As of right now....

...are the Nuggets a playoff team?  I just want to see where everyone's heads are at during the dog days of summer.  Using the present rosters of every team in the NBA, are the Nuggets in the top 8 in the West?  So, answer these questions...

1.) Are the Nugs a playoff team?  Where do you see them seeded?

2.) Who is the best team in the division?

3.) Who are the conference champions for 2008-09 and NBA champs?

4.) Who is going to surprise next season?

5.) Who is going to disappoint?

6.) Is anyone still reading this fanpost?

All, right here are my answers.

1.) No.  9th or 10th

2.) Call me crazy, but I think it's Portland.  I know some think I'm putting too much stock in Oden & Bayless, but even without them this year I think the year's growth would have propelled them past us in the standings.  Adding those two gives them enough to overtake Utah.  They're deep, they play as a team and provided Precious Roy stays healthy, they're a top 4 seed next year. 

3.) I hate to say it, but probably the Lakers.  I'm REALLY hoping New Orleans can overtake them, but it's going to be hard.  Hopefully Kobe does what he does best and proves to be a gigantic prick and causes strife in the locker room.  The East will still be good with Boston, Detroit, Cleveland and my two darkhorses (Toronto & Orlando), but I don't think they're good enough to take out either LA or NO.  Ah, screw it.  New Orleans over Orlando in 6 games in what would be one of the most entertaining (but sadly, lowest ratings) NBA Finals in a long time.

4.) For taking the next step -- Toronto and Orlando.  I called Orlando last year to win the division and make the conference finals and they almost did it.  Detroit was a brutal match-up for them.  Another year together, along with Detroit & Boston getting older, and I think they can do it.  Toronto's another team to watch IMO.  If JON stays healthy, they're dangerous.  I just hope he doesn't slow them down.  As for just improving -- I think Indiana should do better this season.  I've always liked TJ Ford and think that they have a nice little thing going there.  Danny Granger is going to explode this season.

5.) Houston.  Don't get me wrong, I think they were smart to do the deal for Artest, but I just don't like what they have going.  Can TMac stay healthy?  Can Yao stay healthy?  Will Artest explode?  Where is Artest going to play?  I LOVE Shane Battier, but he and Artest basically mirror each other.  Unless TMac is running the point, one fo them is on the bench (I don't buy the Artest at the 4 stuff). 

6.) Oooh!  I am!