Now I've had enough all of these sixers fans saying that they are going all the way to the championship, their going to have the best record in the NBA. Now don't get me wrong I think the sixers will be either 3rd or 4th in the east, 5th at the very least. You can't forget about Cleveland and Toronto who where 3rd and 4th respectively. Toronto went out and got Jermaine O'neal and if he's healthy that could be a still and finally let Bosh play his nautral position in the 4 slot. Cleveland also traded for score first point guard Mo Williams. I understand the acquisition of Elton Brand was a big one (which I also predicted last offseason) but in no way, shape, or form does this put them in the top 10 teams in the leauge. The sixers biggest flaw is that they can not hit open jump shots period. Against Detroit in the Playoff series they had so many open shots you would the Pistons weren't playing good D but in reality the really weren't playing D because they knew that the sixers could not hit an open shot for their life. They also only shot 45% from the field and and 32% from long range but as we all know that's going to change when Brand steps out on the floor. The sixers do play good D when you shoot 45% and let your opponent shoot 46% and 36% from long range it's not going to result in many victories. I don't know why the organaztion thought Iguodola was going to be the face of the team but on a good team he's the second or third option, he can't shoot so when somebody is putting a lock on him (like Prince did in the playoffs) and won't allow him to get to the bucket he has to rely on his broke jump shot that will never get him over 19ppg if he doesn't practice. Then again now that they have a real superstar in Brand he won't feel pressured to do everything and have a breakout year or Thaddeus Young could take over and have Ed sending Iguodola packing . If Iguadola would actually move his feet and not just reach in then he would be a lock down defender. But really I think their one real good bench scorer away from being real contenders to make it out the east but there is no way that they are anywhere close to being contenders to win a world championship their just not that good enough.

The greatest player since MJ simply has to be Tim Duncan. You Have to look at his whole body of work and theres lots more to come. Ever since 11/3/97 when he exploded for 19 points and 22 rebounds against the Bulls everyone knew he was going to be a superstar. After their first championship in the 98-99 season the spurs were building their future around the 7ft giant and his amazing talent. During the 01-02 season he really solidified himself as one of the best big man in NBA history putting on a show against the Mavericks on 12/26/01. Duncan put up a phenomenal 53 points and 11 rebounds including going 15 for 15 from the charity stripe. People have always been scrupulous when it comes to Duncans freethrow shooting but not that day everyone was in shock the way he performed. From 01-03 he won 2 MVPs (All NBA First team and AllStar first 8yrs) and was an unstoppable force like no other those two seasons. After those 8yrs he was an Allstar the rest of his career which is not over and made another All NBA First team appearance. Duncan put on many more jaw dropping performances including his most recent one during the 07-08 playoffs against the Suns. He put on a 40 point 15 rebound double overtime performance including a clutch 3 pointer to send it to another overtime. He didn't make an 3 pointer all season but made one in the clutch when his team needed it. He makes the spurs the Favorites to win it all every year and is a real fear factor when he is on the court. His team has one 4 out of the last 10 championships. There will never be another player that will come close to Duncans skill and ability and no not even KG. He is the second best big man, second to of course the great Bill Russell. He is the third best player in NBA history behind Jordan and Russell. Don't get me wrong in no way am I saying he is better then Jordan or comparing the two I'm saying he is the best since the great Michael Jordan.

The Blazers team slogan "Rise with us" fits perfect with what they have been able to do in the last two years. Also with the "Rise" of Brandon Roy, the "Rise" of Greg Oden, and the "Rise" of Jerryd Bayless the Blazers should be a team that you would not want to face this year. Portland also has two under rated big men by the name of Lmarcus Aldrigde and Joel Pryzbilla. Aldrigde has showed why he should be considered a scoring threat putting up thirty-two twenty plus games, including a 36 point performance against Allstar forward Carlos Boozer and the Utah Jazz. The lights out three point specialist Martell Webster showed the Lakers why you don't leave him open from beyond the arc. He knocked down six long ones on nine attempts. He will be one of the key pieces to the Blazers playoff run. Also can't forget the play making and open shot maker Steve Blake running the show but should see his playing time decrease with Bayless coming on to the scene. They also got a big boost when European superstar Rudy Fernandez finally came over to the states and suited up in a Blazers uniform. Their bench is pretty solid but the bench scoring needs to improve if they want to be considered contenders. Really they need a true point and my advice would to take a chance on Shaun Livingston and give him a one year deal because if it did work that would put them in the top five teams in the west and yes in head of Utah! Bottom line is they got 7ft taller in Greg Oden and the number one question the Blazers has been asked is he going to Rise with the Portland Trail Blazers?