The Mavericks, Trail Blazers, Wizards and Raptors have made significant changes to their rosters. But we will have to wait and see if those changes are going to help team chemistry or ruin it. Washington, Dallas, Portland and Toronto hope to challenge the upgraded rosters of the Orlando Magic, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.

Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have added high-flying Shawn Marion to the mix. Marion will fit perfectly in the Mavericks’ offense because Marion thrives with brilliant point guards. This is the second time Marion will play alongside an elite point guard in Jason Kidd. Marion had his best season with Phoenix because Steve Nash made scoring easier for Marion.

Don’t expect Marion to create shots for himself or for others. He does provide Dallas with perimeter defense and rebounding. Guard JJ Barea has also been developing nicely for the Mavericks. Still, Dallas doesn’t have enough tools to compete with the Lakers.

Portland Trail Blazers

Portland will be a much better team this year. With the addition of the underrated Andre Miller, the Blazers look to make a deep run into the playoffs. He is a slight upgrade over Steve Blake because Miller can play occasional defense. Expect Brandon Roy’s and LaMarcus Aldrige’s stats to increase this year. Miller will get them the ball in their favorite spots.

Washinton Wizards

Superstar guard Gilbert Arenas is currently showing no signs of having surgery on his knee. According to reports, Arenas is looking quick and fully recovered. If Arenas has recovered to his 2007 form the league better watch out. He is one of the most explosive scorers in the NBA but if the Wizards want to get into the second round of the playoffs, Arenas should start working on his defense.

Mike Miller will take some of the offensive burden from Arenas. Every time opponents double-team Arenas, Miller will be standing behind the arc ready to shoot. It makes the Wizards offense much more versatile and it forces teams to spread their defense. Only thing missing from the Wizards offense? A go to post-up player.

Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors snagged wingman Hedo Turkoglu from the Orlando Magic. Turkoglu will provide play making skills. His passing ability will make the Raptors more potent offensively. With the addition of Turkoglu, the Raptors hope that he will provide guidance to Andrea Bargnani and Jose Calderon.

Raptors need to step up defensively if they hope to make the playoffs this year.