Finally Back from Injured Reserve!!!!
Yes, after quite a long absence, I am back to my basketball blog. The NBA season starts tomorrow (Tuesday USA) so I will jump right in. My last post ages ago, was on the verge of the NBA Finals. A lot has happened since then including Mr. James going to South Beach and The Big Shamrock appearing in Boston.
A lot of ink/cyberspace has been used in analysing LeBron’s move to Miami. Bottom line, the young man took the option that he felt best suited to his needs. Still with the recent injuries on the Heat Roster, no title is guaranteed. Some of the comments about James’ loyalty were interesting. I remember a few years ago a certain young draftee did not want to play in New Jersey if drafted there and wanted to play for the LA Lakers. At least LeBron went to the team that drafted him and gave it a shot there.
Ok, now to look at this upcoming season:
Eastern Conference
Atlantic Division
Boston is still the class act here and will win the division as they tune up for the playoffs. New York could be an interesting team and may make the playoffs, same for New Jersey. Philadelphia will be looking to reverse the bad fortune of last year with some new faces and new coach. Toronto will need work although rookie Ed Davis could impress.
Division Winner: Boston Celtics
Central Division
Chicago has reloaded and Milwaukee is looking to consolidate last year’s playoff effort. Cleveland will be under the radar and have time to improve/rebuild. Indiana will be hoping point guard Darren Collison will solidify their backcourt. All in all, the division will not be the power it once was.
Division Winner: Milwaukee Bucks
Southeast Division
Definitely the power group of the Eastern Conference with Orlando, Miami, and Atlanta at the top and Charlotte looking to return to the playoffs. Add in Rookie of the Year candidate John Wall in Washington and this group looks exciting.
Miami will have to stay healthy and get solid if not spectacular from the frontline to live up to expectations. Dwight Howard and Orlando should be stronger again. Atlanta will be solid and dangerous.
Division Winner: Miami Heat
Playoff Teams:
Boston, Chicago, Miami, Milwaukee, Atlanta, Orlando, Charlotte and New York
Conference Champions:
Miami Heat
Western Conference
Southwest Division
San Antonio and Dallas will be looking for one last big run as they age. Houston hopes to stay healthy and gel as a unit and Memphis looks to make the playoffs after a near miss last season. The Hornets are hoping last seasons debacle is way behind them.
Division Winner: San Antonio Spurs
Northwest Division
Oklahoma City is suddenly the class of the division this season. Portland will be solid. Denver will be an interesting prospect and Utah is always in the playoffs.
Division Winner: Portland Trailblazers
Pacific Division
The Lakers will use the division as a playoff tune up. Phoenix is hopeful as usual and will entertain. Sacramento could be the best of the rest while Golden State is always a chance of scoring 120+ in a game. David Lee will help the Warriors inside. The Clippers are the Clippers, you never know.
Division Winner: LA Lakers
Playoff Teams:
San Antonio, Portland, LA Lakers, Dallas, Utah, Oklahoma City, Denver and Phoenix
Conference Champions:
LA Lakers
NBA Champions:
Miami Heat, though there are several obstacles along the way, if this team stays reasonably healthy, they can actually win it all but the burden lies more with Dwayne Wade than Bosh or James.
Locally here in Australia, the National Basketball League season is underway. Catch NBL and NBA action on OneHD here.
