Contender Roll Call
By: 2K Insider | Wednesday October 15 2008
Greetings 2K fans,

I cannot wait until the season tips-off on Tuesday, October 28th. That night we'll see the Boston Celtics receive their much deserved championship rings before hosting LeBron James and company. Afterward, we witness Greg Oden's NBA debut in the house that Kobe built. I'm sure Shaq would take issue with that claim but he's too busy counting down the days until his retirement to care. Besides, I have a feeling we'll see Kobe win a ring [or 2 or 3] without Shaq's help in the near future.

Let's discuss which teams are contenders for the 2009 NBA Championship. Starting with the East, the Celtics are the only legit contenders in my eyes. The Pistons' time has come and gone. They need to reload and Dumars knows it. That's why we heard Rasheed / Chauncey trade rumors this summer before the draft. The Sixers will be much improved with the addition of Elton Brand and are a sleeper but I don't see them getting past Boston. LeBron got some help when the Cavs traded for Mo Williams, but they still lack depth to be taken seriously in May. The dark horse in the East are the Raptors, with the addition of Jermaine O'Neal and Jose Calderon running point full-time.

In the West, obviously the Lakers will be there. Adding a healthy Andrew Bynum will be a big bonus considering they made the Finals without him. The up and coming Hornets led by the should-have-been MVP and best point guard in the world, CP3, will make a run at the Western Conference title. Rounding out the top 3 in the west are the Houston Rockets. Ron Artest fills a void by being the intimidator the Rockets lacked. If Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady can stay healthy then they will be very tough to beat come playoff time.

It's hard to believe that I haven't mentioned the Spurs, Suns or Jazz as part of the elite in the West, but that's a testament to how deep the conference is. That said, any of these teams could easily jump into the top tier should the Lakers, Rockets or Hornets falter. I'm anxious to hear what you guys think, so bring it.

Hey Insider keep an eye on Devin Harris because if he keeps up what he's got going he can be one of the best gaurds in the leauge.He had 34 points on saturday v.s. Utah and helped the Nets blow them out in the prosses.Now he scored 47 against the suns and lead his team to victory.Now if he can score like that aginst a top-notch defnesive team like Boston he should get his Shot-Close,Lay-Up,Offensive Awereness,Shoot in Traffic,and Shoot of Dribble ratings up.AND DONT FORGET his 38 points he made as the Nets gave the Pistons their first loss of the seaseon.(spoiling Iversons Detroit Debut too.)