The Good: With Jason Kidd running the show and Vince Carter and Richard Jefferson on the wings, they have the potential to put up lots of points in a hurry.
The Bad: PF Jason Collins averages just 4.8 rebounds a game. Every other starter on the Nets averages atleast 5.8.
The Ugly: Clifford Robinson still thinks it is 1998.
2. Boston Celtics
The Good: Paul Pierce is the most undervalued player in the league. He does a little bit of everything, now if only he could get some teammates who can do the same.
The Bad: Sebastian Telfair, Rajon Rondo and Delonte West are three good, young guards. But there isn’t enough room on the court for all three. Someone isn’t going to be happy about their playing time.
The Ugly: Theo Ratliff is starting at center. Michael Olowokandi is his backup.
3. Toronto Raptors
The Good: Chris Bosh is the best player no one talks about. He will be an All-Star for years to come.
The Bad: They imported four guys from overseas, how quickly they can adapt to the NBA will be vital to this team’s success.
The Ugly: They always seem to end up in the NBA Lottery. Why would this year be any different?
4. New York Knicks
The Good: They have some of the better individual scores in the league. Marbury, Francis, Crawford and Richardson can get a shot off from just about anywhere.
The Bad: There isn’t a pure point guard on the roster.
The Ugly: They already gave up the chance to land Greg Odom in the upcoming draft, after trading the pick to acquire Eddy Curry. Not so smart.
5. Philadelphia 76ers
The Good: Allen Iverson is the answer to one question: who will score?
The Bad: He won’t be the answer to the question: who will be the leader of this team?
The Ugly: There is no answer to the above question.
CENTRAL
1. Chicago Bulls
The Good: Best set of young guards around, now have a legitimate front court to match.
The Bad: Those young guards (Hinrich, Gordon, Deng) better score in bunches because P.J. Brown and Ben Wallace might combine for 15 points a night.
The Ugly: They might be getting too much hype too early. Let’s see how they play before people start crowning them the champs.
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Good: LeBron is, well, LeBron. Larry Hughes is healthy. Zydrunas Illgauskas is a force in the paint.
The Bad: Eric Snow and Damon Jones are not the answer at the point. I have a feeling LeBron might be playing a lot of PG this season
The Ugly: LeBron can try to be Jordan all he wants, but with this supporting cast, he will find himself falling short of his first title.
3. Detroit Pistons
The Good: This team still knows what it takes to win a championship. They might lack some talent of years past but will not lack hustle and desire.
The Bad: With the new post-foul arguing rules, Rasheed Wallace might find himself spending more time in the locker-room than on the court.
The Ugly: Nazr Mohammed replaced Ben Wallace at center. Oh No!
4. Indiana Pacers
The Good: They have a formidable starting five that will get out and run. If Jermaine O’Neal can stay healthy, this team could be a surprise.
The Bad: When Jeff Foster is slated to get the most minutes at backup forward and center, things aren't looking very bright.
The Ugly: Darrell Armstrong should be an assistant coach on this team, not a backup guard.
5. Milwaukee Bucks
The Good: Michael Redd can shoot from just about anywhere on the floor. He will need to light it up every night for the Bucks to win.
The Bad: Bobby Simmons was a complete bust as a free-agent signing last year. He has to bounce back and show that he deserves his contract.
The Ugly: Ruben Patterson is a registered sex offender. That is never a good attribute to have on the back of your basketball card.
SOUTHEAST
1. Miami Heat
The Good: Still the champs until someone proves they can knock them off.
The Bad: Shaq isn’t getting any younger, neither is Antoine Walker, neither is Gary Payton, neither is Alonzo Mourning. Wait a second, this team is old!
The Ugly: Jason Williams attempt to play defense. It is downright atrocious.
2. Washington Wizards
The Good: Gilbert Arenas provides numbers all the way across the board. If he can continue to score and play defense every night, the Wizards will be in good shape.
The Bad: DeShawn Stevenson should not be a starter. Well, he is a starter in Washington.
The Ugly: Arenas’ off the court antics. At some point they may become a distraction.
3. Orlando Magic
The Good: Dwight Howard is a beast down low. If Jameer Nelson can get him the ball, this one-two combo will put up some big numbers.
The Bad: Grant Hill is in the last year of his contact and on his last legs. J.J. Redick better be ready to step in soon.
The Ugly: This is Darko’s last chance to prove that he isn’t a bust. I’m not convinced that he isn’t.
4. Charlotte Bobcats
The Good: Emeka Okafor, Gerald Wallace and Raymond Felton are a nice trio of young players to build around. The Bobcats will continue to improve from last year.
The Bad: Their nickname is the Bobcats. C’mon, is this "Any Given Sunday" or something? Get a real nickname and people might take you serious.
The Ugly: Adam Morrison’s mustache is still ugly as ever.
5. Atlanta Hawks
The Good: Josh Smith is only 20-years-old and has an all-around game of a 20-year veteran. Look for him, Joe Johnson, Marvin Williams and Josh Childress to all make huge leaps this season.
The Bad: They passed on Chris Paul last year and Brandon Roy this year. Sheldon Williams with the fifth pick? Someone needs to get fired.
The Ugly: Still easily the worst team in the league. Greg Odom should be getting fitted for a Hawks jersey right about now.
I'm right with you on most of these predictions. The only thing that makes me give you the "is this guy crazy?" look is the following statement:
"They [Knicks] have some of the better individual scorers in the league. Marbury, Francis, Crawford and Richardson can get a shot off from just about anywhere."
Those guys, sadly, also happen to be four of the worst shooters in the league.
Needless to say, it's going to be a long season in NYC.
I also think Boston is awful. The Sixers at least have some returning veteran talent, whereas Boston is full of unproven and erratic youngsters at the most important positions (like PG, as you mentioned; and C).
NBA Eastern Conference preview (in predicted order of finish): 
