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08 October 2010
After one of the wildest offseasons in recent memory, the NBA season is nearly upon us, and we're that much closer to getting some answers we've wanted all summer. Will the Heat's three superstars be able to work together? Can the Lakers pull off another three-peat? Are the Celtics too old to make another title run? And most importantly...how in the world did Darko Milicic get a $20 million contract?
While the Heat and Lakers will surely (and rightfully) dominate the headlines before, during and after the season, it's important to keep in mind that there's plenty of interesting stories all around the league as we tip-off the 2010-11 season. With that in mind, here's 10 non-Heat, non-Lakers storylines to keep an eye on.
In no particular order...
Can Dwight Howard take the next step? There's no debating the impact that the Magic big man has on a game. He averaged just over 18 points per game last year, to go along with league-leading averages of 13.2 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. He's an absolute freak of an athlete who is able to sky above the rim, and the Magic will enter the season on the short list of contenders because of him. However, Howard's game still has plenty of room for improvement, and if the Magic want to win a title, he needs to prove he can take the necessary steps to become a complete player. Howard's offensive game still consists mostly of dunks and putbacks around the basket, and his abysmal free-throw shooting (59 percent last year) makes him a liability late in games. Furthermore, he has started to develop the reputation of a whiner, having earned a league-leading 17 technical fouls last year. In fact, in a four-game sweep of Charlotte in the first round of the playoffs last year, the lasting image is one of Howard throwing his arms in the air in disbelief at every one of the 22 fouls called on him. With the Magic organization seemingly always worried about being overlooked in the NBA's landscape, they need Howard to elevate his game - and his image - this season. Otherwise, they may find themselves coming up short once again.
Remember when? If there's one certainty in sports, it's that nothing lasts forever. No matter how talented an athlete may be, they can't overcome aging (Breett Favre aside). But it's still a little disconcerting to see former superstars now struggling to find work. And as we enter the 2010 season, that's exactly what we're seeing for a trio that once was among the best players in the league. In 2004-05, Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson and Stephon Marbury were among the top 15 scorers in the league. All three were among the top six in minutes played, and both Iverson and Marbury were among the top five in assists. They filled highlight reels, sold jerseys and adorned billboards and magazine covers. Now? McGrady, once the most dangerous offensive option in the game, is now being relegated to a reserve role on the middling Detroit Pistons after finding few takers on the open market. Iverson, the face of the post-Jordan NBA for a few years, is still looking for a team, thanks to his inability to accept a limited role despite his diminishing skill set. And Marbury, who was supposed one of the first of a new breed of super-athletic, score-first point guards, is little more than a punch line now, as he finishes his career in China following some bizarre behavior that suggests he may not be playing with a full deck. So enjoy the Kobe Bryants, Tim Duncans and Kevin Garnetts while we still can. You never know when they might be just a memory.
Nets heating up? Last year, the New Jersey Nets narrowly avoided having the worst record in league history, finishing with a laughable 12 wins. But armed with a new owner with deep pockets, a potential star rookie and a few free-agent signings, things don't look too bad for the crew from the Meadowlands. They had a nice young core last year, led by 2009 All-Star Devin Harris and emerging big man Brook Lopez, as well as versatile swingman Terrence Williams. Now, they've added another young point guard in Jordan Farmar, an athletic wing in Travis Outlaw, a shooter in Anthony Morrow and a double-double machine in Troy Murphy. However, much of the optimism centers around rookie forward Derrick Favors. While still very raw, Favors has the kind of athleticism and explosiveness to be a star, and his talent has already impressed his teammates and coaches. Fellow rookie Damion James also has the versatility to carve out a role in the rotation, and veterans like Quinton Ross and Joe Smith can provide some leadership for a very young team. The Nets are still a couple pieces away from being a true contender, but things are looking up for the franchise, and they should showed marked improvement this season.
Who should we choose? It's easy to forget that at one point, there were actually legitimate debates leading up to the 2007 and 2008 NBA Drafts. Greg Oden or Kevin Durant? Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley? While it's safe to say those questions have been answered, it remains to be seen whether Oden or Beasley will ever achieve the lofty expectations that accompanied them into the league. Oden has unfortunately lived up to the injury-prone tag, having missed 164 games in his first three seasons. When he has played, he's showed some flashes of ability, but his balky knees have ensured those flashes are few and far between. Oden is still young and it's certainly possible he will develop into an All-Star level center, but young big men with an injury history aren't often a safe bet. On the other side, Beasley's troubles have had nothing to do with health, and everything to do with maturity. Questions about his work ethic and dedication have dogged Beasley in his first two years, and a summer stint in rehab didn't do any favors for his image. Despite possessing a tantalizing combination of athleticism and skills, Beasley has yet to find his niche, and his uneven performances frustrated Heat fans over the last two years. Now that he's got a fresh start in Minnesota, Beasley needs to start capitalizing on his immense potential before it's too late. However, until Oden proves he can remain healthy and Beasley proves he can consistently play with energy and effort, these two will always come up on the short end of comparisons to their draft mates.
Can the Clippers become a contender? I know- that's a question that probably inspires some laughs. After all, this is a franchise that has only three winning seasons in the last 32 years. But on paper at least, this appears to be a team with some potential. They have a veteran point guard in Baron Davis, a post scorer in Chris Kaman, a rising star in guard Eric Gordon, solid role players like like Ryan Gomes and Randy Foye, and a trio of rookies who could make an impact in Al-Farouq Aminu, Eric Bledsoe and Willie Warren. However, the fortunes of the Clippers will likely rest with forward Blake Griffin, who missed all of his rookie season with a knee injury. If the athletic Griffin lives up to his potential, this is a team that could find themselves in the running for a playoff spot, despite their youth. However, if Griffin can't remain healthy, and if Davis continues his inconsistent play, they could find themselves again battling to stay out the cellar. There's probably too many question marks to feel great about the Clippers as we enter the season, but if things fall right (not always the case in Clipperland), this is a team with some promise.
Will Wolves' woes continue? Speaking of teams with question marks,,,the 2010 version of the Timberwolves could prove to be one of the most interesting 25-win teams in recent history. A glance at the roster reveals a lot of familiar names, but sadly, there's no real reason to think this team is going to live anywhere but last place. As I mentioned, they resigned Darko for an absurd $20 million after he posted meager averages of six points and four rebounds per game, and they also traded for Beasley, who arrives with a ton of talent, but also a ton of baggage. To make matters worse, many of their best players play the same positions. Top draft pick Wesley Johnson seems perfectly suited to play small forward...which also happens to be the same position played by former top draft pick Corey Brewer, as well as trade acquisitions Beasley and Martell Webster. Point guard is another position loaded with bodies, if not talent, as they have Jonny Flynn returning as a starter, but they also picked up Sebastian Telfair and Luke Ridnour in the offseason. Plus, don't forget they still own the right to Spanish superstar Ricky Rubio, who may or may not ever suit up in the Twin Cities. About the only consistent thing the Wolves have is Kevin Love, who is a monster on the boards, but unfortunately, lacks the ability to carry a team on offense. Again- there is some talent on the roster. But it's hard to see how it all fits together, and GM David Kahn hasn't exactly inspired confidence in his ability to put together a winner. It could be another long season for the Wolves.
Will we love our Cousins? Perhaps no rookie will inspire more debate than Kings center DeMarcus Cousins, who was undoubtedly the highest risk/reward prospect in the 2010 draft. The former UK big man clearly has the ability to be a dominant big man, given his soft hands, good footwork and incredible strength. However, concerns about his attitude caused four teams to pass on him on draft night, and it's those concerns that ensure he'll be under a microscope all season. To be fair, Cousins did just turn 20, and like many 20-year olds, he's still maturing. While he was known for the occasional emotional outburst at Kentucky, Cousins is, by most accounts, a fun-loving kid with a big heart who simply wears his emotions on his sleeve, for better or for worse. While he will no doubt face some frustrating moments as rookie that are sure to test his resolve, the general consensus is that Cousins is headed for a big rookie year as long as he keeps his emotions reasonably in check. And even as he's learning, it wouldn't surprise anyone to see him flirt with a double-double this year. In fact, in five years, we may be wondering how in the world Cousins wasn't the top pick in the draft.
Anyone out there? Given the hype surrounding the Heat and Lakers this year, can you imagine how hard it will be to secure tickets to their Christmas Day showdown? Safe to say, it will be little easier to get a good seat for the Pacers/Raptors matchup a few weeks earlier. In fact, tickets for both teams should be fairly easy to come by this season, as neither team has a sure-fire marketable star that will get fans in the door. The Raptors already struggled to draw consistent crowds, and losing All-Star Chris Bosh isn't going to help. Seriously, who on the Raptors are you showing up to watch? Ed Davis? Leandro Barbosa? DeMar DeRozan and Andrea Bargnani are fine young players, but neither one is exactly thought of as marketing gold. The situation may be even worse in Indiana. Danny Granger is an All-Star caliber player, but outside of him, who else on that roster will sell tickets? Paul George? Mike Dunleavy? TJ Ford? Yikes. With the idea that more "superteams" may be formed in the near future (Chris Paul and Carmelo Anthony anyone?), the difference between the haves and the have-nots in the league could be growing wider, which spells doom for smaller market teams that struggle to attract big name free agents. For now, the only sure bet is that teams like the Pacers and Raptors will have plenty of good seats still available.
Nothing but a number? Both the Celtics and the Mavericks will enter the season on the list of potential contenders, as they have over the past few years. But the proverbial window may be soon closing for both teams, who are loaded with aging veterans whose prime is in their rearview mirror. The Celtics' rotations will feature Ray Allen (35 years old), Kevin Garnett (34), Shaquille O'Neal (38) and Paul Pierce (32). Depth up front will be provided by 31-year old Jermaine O'Neal, who is preparing for his 15th season in the league. Yes, they still have the 25-and-under club with Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins and Glen Davis, but there's no denying that this team is built to win this year, because next year isn't a given. In Dallas, the situation is even more immediate. Jason Kidd (37), Dirk Nowitzki (32), Jason Terry (33), Caron Butler (30), Brendan Haywood (30) and Shawn Marion (32) aren't exactly ready for the nursing home, but the NBA is becoming a young man's league, and all of these guys may have lost a step over the years. With that being said, it would be a shock not to see both teams making a run in the playoffs this year. But they should be warned...that window isn't going to stay open much longer.
Are you ready for the storm? We'll end with a positive note here...the Oklahoma City Thunder's rapid ascension into the league's upper echelon. There may not be a more fun team to follow than the young Thunder this year, led by superstar Kevin Durant, breakout star Russell Westbrook and emerging players like Jeff Green, Serge Ibaka and James Harden. This is a team that seems practically devoid of ego, and they play with the joy of a college team, as opposed to the stone-faced look of a hardened professionals. Durant may well take home the MVP this season, and at only 22, we may be witnessing the rise of one of the greatest players of this generation. Westbrook is full of untapped potential, which is scary considering he already averaged 16 points and eight assists last year. Green, Ibaka, Harden, Eric Maynor, Nick Collison and Thabo Sefolosha fill their roles nicely, and the addition of rookie Cole Aldrich should help the team in the post. Furthermore, this is a team that simply gives off a "fun" vibe, full of exuberant youthful energy and innocence, even as they begin climbing the league ladder. They're still probably a year or two away from being a true title contender, but don't be surprised to see the Thunder near the top of the Western Conference all season.
