2001-2002 Season Preview

The story of this NBA season is the return of Michael Jordan. Jordan makes his return to the Washington Wizards, who finished 19-63 last year. Expect Jordan to raise the Wizards win total to between 35 or 40 wins. Jordan will help sell tickets and bring added excitement to the league, but his return will not affect the race for the NBA Championship.

The Los Angeles Lakers are still the favorite to take the crown again this season. The Lakers will be chased in the Western Conference by the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, and Dallas Mavericks. Their biggest test will come from the San Antonio Spurs, who they will more than likely meet in the Western Conference Finals.

In the East, the Toronto Raptors, Orlando Magic, the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers are the favorites. The 76ers are the defending champs, but I see Toronto and Orlando meeting in the Eastern Conference Finals, with the Magic advancing to the the NBA finals.

Note: The following is a list of all the NBA teams by division. (In order of last years finish, last to first). Team names with an asterisk next to them are links to team previews. I will continue to add more team previews in the following weeks. The latest updates are marked with NEW next to them.

Atlantic Washington Wizards* New Jersey Nets* Boston Celtics* Orlando Magic* New York Knicks* NEW Miami Heat* NEW Philadelphia 76ers* NEW

Central Chicago Bulls* NEW Atlanta Hawks Cleveland Cavs Detroit Pistons Indiana Pacers Charlotte Hornets Toronto Raptors Milwaukee Bucks

Midwest Memphis Grizzles Denver Nuggets Houston Rockets Minnesota Timberwolves Dallas Mavericks Utah Jazz San Antonio Spurs

Pacific: Golden St. Warriors Los Angeles Clippers Seattle Supersonics Portland Trail Blazers Phoenix Suns Sacramento Kings Los Angeles Lakers