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Prospects On Center Stage NBA Preview 2008/09: Final Call
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NBA Preview 2008/09: Final Call By Ron Jumper The NBA is here finally and I've got everything in this article that you need to know. I will warn you this isn't the shortest article, so pace yourself. That being said, in order to discuss all the hot topics and make predictions, it has to be done right. So, without further adu, here is my thoughts on the 2008/09 season. To start things off, how about the MVP race. Who will be this year's big story? I think Kevin Garnett is worthy of being MVP, but will it be a sexy enough story? I'm not so sure. So who else? There is always Kobe. However, I'm going to go in a whole new direction. I think there are four teams right on the cusp of breaking into the top of their respective conferences: Dallas, Houston, Orlando, and Toronto. Obviously, not all four will break out. However, each team would have a nice story and grab media attention if they were to have a stellar season. In the process, any of Dirk, T-Mac, Superman, or JO could emerge as an MVP candidate. You think I'm crazy, but just wait. Now for one of my favorite topics: rookies. Here are some odd predictions: -Derek Rose will struggle this season. -Michael Beasley will score a lot of points but struggle on defense. -OJ Mayo will emerge as the leader of the Grizzlies, though Rudy Gay will lead the team in scoring. -Russell Westbrook will quietly develop into the perfect point guard for the Thunder because he plays defense, is pass-first, and is a fiery competitor. -Eric Gordon will put up a lot of points but shoot a low percentage. -Donte Greene will average double-figures for the season and 15+ the last month of the season. -Jason Thompson will, once again, prove the critics wrong for Sacramento. -Joe Alexander will fade into obscurity for the time being. Now, for five breakout players: 1. Jose Calderon, Raptors I know, I know. This is the trendy pick. However, he will do a nice job and start to be a mainstream name outside of Canada. 2. Michael Pietrus, Magic Don't measure his performance purely from numbers. He shoots the 3, defends, and runs the floor like a gazelle. To say he fits in perfect, just doesn't do justice. 3. Nate Robinson, Knicks While Chris Duhon was brought in to run the show, Robinson will emerge as the better fit for D'Antoni. 4. Devin Harris, Nets We already knew he was good, however, I think he turns into a borderline All-Star. 5. Marcus Williams, Warriors With this system and his speed, he has no choice but to put up numbers. Now, time for my team predictions. I'll start with the Eastern Conference. I feel this league has not quite caught up to the West, but the gap is closing. It reminds me of the Big 12 gaining on the SEC, they aren't quite there yet but it is closer. That being said, I don't quite see the standings falling as anyone else does. What else is new? 1. Boston Celtics KG will keep this team hungry, biggest question is Ray Allen's health. 2. Cleveland Cavaliers Mo Williams helps, but lets not get carried away just yet. 3. Orlando Magic This team is ready to roll in a weak division and an emerging Dwight Howard. 4. Detroit Pistons Not a sexy pick, but still a great team. 5. Toronto Raptors This is the team ready to break out and hang tough with anyone. 6. Philadelphia 76ers Not a buying the hype, but who is better at this point? 7. Washington Wizards Still dependable and talented, even without Agent Zero. 8. Miami Heat D-Wade is healthy and that is great news for Heat fans. Now for the West. The question isn't who will make the playoffs, but in what order? I have a feeling you will be surprised with how I see things shaking out. Here goes nothing: 1. Los Angeles Lakers Still built more for regular season than post season (more on that later). 2. Utah Jazz This team is locked and loaded. 3. Dallas Mavericks Carlisle for coach of the year and Jason Kidd for “All-Star we really shouldn't have written off yet.” 4. San Antonio Spurs Slight decline this season, but still a force to be reckoned with. 5. New Orleans Hornets Still good, but will take a step back this season. 6. Houston Rockets Could be dangerous come playoff time. 7. Phoenix Suns Will get off to a slow start, but squeak into playoffs. 8. Portland Trail Blazers This team isn't quite ready to join elite, but playoffs are possible. Now for who will win it all. I bet I have a different NBA Finals than most, but it isn't that far-fetched. Eastern Conference Final: Celtics over Cavs I like the addition of Mo Williams, but keep it in perspective, does that really compare to the Celtics trio? Western Conference Finals Jazz over Lakers I know full well this would be a major upset, but I don't know if the Lakers will all get along and stay healthy this season. To top it off, they still don't have enough toughness or defense to convince me they can cut down the nets. History is also against them, as the NBA Finals loser rarely makes it back again the following year. In fact, not in 20 years. NBA Finals: Celtics over Jazz KG is too much of a fiery competitor and will just not let this team slip up. They are such a well oiled machine, as they really aren't loaded after the trio. However, the supporting cast plays the different roles perfectly to make them so good. As I've said, as long as they are healthy come playoff time, this is the team to beat. October 27, 2008 |
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Be Careful What You Wish For
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Jumpology: My Bracket Jumpology: Scouting The Heavyweights Jumpology: Reviewing The Bracket
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