Well, another NBA season is now upon us and there are already some teams proving to be solid contenders for a championship in 2006.

Shaq and the boys from Miami are off and running. The Heat made some big moves this off season acquiring Antoine Walker and veteran guard Gary Payton. With an already strong core of O'Neil, Dwayne Wade, Udonis Haslem, and Alonzo Mourning, look for at least 60 ticks in the win column this year. If Shaq can stay healthy the Heat looks to burn up the competition come May/June.

Another team with diamonds on their minds is The Detroit Pistons. With new head coach Flip Saunders the 2004 champs are back, looking to compete in their third finals appearance in the last three years. What Flip has improved on after taking over for coaching great Larry Brown, is developing a more up tempo, high scoring Piston squad while still asserting their game on the defensive end. They are a veteran group that knows how to win. The team is lead by Rasheed Wallace, Ben Wallace, Chauncey Billups, Richard Hamilton, and youngster Tayshaun Prince. With a record of 7-0 to start the season, The Detroit Pistons are probably the most complete 'team' in the NBA today and my pick to come out of the East.

In the Western Conference there are many top tier teams. The West has always been the stronger of the two divisions since the days of Jordan. But, the team to watch this season has to be the San Antonio Spurs.

The Spurs remain a force to be reckoned with. As reigning champs, San Antonio has added another savvy vet in Michael Finley to and already outstanding team with two-time MVP Tim Duncan. The back court is lead by the speedy Tony Parker and the versatile Manu Ginobili. Both have taken the NBA by storm in just a few short seasons. The Spurs are my pick to win the West as well as repeat again this year. The reigning champs will not be dethroned this summer.

It's sad to see what has happened to our once high-flying Raptors as we find ourselves in another season of rebuilding. With a record of 0-8, the Raptors will most likely miss the playoffs for a third straight year. The young Raptors squad will be lucky to win 20 games this season, but it's not over for this franchise. Because with maturity comes discipline and adaptation. The NBA has a steep learning curve and these fresh-faced Raptors are seeing that first hand. Chris Bosh, Charlie Villanueva and Joey Graham look more than promising, as each develops their game with time. Watch for them to lead their team in both points and spirit as they become more comfortable in their roles, and what they have to offer. They need to mesh offensively, rely on each other defensively and lead the Raptors to the promise land. It is no light task, but with determination and team work, the Raptors can make a preliminary run next season and from there the sky's the limit.