First things first, how many think the games are going to suck this year with replacement refs? Or heres another thought, with replacement refs, teams and certain players wont get the favoritism they are used too because of non-existent relationship with the replacement refs, like they had with certain veteran refs like Danny Crawford and Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, and D.Wade? Will Shaq get Lebron over the hump against Orlando if they meet each other in the playoffs. Will the addition of Leon Powe and Jamario Moon help them. Will Vince Carter destroy the chemistry of the Magic? Will Blake Griffin be the Rookie of the year? Will the Lakers repeat with Ron Artest? (That should be fun to see) Will my team the Pistons make the playoffs, with the roster overhaul? Will Bhelm and the Jazz finally realize that this isn't International basketball, lol? Will the Hornets not suck it up this year? will they trade Paul? Will Larry Bird finally lose his job after getting a pass all these years? Heres my final standing and playoff predictions East: 1. Cleveland 2. Boston 3. Orlando 4. Philadelphia 5. Atlanta 6. Detroit 7. Toronto 8. New York or Washington West: 1. LA Lakers 2. San Antonio 3. Denver 4. Portland 5. Utah 6. Dallas 7. New Orleans 8. Houston ROY: Blake Griffin MVP: Dwayne Wade COY: Nate McMillen 6th Man: Ben Gordon Defensive POY: Dwight Howard Most Improved Player:Michael Beasely or Greg Oden Regular Season Starts October 27 Cleveland vs Boston LA Lakers vs LA Clippers
Despite speculation all summer, the Jazz somehow kept everyone on their roster. Now if we can only keep them healthy... Also added Maynor in the draft who is fitting in nicely and will backup Williams. I am sure the Boozer trade rumors will continue all the way up to the trade deadline. Also we added Ronald Dupree to our bench.
As great as he is Wade won't be MVP if the Heat don't even make the playoffs. As much as I would love to see Shaq get his 5th ring with a finals victory over the Lakers, Kobe and Phil Jackson will take bring the bacon back to LA. LeBron has shown a tendency to choke in the finals. Can Shaq elevate LeBron's game as well as the rest of his Cleveland teamates? I hope so
As a Knick fan, I'm ready to ffwd to the end of this season and see if we can somehow land LeBron. I will, however be watching this season and really really rooting for the Hornets. I think the Lakers will be very hard to beat out of the West but the East is alot more open.
East: 1. Cleveland 2. Boston 3. Orlando 4. Detroit 5. Philadelphia 6. Atlanta 7. Washington 8. Miami West: 1. LA Lakers 2. San Antonio 3. New Orleans 4. Portland 5. Denver 6. Utah 7. Dallas 8. Phoenix
Man Im telling you. They cant just go 1 on 5 and expect to win with Lebron against teams like the Celts. It aint going to happen. But Id like to change my prediction on 2 fronts. Lebron will win Defensive Player of the Year and someone else will win ROY.
Mavericks looked like crap last night. They should have never gotten rid of Brandon Bass, Drew Gooden is worthless, at least Bass could score sometimes, they both rebound well. Cuban said he thought this team was better than the team that lost to the Heat in the championship a few years ago. HA. Nice try Mark, i ain't buying it. I hope you are doing what you can to get D Wade in here next season.
Opening Night 2.0 notes: 1. Dejuan Blair: What a steal. His knees may only last a few years, but what a get for the Spurs. 2. Ty Lawson: Perfect fit for the Nuggets. With defenses extending themselves in the NBA, Lawson thrives. He can beat his man whenever he wants to. The Jazz: Have to win on the road sooner or later. Williams is still the best PG in basketball.
