There are several intriguing and unanswered questions in this upcoming NBA season. First of all, is there going to be a season? Are there games going to be played? Will the battle between billionaires (team owners) and millionaires (players) end soon? The NBA is in the lockout mode as for now and it would certainly cause so much dismay and discomfort to the fans if there will be no games played this upcoming October. Several NBA superstars are now considering playing overseas in countries such as China and Turkey. Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade are considering playing in China, while New Jersey Nets guard Jordan Farmar has already signed with an Israeli team. Farmar’s teammates Deron Williams and Sasha Vujacic are also committed to play for Turkish Teams.
However, there are still several individuals such as avid fans and superstars like Lebron James and Amar’e Stoudemire that are optimistic that the lockout will end soon. As for now, let us assume and wish that the lockout will be over before November. There are several intriguing questions and controversial happenings that could captivate the interest of the hardcore avid basketball fans. Here are some of those intriguing questions with my personal opinion.
Can Kobe chase MJ’s six title rings with his deteriorating knees?
I have been a devoted fan of Kobe Bryant since his early days in the NBA. His career has been superb and spectacular. He is definitely the closest player that could ever be compared to the great Michael Jordan. However, time is not on Kobe’s side in terms of chasing MJ’s six title rings. Kobe needs one more championship run to commensurate MJ’s greatest accomplishment. He is still 32 years old, but he has been playing in the league since he was 18 years old. He has a lot mileage and he’s been to the most physical playoff matchups that we have ever seen. He’s knees and skills are deteriorating which was very evident in the previous playoff run. However, don’t count out “The Black Mamba” yet. He has undergone a knee surgery and he has the courage and heart of the lion. I still believe that he hast a couple of championship runs left in him.
Could the Dirk and the rest of the Mavericks repeat for the grand prize?
Dirk Nowitzki and the rest of the Mavericks raised some eyebrows with their recent Championship run. They were expected to be eliminated in the earlier rounds specifically in the first round against Portland. However, the Mavs showed composure and maturity which enabled them to win the NBA finals against the heavily favored Miami Heat.
The Dallas Mavericks were relatively known as the best offensive team in the league during the past few years. However, it was their defense that sealed their destiny. The presence of Tyson Chandler in the middle was the key to their recent championship run. Chandler must be resigned next season or else there will be no repeat for them. His role to the team is somewhat similar to the Kevin Garnett’s role with the Boston Celtics.
With Phil Jackson gone, are the Lakers still considered as title contenders?
The Zen Master is officially retired and the Lakers’ direction may be moving into unfamiliar territories. However, the team still has its core and talent depth. The Lakers are still contenders for the reason that they are very talented, big and deep. Kobe, Lamar Odom, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum are still around the team, which basically makes them a formidable lineup to match up against for any team. Mike Brown’s arrival would even make this team tougher and rougher in the defense end. Coach Brown is a defensive specialist and he trains his team to be more physical in games. The Lakers were often labeled as a soft team, but the arrival of Mike Brown would certainly provide the needed toughness that could win multiple championships.
Could LeBron James and the rest of the Miami Heat recover from their Finals Meltdown?
The Miami Heat were heavily favored against the Mavericks team during the 2011 Finals. They have the two of the best players in league and they were coming off an impressive series victory over the Chicago Bulls. Mavs should receive full credit for their Championship run, but things would have been different if Lebron James played to his full potential. James was very ineffective during the entire series, basketball experts have speculated that he didn’t get enough touches to keep his game going. He was limited to becoming Dwayne Wade’s sidekick. However, there is still time for him to recuperate from such devastating loss. He is still young and he still has a bright future ahead of him. I expect that Lebron James would win the regular season MVP award next season and I also expect them to be successful in the playoffs again next season.
Do the older teams such as Boston Celtics and san Antonio Spurs have enough left in their tanks?
Age is not of the side of for both of these teams. They still have the young pieces that surround their respective older stars, but it is still not enough to match up against the younger teams. Boston Celtics have to up against the younger teams such as Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic and the Miami Heat in the East. The San Antonio Spurs on the other hand will have to face hungrier and younger teams such Oklahoma Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trailblazers. Trouble could be on the way of these old teams, but let us never underestimate the heart of these champions.
Is the future bright for young teams such as Bulls, Thunder and Grizzlies?
Absolutely. The Bulls need a few changes to their lineup especially in the 2 guard position to succeed against the elite teams in the Eastern Conference. Their defense is the best in the league and they just need a scorer to help Derrick Rose in the scoring department. Carlos Boozer must step up more in the offensive end. He is paid enormously by the franchise and he should play to his potentials. He was very ineffective against the Heat in Eastern Conference finals.
The Thunder have all the necessary tools for a championship caliber team except for experience. They were very close to the Western conference title, but it was their lack of experience that cost them to lose to the Dallas mavericks. Russell Westbrook has to get his teammates more involved instead of taking 20 shots per game for them to be successful in the league.
The Grizzlies humiliated the Spurs and they were very close to winning the series against the Thunder. Things would have been much different for them if their All Star Rudy Gay played in the playoffs. Things are definitely looking bright for this team.
Will we see highlights and brilliant plays?
Hell Yeah!
No comments:
Post a Comment