Somewhere David Stern is smiling.

While the other two professional sports remain mired in scandal (see Spygate, steroids, etc.), Commissioner Stern has magically managed to make the Tim Donaghy scandal become a distant memory. Nothing can detract our attention away from negativity quite like a nice blockbuster trade or three. Well, recently the NBA has seen a slew of these like never before in its history. And they should all make for a VERY interesting playoffs.

This is undoubtedly the first year in recent memory where any one of nearly a dozen teams has a legitimate shot to win the title. The NBA has really taken on more of a college feel in that respect. Traditionally entering the NBA season, the league often lacks a touch of unpredictability as the usual suspects, i.e., Spurs, Pistons, etc. eventually find their way to hoisting the O’Brien Trophy come season’s end. But with the rich getting richer and several teams now boasting veritable all-star line-ups of their own, this year’s champion is anyone’s guess.

Let’s take a brief look at the contenders, shall we?

Boston Celtics (+275): All of New England was on Cloud Nine up until the New York Giants brought them back to reality with that Patriots smack-down. With the Red Sox World Series and an undefeated Patriots regular season, many thought the Big Three of Garnett, Pierce and Allen would continue that streak and keep Boston in Titletown mode. They still may. Despite a nagging abdominal injury to Kevin Garnett, which may cost him an MVP trophy depending on how many more games he misses, the Celtics are still poised to be the top seed in the East. They’re 23-4 at home and have still only lost nine games this season. Rajon Rondo is slowly answering his critics and Big Baby Davis has become a pleasant surprise in the post. The C’s have the best point differential in the NBA (double-digits) and, with a healthy Kevin Garnett, have a legitimate shot to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals. Who’s not geared up to see what this team can do in the playoffs?

Detroit Pistons (+315): Once again, the Pistons are competing and are the most, well-rounded team in the Eastern Conference. The same old cast of Billups, Hamilton, Prince and ‘Sheed continues to be a beacon of consistency. They are still among the league’s best defensive teams, all without Ben Wallace. And their bench remains solid. Most expect to see a Pistons-Celtics Eastern Conference Finals. They have so far split their season series with one more regular season game left to play at Boston on March 5.

Orlando Magic (+2200): Is it likely that the Magic win an NBA title? No. But the Magic consistently compete with the best teams in the league and hold their own. After all, they have already beaten the Celtics twice and they are leading their division. We have recently seen what an inspired Dwight Howard can do (see 24 rebounds against Denver). Hedo Turkoglu is playing the best basketball of his career and Rashard Lewis is averaging 18 and 5. If the Magic can get steady play from their point guard tandem, they could mess things up for the favorites in the East.

Cleveland Cavaliers (+3000): All signs point to a Celtics-Pistons Eastern Conference Finals, BUT… LeBron James had something to say about that last year. He just might again. Whether the Chosen One plays inspired come June remains to be seen after his franchise failed to make a big trade to match every other team in the league. But after watching what LeBron did to Detroit last year to win the Eastern Conference, can anyone really count this team out?

New Orleans (+1100): Do I honestly think New Orleans has a shot at the crown? No. BUT… they currently boast the best record in the West. They’re leading the Southwest Division. By the way, Dallas and San Antonio reside in that division. Chris Paul is averaging a double-double and is a strong MVP candidate, particularly if the Hornets end up with the number one seed in the west. Tyson Chandler is finally living up to his potential and David West remains the best player in the league nobody’s ever heard of. Landing the number one seed could potentially throw a wrench into the entire Western Conference.

Phoenix (+415): Most pundits initially criticized Steve Kerr’s move to land Shaquille O’Neal. And after his first practice with the team, the only reports I heard were how winded he was afterwards. Well, duh. The Suns practice with a :07 second shot clock. Even Lance Armstrong would be winded after a few minutes of that. The bottom line is this… Shawn Marion was disgruntled and the Suns weren’t going anywhere with that roster, especially with some of the other big moves in the West. Phoenix had consistently been labeled ‘soft.’ Well, the Big Aristotle should change all that. I have faith that D’Antoni will effectively work Diesel into the line-up and adjust their style of play accordingly. As an opposing guard, I ask you… would you really want to drive the lane only to find Shaq and Amare in the middle waiting for you? If Shaq can somehow lead the Suns to an NBA Finals, he’ll be the only player in league history to reach that milestone with four different teams. Think he’s not looking forward to a seven-game series against Kobe and the Lakers?

Dallas (+475): If the Jason Kidd deal ever goes through, add the Dallas Mavericks to the list of Western Conference teams that have reacted to the Pau Gasol deal. Last year’s meltdown against Golden State should be enough motivation to light a spark underneath Dirk’s britches, particularly if he now has Kidd leading the break. The Mavs still may have some problems at center, but this team will rise and fall with the mismatches Nowitzki creates. And with Jason Kidd at the helm, you just cannot count this team out.

Utah (+925): The Jazz continue to impress. Last year’s Western Conference runners-up have been playing solid and consistent basketball all season long. Deron Williams has become one of the league’s premier young point guards and his numbers rival Chris Paul’s. Carlos Boozer, is as always, a beast. And young Ronnie Brewer has stepped up nicely. Deep down inside, tell me you’re not rooting for Coach Jerry Sloan to finally win a title.

Lakers (+700): Many have claimed the Lakers have already won the title on paper. Their steal of Pau Gasol began a chain of events that made this year’s NBA contenders look like an NBA All-Star roster. The Lakers now start Derek Fisher, Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and Gasol who is playing unbelievably well right now. He’s already adapted into the triangle offense and is throwing down on people with regularlity. When Andrew Bynum returns, the team has as good a shot as anyone to win the title.

San Antonio (+505): Will anyone really be surprised to see Timmy and the Spurs playing in the NBA Finals….. again?

Denver (+2000): Sure, this may be a stretch as they’re currently a bubble team. Technically, the rush to field all-star talent might be traced back to the Nuggets landing Allen Iverson last year. With ‘Melo by his side, a healthy Kenyon Martin and Marcus Camby who’s second in the league in rebounding, would anyone be surprised if Denver snuck in as an 8 seed and then knocked off the top seeded Hornets? I didn’t think so.

So there you have it… a quick and nasty breakdown of this season’s 2008 playoffs. Be sure to watch as this year may very well take on a college feel, as a bunch of players who have never won a title, might just dig deep down inside to raise the trophy for the first time. Who will that be? Well, that’s anybody’s guess.