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5 Key Swing Teams in 2008-2009

October 16, 2008

Just as Ohio and Florida are key swing states that could go either way for the candidates, there are a few NBA teams that could go boom or bust.  How do you define a “swing team”?  Well, here’s my definition:

swing team (noun)

  1. a team that is “good on paper,” but regularly falls short of expectations
  2. a team that relies on 1 or 2 players with a history of injuries
  3. an unproven team with a lot of talent, but little experience

So, here are 5 swing teams for the 2008-2009 season

  1. Toronto Raptors - After a .500 season last year, the Raptors decided to mix things up a bit and traded T.J. Ford for Jermaine O’Neal.  O’Neal, of course, is a former all-star, but missed half of last season due to injury and put up just average numbers when he was on the floor.  Then, there’s 22-year old Andrea Bargnani who has lots of potential, but is coming off a sophomore slump.  Raps fans are hoping JO is his healthy old self and Bargnani blossoms.  If that happens, the Raptors will do some damage.
  2. Denver Nuggets - A lot of fans were scratching their heads when the Nuggets basically gave Marcus Camby away to the Clippers this off-season, but maybe their roll of the dice will pay off.   Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony are still a scary duo and maybe Anthony’s gold medal in Beijing will rub off on his teammates.  For the Nuggets to swing upward, they need those two to play well and as a team, plus some help (and health) from Camby’s replacement Nene.
  3. Washington Wizards - It’s the same old story for the Wizards.  Injuries, injuries, injuries.  Remember this is the same team that was in 1st place in the East in 2007 at the All Star break before injuries decimated them.  They’ll start off without Gilbert Arenas and Brendan Haywood, but a cast of youngsters along with Caron Butler and Antawn Jamison will try to hold down the fort until 2009.  It seems unlikely, but if everyone gets back to 100% this team could swing in a big way.
  4. Miami Heat - Coming off a 15 win season, there’s only one way for Miami to swing, but they could really surprise some people.  They’ll need Dwyane Wade to stay healthy and for Michael Beasley to make an immediate impact.  Shawn Marion needs to play up to his capabilities as well.
  5. Houston Rockets - Talk about a swing team!   The Rockets two stars Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming are two of the league’s best talents, but have spent more time with ice packs than they have on the floor the past few seasons.  Add the combustible Ron Artest to the mix and that’s like adding vinegar to baking soda.  Unbelievably, the Rockets could realistically win the Finals or see their best 3 players injured and suspended by December.

Unfortunately there’s no voting when it comes to swing teams or we’d all be stuffing the ballot boxes….all we can do is sit back and watch.  Any predictions?

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Written by HoopsAvenue · Filed Under Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards 

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