More than any other sport, the addition or subtraction of one NBA player can make or break a team's season. In the Western Conference, Portland had to cope without Greg Oden while Clipper fans were disheartened by the loss of Elton Brand. In the East, the Wizards lost Gilbert Arenas (again) and the Heat fell to the bottom of the standings after going without Dwyane Wade. Just ask Celtics fans how much a difference one addition can make. Here are 5 teams one player away from an appearance in the 2009 NBA Finals:
Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta has a young, talented and athletic team. Adding Mike Bibby has helped them, and an offseason spent making adjustments to his new teammates will make him even more effective. Josh Smith can step up and become an effective power forward, but they still lack a dominant small forward. Marvin Williams is probably a few steps away from being that player, and he might be gone by the time next season starts. Fans should start dreaming of the possibilities if the Hawks added a talent at the position the caliber of Antawn Jamison.
Cleveland Cavaliers. It's never a stretch to think LeBron James can take his team to the NBA Finals in any given season. But as a whole, the Cavs need another scorer, one addition they weren't able to find in their big swap with Chicago during the season. Rumors have already started about Cleveland adding Michael Redd, and the idea of a big-time scoring shooting guard makes sense – opponents would hate the idea of having to worry about a second big scorer.
Orlando Magic. All signs in Orlando point to an entire organization that is genuinely upset at how they ended the season. They expect more next year, and some roster tweaking could get them the result (a chance at the title) they want. Hedo Turkoglu showed how skilled he is, but he really belongs at shooting guard. If the Magic added a tough power forward, they would be in great shape to make a run. Luckily, that player might already live in the sunshine state. Shawn Marion, just down the rode in Miami, could be out of Miami if the Heat can't find a way to pass on Michael Beasley.
Portland Trail Blazers. Portland won't need much to put them over the top. Greg Oden will be an inside force (at least defensively), and Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldrige will be even better given another year of growth. The biggest question mark for Portland is at point guard. A trade for a floor general like Kirk Hinrich could solve this issue and be the final piece of the puzzle for the Blazers.
San Antonio Spurs. Everyone knows San Antonio will be in contention when the playoffs come around. One addition, though, could put them a step above the rest of their tough Western Conference competition. The Spurs are strong at every position but power forward, where Bruce Bowen is aging. How about a Spurs team with Mickael Pietrus? Their current roster means they can afford to be pretty free-spending this summer, and if they take the opportunity to sign him, San Antonio could be back in the finals next summer.
