2011-2012 NBA Playoff Teams from the Eastern Conference: NBA Prediction (Part-2)
Seventh Playoff spot: New Jersey Nets
The New Jersey Nets finished at 12th spot last season but their chances are high this time around to qualify for the playoffs in 2012. Their chances are that high as many basketball experts have already predicted regarding
their potential playoff spot. The main reason basketball pundits are rating high the Nets as they had included a very talented player into their roster this year. That talented player is Deron Williams who made his way into the Nets last season with great
energy.
Not only Williams adjusted himself with the rest of the Nets roster, but he also left a great impression on all the young players of New Jersey Nets. He was traded by his previous team Utah Jazz to the New Jersey late in February
and started his game with a new team altogether. Williams played total 12 games with the Nets and averaged 15.0 points, 4.6 rebounds and 12.8 assists per game in those 12 games. Overall he performed very well in the 2010-2011 season where he averaged 20.1
points, 4.00 rebounds and 10.3 assists per game.
For any team this is a very big morale builder who under performed in many games and no one was giving attention to their potential chances to even qualify for the playoffs next season. But suddenly their fate seemed turning in
their favour as they included a very young player from the league. The next NBA season would be much interesting to watch as the Nets will try to grab the potential seventh playoff spot.
Sixth Playoff spot: Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks had qualified and played in the playoffs last season while their chances are still very high as they would go through easily in the first round of playoffs. The Hawks are looking great in this offseason. Their
management is also working hard in this offseason. They are planning to implement some very innovative and futuristic strategy into their team.
The Hawks play pretty offensive and their offensive game is effective too, but on the other hand, in order to qualify for the playoffs next season, they also need to work on their defensive ball play. To guard some of the best
and very athletic players are certainly a difficult task and until they would not try to learn this special art, they would not progress in the right direction.
The Hawks have some of the very good players in their roster but lack of commitment somehow damages their image. Not only the players’ images but overall their team also suffers from this lame attitude. Their management also knows
this factor and pushing hard their experienced players more in order to bring some stability in the team. In recent past, the Hawks’ most prominent player Jamal Crawford is not confirmed for the next season. This must be a huge blow as without Crawford, the
Hawks would be more vulnerable on the court. He is free agent in this offseason and planning his way out from the Hawks and will likely try his luck with a better title contender team next season.
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