 I would love to put my money and bank on the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers have kept most of their championship core team and in fact made it a lot better by acquiring Ron Artest to fill in for the role left by Trevor Ariza. Ariza was a decent defender and played a very important part in the Lakers 2008-09 title run but knowing Artest's reputation as a lock down defender and one of the best blue collar workers in the NBA, the Lakers are in better shape to defend their title. The Lakers is a very well balanced and deep team. Offensively, Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, and Artest can provide big numbers while defensively, the Lakers have two of the better defenders in the NBA in Bryant and Artest. The Lakers also have key support group in Jordan Farmar, Shannon Brown, DJ Mbenga, and veteran Derek Fisher who all gained massive experience playing for the Lakers in recent years. The addition of Artest to the Lakers somewhat gives Phil Jackson the kind of roster he had during the Chicago Bulls' last two title runs when he had a big three in Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and Dennis Rodman. Now, he's got Bryant, Gasol, and Artest and actually by looking at the Bulls 1996-97 and 1997-98 rosters compared to the 2009-2010 Lakers, the Lakers are much more deeper and talented which I think makes it clear, they are bound to win it again barring any injuries.
A major roadblock for the Lakers though would be the San Antonio Spurs. Though they are among the oldest team in the league this season, the Spurs experience makes them among the better teams in the NBA (time and again). The return of Manu Ginobili and the acquisition of Richard Jefferson makes them deeper and more versatile. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker remains the team's focal point but a very well established and solid support of veterans Michael Finley and Antonio McDyess, well improved Roger Mason, Matt Bonner, and George Hill, and potential rookie sensation DeJuan Blair gives the Spurs almost everything they need to go all the way. What's more? Greg Popovich is the great mind behind the Spurs recent success. Popovich did a very great job of keeping the team together and developed great chemistry between them which makes them contenders season after season. Who would have thought that Mason and Bonner can contribute that good after playing for several teams before settling for the Spurs? Popovich really knows how to push the buttons. Kobe, Phil, and the Lakers, watch out, the Spurs are coming.
Next is last season's runner-ups the Orlando Magic. The Magic made their 2009-2010 title bid a lot more stronger by acquiring Vince Carter. Known as a high flyer during his early years in the NBA, Carter has evolved into a leader and go-to-guy later on for Toronto and New Jersey. A guy capable of averaging at least 20 points a night, Carter gives Orlando more scoring options, versatility, and experience. Though the Magic lost Hedo Turkoglu, Carter's scoring prowess can sure compensate for it, even more. A line-up of Dwight Howard manning the paint, Carter and Rashard Lewis at the wings, and Jameer Nelson and veteran Jason Williams calling the shots, the Magic are a lot better now than last season. Off season acquisitions Carter, Williams, Matt Barnes, and Brandon Bass have all made the Magic better and deeper in all areas. Carter can play both shooting guard and small forward, Williams is a good reliever for Nelson and can also provide some championship experience (2006 Miami Heat), Barnes makes the small forward spot deeper with Lewis, Mickael Piterus, and Carter and is also a decent shooter, wihle Bass makes Orlando's interior presence a lot stronger (Howard and Marcin Gortat). Stan Van Gundy has all the tools he's got to send the Magic back to the Finals and even further. Should Carter's health not get in the way, Orlando will sure have a big season.
The Lakers arch-rivals the Boston Celtics also is a serious contender for the title. The return of Kevin Garnett and the acquisition of veteran forward Rasheed Wallace gives the Celtics inside presence as well as decent outside range. Garnett was sidelined last season due to injury which might have caused the Celtics second round exit against the Magic. The Celtics is expected to have a very solid season, especially Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen. Wallace's versatility gives the Celtics more offensive options as he can play down low and can extend his range as far as beyond the three point arc. The biggest package? Not Pierce, KG, or Allen, not even Wallace, it's Rajon Rondo. Arguably one of the most underrated players, Rondo is the glue that keeps the Celtics. He averaged a very near triple double during last season's playoffs. Though Boston's roster isn't as decorated as any other team like the Lakers, Dallas Mavericks, Magic, and Cleveland Cavaliers, they thrive on hard work, hustle, and team work which makes them a very deadly and productive team. It won't be surprising if Marquis Daniels will make some noise during the 2009-2010 season.
The last team on my list that can pose as a serious threat for the Lakers and considered as a title contender is the Dallas Mavericks. Probably the deepest team for the 2009-2010 NBA season, the Mavericks is among the top contenders (just like in every NBA season since Dirk Nowitzki assumed the leadership role). Nowitzki is a 30+ points per game capable star and with a good team made up of veteran Jason Kidd and hot shooting Jason Terry, the Mavericks really don't have to worry about offensive firepower. The biggest name? Shawn Marion. After serving as the Mavericks' biggest headache for years, Marion is now a part of the Mavericks. Marion provides what the Mavericks really lack, a decent defender who can defend other team's stars one on one. The better part? Marion can guard from 1-4. Marion also gives the Mavericks almost a complete deal. He can score, rebound, play defense, hustle, and even shoot. Marion is a 15 points, 15 rebounds capable guy and can defend the likes of Tony Parker, Kobe Bryant, Carmelo Anthony, and even Tim Duncan (with some help). Should Josh Howard have another monster season, the Mavericks could finally get over the playoffs jinx and win the title. Drew Gooden won't hurt the Mavericks too, at least Erick Dampier's got a more reliable support from him.
Other teams that I have thought that for sure would make a bang this season and a probable title run are the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Denver Nuggets. Though the Cavaliers have acquired Shaquille O'Neal on arguably the biggest news during the offseason, aside from Shaq and LeBron James, the Cavaliers are average at best. The Nuggets on the other hand is an X mark on my list depending on one player. Not Carmelo Anthony nor Chauncey Billups but JR Smith. If Smith is going to have a big season, the Nuggets can get back to the Western Conference Finals and probably have a good shot at making it to the Finals. But as of now, the Lakers, Spurs, and Mavericks are better than them.
The Portland Trail Blazers also deserve a special mention but their inexperience could cost them. Maybe next season Brandon Roy.
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