With pretty much every major free agent locked up save for Allen Iverson, we now have a good idea where each contender stands for this upcoming 2009-2010 NBA campaign.

Here's a roster rundown of the top 7 NBA contenders and where I think they'll place when it's all said and done...

LOS ANGELES LAKERS

G- Derek Fisher: Don't underestimate him when it counts most. Value is priceless.
G- Kobe Bryant: Inching closer and closer to Michael Jordan's level of greatness.
F- Ron Artest: Former Defensive POY will be Scottie Pippen to Kobe's Michael.
F- Pau Gasol: Reminds me of Kevin McHale. He's the most complete big man in NBA.
F- Andrew Bynum: Addition of Artest makes Bynum even tougher inside. Watch out.

Key Reserves
F: Lamar Odom: Still the best fourth option in the NBA, bar none. Perfect teammate.
G: Shannon Brown: SB Dunk, as I like to call him, is the Lakers' future at PG.
G: Jordan Farmar: His speed adds another dimension to Lakers' bench attack.
F: Luke Walton: His quiet contributions are overlooked but his value isn't.

G: Sasha Vujacic: Didn't score a point in the Finals; has to prove his value all over again.
Early prediction: 2010 NBA Champions
 

BOSTON CELTICS

G- Rajon Rondo: Floor general is easily one of the top 10 PGs in the game today.
G- Ray Allen: Sharpshooter is aging but is still among best clutch players in league.
F- Paul Pierce: Probably has 3 more solid years left to get you 20-25 ppg.
F- Kevin Garnett: Will former DPOY still have the same aggressiveness in paint after injury?
C- Rasheed Wallace: KG insurance probably has 2 more solid years left to get you 15 ppg.

Key Reserves
C- Kendrick Perkins: Move to bench gives C's insurance in case Leon Powe leaves.
G- Eddie House: Sparkplug off the bench keeps teams from doubling Big Four.

G- Tony Allen: Was supposed to replace James Posey. He's a disappointment thus far.

F- Glen Davis: Matured a lot during '08 playoffs and showed his stuff. Can he keep it going?

Early prediction: 2010 NBA Finals

 

ORLANDO MAGIC

G- Jameer Nelson: Coming off All-Star season, should be even better in '09-10.
G- Vince Carter: Can he do what Drexler did for the Rockets in '95 and lead team to title?
F- Rashard Lewis: Not sure how much Carter's addition will affect his touches and his game.
F- Brandon Bass: Perfect complement to Howard; long, strong, athletic, not afraid 2 bang.
C- Dwight Howard: Let's see how much Superman improves his post game this offseason.

Key Reserves
G- Mickael Pietrus: Finals experience was huge for him; should be a better defender in '09.
C- Marcin Gortat: Easily one of the best backup centers in the NBA.

F- Matt Barnes: Do-it-all swingman gives bench much needed speed and athleticism.

F- Ryan Anderson: Will be asked to contribute heavily at PF, where they are really thin.

Early prediction: Eastern Conference Semifinals

 

 

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

G- Mo Williams: Still has to prove that he can be a factor late in the playoffs.
G- Anthony Parker: He gives team much needed length and size at SG.
F- Lebron James: MVP can't do it all by himself; hmm... plight sounds much like Kobe's.
F- Anderson Varejao: Now has to prove that he's worth all that money.
C- Shaquille O'Neal: Never thought I'd ever say this, but the big fella is a journeyman.

Key Reserves
G- Delonte West: Still has yet to figure out his role on the team. Otherwise, he's solid.
C- Zydrunas Ilgauskas: I'm afraid practicing against Shaq might wear him out too quickly.

F- Jamario Moon: Athletic wingman gives bench much needed speed and length.

F- Daniel Gibson: He's like the Lakers' Sasha Vujacic; all he's good for is jacking up threes.

*F- Leon Powe: He'll be a difference maker if he signs; could be starting at PF by February.

Early prediction: Eastern Conference Finals

 

 

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

G- Tony Parker: He's now the best player and leading scorer on the team.
G- Manu Ginobili: When healthy he's still among the five best postseason SGs in the game.
F- Richard Jefferson: He'll get you 20 on any given night, but can he play D in this system?
F- Antonio McDyess: If he can get a double-double every night, he'll have done his job.
C- Tim Duncan: Despite losing half a step, he's still better than 90% of the bigs in the NBA.

Key Reserves
G- Michael Finley: Has had a fine career. Retirement tour starts now.
F- Dejuan Blair: Steal of the draft looked solid in summer league; should get plenty of time.

F- Matt Bonner: New generation Pete Chilcutt; 6-10 but only good for threes.

G- Roger Mason: Big time clutch player is a lock to score double figures off the bench.

C- Theo Ratliff: If he gets you a couple blocks and rebounds a game, he's a bargain.

Early prediction: Western Conference Finals

 

 

DALLAS MAVERICKS

G- Jason Kidd: Cuban finally gave him a team he can run with. Expect triple doubles
G- Josh Howard: It's time to get serious, which means he should quit blowin' them trees.
F- Shawn Marion: It will be interesting if he can adapt his game here like he did in Phoenix.
F- Dirk Nowitzki: Only downside to his game is that he really hasn't improved since '06.
C- Erick Dampier: He's better suited to come off bench but Mavs have no one else at C.

Key Reserves
G- Jason Terry: Best sixth man in the league two years running.
G- Jose Barea: Tough as nails at only 5-10 and continues to get better.

F- Tim Thomas: Veteran long-range bomber is a perfect fit for Mavs' up and down style.

F- Kris Humphries: Backup to Dirk will be expected to give five quality minutes per game.

G- Matt Carroll: Another sharpshooter on a team loaded with sharpshooters.

Early prediction: Western Conference Semifinals

 

 

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

G- Andre Miller: He will speed up the tempo and distribute, which makes him a nice fit.
G- Brandon Roy: Playoff experience was something to build on for this emerging superstar.
F- Travis Outlaw: Long, athletic, with excellent mid range game makes him a vital piece.
F- Lamarcus Aldridge: Should gain toughness after Luis Scola pushed him around in playoffs
C- Greg Oden: Assuming he's sound and healthy, should be undisputed starter by October.

Key Reserves
C- Joel Pryzbilla: Underappreciated big is a great locker room teammate and solid defender.
G- Rudy Fernandez: Once he figures out his role, will be dynamite player for years to come.

F- Nicolas Batum: Started some games last year but folded late; has tremendous potential.

G- Steve Blake: Veteran provides much needed stability for young bench.

Early prediction: Western Conference Semifinals

Based on recent free agent acquisitions by the power teams in the NBA, this upcoming season is probably going to be one of the most exciting and competitive of all time.

Who do you think will come out on top?

Whos' your Top 7 and why?

And tell me why the Lakers won't repeat. Or will they?

The Assault Continues...