The Clarion is pumped about the upcoming NBA season. Here is a preview of what we think is going to transpire:
Samuel Huist
Surprise team: Washington Wizards
How can a team featuring all-stars Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler miss the playoffs two years in a row? With the additions of Head Coach Flip Saunders and guards Mike Miller and Randy Foye, the Wizards offense will be excellent and they will be a top four team in the Eastern Conference.
Disappointing team: Cleveland Cavaliers
It’s championship or bust for the Cavaliers. Both LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal will be free agents after this season. That means Cleveland’s time to win a championship is now, but that won’t happen. They still don’t have the versatility required to guard the Orlando Magic’s three-point oriented attack and they lack the toughness to get through the Boston Celtics’ ruthless defense.
NBA Champion: Boston Celtics
The Celtics will raise their 18th banner this season after they defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in a rematch of the 2008 NBA Finals. Point guard Rajon Rondo took a huge step forward last season and the signing of Rasheed Wallace will keep superstar Kevin Garnett fresh for the playoffs. The Celtics are too deep and too good defensively for any team to beat.
Rookie of the Year: Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry likes to shoot. Head Coach Don Nelson’s Warriors love to jack up shots. That seems like the perfect circumstances for the diminutive guard to flourish. I could see Curry averaging anywhere from 14 to 17 points per game this season, similar to what Eric Gordon did last season for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Most Valuable Player: Chris Paul
Paul finished second in MVP voting in 2008 behind the legendary Kobe Byrant. But, this year he will be the one to lift the trophy. The Hornets finally ditched chronically injured center Tyson Chandler in favor of steady, but never flashy, Emeka Okafor.
Simply put, CP3 will win the MVP because he is a great player surrounded by not so great teammates. He will receive a lot of recognition for whatever success his team has and his stats will be outrageous.
Kamari Stevens
Surprise Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
I think the Thunder will strike playoff lightning this season. With the Houston Rockets taking a gigantic step back and only three teams making major additions to their rosters – Dallas, Los Angeles and San Antonio – I see the Thunder coming out of nowhere and stealing one of the eight coveted playoff spots in the Western Conference. Superstar-in-waiting Kevin Durant is bound to have an all-star season after finishing last season strong. Guard Russell Westbrook and forward Jeff Green will also mature their games to see the Thunder break new ground.
Disappointing Team: Miami Heat
After getting bumped out of the first round of last season’s playoffs, the Heat are looking towards the future. It’s just that they don’t have much to look forward to. Dwayne Wade exerted a lot of energy to make last year’s team barely above .500 and with little talent outside of Wade and perennial knucklehead Michael Beasley, the Heat may be in a bit of hot water.
NBA Champion: Cleveland Cavaliers
Yes, I am a Cavs fan. Yes, I’m an even bigger LeBron James fan. That aside, I truly believe that the Cavs have the best chance to take home the Larry O’Brien trophy. The Lakers hopes of repeating lay on the shoulders of Ron Artest. The Spurs hopes of winning again lay on the legs of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobli, Tony Parker and Richard Jefferson—all of whom have had issues with their lower limbs. The Boston Celtics hopes lay on the bodies of four veterans who were all drafted before James hit St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. Yep, I think I’ll roll with King James.
Most Valuable Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
After winning his first MVP award, James is arguably the best player in the NBA. With a solid team behind him, James has to be the overwhelming favorite to win the trophy again.
Rookie of the Year: Brandon Jennings, Milwaukee Bucks
In my mind, there are only three major candidates for this award and that is Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin, Sacramento Kings guard Tyreke Evans and Jennings. Griffin, who will most likely win the award, has less opportunity to earn the award with Al Thorton, Marcus Camby, Chris Kaman and DeAndre Jordan all hogging up the frontcourt.
Jennings is poised to get major minutes before midseason and with his quickness and passing ability he has the potential to take the preordained crown from Griffin’s head.
Joseph Stueve
Surprise team: Los Angeles Clippers
Constantly in the shadow of their big brother, the Clippers will finally break free from the Lakers and become a legit organization. No. 1 overall selection Blake Griffin has the talent to carry Los Angeles to a playoff spot after a largely disappointing 2008-09 campaign. With a healthy Baron Davis, an improving Eric Gordon and the inside presence of Griffin, the Clippers are a dangerous squad.
Disappointing team: Houston Rockets
Where will the Rockets get their points? Subtracting Yao Ming (injured foot), Tracy McGrady (injured knee) and Ron Artest (signed with the Los Angeles Lakers) kills the Rockets chances at surviving through the gauntlet known as the Western Conference. I would be shocked if Trevor Ariza played anywhere close to the level he played at during the Lakers title run.
Sorry, Houston. It’s going to be a long season.
NBA Champion: San Antonio Spurs
The question that dangles with the Spurs always reverts to their health. Can Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobli stay on the court together when April rolls around?
History has shown that when those three are at 100 percent, San Antonio is the toughest team in the NBA to defeat in a seven-game series.
Adding Richard Jefferson and DeJuan Blair helped the Spurs become a much more athletic bunch, as well.
I expect the Spurs to collect their fourth championship of the decade.
Most Valuable Player: Kevin Durant, SF, Oklahoma City Thunder
Durant left his imprint on the league last season when the 21-year-old forward averaged 25 points per game. Led by Durant, Oklahoma City owns a core with an extremely high ceiling. I wouldn’t be all too surprised if Durant went out and dropped 30 points a game. If he can somehow lead the Thunder to a playoff berth, Durant deserves some serious consideration.
Rookie of the Year: Blake Griffin, PF, Los Angeles Clippers
If you don’t think Griffin is on his way to receiving the top rookie award, you need your head examined. The No. 1 overall pick is a lock for 15 points and 10 rebounds a game. Playing along side a motivated Baron Davis and a natural scorer in Eric Gordon, Griffin won’t see the double and triple teams he had to face in college where he averaged 22 points and 14 rebounds as a sophomore.