Spurs still the team to beat

Updated: January 4, 2005, 9:03 AM ET
By Chad Ford | ESPN Insider

It's a new year, and with that comes renewed hope for all 30 teams in the NBA. With just a little less than two-thirds of the season left to go, there's still time for everyone to make changes.

For the good, like the Spurs, Suns, Sonics and Heat, there's the promise that 2005 will go a lot like 2004 did. Lots of wins, no injuries and lots of red-hot shooting.

For the bad, like the Hornets, Hawks and the Bucks, the New Year's resolutions must be maximum strength. Better health, major roster upheaval and a changing set of priorities.

For the upside, the changes have to be subtler. A new player here, a defensive strategy there, may make the difference between mediocrity and greatness.


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Chad Ford | email

Senior Writer, NBA Insider
  • Senior NBA Writer for ESPN.com
  • ESPN Insider NBA Draft Analyst since 2002
  • Writes ESPN's NBA Draft Top 100 and Lottery Mock Draft

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