Boston Three Party
With one move, and a little help from ex-teammate Kevin McHale, General Manager Danny Ainge turned the Celtics from basement dweller to title contender. I was initially skeptical about the Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, and Paul Pierce combination, but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense. These are three fantastic talents who want to rewrite their careers which have thus far been mired in mediocrity, and Garnett appears to be a man on a mission. Point guard Rajon Rondo is a playmaker and an outstanding defender who could have a breakout season. However, we should hesitate before making room for another banner.
Depth is a legitimate concern, especially with so much riding on an aging Big Three. An injury would be devastating, and chemistry between the three stars is a concern-after all, there is only one ball for three career go-to guys to share. Temper your expectations, as the deep and complete Pistons are still the class of the East, but the Celtics will wrap up an Atlantic Division title.
Kobe Beef (No Bull ... Yet)
Kobe has had no trouble collecting media attention over the years, and this summer's trade demands were no exception. Demanding to be moved could be classified as another selfish move by a "selfish" player, but that is hardly the case. The man wants to win, now, and his franchise has failed to surround him with enough talent to compete in the West. It would be a shame to waste the prime of the best player in the league. Will he be traded, and, if so, to where?
Kobe's days appear to be numbered in Hollywood, but there are roadblocks. He has the only no-trade clause in the league, so he must approve any trade. Thus, any package that will decimate a team's lineup, such as the Bulls' alleged offer of Luol Deng, Ben Gordon, Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah, Kobe can turn down. If the Bulls and Lakers can compromise, the Lakers can begin to rebuild with a strong young core and the Bulls will avoid their current path towards goodness, but not greatness. Despite his best efforts, and due to no fault of his own, General Manager Mitch Kupchak will go down in history as the man who traded Shaq and Kobe. Owner Jerry Buss pulls all the strings, and poor Kupchak is the scapegoat that will have to live with the criticism.
The Video Game Knicks
Isaiah Thomas continues to ignore chemistry and personality issues and build his team like he's running an NBA Live '08 franchise on Xbox. After giving up on his dual ball-hog point guard offense of Stephon Marbury and Steve Francis, Thomas has now constructed a dual ball-hog center offense by teaming Zack Randolph with Eddy Curry. At first glance, bringing in the 20-10 player appears genius. But Randolph is a volatile personality and passes only as a last resort. Curry and Randolph both demand a lot of touches and play like their contracts will be taxed every time they pass, so a successful integration of the two stars is dubious.
Thomas continues to boggle minds by drafting hardnosed, selfless players like David Lee and Renaldo Balkman, yet trading for and signing absolute head-cases. Add into the mix a guilty verdict on Thomas's sexual harassment lawsuit and things look messier than an episode of Playmakers. Thomas was one hell of a basketball player, but post-retirement, the guy is the polar opposite of Midas … everything he touches-the broadcasting booth that he stunk in, the CBA that he bankrupted and these Knicks-turns to poop.
Young Star Progression
Carmelo Anthony was the best player on the gold medal-winning United States team at the FIBA Americas Tournament this summer, and LeBron took a LeLeap in the playoffs last year. Dwyane Wade succumbed to a shoulder injury, which greatly inhibited him in the playoffs, and is coming off of surgery. Dwight Howard is the consensus pick to be the next young player to make the jump to NBA elite. What will happen with these four stars?
Look for Carmelo to further display his array of offensive talents and boost his stock. Cleveland's front office failed to improve LeBron's supporting cast, but he will continue to awe us with scoring outbursts. Nevertheless, this will not be the year in which he completely fulfills his potential-the guy should be a triple-double threat every time he steps on the floor. Wade may struggle a little at the beginning of the season, but he will continue to shine on a less-talented team as the season progresses. Finally, will Howard become a superstar this year? With his strength and skill, the answer is a resounding yes.
Houston's Treasure
Kevin Durant's name may already be engraved on the Rookie of the Year trophy, but he will not be the best rookie performing deep into the playoffs. Spanish forward Luis Scola can flat out play, and the skilled big man will help spread the floor, giving Yao more room to work. Add in Tracy McGrady, who is still an elite NBA player, role player and charge-taker extraordinaire Shane Battier and a newly motivated Bonzi Wells, and this team can be a force in the West. Before an injury last year, Yao was hands-down the best center in the league, and will prove that beyond a doubt this year. He and T-Mac could very well both turn in MVP-caliber seasons and threaten the Spurs, Mavs, and Suns for West supremacy.