NBA Teams to look out for this season: PORTLAND The deals that Portland made this off-season with the addition of Greg Oden will have an immediate impact this upcoming season they definitely have a chance of contending for the fifth or sixth spot in the western conference playoffs – they're new potential starting five and sixth man will look like this a lot of young talent and a decent bench. Steve Francis – point guard. although he runs the point, he definitely has a scorer's mentality Brandon Roy – shooting guard. lots of potential… look for a breakout season Darius Miles – small forward. athletic. young. considered overrated by some Channing Fry – power forward. fundamentally sound player Greg Oden – center. should have an immediate impact LaMarcus Aldridge or Jamal Magloire SEATTLE The deals that Seattle has made so far this off-season will make them significantly better two years from now. It's doubtful how much immediate playoff impact the new additions will make. They're young and Kevin Durant may struggle to find his groove at the NBA level during his first year. I bet he makes the ESPN Top 10 at least 20 times. They lost 26 points per game with the Ray Allen trade. This team has TOO MANY FORWARDS. Here's the starting five: Luke Ridnour – solid point guard. has the potential to be a Steve Nash-esque player. I have a feeling the Sonics are trying to move him for a scoring guard (which would be a bad idea) and move Delonte West to the starting role Wally Szerbiack – usually plays small forward but this team needs outside scoring. he won't have a problem playing at the 2 Kevin Durant – small forward. very athletic. prepare for takeoff Rashard Lewis – power forward. solid offensive player. decent rebounder. lacks defense. we'll see if he's still in Seattle for the start of the season Chris Wilcox – center. undersized center. very mobile. known as a banger Nick Colison or Jeff Green NEW YORK The deals New York made definitely dug Isaiah Thomas out of the hole he put them in. They improved drastically last year and are now a definite playoff contender, especially in the weak Eastern Conference. They're now a more balanced team. If Isaiah can just keep from making any crazy deals and sign a couple good assistants. Mike Montgomery if he is available or Eric Mussleman. Here is their starting 5: Stephon Marbury – scoring point guard. I personally can't stand this guy Jamal Crawford – shooting guard. decent player. will get you 15-18 points per game Zach Randolph – small forward. could be a franchise player. will bring 20 pts and 10 rebounds nightly David Lee – power forward. solid player. 10 & 10. good rebounder who hustles Eddy Curry – center. huge low post presence. improved player Quentin Richardson and Jared Jeffries