Mejia's Take: Teams like the Spurs don't honestly believe in jinxes. They won't suddenly lose their motivation. San Antonio already has its rallying cry: Repeat or bust. Preview
Mejia's Take: Whatever happened to the sentiment that winning a championship is the ultimate goal? Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudemire need to ask themselves that question and come up with the right answer. Preview
Mejia's Take: Avery Johnson has had the most interesting three years coaching a team in NBA history. How do you build on a 67-win season that was understandably deemed a failure? Preview
Mejia's Take: Houston's preseason has been spent with players adjusting to one another and Adelman's demands. The mentality is to always look for the easiest shot, ideally a layup executed by a 7-foot-5 center. Preview
Mejia's Take: In the midst of a personal renaissance, this could be the year Jason Kidd's legend grows. He's not as appreciated as Steve Nash despite being a more well-rounded player. Preview
Mejia's Take: If GM John Paxson decides to throw Luol Deng in a deal, he can have Kobe Bryant this second. Right now, that's not an option. If that remains the case, can Chicago compete for a championship? Preview
Mejia's Take: Tayshaun Prince is finding ways to reinvent himself, keeping his team from growing stale. He is playing resurrector, keeping his aging squad from being put to rest. Preview
Mejia's Take: Take the following as a giant wet blanket if you will, but odds are good that the Celtics aren't going to win an NBA championship this season. Preview
Mejia's Take: If for some reason, the Western Conference regresses and a new champion has to emerge, Denver could follow Cleveland's blueprint to unprecedented success. Preview
Mejia's Take: Even with LeBron James certain to be improved, you won't find many picking the Cavs to win the Eastern Conference again. Not right now, at least. Preview
Mejia's Take: Did everything fall into place last season, or are the Toronto Raptors about to galvanize an entire nation? The answer, ironically, might lie in the abilities of the head coach Preview
Mejia's Take: If you're going to compare Golden State's attack to that of its Pacific Division rival Phoenix, I'm liable to throw myself on the floor and go into hysterics. Preview
Mejia's Take: Three years appears to be the Heat's window of opportunity to capture another title. That's how long Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal are obligated to stay. Preview
Mejia's Take: A new coach, new system and the arrival of Rashard Lewis suggests the Magic might have an adjustment period, but there's no doubt they're coming up in the world. Preview
Mejia's Take: The Lakers weren't able to pull the trigger on K.G. Now after years of trying to reload while staying competitive, this may be the last go-around for the Kobe Bryant show. Preview
Mejia's Take: Pau Gasol is considered one of the world's best big men -- and by the international press, on Dirk's level. Time to prove it in the NBA. Preview
Mejia's Take: Isiah Thomas' tenure with the Knicks has been anything but smooth. Despite Thomas' lack of success, owner James Dolan is backing his man. Preview
Mejia's Take: Borderline playoff team, especially after acquiring J-Rich in the offseason, but this team would have a much higher profile if Adam Morrison hadn't been such a bust as a rookie. Preview
Mejia's Take: Kevin Pritchard, front-runner as league's top executive? You bet, and surviving without Oden is going to prove it. After all, it's the foundation built around him that matters. Preview
Mejia's Take: So, let me get this straight, in order to avoid slipping back to the same ol' Clippers, they've got to rely on Tim Thomas? Promising... Preview
Mejia's Take: The young Hawks have been on the rise since the turn of the century. At some point, most of these guys have to grow up. Coach Mike Woodson's job depends on it. Preview
Mejia's Take: The Kings have some of the best most loyal fans in the NBA and have for years, but this rapid decline has them scrambling to dig out positives. Unproven Reggie Theus and Kevin Martin head the list. Preview
Mejia's Take: It wasn't that long ago when Indiana won 61 games. But stuck in a free-fall since then, time is short for the Pacers. Victories are needed now, since star Jermaine O'Neal can opt out after this season. Preview
Mejia's Take: It was a tumultuous offseason for Seattle: Controversy surrounding a new arena, and the team blown up to build for the future. Regardless, there is some hope. Preview
