NBA

New challengers can’t fend off Heat three-peat

Miami will win again, OK? Let’s get that out of the way. The Three-peat Heat has such a nice ring — even beyond the jewelry part.

There will be championship dreams in two New York City boroughs. Dreamers abound in San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Houston, Chicago and for one team in Los Angeles’ Staples Center — the team with the imported coach from Boston, not the team everyone usually expects.

Dream on. If you’re not wearing Miami colors, dreams will be all you have. Barring catastrophe or LeBron James deciding April is a great time to give baseball a shot, the Heat will reign again.

Terrific story lines flood the NBA. Dwight Howard in Houston via free agency should intrigue (as well as the over/under of 27 days before Howard mentions another team he finds appealing). Thirteen teams have new coaches, and nine of those coaches, including Jason Kidd with the Nets, are doing their first head-coaching tour.

Locally, the Nets have unabashedly talked title.

“Our goal is to win a championship here,” the Nets’ Paul Pierce said on Day 1. “We have the pieces in this locker room to get it done.”

Even Kidd didn’t shy away.

“The goal is to win that gold trophy at the end of the day,” he said. “The goal is to win a championship.”

The Knicks’ biggest star, Carmelo Anthony, was more subdued early in training camp.

“I‘m not going to put that pressure on our team, myself, or our guys to say, ‘It’s championship or bust,’” Anthony said. “I want us to go out there and just play ball, take it one day at a time, get better, have fun with doing that because at the end of the year, if we’re all having fun, then it will be a successful season.”

Try selling that to a Knicks fan.

Every team has something — good or bad — to make it watchable. Golden State under Mark Jackson broke through to the playoffs last season for the first time in six years, the second in 19 seasons, then added the enormous talent of Andre Iguodala. If Andrew Bogut stays healthy (a big if), the Warriors could be one of the NBA’s top stories. Health is a universal concern. If Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love avoid MRI machines, Minnesota could return to the playoffs for the first time in 10 years. In virtually any other year (or decade), the Pacers would seem poised to take that next step to the Finals, but the challenge of the Heat is enormous.

“If we’re healthy as a ball club,” James said, “no matter who you put up against us, we can compete with anybody.”
Change “compete with” to “beat up” and there is no argument.

So everybody is 0-0, everybody has dreams — most of which will be cruelly dashed. Here’s a power-rankings rundown of everybody from first to worst:

1. MIAMI: The Heat have LeBron James. Nobody else does. Enough said. If Greg Oden gives Miami anything up front and Michael Beasley avoids his knucklehead ways, Miami will be better than most fear.

2. INDIANA: The Pacers are huge. The Pacers defend. The Pacers are really good. But the Pacers aren’t good enough to unseat Miami. They added some nice pieces (C.J. Watson, Chris Copeland, Luis Scola) but still rate No. 2 in the East.

3. SAN ANTONIO: The aged Spurs came so close to unseating the Heat. And the aged Spurs, with the NBA’s best coach, Gregg Popovich, could be back again. Yes, Tim Duncan and Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili are old, but Kawhi Leonard and Danny Green are growing and the Spurs added a nice sub in Marco Belinelli.

4. CHICAGO: Derrick Rose is back, looking great. The Bulls, with Joakim Noah and Luol Deng, defend to the death. Provided defensive genius coach Tom Thibodeau doesn’t run guys into the ground, the Bulls will be a nightmare for anyone.

5. L.A. CLIPPERS: There is star power, starting with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. Imported coach Doc Rivers has a championship pedigree. The bench could be a concern, but if the Clippers acquire Rivers’ toughness, maybe they will get the honor of losing to Miami in the Finals.

6. NETS: Yup, Jason Kidd is coaching and Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett are aboard and Brook Lopez looks huge. But if Andrei Kirilenko, one of the slickest offseason moves, plays the way he is capable of playing, even in short doses, the Nets could go really far.

7. HOUSTON: There is a lot more than Dwight Howard. The James Harden-Jeremy Lin backcourt is key. The Rockets have the best backup center in Omer Asik, enjoy playing for coach Kevin McHale and have a strong group of young talent.

8. OKLAHOMA CITY: The Thunder have Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, so they always have a chance. But Westbrook needed a second knee surgery, and when he will become fit is a question. The Thunder hope sixth man Jeremy Lamb replaces Kevin Martin, who replaced James Harden, who really wasn’t replaced.

9. GOLDEN STATE: Coach Mark Jackson brought toughness, and the Stephen Curry-led bunch brought a playoff ticket. The Warriors are really versatile, really fun to watch and really good. Andre Iguodala could bring them to another level — but the big men must stay healthy.

10. MEMPHIS: There is a new coach, Dave Joerger, who moved over one chair to replace Lionel Hollins. There is still size and inside muscle, led by Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, and the NBA’s best defense, led by Tony Allen.

11. KNICKS: The East’s No. 2 seed last season will be hard-pressed to repeat that success. J.R. Smith may start — but he’ll start with a five-game suspension. The Knicks added some good pieces, but Carmelo Anthony must remain healthy.

12. MINNESOTA: Injuries already hit the Timberwolves when Chase Budinger (knee) went down. If the rest of the roster stays healthy, this is a playoff team. Ricky Rubio, Kevin Love, and shooting pickup Kevin Martin are the core.

13. DENVER: New coach Brian Shaw, who learned under Phil Jackson, then in Indiana with Frank Vogel, finds not Kobe nor Michael nor Paul George, but rather a team in transition. Still, with the home-court altitude, Ty Lawson running point and Kenneth Faried rebounding, Denver could slip into the playoffs.

14. DETROIT: The Pistons added Josh Smith to a front line that has Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe (that move, though, could force rearranging) and now have Chauncey Billups and Brandon Jennings in the backcourt. New coach Maurice Cheeks should see an end to a five-year playoff drought.

15. ATLANTA: The Hawks rejoiced at landing free-agent rebound machine Paul Millsap, easing the loss of Josh Smith. But double-double performer Al Horford didn’t celebrate because he’s back at center, longing to be a power forward again.

16. DALLAS: If healthy, Dirk Nowitzki can again perform as one of the elite. The Mavericks were pretty crummy last season, still finished at .500, then added Samuel Dalembert to guard the rim on one end and Monta Ellis to fill it on the other.

17. CLEVELAND: Kyrie Irving is a top-four point guard but needs an injury-free season. If the Cavaliers get anything from Andrew Bynum, they will return to the playoffs. A healthy Anderson Varejao would be nice, and Jarrett Jack’s veteran presence helps the bench. No. 1 pick Anthony Bennett needs to make the future now.

18. WASHINGTON: The Wizards should be in the East playoff mix as one of six teams fighting for three spots. Much depends on Bradley Beal’s development. John Wall has shown he is quality at point. Up front, Nene must stay healthy alongside Marcin Gortat.

19. NEW ORLEANS: It could take time getting used to “Pelicans.” And it could take the Pelicans time getting used to each other. Imported were All-Star point Jrue Holiday to play next to Eric Gordon, plus Tyreke Evans for bench offense. Anthony Davis should take the next step in his second season.

20. PORTLAND: The Blazers added center Robin Lopez and forward Thomas Robinson to contend for the playoffs, important because All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge is getting antsy. Little-guy hero Damian Lillard was Rookie of the Year, but how will new pieces fit?

21. L.A. LAKERS: When does Kobe Bryant get back, and how long after he gets back will he be back to being himself? Figure Pau Gasol trade rumors start early. Steve Nash will be on a minutes watch, and everyone will watch the Lakers struggle.

22. TORONTO: The Raptors added a shooter in former Knick Steve Novak, a tough pebble-in-the-shoe guy in Tyler Hansbrough. Rudy Gay made a difference after his January acquisition, but the key will be the growth of second-year center Jonas Valanciunas.

23. MILWAUKEE: The backcourt was remade with Brandon Knight and O.J. Mayo. Caron Butler joins four man Ersan Ilyasova to give the Bucks some terrific perimeter offense at forward. Larry Sanders was vastly improved and a near double-double center. Still, not enough.

24. BOSTON: Maybe they should grow beards. At least the Celtics would have something to do until Rajon Rondo returns. There are familiar names, but first-time coach Brad Stevens has a weird cast of youth, vets and former Nets. And none is named Pierce or Garnett.

25. ORLANDO: Multi-faceted Victor Oladipo, the No. 2 pick, has impressed with his athleticism and energy. He also defends — and he’ll eventually handle point guard for a team with some nice pieces but in scant supply.

26. UTAH: What will the Jazz get when Trey Burke (fractured finger) is healthy? Rather than wait through the suspense, Utah signed Jamaal Tinsley. Otherwise, there is a lot of youth, including former Net Derrick Favors.

27. CHARLOTTE: One of the nine first-time head coaches, Steve Clifford, replaces Mike Dunlap, who replaced Paul Silas, who replaced Larry Brown — all since 2010. Al Jefferson and Cody Zeller bring size, Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Gerald Henderson bring athleticism. Who brings the wins?

28. SACRAMENTO: It’s never good when your best player is a knucklehead. DeMarcus Cousins is the Kings’ best player. DeMarcus Cousins is a knucklehead. Connect the dots for new coach Mike Malone.

29. PHOENIX: “With the second pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns select …” Youth usually means enthusiasm and energy. Youth also means mistakes and losses. The Suns are enthusiastic and energetic, OK?

30. PHILADELPHIA: The Sixers might make the 12-victory, 2009-10 Nets look good. Philly lost bad-kneed center Andrew Bynum, who did not play, but landed bad-kneed center Nerlens Noel, who might not play.

Post staff predictions

MARC BERMAN

Eastern Conference: 1. Chicago; 2. Miami; 3. Indiana; 4. Knicks; 5. Nets; 6. Cleveland; 7. Atlanta; 8. Detroit

Western Conference: 1. Oklahoma City; 2. Houston; 3. L.A. Clippers; 4. San Antonio; 5. Golden State; 6. L.A. Lakers; 7. Memphis; 8. Denver

Eastern Conference Finals: Chicago over Indiana

Western Conference Finals: Oklahoma City over Houston

NBA Finals: Chicago over Oklahoma City

Most Valuable Player: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City

Rookie of the Year: Victor Oladipo, Orlando

TIM BONTEMPS

Eastern Conference: 1. Chicago; 2. Miami; 3. Nets; 4. Indiana; 5. Knicks; 6. Atlanta; 7. Detroit; 8. Washington

Western Conference: 1. San Antonio; 2. Oklahoma City; 3. Houston; 4. L.A. Clippers; 5. Memphis; 6. Golden State; 7. Dallas; 8. Portland

Eastern Conference Finals: Miami over Chicago

Western Conference Finals: San Antonio over Houston

NBA Finals: Miami over San Antonio

Most Valuable Player: LeBron James, Miami

Rookie of the Year: Victor Oladipo, Orlando

FRED KERBER

Eastern Conference: 1. Miami; 2. Indiana; 3. Chicago; 4. Nets; 5. Knicks; 6. Detroit; 7. Atlanta; 8. Cleveland

Western Conference: 1. San Antonio; 2. L.A. Clippers; 3. Houston; 4. Oklahoma City; 5. Golden State; 6. Memphis; 7. Minnesota; 8. Denver

Eastern Conference Finals: Miami over Indiana

Western Conference Finals: Oklahoma City over L.A. Clippers

NBA Finals: Miami over Oklahoma City

Most Valuable Player: LeBron James, Miami

Rookie of the Year: Victor Oladipo, Orlando

MIKE VACCARO

Eastern Conference: 1. Miami; 2. Chicago; 3. Nets; 4. Indiana; 5. Knicks; 6. Cleveland; 7. Detroit; 8. Washington

Western Conference: 1. Houston; 2. Oklahoma City; 3. L.A. Clippers; 4. Memphis; 5. Golden State; 6. San Antonio; 7. Minnesota; 8. Dallas

Eastern Conference Finals: Chicago over Indiana

Western Conference Finals: Oklahoma City over Houston

NBA Finals: Oklahoma City over Chicago

Most Valuable Player: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City

Rookie of the Year: Victor Oladipo, Orlando