A glance at the Eastern Conference Division:
   
    Atlantic Division
    1. BOSTON: As long as their aging Big Three of Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen stay healthy and productive, the Celtics will be the class of this division.
    2. PHILADELPHIA: Even without Elton Brand, the 76ers won 40 games and had Detroit reeling in the first round of the playoffs last spring. They'll be improved this season.
    3. TORONTO: If Jermaine O'Neal stays injury-free, he will solidify the Raptors' interior defense and take some pressure off Chris Bosh and Andrea Bargnani.
    4. NEW JERSEY: Only three current players - Vince
Tribune Power Rankings

    1. L.A. Lakers: Better with Bynum
    2. San Antonio: Window still open
    3. Boston: Repeat is possible
    4. Utah: Contender in West
    5. Houston: Will Artest behave?
    6. New Orleans: In a rugged division
    7. Orlando: 52 wins last year
    8. Phoenix: Can't dismiss yet
    9. Dallas: Title hopes fading
    10. Philadelphia: Contender in East?
    11. Milwaukee: Skiles taking over
    12. Detroit: Stuckey: new star
    13. Portland: 50 wins? Possible
    14. Cleveland: Inconsistent offense
    15. Denver: Carmelo: 60 wins
    16. Toronto: Better than this?
    17. Atlanta: Scared the Celtics
    18. Washington: Injury woes already
    19. L.A. Clippers: GM Baylor fired
    20. Golden State: Starts without Ellis
    21. Chicago: Imploded last year
    22. New Jersey: Rebuilt the roster
    23. Minnesota: A decent nucleus
    24. New York: 4 years, 112 wins
    25. Charlotte: M.J. hires Brown
    26. Memphis: Starting over again
    27. Miami: Waiting on Booz?
    28. Sacramento: K-Mart's team now
    29. Oklahoma City: Coveted C.J. Miles, below
    30. Indiana: Long year ahead
Carter, Sean Williams and Josh Boone - started last season with the Nets. But will change translate into more wins?
    5. NEW YORK: Coach Mike D'Antoni brings his fast-paced style to the NBA's biggest stage, but don't expect immediate results for a team burdened by a bloated payroll.
   
    Central Division
    1. MILWAUKEE: Maybe this is a stretch, but Andrew Bogut, Michael Redd and Richard Jefferson give coach Scott Skiles a formidable foundation in a weak division.
    2. DETROIT: After losing in the conference finals for the third straight year, coach Flip Saunders was fired. But the Pistons' real problem is a rapidly aging
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roster.
    3. CLEVELAND: LeBron James can leave in 2010, so the clock is ticking. The Cavs must prove to their star they can win a title. That won't happen this year, however.
    4. CHICAGO: Surprisingly, the Bulls hired inexperienced (and inexpensive) Vinny Del Negro as their coach. His task is difficult, but Chicago could bounce back.
    5. INDIANA: The Pacers' top player, Danny Granger, once abandoned his college team (Bradley) at midseason. He'd probably like to walk away from this mess, too.
   
    Southeast Division
    1. ORLANDO: The Magic look like Boston's top challenger in the East, thanks to the presence of emerging star Dwight Howard and a capable supporting cast.
    2. ATLANTA: Sixth-man Josh Childress signed with a Greek team, but Joe Johnson and Josh Smith come off their best seasons and rookie Al Horford is a keeper.
    3. WASHINGTON The Wizards have had four consecutive winning seasons, but they've lost in the first round of the playoffs three straight times. Have they hit their ceiling?
    4. CHARLOTTE: Michael Jordan fired rookie coach Sam Vincent because Larry Brown was available. He should help the 'Cats, but the playoffs still seem like a stretch.
    5. MIAMI: If any team featuring All-Star Dwyane Wade, former All-Star Shawn Marion and No. 2 pick Michael Beasley can end up winning 30 games, it's this one.