SUPERFRIENDS
This is the category of teams that are great in either category and good in the other. They are very talented teams that also get along well. They know each other like the back of their hand, and this allows them to get results. 
Los Angeles Clippers
TALENT: GREAT
COHESION: GOOD
A few years after landing the #1 pick, the Clippers look primed to take the Pacific by storm. They've done this by landing some great talent, like Dirk, Delonte, and Elton. But they've also kept the strong locker room that has been a foundation since Durant's arrival. "He's a great leader for this team, and everyone just wants to win for him," a locker room source says.
Cleveland Cavaliers
TALENT: GREAT
COHESION: GOOD
What a difference a year makes! Last year, the locker room was tight although the team didn't have a general manager or owner. Now the team has a new front office and a ton of new talent. They're one of the most talented teams after acquiring Caron Butler, and according to sources he's the reason the locker room hasn't divided. "Caron was raised on the tough streets of Racine, and he knows how to get people to listen. He made sure there were no power struggles when he showed up." There are rumors that Mehmet Okur was put off by Caron's speeches, but it hasn't affected their cohesion.
San Antonio Spurs
TALENT: GOOD
COHESION: GREAT
The only Superfriends team with good talent but great cohesion, the Spurs made a late playoff push which some feel contributed to their locker room unity. Also what helps is the great training staff, that is known for rejuvenating players' careers. "I can get any injury and within a few months I'm good at new," said Luis Scola.
New Jersey Nets
TALENT: GREAT
COHESION: GOOD
No surprise to see them in this group after the trade for Tracy McGrady. The Atlantic is theirs for the taking, and the team is excited with the new expectations. "I loved Sacramento, but this team is already like family to me," McGrady said. "Jameer and the Caveman already told me it's my show to run, and I can't wait to get started."
Seattle Supersonics
TALENT: GREAT
COHESION: GOOD
It's a little surprising the unity of this team is so good, especially since the Sonics have shifted about roster pieces almost weekly for the past three years now. But the result is unmistakably among the most talented in the league. And Rashard Lewis is incredibly happy about the Steven Hunter trade: "This guy is a professional. He really inspires me to be better every day."
STRONG AND SOLID
These are the teams that have good cohesion and good talent. They have a chance to be among the top teams in the league because of their talent and willingness to work together to win. Let's meet em!
New York Knicks
TALENT: GOOD
COHESION: GOOD
The Knicks are still a good team, and their team is unified and strong. Even though every team in the Atlantic seemingly got better thanks to the Royal Deconstruction of 2009, no one on the Knicks seem particularly worried. "I trust every one of my brothers," Carmelo Anthony said. Reports are that Andy Varejao was so happy to be traded to New York that he cried.
Minnesota Timberwolves
TALENT: GOOD
COHESION: GOOD
Back to normal for the Wolves, who spent last year for the first time on the outside of the two good categories on this list. They signed Carlos Boozer and Jamaal Magloire, and they drafted some players with potential. Through it all, they've kept the trust that made this team outperform expectations last year. "It's all Chris," said a locker room source. "He's the one constant, and he never shows any disappointment. His enthusiasm for this team is contagious."
Atlanta Hawks
TALENT: GOOD
COHESION: GOOD
A disappointing first round exit and a slight drop in talent from last year hasn't hurt the attitude of the Hawks. They're still confident in their ability, and confident in their twin towers of Pau Gasol and Tim Duncan to lead them back to where they want to go. A secret to the building chemistry in Atlanta? "Devin Harris, man. We call him the class clown. He's always cracking us up," says newcomer Sasha Vujacic.
Miami Heat
TALENT: GOOD
COHESION: GOOD
It's so nice to see the Heat in a strong category! After years of backstage politicking, egos clashing, and roster turnover, GM logpmess may have found a winning formula. Even noted diva LeBron James has come out with a more positive message for his team. "It has to be the potential of winning," a locker room source said. "Sure, there are still some unhappy campers, like Josh Boone and Shelden Williams. But LeBron is excited because he can see a chance to contend, and most of the other players are on board."
Golden State Warriors
TALENT: GOOD
COHESION: GOOD
Two years ago they were bad talent, good cohesion. Last year they were poor talent, good cohesion. And this year, thanks to hitting the draft lottery and snagging wunderkind Stephen Curry, they've shot up to the strong and solid section. The same unity remains, but along with it is a lot of optimism for the playoffs. "I didn't expect to have this much hope so early in my career," DeAndre Jordan said.
Los Angeles Lakers
TALENT: GOOD
COHESION: GOOD
They may have lost Kobe, but they made a great trade for Amare Stoudemire, and they haven't skipped a beat. Even with Kobe's leadership gone, J.R. Smith's maturity has really helped the team gel. "We can always count on Earl to make the right decision at all times," Mike Conley said.
GOOD, BUT...
This category is filled with teams who are good or great in one category but average or worse in the other. There are some things to like about these teams, but there are questions in either talent or chemistry that could threaten their championship hopes. Last year for the first time, a team from this category won the championship. So it can happen!
Washington Wizards
TALENT: AVERAGE
COHESION: GOOD
They acquired star point guard Kirk Hinrich, but Brandon Roy lost a step in training camp. All in all, the team won't blow you away on paper. But as always, they show up to work happy and ready to take on the Atlantic division. "It starts from the top. With such nice guys running the team, it's hard not to be excited to play here," said Danny Granger.
Phoenix Suns
TALENT: AVERAGE
COHESION: GOOD
No change in either area from last year for Phoenix. There have been reports that Matt Bonner is unhappy with Kevin Love taking all of his minutes, but the locker room has pulled together despite the incident. They know where they are this year, especially with the poor training camp from Andris Biedrins, but they still have unity and optimism.
Milwaukee Bucks
TALENT: GREAT
COHESION: AVERAGE
Last year the Bucks sported great talent and average cohesion and won the title. This year they are primed to do it again. Why average? Well, as usual, most players feel that the general manager doesn't make moves to improve the team, but just because he's bored. "We think he just likes looking at his roster page and seeing new names," said an unnamed player. All the same, that title proves he's doing something right.
Denver Nuggets
TALENT: BAD
COHESION: GOOD
Winning two titles does you a lot of favors. Basically you can let your free agents go for nothing, trade your star for a young point guard, and overpay for minimal free agents to hit the cap floor, and people will still believe in your management. That's the route the Denver front office is going, and although they won't be a contender by any means, the locker room still trusts in The Syndicate.
Dallas Mavericks
TALENT: BAD
COHESION: GREAT
The team won't win anything soon, but the Mavericks are one of only two teams to have great cohesion. It has to be the twin power of Brook and Robin Lopez. "It's amazing how different they are, but both are still effective locker room leaders," an assistant coach told us. "Robin is the funny one, always clowning around and making friends. Brook is stoic and presents himself as a lead by example guy. The result is a team that would go to the ends of the earth for the Lopez brothers."
Toronto Raptors
TALENT: AVERAGE
COHESION: GOOD
The Raptors lost Joe Johnson, but they gained Andrew Bynum and DeMar DeRozan. And most importantly, they kept Tim Thomas, who came back to Toronto with a message: "I love this city, I love this team, and I am dedicated to the North for the rest of my career."
MEH
This category is for the teams that are average in both talent and cohesion. These teams could be good, or they could be bad. At this point, it depends on coaching, because the team builders haven't done them many favors.
New Orleans Hornets
TALENT: AVERAGE
COHESION: AVERAGE
The good news is that the Hornets retained Zach Randolph and traded for Baron Davis. The bad news is the team appears to have lost talent and locker room cohesion. "The players loved Iggy," said a trainer who asked not to be named. "Now he's gone and Baron is in his place." The Heat weren't unified last year and the Hornets were. Now the Heat look unified and the Hornets have average cohesion. Lowest common denominator? B Diddy.
Philadelphia 76ers
TALENT: AVERAGE
COHESION: AVERAGE
You can usually count on the Sixers to have a strong, supportive locker room despite lacking in talent. This year, however, it isn't there. It isn't a bad environment, but the brotherhood isn't exactly palpable. "If you ask me, I think that trade did it," an unnamed source said. "We got rid of young star Tyreke, who was really bonding with Monta and Nate. And now we have Tyson Chandler, who seems standoffish and unfriendly." To cap it off, Josh Childress went missing for a few weeks and didn't explain where he had been when he returned. Hopefully things improve in Philly.
Indiana Pacers
TALENT: AVERAGE
COHESION: AVERAGE
This team has more talent than this rating, and it has to be because the roster size is only 9. But that doesn't explain the mediocre locker room cohesion, which can likely be attributed to newcomer C.J. Watson, who was reportedly asking assistant coaches, "Why do people think Deron is better than me? I should definitely be the starter."
NEEDS ATTENTION
The final category, the largest one, is for teams that have at least one category poor or bad, and have no good categories to make up for it. I'm not going to automatically disqualify these teams from making the playoffs, but I will say that if they want to make it, they'll need some vast improvement or teambuilding exercises. Because it ain't pretty.
Chicago Bulls
TALENT: POOR
COHESION: POOR
No front office, no chemistry, no hope? Chicago has had a rough few years, and even though they drafted some good players recently, the forecast isn't pretty in Chicago. "James Harden already thinks he's a star," an unnamed source said. "And the league representatives don't seem to care about how to run the team, so it's like leaving mayonnaise out in the sun."
Houston Rockets
TALENT: POOR
COHESION: AVERAGE
The Rockets' offseason looked bright. They signed Kobe and Ike Diogu. Then training camp happened and blew away all the hard work they'd put in. The team looks lost, and it's left one potential young star unhappy. "Thaddeus Young is livid with front office's management of training camp," a source close to the situation said. "He heard the general manager daring the TC gods to strike them down, and he didn't spend enough time insuring Young had a good camp. As a result, Young regressed and he blames the cockiness of the GM."
VanMemphis Grizzlies
TALENT: BAD
COHESION: AVERAGE
The Grizzlies are only a year removed from a division title, but they took a few steps back this offseason. They lost Bynum, declined nearly all of their players, and started fresh. Now, because they stressed to their players that this was by design, they haven't completely lost the locker room. But it may take some getting used to. "Just a few months ago I was holding a division title, heading into the playoffs with optimism. Today, I'm looking at .500 at best. It's just weird," said Kyle Lowry.
Detroit Pistons
TALENT: POOR
COHESION: AVERAGE
The Pistons have youth and talent. They should be better than they are. With only 8 players signed, and one of them Earl Clark, the Pistons need more depth before their talent can truly shine. As for the cohesion, front office hopes that Dwight and LaMarcus eventually get along, but the hope doesn't look good right now.
Portland Trailblazers
TALENT: BAD
COHESION: BAD
Not too many teams this year actually have visible problems with chemistry. Most are average at worst. Meet the exception! The Blazers have had bad chemistry for a long time, and not even nice guy Blake Griffin changes that. "I love everyone. I hope they love me," says their young draft pick. I asked around the locker room, and I've got bad news. They don't love you, Blake.
Orlando Magic
TALENT: POOR
COHESION: AVERAGE
Great preseason, but it doesn't look great for the Magic on paper. They're a marginally talented team with young guys and a grueling division. But hey, at least they're not fighting with each other yet, and they have their own draft pick for once!
Sacramento Kings
TALENT: POOR
COHESION: AVERAGE
After years of great talent and good cohesion, the former superfriends have been ravaged by the Royal Deconstruction of 2009. Gone are Chandler, TMac, and Kirk. Now here are Mozgov, DC, and Reke. And while the young team will surely grow and get better, right now they're still feeling each other out. "I saw Darren brush his teeth before AND after lunch," Evans said. "Who does that?"
Utah Jazz
TALENT: POOR
COHESION: POOR
Some things don't change. The Jazz aren't talented enough to contend, nor unified enough to make a run. Ricky Rubio is the new guy in town, but he's already said some disparaging things about his new home. "It's ugly, plain, and the people are crazy. No strong beer, no beautiful women. It's torture to live here." His agent recently said that his English isn't very good so he may have not realized what he was saying.
Boston Celtics
TALENT: POOR
COHESION: AVERAGE
Last year's lone Superfriends team is super no more. After Carlos Boozer decided to leave a supermax on the table, the Celtics were forced to abandon their plans of contention and shipped Steven Hunter off. Right now they have a mishmash of players who are suffering from the collapse of expectations in a brutal Atlantic division. It may be a lost year for Boston.
