NBA Primetime's 2009-2010 Season Predictions

As NBA fans anxiously await for the start of the new season (which disappointingly does not begin for close to two months), NBA Primetime is here to present the 2009-2010 season predictions for the extremely exciting upcoming year.Best in the West? The Lakers enter the new season quite differently than they have in the past recent years. For the first time since the Kobe/Shaq era, LA steps foot onto the court as the defending champions of the NBA. And with the off-season acquisition of defensive phenom Ron Artest, who brings more to the table than arguably any other free-agent that was signed during this offseason (ranging from his top tier defensive tactics, to his impressive offensive arsenal), is there any doubt that the Lakers are in for a repeat this season?With a healthy Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom, the Lakers once again rank amongst the elite as the strongest overall organization in the league. Beast in the East? Since the East has clearly risen above the West throughout the last few seasons, the answer to the question in bold is obviously not as easy. While ESPN placed Cleveland as the top overall team in the East, NBA Primetime ranks the Orlando Magic as this seasons beast in the East.With the signings of F Matt Barnes, F Brandon Bass, G Jason Williams, C Marcin Gortat (re-signing) and the acquiring of G Vince Carter and F Ryan Anderson, the Magic bring something to the table that Cleveland simply does not. If you want to be the best you must beat the best, and to beat the best you must have two key components, which are depth and insurance. After the season ending injury that point-guard Jameer Nelson suffered last season, GM Otis Smith headed into this off-season with one thing in mind, and that was to back up his stars if another injury was to occur.So while Cleveland inevitably classifies themselves by the saying, "If one falls, we all fall down," Orlando can simply rely on their elite bench to save them from another catastrophic injury.MVP While everyone is expecting LeBron James to literally turn into an immortal this season, NBA Primetime predicts another star to win their second MVP season award this year.At the age of 31, Bryant has nothing other than winning another championship on his mind. And if it takes him dropping another 81 point game or even two or three of them, every NBA fan knows that Bryant is more than capable of doing it.Since his determination, mindset, and ability to step on the court and do what is needed to win games is unmatched, Bryant is set to be this seasons MVP.Sorry Wade fans, the Heats overall record will prevent Flash from winning the MVP award this season, once again. DOY Predicting the Defensive Player of the Year is just as simple as forecasting who will be the best in the West this season. DWIGHT HOWARD people! Being just 23 years of age, Howard is in for another scary season, both offensively and defensively.After averaging league bests in RPG and BPG, Superman heads into next season with every intention on winning his belt once again and emerging as the most dominate player in the NBA.ROYAnother obvious prediction? You betcha.Blake Griffin separates himself from the rest of the 2009 NBA draft for two reasons.One, because he is more than physically prepared to step into a starting role, and two, because he already has the abilities and mindset to become a leader for his team. Standing 6'10" and weighing 250 lbs, Griffin is the predicted rookie to capture this seasons Rookie of the Year Award.Coach of the Year Nate McMillan takes the Coach of the Year prediction Award for the upcoming season because of the teams massive potential to rise into serious contention for the years postseason.Shooting-guard Brandon Roy, power-forward LaMarcus Aldridge, and center Greg Oden each have the upside to take this Blazers team and turn it into NBA champions. Last seasons record: 54-28 This seasons ending record: 59-23