PBA Post-draft Deconstruction, Part II AND All-Filipino Cup Preview

Now that I have time to sink into these matters, time to dive in further with the draft additions:

Barangay Ginebra: Greg Slaughter (1st, 1st), James Forrester (1st, 4th), John Usita (4th, 33rd), Alvin Padilla (5th, 39th), Jens Knuttel (6th, 42nd)

Roster: Bryan Faundo, James Forrester, Billy Mamaril, Josh Urbiztondo, LA Tenorio, Emman Monfort, Jay-J Helterbrand, Jay-r Reyes, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, Dylan Ababou, Chris Ellis, Mac Baracael, Mark Caguioa.

Projected Depth Chart:

Starters: Tenorio, Caguioa, Ellis, Aguilar, Slaughter
1st tier Reserves: Urbiztondo, Helterbrand, Forrester, Baracael, Reyes
2nd tier Reserves: Monfort, Ababou, Mamaril, Faundo

Alfrancis Chua may not be coaching this team in an official capacity, but this team is clearly his vision. If if hasn't happened already, LA Tenorio is seizing control of the operation away from Caguioa. Uptempo aggressive offense, especially if he has runners alongside him like Japeth, James and Chris.

San Mig Coffee: Ian Sangalang (1st, 2nd), Isaac Holstein (1st, 7th), Justin Melton (2nd, 13th), JR Cawaling (3rd, 30th)

Roster: Justin Melton, Rafi Reavis, Isaac Holstein, JR Cawaling, PJ Simon, Ian Sangalang, Alex Mallari, Andy Barroca, Marc Pingris, James Yap, Jerwin Gaco, Val Acuna, Joe Devance, Yancy de Ocampo

Reserves: Lester Alvarez, Allein Maliksi

Projected Depth Chart:

Starters: Barroca, Simon, Yap, Pingris, Devance
1st tier Reserves: Melton, Mallari, Reavis, de Ocampo, Sangalang
2nd tier Reserves: Holstein, Acuna, Cawaling, Gaco

Tim Cone's triangle continues to get upgrades while infusing a little youth. Sangalang can immediately contribute, and because they got good picks, they used it on projects. But the trusty reliables are still the same.

Rain or Shine: Raymond Almazan (1st, 3rd), Alex Nuyles (1st, 9th), Jeric Teng (2nd, 12th), Gayford Rodriguez (2nd, 19th), Ervic Vijandre (3rd, 29th)

Roster: Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, Jireh Ibanes, Jeric Teng, Alex Nuyles, Larry Rodriguez, TY Tang, Jeff Chan, Chris Tiu, Ryan Arana, Jervy Cruz, Beau Belga, Ronnie Matias, JR Quinahan

Reserves: Jon Uyloan, Raymond Almazan (this was released before end of NCAA season, so he is here for now)

Starters: Lee, Chan, Norwood, Rodriguez, Belga
1st tier Reserves: Tiu, Arana, Nuyles, Cruz, Quinahan
2nd tier Reserves: Tang, Ibanes, Teng, Matias

It is a fruitless exercise trying to determine Yeng Guiao's depth chart, because he has interchangeable parts at his disposal, allowing him to have different combinations to field in different situations. He preaches readiness, effort AND defense. Those new additions will definitely allow Yeng to tinker with different things.

Barako Bull: Jeric Fortuna (2nd, 14th), Carlo Lastimosa (2nd, 20th), Darwin Cordero (3rd, 23rd), Jett Vidal (4th, 32nd), Mike Silungan (5th, 38th)

Roster: Denok Miranda, Jonas Villanueva, Dorian Pena, JC Intal, Ronjay Buenafe, Rob Labagala, Dave Marcelo, Willie Miller, Mark Isip, Jeric Fortuna, Willie Wilson, Keith Jensen, Mark Macapagal, Mick Pennisi

Reserves: Rico Maierhofer, Carlo Lastimosa

Projected Depth Chart:

Starters: Miranda, Miller, Buenafe, Isip, Pennisi
1st tier Reserves: Villanueva, Wilson, Intal, Macapagal, Pena
2nd tier Reserves: Fortuna, Labagala, Jensen, Marcelo

Their management wanted a set of veterans who can allow the team to contend. Pressure on Willie to rekindle the old Thriller Magic? Because other than him, where can they get the offense.

GlobalPort: Terrence Romeo (1st, 5th), RR Garcia (1st, 6th), Justin Chua (1st, 10th), Nico Salva (2nd, 11th), Jopher Custodio (3rd, 22nd), LA Revilla (3rd, 24th)

Roster: RR Garcia, Sol Mercado, Jondan Salvador, Terrence Romeo, Nico Salva, Jay Washington, Marvin Hayes, Leo Najorda, Jewel Ponferrada, Jaypee Belencion, Justin Chua, Kelly Nabong, LA Revilla, Eric Menk

Reserves: Enrico Villanueva, Jopher Custodio

Projected Depth Chart:

Starters: Garcia, Mercado, Washington, Nabong, Menk
1st tier Reserves: Romeo, Hayes, Salva, Salvador, Ponferrada
2nd tier Reserves: Revilla, Belencion, Najorda, Chua

BroNation has something to look forward to, but the question now is how ready is Richie Ticzon to be a head coach. Also curious will be how he uses Garcia & Romeo alongside Mercado. This is now Sol's team

Alaska: Ryan Buenafe (1st, 8th), Ping Exciminiano (2nd, 18th), Raymund Ilagan (3rd, 28th)

Roster: Sam Eman, Cyrus Baguio, Ping Exciminiano, Sonny Thoss, Calvin Abueva, Eddie Laure, Ryan Buenafe, Aldrech Ramos, Leo Avenido, Dondon Hontiveros, Gabby Espinas, RJ Jazul, Tony dela Cruz, Jvee Casio

Reserves: Paolo Bugia, Raphy Reyes

Projected Depth Chart:

Starters: Casio, Baguio, Hontiveros, Espinas, Thoss
1st tier Reserves: Jazul, Buenafe, Abueva, Avenido, Ramos
2nd tier Reserves: Exciminiano, Laure, Eman, dela Cruz

Like his mentor Cone, Luigi Trillo needed just minor tinkerings to his lineup, thus grabbing Buenafe from the draft. Exciminiano provides defense that Luigi craves. Otherwise, this is still the same core that gave fits to opponents.

Talk 'N Text: JP Erram (2nd, 15th), Robby Celiz (2nd, 17th), Eliud Poligrates (3rd, 27th), Oping Sumalinog (4th, 36th), Byron Villarias (5th, 41st)

Roster: Jimmy Alapag, Harvey Carey, Eliud Poligrates, Nonoy Baclao, Ryan Reyes, Sean Anthony, Larry Fonacier, Jai Reyes, Jayson Castro, Kelly Williams, John Ferriols, Ranidel de Ocampo, Ali Peek, Aaron Aban

Reserves: Rob Reyes, Robby Celiz

Projected Depth Chart:

Starters: Alapag, Castro, Fonacier, De Ocampo, Peek
1st tier Reserves: R. Reyes, Anthony, Carey, Williams, Baclao
2nd tier Reserves:  J. Reyes, Poligrates, Aban, Ferriols

The aging core is still present, Norman Black adding some youth juice in Baclao and the rookies, but the biggest addition is the return of Kelly Williams.

Air21: Eric Camson (2nd, 16th), Joshua Webb (3rd, 21st), Angelo Ingco (4th, 31st), Randolph Chua (5th, 37th)

Roster: Vic Manuel, Mac Cardona, KG Canaleta, Simon Atkins, Eric Camson, Bonbon Custodio, Ren-ren Ritualo, Carlo Sharma, Joseph Yeo, Wynne Arboleda, Ogie Menor, Elmer Espiritu, Michael Burtscher, Asi Taulava

Reserves: Mark Borboran

Projected Depth Chart:

Starters: Arboleda, Cardona, Canaleta, Menor, Taulava
1st tier Reserves: Custodio, Ritualo, Yeo, Manuel, Sharma
2nd tier Reserves: Atkins, Camson, Espiritu, Burtscher

Franz Pumaren basically is getting closer to his dream Green Archer offensive team. Mac Cardona gets the chance to retake his place as one of the top offensive players in the league.

Petron: Sam Marata (3rd, 25th), Nate Matute (5th, 34th)

Roster: Chris Lutz, Alex Cabagnot, Chris Ross, Jason Deutchman, Paulo Hubalde, Marcio Lassiter, Doug Kramer, June Mar Fajardo, Chico Lanete, Yousef Taha, Arwind Santos, Ronald Tubid

Projected Depth Chart:

Starters: Cabagnot, Lutz, Tubid, Santos, Fajardo
1st tier Reserves: Ross, Lanete, Lassiter, Kramer, Taha
2nd tier Reserves: Hubalde, Deutchman

Same lineup, but the question is will the offensive philosophy reorient itself.

Meralco: Anjo Caram (3rd, 26th), Mike Parala (4th, 35th), Mark Lopez (5th, 40th), Ron Guevarra (6th, 43rd), Mark Bringas (7th, 44th)

Rosters: AJ Mandani, Nelbert Omolon, John Wilson, Cliff Hodge, Don Allado, Mike Cortez, Paul Artadi, Jared Dillinger, Reynel Hugnatan, Rey Guevarra, Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Gary David, James Sena, Sunday Salvacion

Reserves: Kerby Raymundo

Projected Depth Chart:

Starters: Cortez, David, Salvacion, Hugnatan, Al-Hussaini
1st tier Reserves: Mandani, Wilson, Dillinger, Hodge, Allado
2nd tier Reserves: Artadi, Guevara, Omolon, Sena

Meralco underwent a makeover that would be akin to what Ryan Gregorio wants. The key will be when Kerby returns to the lineup. It showed flashes of what they can do in the last conference.

The Northwest Division NBA Preview

Denver Nuggets - 38-28 record last season. 6th seed in the playoffs. Lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Ty Lawson, Andre Iguodala, Danilo Gallinari, Kenneth Faried, Kosta Koufos / Andre Miller, Corey Brewer, Wilson Chandler, JaVale McGee, Timofey Mozgov

Storyline/s: Their depth got an upgrade with the acquisition of Iguodala as part of their participation in the Dwight Howard deal. With the depth, who is the go-to-guy when the situation amounts itself to?

X-Factor/s: Can JaVale unlock his true potential under George Karl? A nation on the other side of the Pacific anticipates while the paperwork for his naturalization is being undertaken.

Prognosis: Exiting the first round of the playoffs.

Minnesota Timberwolves - 26-40 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Ricky Rubio, Brandon Roy, Andrei Kirilenko, Derrick Williams, Kevin Love / Luke Ridnour, Alexei Shved, Chase Budinger, Dante Cunningham, Nikola Pekovic, JJ Barea

Storyline/s: Kevin Love has made it known that this team needs to contend in the next few seasons. That, and the waiting for Ricky Rubio to return to the court.

X-Factor/s: How much does Brandon Roy have left in the tank? And how much does that knee have left in it?

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

Oklahoma City Thunder - 47-19 record last season. Division Champions. Conference Champions. Lost to the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.

Ideal Rotation: Russell Westbrook, Kevin Martin, Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka, Kendrick Perkins / Eric Maynor, Thabo Sefolosha, Jeremy Lamb, Perry Jones III, Nick Collison, Reggie Jackson

Storyline/s: They were schooled by Miami in the finals. Humbled, yet undaunted, their quest remains in returning to that destination and finish what was started. That was until Sam Presti pulled off the James Harden trade.

X-Factor/s: All eyes now on Kevin Martin as he steps into Harden's shoes. Eric Maynor returns after rehabbing from his injury.

Prognosis: Division Champions. Conference Champions. Exiting in the NBA Finals.

Portland Trailblazers - 28-38 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Damian Lillard, Wesley Matthews, Nic Batum, LaMarcus Aldridge, JJ Hickson / Ronnie Price, Sasha Pavlovic, Victor Claver, Meyers Leonard

Storyline/s: The rebuilding process has begun, with the centerpiece on Aldridge. The keys to the offense has been handed to a rookie point guard. Terry Stotts has taken over.

X-Factor/s: Wes is expected to do more this season. Nic Batum got himselft a nice contract, and with such, much is expected.

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

Utah Jazz - 36-30 record last season. 8th seed in the playoffs. Lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Mo Williams, Gordon Hayward, Marvin Williams, Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson / Jamaal Tinsley, Randy Foye, Alec Burks, Enes Kanter, Derrick Favors

Storyline/s: Ty Corbin remakes the backcourt, adding Mo and Randy to a potent frontcourt with All-Star caliber players. Will it be enough to stave off others who want that final slot that went to them last season?

X-Factor/s: The pressure is off Marvin Williams now, the pressure of having to live being Atlanta's 2nd overall selection in a draft that featured stud point guards in Chris Paul and Deron Williams.

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

The Pacific Division NBA Preview

Golden State Warriors - 23-43 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Harrison Barnes, David Lee, Andrew Bogut / Jarrett Jack, Brandon Rush, Richard Jefferson, Carl Landry, Andris Biedrins

Storyline/s: Injuries wrecked their season last year from Curry to their trade acquisitions Jefferson and Bogut, leaving Mark Jackson's side with slim pickins.

X-Factor/s: A healthy Bogut would be a huge bonus for Jackson's defensive plans for the W's.

Prognosis: Exiting in the first round of the playoffs.

Los Angeles Clippers - 40-26 record last season. 5th seed in the playoffs. Lost to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals

Ideal Rotation: Chris Paul, Chauncey Billups, Caron Butler, Blake Griffin, Deandre Jordan / Eric Bledsoe, Jamal Crawford, Grant Hill, Matt Barnes, Lamar Odom, Willie Green

Storyline/s: Lob City was outclassed by a better San Antonio team in the playoffs, and in trying to remedy that, they upgraded their bench with versatile and smart additions. Contract years for Chris Paul and Vinny del Negro also means huge stakes for the franchise.

X-Factor/s: Which Lamar Odom shows up? The version that helped in the Lakers' title campaigns or the one that manifested in Dallas?

Prognosis: Exiting in the Conference Semifinals.

Los Angeles Lakers - 41-25 record last season. Division Champions. 3rd seed in the playoffs. Lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals.

Ideal Rotation: Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace, Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard / Steve Blake, Jodie Meeks, Antawn Jamison, Earl Clark, Jordan Hill

Storyline/s: The new parts. Mike Brown using the Princeton offense. Oh and the Black Mamba.

X-Factor/s: Metta World Peace stands out on that start-studded starting unit. In addition, securing Antawn Jamison as an off-the-bench option is an interesting move.

Prognosis: Division Champions. Exiting in the Conference Finals.

Phoenix Suns - 33-33 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Goran Dragic, Shannon Brown, Michael Beasley, Luis Scola, Marcin Gortat / Kendall Marshall, Sebastian Telfair, Jared Dudley, Wesley Johnson, Channing Frye

Storyline/s: Life after Steve Nash has begun. The present (Dragic) and the future (Marshall) attempt to pick up the pieces after the Suns traded the two-time MVP to Los Angeles.

X-Factor/s: Can Michael Beasley be the go-to-scorer for the Suns? Can Scola stabilize the paint alongside Gortat?

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

Sacramento Kings - 22-44 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Isaiah Thomas, Marcus Thornton, Tyreke Evans, Chuck Hayes, DeMarcus Cousins / Aaron Brooks, Jimmer Fredette, Francisco Garcia, Travis Outlaw, Thomas Robinson

Storyline/s: The drama has mainly been about the team staying in the state capital or moving elsewhere, whether to Anaheim or Las Vegas or Seattle.

X-Factor/s: Can Tyreke Evans prove himself to be worthy of an extension to stay with the team?

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

The Central Division NBA Preview

Chicago Bulls - 50-16 record last season. Division Champions. 1st seed in the playoffs. Lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1st Round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Derrick Rose, Richard Hamilton, Luol Deng, Carlos Boozer, Joakim Noah / Kirk Hinrich, Marco Bellinelli, Jimmy Butler, Taj Gibson, Nazr Mohammed

Storyline/s: Derrick Rose's ACL. Is Luol Deng a capable go-to-guy?

X-Factor/s: Can Kirk Hinrich be the best stand-in that he could be of Derrick Rose?

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

Cleveland Cavaliers - 21-45 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Kyrie Irving, C.J. Miles, Omri Casspi, Tristan Thompson, Anderson Varejao / Daniel Gibson, Dion Waiters, Alonzo Gee, Tyler Zeller

Storyline/s: The development of Kyrie Irving into a bonafide leader continues under Byron Scott's stewardship. Will the Cavs dangle out Varejao again for future assets?

X-Factor/s: Is Tristan Thompson ready to take the next step? Can Dion Waiters immediately contribute?

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs

Detroit Pistons - 25-41 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Brandon Knight, Rodney Stuckey, Tayshaun Prince, Jonas Jerebko, Greg Monroe / Will Bynum, Corey Maggette, Kyle Singler, Austin Daye, Jason Maxiell, Andre Drummond

Storyline/s: Can the growth process for these Pistons lead to contending for the bottom end of the playoff picture?

X-Factor/s: Jonas Jerebko was a key cog for the Pistons before he got hurt. Now he's back.

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

Indiana Pacers - 42-24 record last season. 3rd seed in the playoffs. Lost to the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Ideal Rotation: George Hill, Paul George, Danny Granger, David West, Roy Hibbert / D.J. Augustin, Gerald Green, Tyler Hansbrough, Ian Mahinmi

Storyline/s: With Derrick Rose out, the division can be had. Can the team that finished second take advantage? However, Granger got himself injured, and the Pacers may now just be in the same boat as Chicago.

X-Factor/s: With Granger sidelined, can Paul George unlock the huge potential within him?

Prognosis: Division Champions. Exiting in the Conference Semifinals.

Milwaukee Bucks - 31-35 record last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Brandon Jennings, Monta Ellis, Mike Dunleavy, jr., Ersan Ilyasova, Samuel Dalembert / Beno Udrih, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, Tobias Harris, Ekpe Udoh, Drew Gooden, Joel Pryzbilla

Storyline/s: The Bucks relatively stood pat in the off-season, their only key move was keeping Ersan around. They did manage to swing a deal for Samuel Dalembert, and drafted John Henson. Is it enough to move up amidst the Eastern flux? The pressure is on for Scott Skiles.

X-Factor/s: Can Tobias Harris make the necessary improvement?

Prognosis: Exiting in the 1st round of the playoffs.

The Southeast Division NBA Preview

Atlanta Hawks - 40-26 last season. 5th seed in the playoffs. Lost to the Boston Celtics in the 1st Round of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Jeff Teague, Devin Harris, Anthony Morrow, Josh Smith, Al Horford / Lou Williams, DeShawn Stevenson, Kyle Korver, Anthony Tolliver, Zaza Pachulia

Storyline/s: The IsoJoe is no more, as the Nets sent assets down the dirrrty south to acquire the All-Star. They also rid themselves of the disappointment of Marvin Williams. Now, Larry Drew can reshape the team to what he'd like to envision. With the East being reshaped, they have a chance.

X-Factor/s: Lou Williams came home after leading the Sixers in scoring as its top offensive option of the bench.

Prognosis: Exiting the 1st round of the playoffs.

Charlotte Bobcats - 7-59 last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Kemba Walker, Gerald Henderson, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Bismack Biyombo, Byron Mullens / Ramon Sessions, Ben Gordon, Reggie Williams, Tyrus Thomas, Brendan Haywood

Storyline/s: They were clearly the worst team in the NBA last year. How bad they were last season can be described as at an all-time worst. The new coach in Mike Dunlap will look to Kidd-Gilchrist to set the tone for everyone to follow.

X-Factor/s: Will Tyrus Thomas ever gain the maturity needed to be a positive influence for the team. Is Kemba ready to handle the playmaking chores full time?

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

Miami Heat - 46-20 record last season. Division Champions. Conference Champions. NBA Champions

Ideal Rotation: Mario Chalmers, Dwyane Wade, Shane Battier, Lebron James, Chris Bosh / Norris Cole, Ray Allen, Mike Miller, Rashard Lewis, Udonis Haslem, Joel Anthony

Storyline/s: They won the title. Can they do it again? How will Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis fit the Spoelstra scheme? Can Lebron handle his new-found role as a post presence. Is Chris Bosh fit to play slotman minutes? Wade's dynamic with James was made possible given his health status. With both healthy, it will be interesting what the structure turns out to become.

X-Factor/s: How Ray Allen adapts to his new role would probably determine how far the Heat go.

Prognosis: Division Champions. Eastern Conference Champions. NBA Champions.

Orlando Magic - 37-29 last season. 6th seed in the playoffs. Lost to the Indiana Pacers in the 1st Round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: Jameer Nelson, Arron Afflalo, Hedo Turkoglu, Glen Davis, Gustavo Ayon / E'Twaun Moore, JJ Redick, Al Harrington, Nikola Vucevic

Storyline/s: Life after Dwight Howard begins for the Magic. Just as it was in life after Shaq. Former Orlando playmaker Jacque Vaughn returns to the Magic, this time as its head coach. Schooled under the Popovich line, the Magic are hoping they find a coaching gem the way Doc Rivers became for them years ago.

X-Factor/s: Will Big Baby step up to the plate and be the go-to-guy?

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

Washington Wizards - 20-46 last season. Missed the playoffs.

Ideal Rotation: John Wall, Martell Webster, Trevor Ariza, Nene, Emeka Okafor / AJ Price, Bradley Beal, Chris Singleton, Jan Vesely, Kevin Seraphin, Jordan Crawford

Storyline/s: Randy Wittman replaced Flip Saunders, with the Wiz setting up a good finishing kick to the season. That removed Randy's interim tag. They traded away malcontents and acquired character guys to surround Wall with, in spite of the Kentucky alum's injury that is to linger awhile.

X-Factor/s: Since John Wall will be unavailable to start the season, can either Jannero Pargo or AJ Price mitigate the expected drop-off? Can Emeka Okafor provide the maturity, stability and leadership that this team clearly lacked last season?

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.

The Atlantic Division NBA Preview

Boston Celtics  - 39-27 last season. Division Champions. 4th seed in playoffs. Lost to the Miami Heat in Eastern Conference Finals.

Ideal Rotation: Rajon Rondo, Avery Bradley, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Brandon Bass / Jason Terry, Courtney Lee, Leandrinho Barbosa, Jeff Green, Jared Sullinger, Darko Milicic

Storyline/s: They were that close to winning the East. In fact, they were one game away. But can Doc Rivers and the C's do it again? They'll do it without Jesus Shuttlesworth, who departed to the dark side, so to speak. Danny Ainge decided to plug in a set of swingmen + Jet swag to replace the minutes. The Big Ticket was revitalized by the move as the main slotman, but given the age, hopefully, he does not have to bear the brunt of the minutes *looks at Brandon, Darko and Jared* excessively

X-Factor/s: Jeff Green missed last season due to his heart issues. He's the tweener forward tasked to provide relief for Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett

Prognosis: Division Champs. Exiting the Conference Finals.

Brooklyn Nets - 22-44 last season. Missed playoffs altogether.

Ideal Rotation: Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Gerald Wallace, Kris Humphries, Brook Lopez / C.J. Watson, MarShon Brooks, Mirza Teletovic, Reggie Evans, Andray Blatche, Josh Childress

Storylines: They got Prokhorov. They got Jay-Z. They got some new digs and a new image to boot. They tried to get Dwight, pulling off the deal to get Joe Johnson as a bargaining chip, while keeping Deron and Crash. But fate would have it that the proposed megadeal won't push through.

X-Factor/s: The Nets decided to reward Brook Lopez after deciding to nix dealing for Dwight. Time for him to earn that keep.

Prognosis: Exiting 1st round of playoffs.

New York Knicks - 36-30 last season. 7th seed in playoffs. Lost to the Miami Heat in the 1st Round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs

Ideal Rotation: Jason Kidd, J.R. Smith, Carmelo Anthony, Amar'e Stoudemire, Tyson Chandler / Raymond Felton, Pablo Prignoni, Ronnie Brewer, Steve Novak, Rasheed Wallace, Marcus Camby

Storyline/s: Linsanity lasted 35 games (25 of those he started) and Knicks management felt it was not worth it to match the offer sheet he received. They turned over the keys to old point guards (Kidd, Prignoni) and a returnee (Felton). But this is still Carmelo's team (especially since STAT is having his knee checked again) and Mike Woodson authored the Iso-Joe offense in Atlanta.

X-Factor/s: Deron Williams says Raymond Felton is a better point guard than Lin. The North Carolina alum played his worst season last year in Portland, admitting he was out of shape.

Prognosis: Exiting 1st round of playoffs.

Philadelphia 76ers - 35-31 last season. 8th seed in Playoffs. Lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Semifinals.

Ideal Rotation: Jrue Holliday, Jason Richardson, Dorell Wright, Lavoy Allen, Andrew Bynum / Evan Turner, Nick Young, Thaddeus Young, Spencer Hawes

Storyline/s: Did the Sixers luck out on making it to the next round thanks to Derrick Rose's injury? Can they convince Andrew Bynum to stay in Philly after trading Iguodala and other assets to be involved in this megadeal?

X-Factor/s: Lavoy Allen proved to a serviceable asset enough for Philly to amnesty Elton Brand. Can Evan Turner mimic the contributions Andre Iguodala made for Doug Collins?

Prognosis: Exiting the Conference Semifinals.

Toronto Raptors - 23-43 last season. Missed playoffs altogether.

Ideal Rotation: Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, Linas Kleiza, Andrea Bargnani, Jonas Valanciunas / Jose Calderon, Landry Fields, Terrence Ross, Ed Davis, Aaron Gray, Amir Johnson

Storyline/s: Their attempted dalliance with Steve Nash (and to some extent, Jeremy Lin) netted them Kyle Lowry, in exchange for a 1st round pick that has some novel protection quirks on it. Can they figure in the chase for the last few playoff seats?

X-Factor/s: DeMar DeRozan worked on improving his game in the offseason. How that can be translated into the upcoming season will determine if he will still be a viable member of the franchise next season.

Prognosis: Missing the playoffs.