Good news for all, before it can go bad

With every team currently 0-0 and tied for their respective division leads, optimism is running rampant among NBA fans about now. Of course, reality will set in quickly for many teams and fans, but why burst bubbles yet?

To that end, here is a brief reason each of the 30 NBA teams -- from Atlanta to Washington -- may feel optimistic going into the 2006-07 season:

Atlanta Hawks -- 20-year-old forward Josh Smith is a future star.

Boston Celtics -- Doc Rivers can coach; Paul Pierce can score.

Charlotte Bobcats --'Zag grad Adam Morrison is fun to watch.

Chicago Bulls -- New signee Ben Wallace is a beast on the boards.

Cleveland Cavaliers -- LeBron's the best -- and still only 22.

Dallas Mavericks -- Avery Johnson will only get better with more coaching experience.

Denver Nuggets -- Favored to win another division title in weak Northwest.

Detroit Pistons -- The best all-around starting five in the league.

Golden State Warriors -- Don Nelson is well-rested and will be up to old tricks after time off in Maui.

Houston Rockets -- One of these years, Tracy McGrady will stay healthy, right?

Indiana Pacers -- Now completely free of Artest distractions.

L.A. Clippers -- No longer "that other team" that plays in the Staples Center.

L.A. Lakers -- Zen Master and Kobe seem to be getting along this time around.

Memphis Grizzlies -- Pau Gasol's injury will force younger players to learn fast.

Miami Heat -- Same players and coach as title team.

Milwaukee Bucks -- Have two second-year players with bright futures in Andrew Bogut and Charlie Villanueva.

Minnesota Timberwolves -- Mike James and Randy Foye will help take some pressure off Kevin Garnett.

New Jersey Nets -- Division title a foregone conclusion for Nets in weak Atlantic.

New Orleans Hornets -- Chris Paul will now have Peja Stojakovic to pass the ball to.

New York Knicks -- Isiah Thomas will be so busy coaching he won't have time to make boneheaded trades.

Orlando Magic -- When the season goes south, they live close to many nice golf courses and Disney World.

Philadelphia 76ers -- Allen Iverson is still in town -- at least for the time being.

Phoenix Suns -- Amare Stoudemire is back.

Portland Trail Blazers -- Nate McMillan has young team that he's building for the future.

Sacramento Kings -- It's the coach -- not Artest -- who has been getting into trouble.

San Antonio Spurs -- Should finish with West's best record once again.

Seattle SuperSonics -- Having Chris Wilcox all year will help

Toronto Raptors -- Unquestionably the best NBA team -- in Canada.

Utah Jazz -- The Portland police don't have a case.

Washington Wizards -- Gilbert Arenas is still getting better.

E-mail: lojo@desnews.com

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