October 21, 200916 yr Moon does not excite me very much, but I believe Anthony Parker was a huge pickup by the Cavs and one that went unnoticed. They both give them some height and athleticism on the wings they were missing.
October 21, 200916 yr Spurs and Cavs in the finals. A great 7 game series where Lebron gets more calls than Duncan and the Cavs take home the title. I think people are overlooking the players these two teams picked up not named Shaq. I think the Artest semi-swap hurts the Lakers more than it helps. The Moon and Parker pickups were the big ones to me for the Cavs. They needed those two desperately. I wonder if Shaq around will help Lebron be more ready for the playoffs? Shaq has always been a fan of easing into the season and being ready to roll in the summer. Lebron should listen to that advice. I forgot he was on the team. He is one of the more entertaining players to watch in the league. His athleticism is tops in the league right next to that other guy on the Cavs team.
October 21, 200916 yr I was really close to putting the Magic but if KG is healthy I think they are still slightly better. I like the Magic based solely on Howard's continuing improvement and a healthy Jameer Nelson. But you could very well be right! It is almost a tossup between the Magic, Celtics, and Cavs for the east. In the west the Lakers really shouldn't have a problem. They will be challenged by the Blazers. I think Utah could also be a dark horse.
October 23, 200916 yr Lakers over the sacrificial lamb from the East. Kobe is well rested and laying the foundation to his MJ "You can hate me now" Hall of Fame speech. Ron-Ron stays out of trouble and his polarizing personality will keep the Lakers loose as Kobe begins he and Fisher's "Drive for 5". My bold prediction....Bynum stays healthy ALL YEAR and the Lakers dominate from start to finish this year, win 70+ games and people begin to seriously debate where Kobe ranks amongst the greatest of all time.
October 23, 200916 yr Celtics over the Spurs. I think the Spurs will be back in full force this year, until last year.
October 24, 200916 yr I'll take the Cavs over the Spurs in the finals. MVP: Howard COY: Scotty Brooks Scoring Title: Kevin Durant ROY: Johnny Flynn
October 27, 200916 yr The Lakers will obviously be the strongest team entering the season with Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol, Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom and Ron Artest all on the court together. Reminds me of the 90's Bulls team when they had Michael, Scottie, Rodman, etc. I mean I don't think their even but just the star power the Lakers will have this year makes it somewhat comparable. LeBron gets MVP. Lakers vs Cavs (as Shaq slows down Dwight enough to win the Eastern Conference) in the finals for an epic throwdown. LaBron aided by Shaq wins his first title in the league. I forgot he was on the team. He is one of the more entertaining players to watch in the league. His athleticism is tops in the league right next to that other guy on the Cavs team. I'm going with Tyreke Evans with ROY since Griffin will be out at least 6 weeks...Even though the Kings will be terrible but so will the Clippers so it's all good. Wizards will be most improved with a healthy Arenas, Jamison & Caron Butler.
October 27, 200916 yr From Bil Simmons' column, 'The 33 Most Intriguing NBA People" 14. Andrew Bynum I am 65 percent certain that this exact conversation happened within the past four weeks. (Kobe enters Phil Jackson's office. Brian Shaw is sitting to Phil's right.) Phil: Kobe, thanks for stopping by. Kobe: No problem. I got five minutes. Artest is taking me to Hollywood Boulevard; he wants to introduce me to the guys dressed up like Superman and Batman. He thinks they're the actual superheroes. I haven't had the heart to tell him they're homeless guys. Phil: Well, don't tell him differently. Let him think that. Kobe: I will. Phil: Look, I really want to get Bynum more involved in our offense in November and December. It's a good thing, Kobe. Just trust me. We run everything through him for 42 minutes. You take over for the last six. Kobe: C'mon, we did this last season. Then he got hurt, I took over and our team took off. Why go through the charade again? Phil: Because you're still two titles behind MJ? Kobe: That's your big motivational move with me now, huh? Phil: Hey, he told me himself -- "Tell Kobe to call me when he gets to six." Kobe (eyes narrowing): He said that? Phil: Yup. He said he can't even take you seriously until you win two more. Kobe: Really? Phil: Yup. That's why we need Bynum right now. The Pechonkamappadosa tribe has a phrase for this called, "Kakaboomaka." It means, "To share the credit without giving up credit with those who matter." I just want to build his confidence up and save your legs. We put a ton of miles on those babies these past two years -- 208 games. This is good for you. Kobe: Lemme think about it. (Kobe leaves. Phil turns to Shaw.) Phil: This is too easy. :lol:
October 27, 200916 yr The team that didn't win it last year,but should have,the Cleveland Cavs. Why should they have? Orlando was the better team in the East, and well the Lakers were just better than everyone last year... Now as for this year, it seems like the Spurs always make that Championship every few years or so. So I am going with them out of the West, and if Boston stays healthy I take them beating Orlando in the Eastern finals. Boston wins the Championship in 7 games against the Spurs. By the way a team that I think could be a sleeper and could possibly make a surprise run at it is the Heat. They have one of the best players in the league in Wade, and a lot of young talent that has some experience now. They are a team that if they get it together could possibly make a run at it or at least be a very tough out in the playoffs.
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