The Basketball Sherpa has been patiently waiting for the return of basketball season, and it is finally here! I don't know about you but I simply cannot wait to see all the stars in action. There are so many incredible story lines to follow. How will Greg Oden play on a young and talented Blazers team? How will Kevin Durant and co. adapt to OKC. How will the Rockets and Ron Artest follow up last season? Can the Celtics keep their intensity going for another full season? How much more can we get out of Shaq and Steve Nash? How far will the Heat rise after last year's disappointment? How improved will the Sixers be with the addition of Elton Brand?
There is just so much to watch for all season long. As a source of information on the magical game of basketball, I feel it is my responsibility to outline the ten most intriguing questions of this season:
How improved will the Portland Trail Blazers be with Greg Oden on the floor?
The elation Portland fans felt after securing Greg Oden was quickly soured after a knee injury last year. Its been a long wait, but it looks like NBA fans are finally going to get to see just how good this seven-foot behemoth can be. Of course most people are sure the Blazers are going to be significantly better, but just how much better? Will the center be enough to make Portland into a threat in the post-season? You can bet that The Basketball Sherpa will be watching this team carefully all season long.
Will Mo Williams and LeBron be enough to put the Cleveland Cavaliers over the top?
We all understand that Bron-Bron could go down as the best player to play the game. He has pretty much single handedly carried the Cavs to a Finals appearance and came close to beating the Celtic's Big Three by himself. With the addition of Mo Williams be the missing piece King James has been waiting for? I cannot tell you, but I can tell you it will be exciting to find out.
How much improved are the Philadelphia 76ers with Elton Brand?
The Sixers surprised a lot of people last year with their speed and late-season surge, but they were missing a name-brand player to carry the offensive load. Enter Elton Brand, who was lured away from the Clippers and back to the 76ers. There has been some concern expressed over his Achilles tendon but the Basketball Sherpa thinks that Brand will shine in Philadelphia. I expect big things out of Brand, so it should be a pretty good year to be a basketball fan in Philly.
Will Ron Artest be enough to finally put the Houston Rockets over the top?
The Basketball Sherpa loved watching the Rockets play last year, and who wasn't impressed with their 22-game win streak? I think Yao has gotten better each year and has finally learned to use his body as the weapon that it is. You have to love Tracy McGrady, an assassin on the court that can rain buckets all day long. With Artest guarding the net, it should be a good time to buy Rockets tickets.
Can the Miami Heat bring anyone in to help the explosive Dwane Wade?
Dwane Wade has been a Sherpa favorite since he showcased his talent in the 2006 Finals. He is no doubt one of the five best players in the league, so if his teammates can play up to speed, or, more likely, the front office can bring in some help, Wade should be able to showcase his skills all season long.
How much, if any, will be the dropff for the defending Champs the Boston Celtics?
If you did not notice the Celtics intensity last year you were simply not paying attention. Kevin Garnett has to be the most intense player to play the game in the past ten years, and his team feeds of his charisma. I don't expect Gannett to be any less hungry this season, but I do think there is a chance he will start to show his age. After all, with the fierceness Garnett has shown each and every year, it is hard to belive that it hasn't taken some long-term toll on his body. Then again he was downright dominating in the important games last season, and after a long break to think about his place in NBA history, he might be more motivated than ever to secure his name in the history books.
How dominant will the Utah Jazz be?
The Jazz have to be the most feared team in the NBA just because of their sheer physicality. They are downright brawlers, and will fight tooth and nail each and every position. I don't envy anyone who has to guard Mehmet Okur, one of the fastest centers playing right now. The Jass are a great team to watch and The Sherpa will be watching them with great interest.
How good will the Toronto Raptors be with Jermaine O'Neal, Chris Bosh and Jose Calderon?
The Basketball Sherpa is really big on the Raptors this year. The Sherpa was mightily impressed with Calderon last year, his inspired play was really a big surprise, I will be totally honest. I think that with O'Neal once again playing for a good team, the sky is really the limit for these Raptors.
Can Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets keep up their incredible performances of a year ago?
The Hornets and Paul were the surprise of the season last year, with nobody expecting Paul to play the way he did- poor Hawks fans. Its was a great season for him, and the Basketball Sherpa belive he is ready for another. Adding James Posey was a great move and the Sherpa believes he can put the Hornets over the top with his shot making ability and his stellar defense.
Will Kobe's age and the fact that he played competitive basketball during the off-season affect
how the LA Lakers perform?
The discussion between Kobe and James as the best player is still not settled, but for now we will have to defer to Kobe simply because of his rings. But then again James never had Shaq to play with. Its really a close call but of course you have to say the Black Mamba could be the best player in the NBA. Last season's great success makes you forget that entering the season Lakers fans were bracing for a terrible season. Luck and skill, and Pau Gasol, combined to make the Lakers the Western Champs. But with Kobe playing at such a high level so late into the season, then playing in the Olympics, I just have to belive that there is a human under there and at some point his offensive numbers are going to have to dip. I'm not saying it definitely this year, but I am saying that its possible.
That the ten most intriguing storylines the Sherpa will be watching. Keep coming back to hear my musings and outlook on the season.
