Last Sunday I walked into the Raptors locker room before the game to see Jarrett Jack talking with Sonny Weems about what he’ll do on the defensive end based on specific offensive sets the Wizards run.

This kind of tutelage wasn’t a one time thing.

Kevin Garnett looks like a ghost of the player I’ve seen the past few seasons.

One play that sticks out came in the first quarter when Garnett was camped under the basket for an easy rebound but Andrea Bargani was able to drop down from the foul line and steal the rebound. Not only that, but in a couple fluid movements Bargnani was able to spin by Garnett and finish the play off with an impressive dunk.

There’s no way either of these things would have happened last season.

Looking for the inside scoop on all the offseason moves made by teams in the Northwest Division? Check out his list of Northwest Division team previews that will give you a thorough understanding of all the moves these teams made leading up to this season.

Hedo Turkoglu reflects the new global face of this organization, and stands as a true representative of the city and people who support it: diverse, cosmopolitan, unprovincial.

Pops Mensah-Bonsu got a warm reception when he entered the game midway through the first quarter. The former fan favourite turned in an inspired performance with 13 points, 7 boards and five blocks in just 23 minutes of burn.

Looking for the inside scoop on all the offseason moves made by teams in the Central Division? Check out his list of Central Division team previews that will give you a thorough understanding of all the moves these teams made leading up to this season.

This past weekend Hoops Addict was able to talk with Caron Butler about how great it is to finally have everyone on Washington’s roster healthy again, his goals for the upcoming season, if he’s hungry to be named to the All-Star team this season, the new emphasis he’s put on what kinds of food he consumes and the three coaches the Wizards have had over the past 12 months.

The Los Angeles Lakers are built around Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant. Gasol will be his predictably efficient, lethal self and will repeat as an All-Star. Bryant will continue to adjust his game to suit his team’s needs and increasing age.

Together, they should guide Los Angeles back to the NBA Finals, and to another title.

One of the big players today for the Raptors was Amir Johnson with his great hustle. After the game I talked with him about his block on Nick Young, his 12 rebounds and how each time I see him he has a new battle wound somewhere on his face.

Here is a rundown of team previews from all the teams in the Southwest Division.