2009-2010 SEASON: WHAT TO LOOK FOR
October 5, 2009 by R.C. Cola
The new season is almost upon us, and it’s ripe full of drama. We’ve already got crazy trades, a possible Russian buyout, a celebrity wedding, and can look forward to even more desperate moves ahead of the free agent summer of 2010. The questions are endless: will Kobe Bryant and his Los Angeles Lakers weather the drama to repeat? How are KG’s legs going to hold up? Should I read ESPN or People to get my latest NBA gossip?
We’ve got a long, and hopefully, entertaining year ahead of us. Here are some of the top storylines to keep an eye out for as the season progresses:
1. Laker Drama. Who would have guessed that at the start of the preseason, Ron Artest making his Laker debut wouldn’t be the biggest show in the annual circus Los Angeles? Aside from a few rather ill-timed - and ignorant - comments about baseball in San Diego (you’re wearing their hat!), Artest has been positively normal. The drama has centered on the “wedding of the year” between Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian, which occurred after a month of dating. First of all, why is this the wedding of the year? Sure Odom is a solid player, but he hardly ranks as a superstar. And what the heck has Kardashian done besides star in a crappy reality show (two, counting the Celebrity Apprentice)? Time will tell whether the inevitable drama and privacy-killing cameras will affect the chemistry of a team that already features some strong personalities. Oh, and did I mention they’re also trying to defend their championship from a few teams that have stepped up their rosters and abilities?
Despite everything, they still have the Zen Master. When Coach Phil Jackson is at the helm, it’s hard to panic too much. My guess is he navigates through the craziness for a second title. Remember, he’s 6-2 in title defenses.
2. KG’s Legs. By all rights, the Boston Celtics should have been more competitive in defending its own title last season. But Kevin Garnett’s legs broke down after years of extreme strain put on by KG’s never-say-die attitude. His legs are the key to the Celtics regaining their scary posture from two seasons back. The window on the team’s big three: KG, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce is closing fast, and they’re going to need raise their game to another level to avoid being a one-hit wonder.
All indications point to KG’s legs looking fine in practice. Despite surgery for a torn anterior cruciate ligament, he is expected to play in the exhibition games, Coach Doc Rivers told the Boston Globe. But it won’t be until the Celtics are through the thick of the 82-game season that he’ll truly be tested. Another key factor will be Rajon Rondo’s play - will he continue to evolve into a leadership role? Despite talk of a “Big Four” last season, it was still a little too early for the young point guard.
3. Shaq and King James. Is that “Shaq Vs.” show still on? As much as I want to rag on the show, I found it to be bizarrely entertaining. Although the visual of Shaq in those Speedos has permanently scarred my eyes. Speaking of circus acts, it’ll be interesting to see how Shaquille O’Neal co-exists with LeBron James. O’Neal said all the right things last year in regards to young superstar Amar’e Stoudemire, and we all know how well that worked out.
Still, there’s no more dominant personality in the NBA right now, and if there’s anyone who can tame the Big Dog, it’ll be King James. Expect them to maintain its dominant run and actually get to the Finals this year. Kobe and Pau vs. James and Shaq? You know David Stern is making it happen. He was foiled last season, but nothing should stop this speeding train.
4. Summer of 2010. How will the crazy free-agent summer period next year affect how teams play? Are we going to see some crazy deals? That’s almost a certainty as teams create cap space. Or given the economy, just try to shed excess expenses. That could create fire sales and other steals shifting the power structure of each conference. New York was already on it last year, who else is looking to get in on the action?
5. Knicks’ Hail Mary. Speaking of The Big Apple, it’ll be interesting to see how the team performs in the last year of its wait-for-LeBron mode. The franchise has an interesting line-up, with the always likeable David Lee, the feisty, albeit shot-hogging Nate Robinson, and the acquisition of Darko Milicic. Last year’s rookie, Danilo Gallinari, should have a better year if he stays healthy. And there’s the always elusive comeback push by Eddy Curry. But no one is holding their breath for that one.
6. Russian Invasion. Russian tycoon Mikhali Prokhorov’s bid for the New Jersey Nets also has to figure into the Knicks plans. If the deal goes through, the Nets could be moving to Brooklyn in no time. How long before Jay-Z gets his buddy from Cleveland to sign for the Nets instead of the Knicks? And how devastating would that be for Knicks fans? Really, how do you cope when two years of built-up expectations and patience comes crashing down, with the cause being a team only a river away?
7. Iverson’s Redemption? Allen Iverson would be invaluable to a team if he realized his role and became a better teacher to the next generation of quick guards. That’s what the Memphis Grizzlies are hoping for as they take a chance on the temperamental veteran. But it’s been a long fall from his glory days as League MVP to the drama in Detroit last season.
Iverson will undoubtedly start. It’s unclear how much of an impact he’ll make on this perennial loser.
8. Griffin’s NBA Welcome. How would you like to be the top pick (by far) in the NBA draft and go to the Los Angeles Clippers. There’s no worse place for a player to start their career. The franchise has ruined the potential of countless players, from Danny Manning to Shawn Livingston (not entirely the Clippers’ fault). But with last year’s rookie Eric Gordon coming into his own, there may be some hope yet for Griffin.
But as per the Clipper’s usual luck, Griffin will start camp injured. Hopefully, he gets better and we see what all the draft hype was about.
9. Replacement Refs. A lockout by the referees’ union means 62 replacement referees are being tapped for the preseason. A substitute crew already called the preseason opener on Thursday with little complaints. Given how horrendous the officiating has been, drawing fresh blood from the NBA Development League or summer leagues can only help.
10. More Twitter! We love those NBA tweets, but it seems like coaches from all sports are banning those mobile personal shout-outs during games. How will I know what Shaq is thinking about the latest Kanye West incident?
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