NBA 2007-08 Season Preview: Northwest Division

Only two teams actually were above .500 and made the post-season in the Nuggets and Jazz. Utah is not much of a huge surprise considering the fact that most seasons they have been consistent even without Karl Malone playing. It will most likely look like a two team division but there could be a 3^rd team that could actually emerge and have a decent season. This is the one division that could see it open up a little bit but not a whole lot. The Northwest is a little bit weaker than the Southwest and Pacific Divisions due to the powerhouse teams involved. Portland could very well become a new threat if they have figured out what to do during the off-season as far as direction of the franchise in a playoff contender manner. To be fair, it really isn't one of the easiest divisions to really pick a winner but it could be simple if everything repeats itself from last season.

Utah Jazz

It was a division that was won by 6 games and they proved they could make it to the post-season. The only thing they haven't done yet is win the big one. This was apparent more so when they had Malone on there team. Looking back in time with this team, they never got it due to Michael Jordan's success with the Chicago Bulls. While it may seem like this team has slipped slightly, what really matters is the simple fact that they won their division just last season. Determined and unmatched, the chemistry for this team is undeniable as they have the core needed to win as a whole. It never matters if it's the highest paid players in the league, all that really matters is a team that can play well as a unit and have that important chemistry. Look for them to win the division and go back to the post-season.

Projected Finish: 1^st

Denver Nuggets

No stranger to having losing teams, they had figured out what they needed to get in by a wild card berth. It will be a close division this time around and they will be more of a challenge. They lost by 6 games to Utah but the gap this time will be closer as they are currently developing a chemistry to help better this franchise. Like the Jazz, they don't have the highest paid players; they just have enough to get them victories. The key for this team to go on to the next level will be the simple fact they need to continue to grow as a team and not be afraid to take chances when necessary. If Denver is smart, they will do what they have to do to continue their run of being a playoff contending team instead of returning back to being complete garbage. Look for them to challenge but barley lose the division but could get a Wild Card spot.

Projected Finish: 2^nd

Portland Blazers

This team was bad last year but they could be better. All that will matter is the willingness of the franchise to advance forward. Like before, they were known to choke against the Lakers in the post-season. They had Scottie Pippen, a man whom was apart of that Chicago Bulls dynasty that was winning championships, but now he has retired and a lack of leadership has become apparent for last season. Maybe the team wasn't used to each other and that is generally a factor. Whenever a group of players aren't used to playing as a unit, struggles become apparent and a lot has to be worked on for them to do better. All teams have gone through it but they will not do real bad. To make it seem optimistic for Portland fans, they may contend for the wild card but they will not get a division crown this season.

Projected Finish: 3^rd

Minnesota Timberwolves

The city of Minnesota hasn't in general had much to celebrate with exactly. Their football and baseball teams haven't stepped up to the plate when needed to most. True, the Twins have won their division but haven't won the big one as of late. Back to the Timberwolves, they no longer have Garnett but the question is going to be who steps up to the plate to be the new leader of the franchise. They've yet to get to the finals and the question should be how to improve this team and not try to do too much at one time. Are they used to each other as much? It is a good question and will be interesting to see how they do without K.G. but it won't be much. If they get up to 2^nd or 3^rd or even take the division, it would be considered an upset. Don't expect much but they'll do just enough to avoid being dead last.

Projected Finish: 4^th

Seattle Sonics

They're just bad. No effort last season was made to do well and it was obvious based upon performance. If it had to do with bad ownership and making bad moves, then they need to do better as a whole. It never has to be the biggest stars in the league; it just has to be a group that can win as a team. Seattle should consider watching some movies with sports teams involved that did well so they could possibly learn from it. It's a long shot, but it could work if done correctly. Don't expect too much out of them, as they will finish dead last.

Projected Finish: 5^thAs it obviously looks, it's about the same as last season based upon the order of the finish. The records are no guarantee to be the same though. Is it going to be as predictable as this? Nobody will know but it is expected based upon performance of last season. It usually doesn't matter who spends the most because that team could turn out to be really bad. It has happened before and it does happen every so often because money never guarantees championships. Coming up next will be the Western Conference Wild Card teams picked out and then the winner of the Western Conference.