The Matrix is coming to the Mavs.  Props to Mark Cuban for pulling off a great trade.  Although the Lakers are still the team to beat, the Mavericks are definitely on the rise.  Here is how I currently see it...

Western Conference:

1)  Los Angeles Lakers - Inking Artest was nice, but Mitch Kupchak can’t afford to let Odom slip away

2)  San Antonio Spurs - RJ, McDyess and Blair make the Spurs a top contender again

3)  Dallas Mavericks - Best off-season in the league so far; Dirk now has the supporting cast to win a title

4)  Denver Nuggets - Good move re-signing the Birdman even if the price was steep

5)  Utah Jazz - Overcrowded front court needs to be addressed, but still a talented team overall

6)  Portland Trailblazers - Losing Turkoglu hurt;  Blazers need a piece or two to get to the next level

7)  New Orleans Hornets - Still a playoff team with Chis Paul & David West

8)  Houston Rockets - With Ming out and McGrady hobbling who is going to score?

9)  Phoenix Suns - Will Amar’e be there or not?  Might just be time for Steve Kerr to blow it up and rebuild  

10) Los Angeles Clippers - The talent is in place; Would likely be #8 with a different head coach 

11) Golden State Warriors - You just never know with Nellie; GS will score a ton of points win or lose

12) Oklahoma City Thunder - Great young talent, but need a power forward like David Lee or Brandon Bass

13) Memphis Grizzlies - Signing Allen Iverson would be a mistake; Solid starting five can produce 35 wins

14) Sacramento Kings - A long way from being competitive; Kevin Martin just doesn’t have enough help  

15) Minnesota Timberwolves - Only question is whether they will win 15 games or 25; A horrific team



Here is a link for the Eastern Conference and here is an enlightening Q&A for your reading pleasure...