2007 NBA Season Preview

By: Isaac Cohen


Eastern Conference

1. Chicago Bulls- After three consecutive early playoff exits the Baby Bulls have finally grown up and are ready to take the East by storm.

2. Boston Celtics- Welcome the new and improved 3 headed monster of the East. With no clear-cut favourite, the Celtics just went from pretenders to contenders.

3. Detroit Pistons- Are they slowly on the decline? Strong leadership, playoff experience and team chemistry still make the Pistons a force to be reckoned with.

4. Miami Heat- Wade’s health is essential for Miami returning to their elite status. With Shaq not getting any younger the Heat is on for another championship run.

5. Cleveland Cavaliers- At 22 LeBron took his team to the NBA finals, something another famous #23 didn’t do until age 28. With higher expectations than ever, the Cavs have too much uncertainty to repeat last year’s run.

6. Toronto Raptors- Bosh’s health will be a concern and after last year’s pleasant surprise the Raptors may come back to earth this season.

7. New Jersey Nets- No longer possesses the best trio and still lacks the depth for a deep playoff run.

8. Orlando Magic- A team full of young talent and excitement. Will have to gel quickly if they hope to grab the last playoff spot.

9. Washington Wizards- Lack of inside scoring will be the Wizards Achilles heel.

10. Milwaukee Bucks- If the Bucks can turn that mediocrity into consistency there could be a sleeper here.

11. New York Knicks- Talent has never been an issue for this team. Controversy? Let’s not go there.

12. Charlotte Bobcats- Addition of J-Rich will bolster the offense. On the right track, just not ready to take next step yet.

13. Philadelphia 76ers- Growing pains are ahead for the Sixers. Everybody knows that two AI’s are better than one.

14. Indiana Pacers- With Jermaine O’Neal likely to be dealt sooner rather than later my suggestion is to watch the Colts instead.

15. Atlanta Hawks- Not a banner year for the Falcons, Braves or Thrashers so far. Don’t expect the Hawks to come to the rescue.



Western Conference

1. San Antonio Spurs- Quiet off-season will still translate into the Spurs making plenty of noise come playoff time.

2. Dallas Mavericks- A team built for the regular season just not the postseason. One more failure may keep Mark Cuban on Dancing with the Stars longer than expected.

3. Phoenix Suns- No one deserves a title more than Steve Nash. Talent is not the problem….San Antonio is.

4. Utah Jazz- Utah surprised everyone last year, including themselves. With Denver as their only competition in the Northwest; the Jazz are in line for an encore performance.

5. Houston Rockets- This is Yao and T-Mac’s team. With Mike James and Steve Francis back to their old stomping grounds, are the Rockets finally ready to shed that underachieving reputation?

6. Denver Nuggets- Watching Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony run the show will be fun to watch. Lack of depth will be Denver’s downfall.

7. New Orleans Hornets- The pieces are in place but Chris Paul just needs that pure scorer to ensure a postseason berth. New Orleans is my underdog pick.

8. Golden State Warriors- Pulling off that historic upset of Dallas took everything out of them. Decent squad, but in a tough Western Conference they will be fighting for those last couple spots.

9. Memphis Grizzlies- If the Grizzlies stay healthy and their youth mature quickly we could be looking at a playoff team.

10. Los Angeles Lakers- There’s Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom and that’s really it. Put the Kobe trade talk aside because the Lakers are not playoff material, period.

11. Sacramento Kings- At one time a powerhouse of this conference. Now can be looked at as a prime seller come trade deadline.

12. Portland Trail Blazers- A team on the rise now has to wait another year for a healthy Greg Oden.

13. Los Angeles Clippers- Losing Elton Brand would kill any team. Looking at the rest of their roster the Clippers don’t stand a chance.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves- Allow me to introduce the Boston Celtics affiliate team.

15. Seattle Supersonics- 2 bright spots here: Kevin Durant and another opportunity at a top 3 pick.

A Sneak Peak inside the NFL
By: Isaac "Zeek" Cohen
September 4, 2006

AFC EAST

New England Patriots- Will Tom Brady and the Brady Bunch be able to make due with their subpar receiving corps? Bill Belichick is a defensive guru and will somehow find a way to get the job done.
Prediction: 11-5

Miami Dolphins- An offensive juggernaut with the combination of stingy defense and great coaching could spell the end of New England's run atop the AFC East.
Prediction: 10-6

Buffalo Bills- How they passed on Matt Leinhart I'll never understand. Willis MaGahee and the Buffalo D will once again carry the load for the Bills.
Prediction: 7-9

New York Jets- Chad Pennington's bum shoulder and Curtis Martin's wonky knee have the Jets looking towards the future in Jonathan Vilma and D'Brickashaw Ferguson.
Prediction: 5-11

AFC NORTH

Cinncinati Bengals- It's the Carson Palmer show with special guests Chad Johnson, Rudi Johnson and many more. As long as Palmer's knee holds up this show will stay on the air for many years to come.
Prediction: 11-5

Pittsburgh Steelers- With Big Ben's health an immediate concern, this may Willie Parker's time to take the torch and run with it. The Steelers will keep the towels waving in Pittsburgh with hard-nose football.
Prediction: 10-6

Baltimore Ravens- Defense!.... Defense! Wait, the Ravens have a legit offense now too. They're not far off from being back atop the AFC North.
Prediction: 8-8

Cleveland Browns- Romeo Crennel's team is a work in progress. While there are some pieces in place, the time is not now for the Browns.
Prediction: 5-11

AFC SOUTH

Indianapolis Colts- Now that Edge has moved on it's officially Peyton's Place. A new season is upon us yet the same question remains; Can Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy finally get the monkey off their back?
Prediction: 12-4

Jacksonville Jaguars- Defense continues to be their trademark but the offense won't cut it in the AFC. 12 wins last year was nice but as they say, "it was good while it lasted"
Prediction: 9-7

Tennessee Titans- On the heels of a great draft, Titan fans can't help but feel giddy about the prospects of QB Vince Young and RB LenDale White down the road.
Prediction: 6-10

Houston Texans- Not picking Reggie Bush # 1 is like passing on LeBron James. The Texans better hope Mario Williams turns out to be Super Mario.
Prediction: 3-13

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos- Javon Walker may be the missing link to Denver's SuperBowl mission, however Jake Plummer will make or break this team.
Prediction: 11-5

Kansas City Chiefs- Larry Johnson made everyone forget about Priest Holmes last season. K.C. won't have problems putting points on the board but their D has some catching up to do.
Prediction: 9-7

San Diego Chargers- L.T. and Gates can make any QB look good. Is Phillip Rivers next?
Prediction: 8-8

Oakland Raiders- As Chris Berman likes to call them, "Da Raidas" have talent on paper but whether or not they mesh well remains to be seen.
Prediction: 6-10

NFC EAST

New York Giants- With a balanced attack on both sides of the ball this could be the year takes Eli Manning takes a giant step towards an all Manning SuperBowl matchup.
Prediction: 10-6

Washington Redskins- Is Mark Brunell washed up? Or will he be like fine wine and get better with age. The additions of T.J. Duckett, Antwaan Randle El and Brandon Lloyd could catapult this team to a division title.
Prediction: 9-7

Dallas Cowboys- Even with Bill Parcells running the ship, Big D will stand for Big Distraction as T.O. will once again take centre stage. If you think Jeff Garcia and Donovan McNabb Ticked Off Owens, allow me to introduce you to Drew Bledsoe.
Prediction: 9-7

Philadelphia Eagles- The Eagles are not a last place team, but in the most competitive division in football Philly may find themselves on the outside looking in.
Prediction: 8-8

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears- Whatever the Bears lack on offense they make up in defense. Da Bears should have no problems winning the weakest division in football.
Prediction: 11-5

Minnesota Vikings- A fresh start was needed for the Vikings. With average players across the board, expect Minnesota at best to be fighting for the last Wild-Card spot.
Prediction: 8-8

Detroit Lions- Roy Williams and Kevin Jones are due for breakout seasons. It won't quite be Detroit Rock City but the Lions will be bordering mediocracy once again.
Prediction: 6-10

Green Bay Packers- Brett Favre is back for one last hurrah in Green Bay. If the Packers are looking to take a Lambeau leap in the standings it ain't happening.
Prediction: 6-10

NFC SOUTH

Carolina Panthers- John Fox is arguably the best coach in the league. Add Steve Smith and Co. with their killer D to the equation and we could be looking at the next SuperBowl champions. Prediction: 12-4

Atlanta Falcons- Michael Vick is still missing a true # 1 wideout. Atlanta's running game has always been their bread and butter, with this year being no different. Their playoff fate will come down to the last week of the season.
Prediction: 9-7

Tampa Bay Bucanneers- Cadallac Williams and the defense is their claim to fame. As far as a second consecutive division title is concerned, the buck stops here.
Prediction: 8-8

New Orlean Saints- If there's a franchise that needed Reggie Bush it's definately the Saints. Barring any major injuries, New Orleans could play the spoiler role late in the season.
Prediction: 6-10

NFC WEST

Seattle Seahawks- One Win. That's all Seattle was missing from a SuperBowl championship. With virtually the same team as a year ago, the Seahawks are still Miami bound.
Prediction: 13-3

Arizona Cardinals- The most exciting offense in the NFC with a young D on the rise. A wild-card berth may be in the Cards for Arizona.
Prediction: 9-7

St. Louis Rams- This is no longer the greatest show on turf, but the offense is still better than most. Defense will be the Rams downfall.
Prediction: 7-9

San Francisco 49ers- It will be years before we talk postseason and 49ers in the same breath. Frank Gore for President!
Prediction: 2-14

Tension in T-dot: Who's to blame?
By: Isaac "Zeek" Cohen
August 23, 2006

What has happened to the Toronto Blue Jays? Reality has set in on a team that may as well be quoted as "third for life" in the A.L. East. The Jays have definitely taken positive steps this season towards being serious contenders but they're still a few pieces away. J.P. Ricciardi had a very busy off-season reeling in A.J. Burnett, B.J. Ryan, Troy Glaus, Lyle Overbay and Bengie Molina. Ryan, Glaus and Overbay have definitely paid dividends for the Blue Jays, and talent wise, this year's rendition of the team is a vast improvement from a year ago. However, the Jays failure to reel off an extended winning streak this year has once again kept them from being a top contender in a very competitive AL East.

Their inability to go on a lengthy winning streak can be mainly attributed to their inconsistent starting rotation. Roy Halladay has carried the load as expected but the rest of the staff has been consistently inconsistent. Burnett's 2 month stint on the D.L. decimated the starting rotation. During this stretch Josh Towers compiled a 1-9 record with a very ironic 9.11 E.R.A. Adding injury to insult, Gustavo Chacin also went on the D.L. and instead of pursuing another proven arm J.P relied on the likes of Casey Janssen, Ty Taubenheim, Shaun Marcum, and Scott Downs to pick up the slack. Janssen showed some promise but eventually opposing teams figured him out. The other three are at best spot starters and it is unrealistic to think they are anything more than mediocre arms.

Hitting has been the Jays strong point, but many are misled because a lot of the Jays runs have either been scored in bunches or insurance runs in a blowout. The Jays have banked on homeruns far too much this season to bail them out of games. The fact that this lineup is very streaky can be a double-edged sword. When clicking on all cylinders the Jays lineup one through nine is as good as any, but once they go into a slump you'll catch me watching re-runs of Married with Children. Manager John Gibbons has compensated for the teams lack of speed with the hit and run strategy, but when you have the likes of Molina and Overbay on the base paths you're better off letting the batter swing away. How often have the Jays sacrificed a runner over or stolen a base? While the long ball is a nice luxury to have, playing fundamental baseball is still the recipe to long term success.

The Jays have also had to deal with a new found problem in the middle infield. Russ Adams caught the "Chuck Knoblauch Syndrome" and hasn't panned out the way Ricciardi had hoped. The Jays D as a whole has been suspect, and the middle infield situation has left many hollering for O-Dog to come back. As much as Orlando Hudson's glove has been missed, no one would take that trade back considering how much power Troy Glaus has added to the lineup. Regardless of the fact, the importance of the defense up the middle cannot be undermined when looking at the team as a whole.

Toronto's bullpen with the exception of B.J. Ryan has left many sick to their stomach. After observing how John Gibbons manages a bullpen, it seems pretty clear that he's all about equality and not putting the right pitcher in at the right time. There have been so many instances where Gibbons has put in a reliever and taken them out after facing one or two batters; wasting an arm for nothing. In certain situations (a lefty-on-lefty match up) it's justifiable but when you switch a righty for another one I question the logic. Gibbons uses too many relievers per game making the bullpen look worse than they really are.


The bottom line is he is not the right manager for this team. At one point in the season it felt like the lineup was as random as a slot machine with Gibbons hoping to hit the jackpot. Experimenting is acceptable to a certain degree, but at the end of the day this is the major leagues not house league softball. Last night's scuffle between Ted Lilly and Gibbons has also sent a clear message that there is instability in the clubhouse. At first glance, many thought Lilly's outburst at Gibbons was inappropriate given that he let up 7 runs in less than 3 innings. However, it is evident that Lilly's reaction was out of character meaning that the problem is Gibbons. All of this tension began with the Shea Hillenbrand saga eventually forcing Ricciardi to make the trade. How can anyone expect this ball club to succeed when their own manager is challenging players to a fight? One has to question if Gibbons really knows what to do with this ball club.

In the end, there are some positives the Jays can take away from this season; the hitting as a whole has improved dramatically and for the first time since the glory days of Tom Henke and Duane Ward, the Jays have a legitimate closer in Ryan. J.P. Ricciadi knows he has some work ahead of him to get the Jays back in the postseason. If J.P. addresses Toronto's need for a better shortstop, more speed and pitching, this team will see themselves in the playoffs sooner rather than later.

NHL Playoff Preview

Western Conference Match-ups

(1) Detroit vs (8) Edmonton

Analysis
For the third time in four years the Detroit Red Wings claimed the Presidents Trophy with 124 points, the 4th highest in NHL history. Detroit’s mix of youth, speed and playoff savvy veterans give them a much more balanced attack than in year’s past. The Wings will be without their leading point getter Pavel Datsyuk for Game 1 as he continues to rest his injured left thigh. The Edmonton Oilers return to the postseason for the first time since the 2002-2003 season. In a match-up like this the Oilers cannot afford to play catch up. The best way to pull off an upset is to put the favorite in a position they’re not used to; playing from behind.

Bottom Line
If the Red Wings get eliminated by the Edmonton Oilers it will be the third time in four years they’ve been ousted in the opening round. Don’t count on it. The Oilers will be seeing stars in the first round just not the Dallas Stars this time.

Pick: Wings in five


(2) Dallas vs (7) Colorado

Analysis
Marty Turco and the Dallas Stars have been waiting two years to exact revenge on the Colorado Avalanche. These two Western Conference rivals open their series in Dallas on Saturday. Even though the Stars were tied for the 3rd highest point total in the NHL this season I am not convinced that they have the tools to make a long playoff run. Marty Turco can set all the team records he wants but until he proves he can win in the playoffs there’s no reason to jump on the Dallas bandwagon. The Avs are entering this year’s postseason with hopes that newly acquired Jose Theodore will be healthy enough to make through the first round. Colorado has never had problems putting the puck in the net but keeping it out has been their achilles heal this season.

Bottom Line
This series has the potential to go to seven games but if Colorado wants to pull off this upset Theodore and their D will have to be at the top of their game. I’m going out on a limb for this one.

Pick: Avs in seven

(3) Calgary vs (6) Anaheim

Analysis
The Calgary Flames and Anaheim Mighty Ducks have something in common; they’re the last 2 runner-ups for the Stanley Cup. This series has potential to be the most exciting of all of the first round tilts. The most interesting battle will be between the net minders of each team. Calgary’s Mikka Kiprusoff is the favorite to take the Vezina Trophy as he’s 2nd in wins (42), 1st in goals against (2.07) and 1st in shutouts (10). Anaheim’s Jean- Sebastien Giguere is looking to take the Ducks on another Cinderella run as he did in 2003. The Flames’ are quite familiar with each other as their roster resembles the one which came up short in the 2004 cup final. Anaheim is a much different team than three years ago and I don’t think they’ll mesh as well as Calgary will.

Bottom Line
It’s a shame only one of these teams can advance because I think both of them can do some serious damage in this postseason. Calgary is too good defensively, too well coached and have the NHL’s best goalie right now in Kiprusoff.

Pick: Flames in six


(4) Nashville vs (5) San Jose

Analysis
Joe Thornton and Jonathan Cheechoo would trade in their respective scoring titles for a Stanley Cup any day. Acquiring Thornton in that blockbuster trade earlier this season is the main reason why the San Jose Sharks are a threat coming into this postseason. Just ask Cheechoo, who had a career year and led the NHL with 56 goals, 38 of which were assisted by Thornton. The Sharks are inexperienced in goal although you wouldn’t know it considering how well Vesa Toskala has played. Nashville is even less experienced in net with Chris Mason, who has only played in 18 games this season. Mason will now be counted on to fill the void left by the injured Tomas Vokoun. Overall I like the Sharks fire power a bit more and feel more confident in Toskala than Mason. This marks the first meeting between these two clubs in the playoffs.

Bottom Line
At least Nashville has home ice and that means a lot to a team who owned the best regular season home record. I still don’t think that will be enough to overcome the tandem of Thornton and Cheechoo.

Pick: Sharks in 6



Eastern Conference Match-ups

(1) Ottawa vs (8) Tampa Bay

Analysis
The Ottawa Senators have taken the first step in avoiding an early playoff exit; not playing the Toronto Maple Leafs. The next step will be to knock off the defending Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning. With Dominik Hasek still sidelined due to a groin injury the Sens will pin their playoff hopes on rookie sensation Ray Emery. As well as Emery’s played, Hasek was acquired to fill in that missing link they were lacking in past playoff runs. With Hasek’s return this season in question, Ottawa will need the line of Daniel Alfredsson, Dany Heatley, and Jason Spezza to play an even bigger role. Tampa Bay is missing one big piece from their championship run; Nikolai Khabibulin. After losing the Bulin wall to free agency the Lightning have not been able to find his replacement. John Grahame and Sean Burke won’t be able to save the Lightning in this series.

Bottom Line
Tampa’s best bet would be for Vincent Lecavalier, Martin St. Louis, and Brad Richards to put up ridiculous numbers. That still won’t be enough. Will Ray Emery take the Sens to the cup? No. Will he be good enough to win them this series? Yes.

Pick: Sens in 5


(2) Carolina vs (7) Montreal

Analysis
The Carolina Hurricanes felt they left the Cup behind back in the 2002 season. This time around they’re determined to carry it above their heads. Before getting that far they must first take care of business against the Montreal Canadiens. In that 2002 miracle season, the Habs were one of the teams the Canes beat in the playoffs. The major difference between this year’s team in Carolina and 2002 is that it wouldn’t surprise anyone to see them win it all. The Hurricanes have all the tools on offense but my beef with them is in net. I know Gerber has been very solid but his lack of playoff experience should be a cause for concern in Carolina. Montreal has a bit of a goalie controversy on their hands. Although Cristobal Huet has got them to the postseason, David Aebischer was acquired from Colorado in hopes of being their #1 goalie. For now Huet is their #1 but a couple of bad games could open the door for Aebischer.

Bottom Line
I don’t believe in either of these team’s goaltending but I believe in Carolina more as a team. Montreal’s situation in goal could pose a distraction if Huet doesn’t pan out.

Pick: Canes in 6


(3) New Jersey vs (6) NY Rangers

Analysis
Thanks to an 11 game winning streak to end the season the New Jersey Devils stole the Atlantic division away from the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers. The Rangers want nothing more than to steal this series from the Devils. Hart Trophy candidate Jaromir Jagr will be hard pressed to find openings on the ice as the Devils look to key in on him. Jagr brings the Rangers back to the playoffs for the first time since 1997, where New York ironically eliminated New Jersey from the playoffs. As is the story with many teams, goaltending should be the Rangers main concern. Henrik Lundqvist enjoyed a spectacular rookie campaign but as we all know the playoffs are a whole new ball game. Currently, New Jersey is the only team in the Eastern Conference with a proven goalie in the postseason, that being Martin Brodeur. Goaltending and Defense wins games and that’s what separates the Devils from the Rangers.

Bottom Line
I always believe in any sport that the hottest teams going into the playoffs usually ride it all the way through. This series is no different.

Pick: Devils in six


(4) Buffalo vs (5) Philadelphia

Analysis
When will the Philadelphia Flyers realize that the Robert Esche’s of this world don’t take you very far in the postseason? The Flyers enter these playoffs with the same problem as every other year; goaltending. Philly is a completely different team than the one that played in front of Esche in the 2004 playoffs. This one is definitely younger but not necessarily better. Their opponents the Buffalo Sabres are back playing spring hockey for the first time since the 2001 season. No one expected the Sabres to be as successful as they have been. What everyone has realized is that the Sabres play a perfect style of hockey suited to the new NHL. On paper their roster may not impress many but on the ice is a different story. Buffalo much like Philadelphia have their concerns in goal. Ryan Miller and Martin Biron have been unbelievable but neither has playoff experience which could come back to haunt the Sabres.

Bottom Line
Even with no playoff experience I still believe Buffalo can overcome their goalie issue with their speedy and young talent. Philly has some snipers but it won’t be enough as Esche will find a way to lose them the series.

Pick: Sabres in six