Even though the NBA season is still extremely young, I am pleased to say I have witnessed a very distinct difference between this season and campaigns of the past: player complaints. Magic Point Guard, Jason Williams, will be missing Orlando's heavily publicized encounter with the Miami Heat tonight (which is Miami's home-opener) for making contact with an official. Williams was ejected from Thursday night's matchup against the Washington Wizards, for tugging on the arm of referee Tony Brothers, while arguing a call. The act itself may seem as demonstrative as a toddler tugging on their Mother's dress, but the rules clearly state that players cannot have any physical contact with an official. None.
The fact that Williams was suspended shows the NBA may actually be taking the necessary steps to clean up the endless whining and complaining that plagues virtually every game on the schedule. Now I'm not going to name any names here (*cough* Tim Duncan *cough*) but there have been countless instances after witnessing a bevy of eye rolls, arm raises, wrist slaps, and mouth-agape stares, that I wanted to sit an NBA player down and recite the "Act your age, not your shoe size" line until their ears are bleeding. Being a moderately average basketball player, I can honestly say I have been guilty of the same offenses on more than one occasion (My favorite player is Rasheed Wallace. What do you expect?). But I can also say from experience that all of these little gestures, tactics, and verbal outbursts simply don't work. If anything, they tend to work against you. Referees are not very open to criticism, so they definitely won't give a player the benefit of a close call, when two plays earlier that same player essentially told him a trained chimp could do his job better.
As aforementioned, I do understand the need to inform an official when the strong feeling is they have wronged your team, or even yourself. But there are better ways to convey your displeasure than showering a referee with boos and calling them blind. If we push back our anger and frustration for a moment we will realize the officials are people just like us, and they aren't trying to blow calls.
No matter what I say, a referee is always going to be the most unpopular person at a basketball game (unless LeBron is playing), but how professional players respond will ultimately decide the reactions of fans and younger players. Like it or not, NBA players are role models for aspiring basketball players, and high school/college players emulating their favorite ballers does nothing but continue the cycle of complaining. Disagreeing with an official is an inevitability, but acting like a professional should always be the standard.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Save the Headshots for X-Box Live
Much to my surprise it is reported the NFL could possibly start suspending players for helmet-to-helmet hits. If these reports are true, then I applaud the NFL's decision. I have covered serious injuries in a previous discussion (see: Vain and Suffering), but helmet-to-helmet hits can be controlled – to a certain extent – by the players themselves. Not only are helmet-to-helmet hits technically inappropriate (most football players are not taught to lead with their helmets), they are also extremely dangerous to the player receiving the hit and the player applying the hit, alike. We saw an example this Sunday during the Philadelphia vs. Atlanta game, when Falcons' Cornerback, Dunta Robinson's hit on Eagles' receiver, DeSean Jackson, resulted in both players leaving the game, and a concussion for Jackson.
If the NFL were to take the steps to actually put a suspension rule into effect this season, it would be an unprecedented development. In recent years the NHL has changed rules mid-season, and even during a playoff series, but the NFL has always stood fast and refused to acknowledge on-field issues until the off-season. I, for one, sincerely hope the NFL gets out of its own way and suspends players for helmet-to-helmet hits, because it is obvious that fines aren't doing the trick.
I know there is a tendency to cringe when discussing less violence in football, because the sport is based on brutality. I am no exception. I believe all the rules to protect Quarterbacks are ridiculous, and there has been many a time when I have jumped out of my chair while screaming “you got jacked up!” when a Middle Linebacker unloads on an unsuspecting receiver running a crossing route. However, it seems to me that a line needs to be drawn when brain damage, paralysis, and even death, could possibly be an outcome. I honestly believe professional football players can avoid driving their helmets into other player's helmets on most occasions; and they should do so, for the fans, for their fellow players, and for themselves.
If the NFL were to take the steps to actually put a suspension rule into effect this season, it would be an unprecedented development. In recent years the NHL has changed rules mid-season, and even during a playoff series, but the NFL has always stood fast and refused to acknowledge on-field issues until the off-season. I, for one, sincerely hope the NFL gets out of its own way and suspends players for helmet-to-helmet hits, because it is obvious that fines aren't doing the trick.
I know there is a tendency to cringe when discussing less violence in football, because the sport is based on brutality. I am no exception. I believe all the rules to protect Quarterbacks are ridiculous, and there has been many a time when I have jumped out of my chair while screaming “you got jacked up!” when a Middle Linebacker unloads on an unsuspecting receiver running a crossing route. However, it seems to me that a line needs to be drawn when brain damage, paralysis, and even death, could possibly be an outcome. I honestly believe professional football players can avoid driving their helmets into other player's helmets on most occasions; and they should do so, for the fans, for their fellow players, and for themselves.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
NBA Pre-season: You're the Best, Around
We end our NBA rankings with the "favorites" for this upcoming season. Most of these teams in my top ten have a chance to bring home an NBA Championship, and all should, at the very least, make the playoffs.
10. San Antonio Spurs
The biggest problem for San Antonio is going to be age. Tim Duncan can't stay healthy forever, and Manu Ginobili is already showing the effects of his age and playing style. The Spurs do have some young talent with George Hill, DeJuan Blair, and Tiago Splitter (who looked impressive on Brazil's National Team), but the core of this team is a bit too long-in-the-tooth for me to consider them a genuine contender. It is also yet to be seen whether the trade rumors from the off-season will affect Tony Parker or not.
9. Atlanta Hawks
Even though Atlanta seemed to quit in the playoffs last season against Orlando, they still have one of the more talented teams in the East. Jeff Teague proved to be a reliable backup to Mike Bibby at the end of the season, and the Hawks managed to hold onto Joe Johnson in the off-season, even though they drastically overpaid for him. The issue I have with Atlanta is not their ability, but rather their mental strength. The implosion in the playoffs essentially cost Mike Woodson his job as head coach, and Jamal Crawford has very publicly been demanding a contract extension. The Hawks will make the playoffs, but they don't have the makeup of a champion.
8. Portland Trailblazers
This is it. This is the year Greg Oden stays healthy. I realize you are reading this and can't hear the lack of conviction in my voice, but you get the picture. The truth is I truly hope Oden can stay on the court this season, because he is a genuinely good guy, and has the ability to be a difference-maker for Portland. Even if Oden is still limited (or absent) the Blazers do have depth in the front-court, and the addition of Wesley Matthews will have an immediate impact on Portland's perimeter defense. The key for this team--like so many others--is going to be health. Brandon Roy was injured going into last season's playoff run, while Oden and Joel Przybilla both missed significant time at the Center position. If all their core players stay relatively healthy, Portland can contend.
7. Dallas Mavericks
The only significant move Dallas made was the acquisition of Tyson Chandler, who may not even start if Brendan Haywood continues to play well. I was very surprised at owner, Mark Cuban, who neglected to pursue any of the free agents on the market this off-season. I understand his first priority was re-signing Dirk Nowitzki, but I believe he had the opportunity to surround his All-Star with more talent. Swapping Josh Howard for Caron Butler last season was a wise decision--considering Butler's ability and Howard's off-the-court issues--but Jason Kidd is in the twilight of his career, while Shawn Marion and Jason Terry both showed signs of regression last season. The window is still open for the Mavs to win a title, but the road through the West will not be an easy one.
6. Orlando Magic
It will do Stan Van Gundy well to utilize Brandon Bass more this season. Rashard Lewis creates matchup problems at Power Forward but he has struggled since signing with Orlando, and has never been a good defender. Moving Lewis to his natural position at Small Forward would give the Magic more beef in the front-court, while still allowing the offense to work through Dwight Howard. The loss of Matt Barnes to the Lakers will significantly hurt Orlando, though, as he was the only player in the rotation to add any toughness to the team. I also still don't trust Vince Carter to perform at a high level in the playoffs, but if Howard can improve in the post (and stay out of foul trouble) all Vince will need to do is knock down open jumpshots. It will be difficult for Orlando to get past the top teams in the East, but if they do, Van Gundy's crew matches up well against most of the favorites in the West.
5. Boston Celtics
While Boston does have one of the more talented squads in the league, the front office seemed to overlook one simple fact this off-season: they are an old team that just kept getting older. I understand the need to re-sign Paul Pierce and have him retire as a Celtic, but the Big Three don't have many productive years left, and all of them--especially Kevin Garnett--are showing it. But instead of getting some fresh, new players, Boston aged itself even more by adding a pair of over-the-hill O'Neal's (Jermaine and Shaq) and brought back Delonte West, who wasn't even welcome in Cleveland. Even though I don't support the decisions the Celtics have made, I will not discount them, based on their recent success and the track records of their core players. I do not, however, see this team reaching the finals for a third time in four seasons.
4. Chicago Bulls
Chicago seems to be the "sexy" pick at the moment--and that scares me--but I believe they can live up to the hype. Carlos Boozer gives the Bulls a legitimate post-scorer, which they have not had since the days of Elton Brand. While Boozer did sustain a broken pinky finger, the injury does not appear to threaten his availability for the regular season. One off-season acquisition that will also have positive impact in the Windy City is the signing of Kyle Korver. Korver will extend defenses to the three-point arc, and allow Boozer more room to work in the paint, while also providing an outlet when Derrick Rose drives the lane. Chicago seems to have addressed their major needs in the off-season, and look primed to make a run this year.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
My legs are still sore from how quickly I jumped on this team's bandwagon last season, but I don't plan on getting off anytime soon. Not only does OKC have my pick for this year's MVP, Kevin Durant, but the emergence of Serge Ibaka should allow the Thunder to play a more traditional lineup this season, which will be an asset in the playoffs. Last season the Thunder seemed to have the opposite problem as the Celtics; they were too young. Unlike Boston, OKC actually addressed the issue by bringing in veteran swingman, Morris Peterson, to mentor James Harden (who is a fellow lefty). I also approved of trading for the rights to Cole Aldrich on draft day, because his high-energy, bruising style of play will be a nice counter to Nenad Krstic's finesse at the Center position. If Durant continues to dominate,and Russell Westbrook can follow up on his momentum from being on Team USA, then the Thunder could make a legitimate run at a title.
2. Miami Heat
I'm not one to get caught up in hype, but when you look at the talent that's been assembled in Miami, it's hard to not get excited. Wade, Bosh, and James have all been perennial All-Stars since they came into the league, and while some may say their egos are too big to coexist on the same team, I beg to differ. What appears to be a distinct difference between these three and other superstar teammates--like Shaq and Kobe--is James, Wade, and Bosh seem to genuinely like each other, which could contribute extensively to their success. There has also been the criticism that none of them will want to share the ball, but all three showed a willingness to do so on Team USA two years ago. If you consider a gold medal to be a success, then I think that worked out pretty well for them. Now, there are still some question marks on the Heat, such as the starters at Point Guard and Center, but this team has talent beyond just Miami Thrice. We know Zydrunas Ilgauskas can play with LeBron because of their time together in Cleveland, and Mike Miller's shooting ability will be an asset for when defenses attempt double-teams. I know many people will be inclined to hate on the Heat because of the circumstances surrounding their acquisition of talent. The reality, however, is that this team is going to be successful, and they have an excellent chance of winning several championships.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
When you are the two-time defending champs, that puts you at the top of my list. The Lakers re-loaded this off-season by bringing in Steve Blake, Theo Ratliff, and Matt Barnes (who is like a young Ron Artest, but with a better jumpshot). Barnes is the key addition to the roster. His physical defense will help lighten the burden on the defensively-challenged, Pau Gasol. Interchanging Barnes and Artest--or having the two play at the same time--will also be crucial to the Lakers control of the paint until Andrew Bynum is fully healed (so he can get injured right before the playoffs for the fourth year in a row). The Lakers have essentially all their key players returning from last year's championship team (Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom, and Shannon Brown, to name a few), but the determining factor for this team will always be Kobe Bryant. If Kobe can maintain his level of play with all the bangs and bruises he has sustained over the past two seasons, then LA should find itself in the finals with a chance to complete Coach Phil Jackson's fourth three-peat.
So there you have it, the NBA season by the numbers. Now you don't even have to watch the games. But seriously, you should watch as much as you can, because my one prediction I'm sure will be correct, is this is going to be a memorable season.
10. San Antonio Spurs
The biggest problem for San Antonio is going to be age. Tim Duncan can't stay healthy forever, and Manu Ginobili is already showing the effects of his age and playing style. The Spurs do have some young talent with George Hill, DeJuan Blair, and Tiago Splitter (who looked impressive on Brazil's National Team), but the core of this team is a bit too long-in-the-tooth for me to consider them a genuine contender. It is also yet to be seen whether the trade rumors from the off-season will affect Tony Parker or not.
9. Atlanta Hawks
Even though Atlanta seemed to quit in the playoffs last season against Orlando, they still have one of the more talented teams in the East. Jeff Teague proved to be a reliable backup to Mike Bibby at the end of the season, and the Hawks managed to hold onto Joe Johnson in the off-season, even though they drastically overpaid for him. The issue I have with Atlanta is not their ability, but rather their mental strength. The implosion in the playoffs essentially cost Mike Woodson his job as head coach, and Jamal Crawford has very publicly been demanding a contract extension. The Hawks will make the playoffs, but they don't have the makeup of a champion.
8. Portland Trailblazers
This is it. This is the year Greg Oden stays healthy. I realize you are reading this and can't hear the lack of conviction in my voice, but you get the picture. The truth is I truly hope Oden can stay on the court this season, because he is a genuinely good guy, and has the ability to be a difference-maker for Portland. Even if Oden is still limited (or absent) the Blazers do have depth in the front-court, and the addition of Wesley Matthews will have an immediate impact on Portland's perimeter defense. The key for this team--like so many others--is going to be health. Brandon Roy was injured going into last season's playoff run, while Oden and Joel Przybilla both missed significant time at the Center position. If all their core players stay relatively healthy, Portland can contend.
7. Dallas Mavericks
The only significant move Dallas made was the acquisition of Tyson Chandler, who may not even start if Brendan Haywood continues to play well. I was very surprised at owner, Mark Cuban, who neglected to pursue any of the free agents on the market this off-season. I understand his first priority was re-signing Dirk Nowitzki, but I believe he had the opportunity to surround his All-Star with more talent. Swapping Josh Howard for Caron Butler last season was a wise decision--considering Butler's ability and Howard's off-the-court issues--but Jason Kidd is in the twilight of his career, while Shawn Marion and Jason Terry both showed signs of regression last season. The window is still open for the Mavs to win a title, but the road through the West will not be an easy one.
6. Orlando Magic
It will do Stan Van Gundy well to utilize Brandon Bass more this season. Rashard Lewis creates matchup problems at Power Forward but he has struggled since signing with Orlando, and has never been a good defender. Moving Lewis to his natural position at Small Forward would give the Magic more beef in the front-court, while still allowing the offense to work through Dwight Howard. The loss of Matt Barnes to the Lakers will significantly hurt Orlando, though, as he was the only player in the rotation to add any toughness to the team. I also still don't trust Vince Carter to perform at a high level in the playoffs, but if Howard can improve in the post (and stay out of foul trouble) all Vince will need to do is knock down open jumpshots. It will be difficult for Orlando to get past the top teams in the East, but if they do, Van Gundy's crew matches up well against most of the favorites in the West.
5. Boston Celtics
While Boston does have one of the more talented squads in the league, the front office seemed to overlook one simple fact this off-season: they are an old team that just kept getting older. I understand the need to re-sign Paul Pierce and have him retire as a Celtic, but the Big Three don't have many productive years left, and all of them--especially Kevin Garnett--are showing it. But instead of getting some fresh, new players, Boston aged itself even more by adding a pair of over-the-hill O'Neal's (Jermaine and Shaq) and brought back Delonte West, who wasn't even welcome in Cleveland. Even though I don't support the decisions the Celtics have made, I will not discount them, based on their recent success and the track records of their core players. I do not, however, see this team reaching the finals for a third time in four seasons.
4. Chicago Bulls
Chicago seems to be the "sexy" pick at the moment--and that scares me--but I believe they can live up to the hype. Carlos Boozer gives the Bulls a legitimate post-scorer, which they have not had since the days of Elton Brand. While Boozer did sustain a broken pinky finger, the injury does not appear to threaten his availability for the regular season. One off-season acquisition that will also have positive impact in the Windy City is the signing of Kyle Korver. Korver will extend defenses to the three-point arc, and allow Boozer more room to work in the paint, while also providing an outlet when Derrick Rose drives the lane. Chicago seems to have addressed their major needs in the off-season, and look primed to make a run this year.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
My legs are still sore from how quickly I jumped on this team's bandwagon last season, but I don't plan on getting off anytime soon. Not only does OKC have my pick for this year's MVP, Kevin Durant, but the emergence of Serge Ibaka should allow the Thunder to play a more traditional lineup this season, which will be an asset in the playoffs. Last season the Thunder seemed to have the opposite problem as the Celtics; they were too young. Unlike Boston, OKC actually addressed the issue by bringing in veteran swingman, Morris Peterson, to mentor James Harden (who is a fellow lefty). I also approved of trading for the rights to Cole Aldrich on draft day, because his high-energy, bruising style of play will be a nice counter to Nenad Krstic's finesse at the Center position. If Durant continues to dominate,and Russell Westbrook can follow up on his momentum from being on Team USA, then the Thunder could make a legitimate run at a title.
2. Miami Heat
I'm not one to get caught up in hype, but when you look at the talent that's been assembled in Miami, it's hard to not get excited. Wade, Bosh, and James have all been perennial All-Stars since they came into the league, and while some may say their egos are too big to coexist on the same team, I beg to differ. What appears to be a distinct difference between these three and other superstar teammates--like Shaq and Kobe--is James, Wade, and Bosh seem to genuinely like each other, which could contribute extensively to their success. There has also been the criticism that none of them will want to share the ball, but all three showed a willingness to do so on Team USA two years ago. If you consider a gold medal to be a success, then I think that worked out pretty well for them. Now, there are still some question marks on the Heat, such as the starters at Point Guard and Center, but this team has talent beyond just Miami Thrice. We know Zydrunas Ilgauskas can play with LeBron because of their time together in Cleveland, and Mike Miller's shooting ability will be an asset for when defenses attempt double-teams. I know many people will be inclined to hate on the Heat because of the circumstances surrounding their acquisition of talent. The reality, however, is that this team is going to be successful, and they have an excellent chance of winning several championships.
1. Los Angeles Lakers
When you are the two-time defending champs, that puts you at the top of my list. The Lakers re-loaded this off-season by bringing in Steve Blake, Theo Ratliff, and Matt Barnes (who is like a young Ron Artest, but with a better jumpshot). Barnes is the key addition to the roster. His physical defense will help lighten the burden on the defensively-challenged, Pau Gasol. Interchanging Barnes and Artest--or having the two play at the same time--will also be crucial to the Lakers control of the paint until Andrew Bynum is fully healed (so he can get injured right before the playoffs for the fourth year in a row). The Lakers have essentially all their key players returning from last year's championship team (Derek Fisher, Lamar Odom, and Shannon Brown, to name a few), but the determining factor for this team will always be Kobe Bryant. If Kobe can maintain his level of play with all the bangs and bruises he has sustained over the past two seasons, then LA should find itself in the finals with a chance to complete Coach Phil Jackson's fourth three-peat.
So there you have it, the NBA season by the numbers. Now you don't even have to watch the games. But seriously, you should watch as much as you can, because my one prediction I'm sure will be correct, is this is going to be a memorable season.
Monday, October 4, 2010
NBA Pre-season: Middle of the Pack
Continuing on with our NBA rankings is the section for teams which could be headed for the playoffs, or the lottery. Most of these teams have the talent to win games, but can't be consider legitimate contenders for an NBA Championship.
20. New Jersey Nets
Even if they can somehow manage to steal Carmelo Anthony away from Denver (of which I still have a great deal of doubt) this is still a team that won just twelve games last season. Jay-Z's club added depth in underrated players, Jordan Farmar and Travis Outlaw, but are paying Troy Murphy $12 million this season, which might very well be the textbook definition of "overpaying". Devin Harris and Brook Lopez will continue to improve to the point that Jersey will add significant W's this season, but not enough to be any kind of a threat.
19. Charlotte Bobcats
While MJ's Bobcats do have a considerable amount of talent on their roster, they seem to lack motivation. Even though Stephen Jackson can still be a dynamic scorer, and Gerald Wallace has emerged as an All-Star, Charlotte still lacks quality big-men. Nazr Mohammed and DeSagana Diop both have their best years behind them, and the newly-acquired Kwame Brown will not help out with Charlotte's biggest need: a scorer in the post. This team may make the playoffs in a weak Eastern Conference, but don't expect them to get out of the first round.
18. New York Knicks
Remember what I said about Troy Murphy? Well, in that textbook there should be a footnote reading "Also see: Amare Stoudemire." Stoudemire is a very good player, but he cannot carry an offense. I believe we will see the true value of Steve Nash when Amare struggles to find his way in an offense led by Raymond Felton. The Knicks, like the Bobcats, have a chance to sneak into a playoff spot in a top-heavy East, but they don't have the depth to contend.
17. Los Angeles Clippers
LA will be asking the same question as several other teams in the West: "Can our young, big-man stay healthy?" In the Clipper's case, this player is Power Forward, Blake Griffin, who missed all of last season with a knee injury. Many believe that Griffin can contend for Rookie of the Year (even though he is in his second season) if he can stay on the court. As a fan, I hope Griffin can last the whole season-- because he is entertaining to watch-- but he has had injury problems dating back to his college days at Oklahoma. Now that may only be two serious injuries in a span of three years, but one would have to consider if the trend will continue. The bottom line is if Griffin stays healthy the Clippers can make the playoffs; if not, they're back in the lottery.
16. Houston Rockets
The big-man trend continues in Houston with Yao Ming. The Rockets will limit their Center's playing time this season in an effort to cure him of the foot injuries that have plagued Yao's career. Even with limited playing time, Yao can still be effective, and having Kevin Martin for a whole season will be a definite boost (pun intended) for Houston's offense. The Rockets traded away Trevor Ariza, but Shane Battier is still one of the best defenders in the league, and Chase Budinger brings energy off of the bench. Look for the Rockets to quietly make an impact in the West.
15. Utah Jazz
Losing Carlos Boozer is going to be a major blow for Jerry Sloan's gang. Adding to Utah's difficulties is the fact they play in a fairly deep Northwest Division, where the only doormat team is Minnesota. That being said, the front office did an admirable job of re-tooling the roster by adding Al Jefferson (who also qualifies for that big-man question), giving Utah its first true Center in many seasons. I wasn't crazy about drafting Gordon Hayward in the first round, because I believe he will struggle while transitioning to the pros. But the Jazz still have quite possibly the best Point Guard in the league in Deron Williams, who is a perfect fit for Sloan's offense. Expect this team to drop off from last season, but still make the playoffs.
14. Milwaukee Bucks
The fate of this year's Bucks rests on the health of their young Center (is there an echo in here). If Andrew Bogut is fully recovered from the ghastly arm injury that kept him off Australia's roster for the World Championship, then Milwaukee could potentially nab the fourth or fifth spot in the East. Carlos Delfino quietly had a solid season last year, and who knows, maybe Michael Redd can contribute this year...it could happen. Even without a healthy Redd the Bucks still have great upside with John Salmons, and a more experienced Brandon Jennings. But a healthy Bogut will be the defining factor of whether other NBA teams truly need to fear the deer.
13. Memphis Grizzlies
A lot of analysts are down on the Grizz this season, which I am a bit surprised at. Memphis may be an extremely young team, but the vast majority of their young players have seen extensive playing time since entering the league. Marc Gasol has trimmed down in the off-season, while Zach Randolph is eyeing consecutive All-Star appearances. The Grizzlies were able to keep Rudy Gay from leaving via free agency, while adding Greivis Vasquez and Xavier Henry in the draft to compliment (and perhaps, one day replace) Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo. With the rest of the Southwest Division on the decline, I see no reason why Memphis could not make a legitimate push for a playoff spot.
12. Denver Nuggets
Even with all the turmoil and drama of whether Carmelo Anthony will be traded or not, Denver still has other problems to contend with. Their top three front-line players are all battling injuries (come to think of it; when is Kenyon Martin not battling injuries?) and trade rumors may have alienated J.R. Smith, who is not the most stable individual to begin with. I see a great deal of stress being put on Chauncey Billups this season, because Denver possesses a great deal of talent, but the soap opera atmosphere surrounding the team could be their undoing.
11. Phoenix Suns
I don't see the Suns regressing as much as they have been predicted to, but I do believe this team's window to win a championship has been shut. I am truly amazed at how effective Steve Nash still is, though the sad truth is he will only continue to get older, and won't have Amare to finish at the rim. The Suns already had too many players at the wings before they acquired Hedo Turkoglu, which means several forwards will be playing out of position. I don't expect Turkoglu or Grant Hill to contend with the elite big-men in the West, but I did like the drafting of Earl Clark. In three to four seasons, Clark and Robin Lopez could give Phoenix a true Power Forward-Center combination. This season, however, I see the Suns still winning around 47 games because of their offense, but they will go nowhere in the playoffs.
20. New Jersey Nets
Even if they can somehow manage to steal Carmelo Anthony away from Denver (of which I still have a great deal of doubt) this is still a team that won just twelve games last season. Jay-Z's club added depth in underrated players, Jordan Farmar and Travis Outlaw, but are paying Troy Murphy $12 million this season, which might very well be the textbook definition of "overpaying". Devin Harris and Brook Lopez will continue to improve to the point that Jersey will add significant W's this season, but not enough to be any kind of a threat.
19. Charlotte Bobcats
While MJ's Bobcats do have a considerable amount of talent on their roster, they seem to lack motivation. Even though Stephen Jackson can still be a dynamic scorer, and Gerald Wallace has emerged as an All-Star, Charlotte still lacks quality big-men. Nazr Mohammed and DeSagana Diop both have their best years behind them, and the newly-acquired Kwame Brown will not help out with Charlotte's biggest need: a scorer in the post. This team may make the playoffs in a weak Eastern Conference, but don't expect them to get out of the first round.
18. New York Knicks
Remember what I said about Troy Murphy? Well, in that textbook there should be a footnote reading "Also see: Amare Stoudemire." Stoudemire is a very good player, but he cannot carry an offense. I believe we will see the true value of Steve Nash when Amare struggles to find his way in an offense led by Raymond Felton. The Knicks, like the Bobcats, have a chance to sneak into a playoff spot in a top-heavy East, but they don't have the depth to contend.
17. Los Angeles Clippers
LA will be asking the same question as several other teams in the West: "Can our young, big-man stay healthy?" In the Clipper's case, this player is Power Forward, Blake Griffin, who missed all of last season with a knee injury. Many believe that Griffin can contend for Rookie of the Year (even though he is in his second season) if he can stay on the court. As a fan, I hope Griffin can last the whole season-- because he is entertaining to watch-- but he has had injury problems dating back to his college days at Oklahoma. Now that may only be two serious injuries in a span of three years, but one would have to consider if the trend will continue. The bottom line is if Griffin stays healthy the Clippers can make the playoffs; if not, they're back in the lottery.
16. Houston Rockets
The big-man trend continues in Houston with Yao Ming. The Rockets will limit their Center's playing time this season in an effort to cure him of the foot injuries that have plagued Yao's career. Even with limited playing time, Yao can still be effective, and having Kevin Martin for a whole season will be a definite boost (pun intended) for Houston's offense. The Rockets traded away Trevor Ariza, but Shane Battier is still one of the best defenders in the league, and Chase Budinger brings energy off of the bench. Look for the Rockets to quietly make an impact in the West.
15. Utah Jazz
Losing Carlos Boozer is going to be a major blow for Jerry Sloan's gang. Adding to Utah's difficulties is the fact they play in a fairly deep Northwest Division, where the only doormat team is Minnesota. That being said, the front office did an admirable job of re-tooling the roster by adding Al Jefferson (who also qualifies for that big-man question), giving Utah its first true Center in many seasons. I wasn't crazy about drafting Gordon Hayward in the first round, because I believe he will struggle while transitioning to the pros. But the Jazz still have quite possibly the best Point Guard in the league in Deron Williams, who is a perfect fit for Sloan's offense. Expect this team to drop off from last season, but still make the playoffs.
14. Milwaukee Bucks
The fate of this year's Bucks rests on the health of their young Center (is there an echo in here). If Andrew Bogut is fully recovered from the ghastly arm injury that kept him off Australia's roster for the World Championship, then Milwaukee could potentially nab the fourth or fifth spot in the East. Carlos Delfino quietly had a solid season last year, and who knows, maybe Michael Redd can contribute this year...it could happen. Even without a healthy Redd the Bucks still have great upside with John Salmons, and a more experienced Brandon Jennings. But a healthy Bogut will be the defining factor of whether other NBA teams truly need to fear the deer.
13. Memphis Grizzlies
A lot of analysts are down on the Grizz this season, which I am a bit surprised at. Memphis may be an extremely young team, but the vast majority of their young players have seen extensive playing time since entering the league. Marc Gasol has trimmed down in the off-season, while Zach Randolph is eyeing consecutive All-Star appearances. The Grizzlies were able to keep Rudy Gay from leaving via free agency, while adding Greivis Vasquez and Xavier Henry in the draft to compliment (and perhaps, one day replace) Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo. With the rest of the Southwest Division on the decline, I see no reason why Memphis could not make a legitimate push for a playoff spot.
12. Denver Nuggets
Even with all the turmoil and drama of whether Carmelo Anthony will be traded or not, Denver still has other problems to contend with. Their top three front-line players are all battling injuries (come to think of it; when is Kenyon Martin not battling injuries?) and trade rumors may have alienated J.R. Smith, who is not the most stable individual to begin with. I see a great deal of stress being put on Chauncey Billups this season, because Denver possesses a great deal of talent, but the soap opera atmosphere surrounding the team could be their undoing.
11. Phoenix Suns
I don't see the Suns regressing as much as they have been predicted to, but I do believe this team's window to win a championship has been shut. I am truly amazed at how effective Steve Nash still is, though the sad truth is he will only continue to get older, and won't have Amare to finish at the rim. The Suns already had too many players at the wings before they acquired Hedo Turkoglu, which means several forwards will be playing out of position. I don't expect Turkoglu or Grant Hill to contend with the elite big-men in the West, but I did like the drafting of Earl Clark. In three to four seasons, Clark and Robin Lopez could give Phoenix a true Power Forward-Center combination. This season, however, I see the Suns still winning around 47 games because of their offense, but they will go nowhere in the playoffs.
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