1. Where do Doc Rivers/CP3/Dwight Howard end up?
I think that all three stay right where they are. I don't think coaches can be traded for players or draft picks like in the NFL. As for CP3 and Howard, they have 30 million reasons to stay put.
2. Will the Bulls make a serious run with Derrick Rose back in the fray?
If Derrick Rose can return to form, the Bulls will be serious contenders.
3. If so, will they, the Pacers, Knicks, or a dark horse upset the Heat and make the finals?
We'll have to see what happens with Miami's rotating cast. Curious to see if Bosh is dealt. At this point, they should gauge the market for interest. He's still a good player, but he's getting paid a lot of money for the same kind of performances that Battier, Anderson and Miller come up with. But at the end of the day, any team with James and a healthy Wade will be tough to beat.
Pacers came close to knocking the Heat off in the ECF, so I give them and the Bulls the best odds at knocking off the Heat. The Knicks, not so much.
4. Are the Lakers or Steve Nash done?
I think that they're done in regards to being legitimate Title Contenders, but I don't see them missing the playoffs.
5. What happens to the Spurs with age creeping up on Tim Duncan (37) and Manu Ginobili (about to be 36)? Will Tony Parker be able to continue his ascent to the league's top echelon enough to make up for a possible slowing down of those two?
Manu might retire. The Spurs should have another good season, but a healthy Thunder team or perhaps the Grizzlies or Clippers could knock them off as is.
6. Stephon Curry: ready to challenge the Thunder for the "heir apparent" status in the West as soon as Kobe and Tim Duncan (possibly) fade out in the next few seasons?
Don't know if the Warriors have what it takes to get past a great defense in the playoffs.
7. Rockets: will James Harden continue to carry them toward the top?
Absolutely. But they need another piece or two in order to make a serious run.
8. Bobcats (eventually Hornets
), Magic, and Timberwolves: status quo or do any of them stop sucking abysmally?
I felt that the Timberwolves have been on the cusp of not sucking for the past two seasons, but they have had a lot of injuries. Signing Love to a long term deal should be their priority.
I've heard Charlotte to be a potential trading partner with Miami to move Bosh. But even with him, I don't see Charlotte getting out of the 1st round, if they get there at all.
Bottom line.... it's far too early to know for sure what's going to happen next year.