as Salt Lake's nightlife. Russ

2010-11 Record: 36-46 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: Stephen Curry, David Lee, Dorell Wright, Monta Ellis
Key Additions: Klay Thompson (R)
Key Losses: Reggie Williams, Louis Amundson
This Week: vs. LA Clippers, Sunday (12/25); vs. Chicago, Monday (12/26); vs. New York, Wednesday (12/28); vs. Philadelphia, Saturday (12/31)

Golden State has a new owner in Joe Lacoba and a new head coach in Mark Jackson but when it comes to the players, this squad is pretty much the same as the one that finished 12th in the West last year. Sure there was talk of landing premier players like CP3 or even Tyson Chandler, but planning and executing are two entirely different things. Word to the Lakers. Time will only tell whether or not Mr. Hand Down, Man Down will be able to get this group led by Steph Curry and Monta Ellis to the playoffs for just the second time in 17 seasons. Sidebar: Speaking of Monta, that alleged Brett Favre steez is never a good look, fam. Leave that aggressiveness for the court. —Ralph Warner

2010-11 Record: 40-42 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Marcin Gortat
Key Additions: Markieff Morris (R), Shannon Brown
Key Losses: Vince Carter, Aaron Brooks
This Week: vs. New Orleans, Monday (12/26); vs. Philadelphia, Wednesday (12/28); @ New Orleans, Friday (12/30); @ Oklahoma City. Saturday (12/31)

After missing the playoffs for the second time in three years, the Suns didn't really do much in the offseason to improve a team led by two former All-Stars in their late-30s (Grant Hill and Steve Nash). Yeah, their first-round pick in Markieff Morris gives them some size at the power forward position but no one is really expecting the rookie to have a breakout season. Additions from role players like Jared Dudley, Channing Frye and Robin Lopez will be key if the Suns to make a serious run at the playoffs. We'll still tune into see some dope passes from Nash and a few ill dunks—by the Suns gorilla, of course. #keepit100 —Ralph Warner

2010-11 Record: 41-41 (Lost in 1st Round to Miami 4-1)
Key Returning Players: Andre Iguodala, Jrue Holiday, Thaddeus Young
Key Additions: Nikola Vucevic (R)
Key Losses: Jason Kapono
This Week: @ Portland, Monday (12/26); @ Phoenix, Wednesday (12/28); @ Utah, Friday (12/30), @ Golden State, Saturday (12/31)

The Sixers have a nice young core with Iggy, Jrue and Thaddeus. On paper they're a couple pieces away and ended on a good note last season. They can end up being a sleeper in the Atlantic this year and should be able to make the playoffs. Doug Collins did a hell of a job in 2011 and it's going to take the same effort if not more with the division getting tougher. Now if they only had a wise old sage to school the young'ns in the ways of the Force. C'mon Philly, make it happen. —Angel Diaz

2010-11 Record: 44-38 (Lost in Eastern Conference Semis to Chicago 4-2)
Key Returning Players: Josh Smith, Al Horford, Joe Johnson, Jeff Teague
Key Additions: Tracy McGrady
Key Losses: Jamal Crawford
This Week: @ New Jersey, Tuesday (12/27); vs. Washington, Wednesday (12/28); vs. New Jersey, Friday (12/30); @ Houston, Saturday (12/31)

Being overshadowed by fellow division rivals, Orlando and Miami hasn't stopped Atlanta from making continuous strides towards becoming a formidable team in the Eastern Conference. With their solid nucleus of young talent, the Hawks did suffer a huge blow with the departure of their sixth man, Jamal Crawford. Now they're hoping that Tracy McGrady and his ailing knees can hold up for a shortened NBA season and provide them with some solid points off the bench. We wouldn't put money on it, but hey, we've seen crazier things happen. —Jose Martinez

2010-11 Record: 48-34 (Lost in Western Conference First Round to Dallas, 4-2)
Key Returning Players: LaMarcus Aldridge, Wesley Matthews, Gerald Wallace, Raymond Felton
Key Additions: Jamal Crawford, Nolan Smith (R)
Key Losses: Brandon Roy
This Week: vs. Philadelphia, Monday (12/26); vs. Sacramento, Tuesday (12/27); vs. Denver, Thursday (12/29)

The Trail Blazers must be cursed — that's all there is to it. Bad enough that perma-injured center Greg Oden may very well miss another full season, but All-Star guard Brandon Roy was forced into retirement at 27 due to a degenerative knee condition. They quickly signed Jamal Crawford as a replacement — which will help — but the loss of B. Roy, however anticipated, still comes as a huge blow to the team and fanbase alike. —Russ Bengtson

2010-11 Record: 32-50 (Did not make playoffs)
Key Returning Players: Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, Eric Bledsoe
Key Additions: Chris Paul, Caron Butler, Chauncey Billups
Key Losses: Eric Gordon, Chris Kaman
This Week: @ Golden State, Sunday (12/25); @ San Antonio, Wednesday (12/28); vs. Chicago, Friday (12/30)

For a team that's had a ton of front office fails in their franchise history, the Clippers still managed to land the biggest free agency singing of the offseason in Chris Paul. They no doubt gave up a lot for CP3, most notably Eric Gordan and Chris Kaman. The team is also a bit crowded at the point guard position with Chancey Billups and Mo Williams playing behind Paul. Caron Butler was a solid addition but they'll still have to see how he'll fare after coming off major knee surgery. To say this team is a lock for the playoffs much less a title contender would be a bit premature. That being said, with CP3 throwing alley-oops to Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan swatting the hell out of any weak shit in the paint this team will certainly make for some must-see-TV this season. Lob city bitch, lob lob city bitch. *Tyga voice* —Ralph Warner

2010-11 Record: 42-40 (Lost in 1st Round to Boston 4-0)
Key Returning Players: Carmelo Anthony, Amare Stoudemire, Toney Douglas
Key Additions: Baron Davis, Tyson Chandler, Iman Shumpert (R)
Key Losses: Chauncey Billups, Shawne Williams
This Week: vs. Boston, Sunday (12/25); @ Golden State, Wednesday (12/28); @ LA Lakers, Thursday (12/29); @ Sacramento, Saturday (12/31)

New York is singing a different tune since acquiring Melo last year and with the addition of Tyson Chandler are hoping to steal the division from the Celtics. The Knicks have championship aspirations, but will they be able to play enough defense to make those dreams come true? B-Diddy was a nice pickup, if healthy, and rookie Iman Shumpert is looking like the steal of the draft. If these moves pan out D'Antoni might've bought himself an extension. They'll have an early test on Christmas Day vs. Boston. —Angel Diaz

2010-11 Record: 46-36 (Lost in Western Conference Semis to Oklahoma City, 4-3)
Key Returning Players: Zach Randolph, Rudy Gay, Mike Conley
Key Additions: Josh Selby (R)
Key Losses: Shane Battier
This Week: @ San Antonio, Monday (12/26); vs. Oklahoma City, Wednesday (12/28); vs. Houston, Friday (12/30); @ Chicago, Sunday (1/1)

The Grizzlies are a solid sleeper pick to win the Southwest this year, but they'll have to have a few things break their way for that to happen. Is Zach Randolph the potential All-NBA first teamer he looked like last year? Can Rudy Gay hold up for a full season (a full season that involves 5-game weeks and back-to-back-to-backs)? And is Mike Conley ready to be a top tier NBA point? All big ifs. But at least Memphis fans have ifs now, and not ain't-nevers. —Jack Erwin

2010-11 Record: 37-45 (Lost in 1st Round to Chicago 4-1)
Key Returning Players: Danny Granger, Tyler Hansbrough, Darren Collison, Roy Hibbert
Key Additions: David West, George Hill
Key Losses: Mike Dunleavy, T.J. Ford, Josh McRoberts
This Week: vs. Detroit, Monday (12/26); @ Toronto, Wednesday (12/28); vs. Cleveland, Friday (12/30); @ Detroit, Saturday (12/31)

If the Pacers hadn't turned a bunch of heads last year by making the playoffs, we'd call them this year's sleeper. But since they did make that last-season run last year, we'll just say this: Look out for this team. In a shortened season that'll feature several games every week for teams, the Pacers have the bodies and the fresh legs to run with just about anyone in the league. You already know that Danny Granger and David West are studs. But we also expect Paul George and Tyler Hansbrough to have breakout seasons this year and contribute in big ways to a very formidable lineup. So if you're still sleeping on this team, please stop immediately. Because they are not to be messed with this season. —Chris Yuscavage

2010-11 Record: 57-25 (Lost in Western Conference Semis to Dallas 4-0
Key Returning Players: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum
Key Additions: Troy Murphy
Key Losses: Lamar Odom, Shannon Brown
This Week: vs. Chicago, Sunday (12/25); @ Sacramento, Monday (12/26); vs. Utah, Tuesday (12/27); vs. New York, Thursday (12/29); vs. Denver, Friday (12/29)

Can there possibly be any more drama in an offseason than what this team has gone through over the last few weeks? Oh great, you're landing one of the best point guards in the league—sike! What's that, your overly sensitive yet highly productive Sixth Man of the Year has been dealt to Dallas for a first-round draft pick? Then Kobe's wife files for divorce and the Black Mamba tears ligaments in his wrist sidelining him for two to three weeks. Yeah, L.A. knows drama, but even Tinseltown natives would say this is a bit much. Combine all that with the fact that Mike Brown has replaced the Zen Master and things will be very interesting for this squad in 2012. Brown is a defensive-minded coach yet they don't really have any quality defensive role players. Dudes like Matt Barnes and Ron...sorry, Metta World Peace are going to have to step up in order for this team to remain among the elite in the West. Either that or things will probably start looking like they did during the rebuilding phase of the mid 2000s. *starts up countdown to Kobe demanding a trade* —Ralph Warner

2010-11 Record: 52-30 (Lost in 1st Round to Atlanta 4-2
Key Returning Players: Dwight Howard, Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu, Jameer Nelson
Key Additions: Glen Davis
Key Losses: Brandon Bass, Gilbert Arenas
This Week: @ Oklahoma City, Sunday (12/25); vs. Houston, Monday (12/26); vs. New Jersey, Thursday (12/29); @ Charlotte, Friday (12/30); vs. Toronto, Sunday (1/1)

If the Magic learned anything, it is that you do not want another Melo situation. With many rumors swirling around over where Dwight Howard will call home by season's end, Orlando needs to address that first and foremost. In a way, the acquisition of Glen Davis has them already prepared for the worst. Other than that, the Magic have implemented the mentality that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" when it comes to their roster. If they can put all the drama on the back burner, this team should reach the playoffs. —Jose Martinez

2010-11 Record: 61-21 (Lost in 1st Round to Memphis, 4-2)
Key Returning Players: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobli
Key Additions: T.J. Ford
Key Losses: George Hill
This Week: vs. Memphis, Monday (12/26); vs. L.A. Clippers, Wednesday (12/28); @ Houston, Thursday (12/29); vs. Utah Saturday (12/31)

The Spurs had the second-most wins in the NBA. They return a first ballot, in-the-convo-for-top-10-of-all-time Hall of Famer in Tim Duncan, plus Tony Parker and the invaluable Manu Ginobili. So why do we have them ranked so low to start the season? Because they're as boring as fruitcake (not to mention they pulled a serious fade at the end of last year—these dudes look old). This is either the year the Spurs ride off into the sunset (without anybody outside of San Antone really caring)—or the year they make a stirring run to the Finals and give a bunch of talking heads a platform to wax stupid about the virtues of franchise loyalty and teamwork blah blah blah. See? Fun as fruitcake! Lockout-induced scheduling quirk: The Spurs face the Lakers three times this season, all in a 9-day span in April. —Jack Erwin

2010-11 Record: 50-32 (Lost in Western Conference First Round to Oklahoma City, 4-1)
Key Returning Players: Nene Hilario, Ty Lawson, Arron Afflalo, Danilo Gallinari
Key Additions: Kenneth Faried (R), Rudy Fernandez, Andre Miller
Key Losses: Raymond Felton, J.R. Smith (China), Wilson Chandler (China), Kenyon Martin (China)
This Week: @ Dallas, Monday (12/26); vs. Utah, Wednesday (12/28); @ Portland, Thursday (12/29); @ Los Angeles, Saturday (12/31)

The Nuggets are an interesting case study. Last year, they traded their best player, Carmelo Anthony, to the Knicks. This offseason they lost half of their team to China and no-opt-out contracts. Fortunately they were able to retain uni-name center Nene, but at quite the price. Still, George Karl always manages to get the most out of his squads, rookie Kenneth Faried is an athletic marvel, and Kenyon Martin probably wasn't coming back anyway. And Arron Afflalo should prove much more reliable than the mercurial J.R. Smith. —Russ Bengtson

2010-11 Record: 56-26 (Lost in Eastern Conference Semis to Miami 4-1)
Key Returning Players: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo
Key Additions: Brandon Bass, JuJuan Johnson (R)
Key Losses: Glen Davis, Delonte West
This Week: @ New York, Sunday (12/25); @ Miami, Tuesday (12/27); @ New Orleans, Wednesday (12/28), vs. Detroit, Friday (12/30)

The Celtics have been taking a beating by fans and analysts alike since they ran out of gas vs. Miami during the playoffs last year. The Perkins trade still haunts them with Jeff Green going down with heart problems; who knows if he'll be able to return as the same player? This is looking like the last chance for the Big 4 to make a run at the title with the rise of younger squads like the Bulls, Heat and Knicks. Let's not count the grizzled vets out yet, though. They're fully capable of doing what the Spurs did last year and can go deep in the playoffs IF healthy. —Angel Diaz

2010-11 Record: 62-20 (Lost in Eastern Conference Finals to Miami 4-1)
Key Returning Players: Derrick Rose, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah
Key Additions: Rip Hamilton, Jimmy Butler (R)
Key Losses: Keith Bogans
This Week: @ LA Lakers, Sunday (12/25); @ Golden State, Monday (12/26); @ Scaramento, Thursday (12/29); @ LA Clippers, Friday (12/30)

Good news, Bulls fans. Your team looks like it should be even better than it was last year! League MVP Derrick Rose has another year under his belt (and a hefty new contract!). Rip Hamilton will finally provide a real perimeter threat. And Jimmy Butler should be able to step in right away and contribute. Er, but there's some bad news, too. The Knicks have gotten better, the Heat sound more determined this season, and the Eastern Conference is, well, loaded. We fully expect Chicago to rise to the top and make a return to the Eastern Conference Finals again, but Bulls fans: Just know that it won't be easy. —Chris Yuscavage

2010-11 Record: 55-27 (Los in Western Conference Finals to Dallas, 4-1)
Key Returning Players: Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka, James Harden, Kendrick Perkins
Key Additions: None
Key Losses: None
This Week: vs. Orlando, Sunday (12/25); @ Minnesota, Monday (12/26); @ Memphis, Wednesday (12/28); vs. Dallas, Thursday (12/29); vs. Phoenix, Saturday (12/31)

Additions? The Thunder don't need no stinking additions. They've got Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook and #BEARDGANG charter member James Harden, so you can expect the Thunder to build on last year's 55-win season. Thing is, they probably don't care where they rank right now, because the way their expectations are trending nothing matters until the playoffs start. They're still a young team, yes, but my, look how they've grown. Not to mention when all is said and done, KD might have an MVP in that backpack to go with his scoring titles. —Russ Bengtson

2010-11 Record: 58-24 (Lost in NBA Finals to Dallas 4-2)
Key Returning Players: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh
Key Additions: Shane Battier
Key Losses: Mike Bibby
This Week: @ Dallas, Sunday (12/25); vs. Boston, (12/27); @ Charlotte, (12/28); @ Minnesota, (12/30); vs. Charlotte, (1/1)

After coming so close to getting that desired ring, the Heat will embark on round two of their pursuit of an elusive championship. When your team consists of players like LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh, there's not many off-season moves that can be seen as improving a team. But they did just that when they landed Shane Battier. With another accomplished defensive player on their squad, can anyone stop them now? Or will they be their worst enemy once again? —Jose Martinez

2010-11 Record: 57-25 (Won NBA Finals over Miami, 4-2)
Key Returning Players: Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, Jason Kidd
Key Additions: Lamar Odom, Vince Carter
Key Losses: Tyson Chandler
This Week: vs. Miami, Sunday (12/25); vs. Denver, Monday (12/26); @ Oklahoma City, Thursday (12/29); vs. Toronto, Friday (12/30); @ Minnesota, Sunday (1/1)

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing your 2007 NBA All-Stars: At forward, Shawn Marion; at the other forward, Dirk Nowitzki, at guard, Vince Carter; and at the other guard, Jason Kidd. So it's not 2007, but we're telling you the Mavs, with their aforementioned collection of Bush-era All-Stars are the best in the NBA right now? Yup. On general principle they get the top spot to start the season because they did the damn thing last June (and then took their talents and comically large magnums of champagne to South Beach to celebrate). But here's how they just might do it again this year: Coach Rick Carlisle finds a way to optimize Carter's talents (and minimize his substantial weaknesses) in limited minutes, Kidd and new acquisition Lamar Odom go old school on the newbies, and Dirk and the Jet reprise their Batman and Robin act from last year's playoffs. A tall order, sure, especially given the loss of defensive enforcer Tyson Chandler. But look on the bright side Mavs fans: You may have lost some toughness with the departures of Chandler and Deshawn Stevenson, but you got a lot of crazy back with the arrival of Delonte West. —Jack Erwin