For the first time in what seems like forever, I am here to address the second "J" in Jesus, Jocks, and the Jukebox because...
The NBA is back!
Despite the lockout, last year's NBA season was one of the most memorable we've had in years. The storylines, the drama, the humour, the playoffs - everything about the season was an absolute treat to watch, and it completely overshadowed the fact that it took until Christmas Day for the season to actually start.
As hockey appears to be shut down for the foreseeable future, sports fans will have the opportunity to shift their attention over to basketball. Lucky for us, we have quite a doozy on our hands, as there's an awful lot to be excited about in the NBA.
Allow me to explain with 10 things to be excited about for this upcoming NBA season:
The Toronto Raptors
I will forever be grateful to the Toronto Raptors. It is because the Raptors that Canadians are able to watch basketball, and it was because of the Raptors that I started to watch the NBA in the first place (the days of Vince, T-Mac, and Oak). As much as I love them, it's frustrating when your favorite team sucks every year.
This year's Raptors team is going to be a joy to watch. I'm going to write my annual Toronto Raptors report next week, but until then all you need to know is they're going to be a hard-working, exciting, disciplined young team who may very well sneak into the playoffs as the eighth seed in the East. And yes, I've been drinking the Jonas Valanciunas Kool-Aid.
The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics Rivalry
We already got a taste of it on Tuesday and I know I was left craving more. This rivalry stems back from LeBron's days in Cleveland as the Celtics (particularly Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce) proved successful at being able to completely throw LeBron James off his game. In fact, two of LeBron's biggest playoff collapses in his career happened against this team. This rivalry continued as LeBron moved to Miami, and despite KG and Pierce being at the tail-end of their careers, last year's seven game playoff series proved that the rivalry is still alive and well.
If the pure hatred between the two chief Celtics and LeBron weren't enough, this off-season provided some more fuel for the fire as not only did Ray Allen leave the Celtics, but he left to play with the Heat. To top it all off, the Celtics made some great moves in the off season and have had time to heal from injuries, making the Heat and the Celtics almost a lock for the top two seeds in the East. A Derek Rose return is the only thing standing in the way of another Heat-Celtics Eastern Conference Final - and for that, we're all winners.
We already got a taste of it on Tuesday and I know I was left craving more. This rivalry stems back from LeBron's days in Cleveland as the Celtics (particularly Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce) proved successful at being able to completely throw LeBron James off his game. In fact, two of LeBron's biggest playoff collapses in his career happened against this team. This rivalry continued as LeBron moved to Miami, and despite KG and Pierce being at the tail-end of their careers, last year's seven game playoff series proved that the rivalry is still alive and well.If the pure hatred between the two chief Celtics and LeBron weren't enough, this off-season provided some more fuel for the fire as not only did Ray Allen leave the Celtics, but he left to play with the Heat. To top it all off, the Celtics made some great moves in the off season and have had time to heal from injuries, making the Heat and the Celtics almost a lock for the top two seeds in the East. A Derek Rose return is the only thing standing in the way of another Heat-Celtics Eastern Conference Final - and for that, we're all winners.
Practice
I swear...I'm not going to say it. I'm not even going to reference it.
Come on...he's not even in the league anymore. Can I at least make my point first?
...ugh...
As exciting as having basketball almost every day in last year's shortened season, it might also be great to see these teams have some time to practice. Last year was an exciting year, but it was clear that the basketball being played was a lot sloppier than it should be, and it wasn't until the playoffs until teams really put things together and tightened up their execution. One team that will really benefit from practice will be the new look Los Angeles Lakers...which leads me to the next point....
The Los Angeles Lakers Power Struggle
Starting Lineup: Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant, Metta World Peace, and Steve Nash. On paper, that may very well be the best starting lineup in the league (I don't think so, but one could argue). But as we saw with the Miami Heat two years ago, having a lineup like this isn't without it's growing pains (Side note: I realize the Heat made it to the Finals their first year together, but their regular season was nowhere near dominant. Remember Cry Gate?)
This may be my inner hatred for the Lakers talking, but how on earth is this team going to co-exist? Does anyone really think Kobe is going to defer to another superstar? Realistically, the success of the Lakers lands completely on Kobe's attitude this season. On paper, this team probably could work, but that's assuming Kobe learns how to trust his teammates. But you know how the old saying goes: You know you're in trouble when you're banking on a selfless Kobe Bryant.
I swear...I'm not going to say it. I'm not even going to reference it.
Come on...he's not even in the league anymore. Can I at least make my point first?
...ugh...
As exciting as having basketball almost every day in last year's shortened season, it might also be great to see these teams have some time to practice. Last year was an exciting year, but it was clear that the basketball being played was a lot sloppier than it should be, and it wasn't until the playoffs until teams really put things together and tightened up their execution. One team that will really benefit from practice will be the new look Los Angeles Lakers...which leads me to the next point....
The Los Angeles Lakers Power Struggle
This may be my inner hatred for the Lakers talking, but how on earth is this team going to co-exist? Does anyone really think Kobe is going to defer to another superstar? Realistically, the success of the Lakers lands completely on Kobe's attitude this season. On paper, this team probably could work, but that's assuming Kobe learns how to trust his teammates. But you know how the old saying goes: You know you're in trouble when you're banking on a selfless Kobe Bryant.
Zach Lowe on Grantland
As much as I love Bill Simmons, I have to admit his writing has become very stale as of late. Note to sports writers: Mailbags should be used sparingly, and should not take the place of actual columns.
Thankfully, Simmons and the crew at Grantland welcomed a new addition to the editorial staff in NBA writer, Zach Lowe. Contrary to Simmons, Lowe is a very unbiased, fact-driven writer with an incredible knowledge of the sport, and according to his recent work - a crazy work ethic. Lowe has been writing columns on Grantland almost daily, and will provide some great consistency to one of the best sports websites out there.
As much as I love Bill Simmons, I have to admit his writing has become very stale as of late. Note to sports writers: Mailbags should be used sparingly, and should not take the place of actual columns.
Thankfully, Simmons and the crew at Grantland welcomed a new addition to the editorial staff in NBA writer, Zach Lowe. Contrary to Simmons, Lowe is a very unbiased, fact-driven writer with an incredible knowledge of the sport, and according to his recent work - a crazy work ethic. Lowe has been writing columns on Grantland almost daily, and will provide some great consistency to one of the best sports websites out there.
The Minnesota Timberwolves
Exciting and innovative point guard? Ricky Rubio - Check. Dominant superstar? Kevin Love - Check. Young talent with high potential? Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio - Check. Potential feel good comeback story? Brandon Roy - Check. Quirky goofball with a memorable name but is actually pretty good at basketball? Niiiiiiikoooolaaaaaaa Pekovic - Check.
This whole team is so likeable to me, and once they are all healthy I think they can definitely be a team who can do some serious damage in the regular season. They will be fast and excting, and if Brandon Roy can regain some of the magic that made him a top ten player in this league just a few years ago, they may be a lot better than people think. Also, don't sleep on Andrei Kirilenko, who is tall, quick, can shoot, is Russian, had a good preseason and only really had one poor year in the NBA, and has a massive back tattoo. The best part is, they're the closest team to Winnipeg, so it will be a great excuse for a road trip at some point in the year.
Exciting and innovative point guard? Ricky Rubio - Check. Dominant superstar? Kevin Love - Check. Young talent with high potential? Derrick Williams and Ricky Rubio - Check. Potential feel good comeback story? Brandon Roy - Check. Quirky goofball with a memorable name but is actually pretty good at basketball? Niiiiiiikoooolaaaaaaa Pekovic - Check.
This whole team is so likeable to me, and once they are all healthy I think they can definitely be a team who can do some serious damage in the regular season. They will be fast and excting, and if Brandon Roy can regain some of the magic that made him a top ten player in this league just a few years ago, they may be a lot better than people think. Also, don't sleep on Andrei Kirilenko, who is tall, quick, can shoot, is Russian, had a good preseason and only really had one poor year in the NBA, and has a massive back tattoo. The best part is, they're the closest team to Winnipeg, so it will be a great excuse for a road trip at some point in the year.
The Western Conference
Where the East has Miami and Boston as teams who can do some damage in the playoffs (and Chicago if Rose comes back healthy - but that's a big if), the West have: Oklahoma City, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, San Antonio, Denver, and one more year out of Memphis. This is going to be a tight conference, and we will see a lot of great games between these solid basketball teams.
It will be interesting to see who takes the two available playoff spots, as these six teams all feel like a lock. My prediction is the Utah Jazz get in quite easily after career years from Paul Millsap and Gordon Hayward, and the Minnesota Timberwolves sneak in as the eighth seed after a late push from a full healthy lineup.
Where the East has Miami and Boston as teams who can do some damage in the playoffs (and Chicago if Rose comes back healthy - but that's a big if), the West have: Oklahoma City, LA Lakers, LA Clippers, San Antonio, Denver, and one more year out of Memphis. This is going to be a tight conference, and we will see a lot of great games between these solid basketball teams.
It will be interesting to see who takes the two available playoff spots, as these six teams all feel like a lock. My prediction is the Utah Jazz get in quite easily after career years from Paul Millsap and Gordon Hayward, and the Minnesota Timberwolves sneak in as the eighth seed after a late push from a full healthy lineup.
Great Blog Material
Some things to consider:
With all of this gold, something's gotta give. My guess is that JaVale leads us off, and everything else falls right into place. The NBA is the home to the greatest characters in all of professional sports.
Some things to consider:
- JaVale McGee is still playing basketball. Also, George Karl might kill him.
- Steve Nash and Metta World Peace on the same team may provide some serious viral video material.
- Dwight and Kobe are going to brawl in the parking lot.
- The Minnesota Timberwolves are the whitest team since the 1980's Celtics.
- The New York Knicks are the oldest team ever.
- The best rookie in the league has a unibrow.
With all of this gold, something's gotta give. My guess is that JaVale leads us off, and everything else falls right into place. The NBA is the home to the greatest characters in all of professional sports.
Off Season Moves
Yes, Ray Allen is on the Heat, James Harden got traded, the Knicks didn't resign Jeremy Lin, Dwight finally got out of Orlando, and Steve Nash is a Laker.
But more importantly, JaVale McGee has been working on his sky-hook, and there may be an all NBA player rap album coming out this year.
Tell em, Stephen Jackson and Kevin Durant
"Keep your game face on...poker."...classic Stack Five...classic.
LeBron James
LeBron James has finally become the undisputed greatest basketball player in the world. There is no possible argument that can suggest otherwise. And now that he has one ring, he will be playing as if a weight has been lifted off of his shoulders.
As we saw in the playoffs, LeBron has developed a post game, which means there really isn't anything on the court he can't do. I am truly rooting for LeBron, as I am always a fan of witnessing history. And if he stays healthy and focused, this may be the start of LeBron's journey in becoming the greatest basketball player of all time.
Basketball blasphemy? Sure feels like it. But the way he played last season has at least opened up the conversation. Only time will tell. All I know is, I can't wait for it to unfold.
Welcome back, basketball. Show us what you got.
Yes, Ray Allen is on the Heat, James Harden got traded, the Knicks didn't resign Jeremy Lin, Dwight finally got out of Orlando, and Steve Nash is a Laker.
But more importantly, JaVale McGee has been working on his sky-hook, and there may be an all NBA player rap album coming out this year.
Tell em, Stephen Jackson and Kevin Durant
"Keep your game face on...poker."...classic Stack Five...classic.
LeBron James
LeBron James has finally become the undisputed greatest basketball player in the world. There is no possible argument that can suggest otherwise. And now that he has one ring, he will be playing as if a weight has been lifted off of his shoulders.
As we saw in the playoffs, LeBron has developed a post game, which means there really isn't anything on the court he can't do. I am truly rooting for LeBron, as I am always a fan of witnessing history. And if he stays healthy and focused, this may be the start of LeBron's journey in becoming the greatest basketball player of all time.
Basketball blasphemy? Sure feels like it. But the way he played last season has at least opened up the conversation. Only time will tell. All I know is, I can't wait for it to unfold.
Welcome back, basketball. Show us what you got.
Between your class presentation and your blog, it's possible I may know something about the NBA by the time this semester is over. Who'd-a thunk it?!
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