2009-10 NBA season thread

[Den1983]

Didn't see this anywhere, and with the preseason already under way (Utah smacked Denver), I figured now is as good of a time as any.

What are the expectations? Lakers-Cavs Finals? Cavs-Spurs? Lakers-Celtics?

I'm thinking Lakers-Celtics, assuming the C's are healthy.

I do hope I'm wrong, though. I'd like to see some fresh blood.

 

[cwilson3]

Thank you for starting this. I think the Celtics and Cavs are in for a heck of an Eastern Conference battle. Although, despite the fact that the Magic got worse, I think they'll still be in the mix.

 

[Bubbler]

Bucks-NBA runner-up

 

[JC]

Bucks-NBA runner-up

for the number 1 pick?

 

[floridanewbie31]

I think the magic are better. Carter's an alpha scorer, and in a playoff setting that just can't be ignored. Bass will be a great addition to this team as well.

 

[cwilson3]

I think the magic are better. Carter's an alpha scorer, and in a playoff setting that just can't be ignored. Bass will be a great addition to this team as well.

He's more of an alpha shooter than an alpha scorer. Bass is a solid addition, though. I just think Carter's always been a cancer and a volume shooter. Never been a difference maker in the playoffs, either.

 

[Some Guy]

Smart money is on Lakers-Celts.

There really is a growing gap between the haves and have-nots in the league, though. There are really only four or five teams you could envision winning a title. The rest are also-rans before the season even begins.

 

[Cosmo]

I agree. Lakers, Celtics, Cavs, maybe the Spurs have one last gasp in them ... not sold on the Magic's staying power ... could the Heat make a move this year? Maybe the Mavs sneak up on people.

 

[Gene Parmesan]

I agree. Lakers, Celtics, Cavs, maybe the Spurs have one last gasp in them ... not sold on the Magic's staying power ... could the Heat make a move this year? Maybe the Mavs sneak up on people.

Nuggets have a better shot at sneaking up than the Mavs.

 

[Small Town Guy]

Smart money is on Lakers-Celts.

There really is a growing gap between the haves and have-nots in the league, though. There are really only four or five teams you could envision winning a title. The rest are also-rans before the season even begins.

I don't know if that's much different than every other year in the NBA since 1980. Eight franchises have won titles in the last 30 years. Only three different teams from the West. Compare that to the parity in the NFL, MLB, etc. It's of course much easier to create a dominating team in the NBA and much easier to keep them together.

But the have-not have been pretty helpless for awhile, they just alternate each season.

You're right about there probably only being four or five this year. I think the Nuggets are again the top threat to the Lakers in the West. The Spurs made some nice moves but I can't see Manu lasting a whole season and Duncan's not what he was.

 

[Den1983]

I agree. Lakers, Celtics, Cavs, maybe the Spurs have one last gasp in them ... not sold on the Magic's staying power ... could the Heat make a move this year? Maybe the Mavs sneak up on people.

Agreed. I'm not excited about the Mavs at all, not as long as Dirk Nowitzki is expected to be the one to lead them to glory.

I saw the Rockets-Celtics game last night, and man, the Rockets look horrible. Really poor rotations on D, terrible in halfcourt sets and too many role players asked to assume lead roles.
Nuggets have a better shot at sneaking up than the Mavs.

 

[Some Guy]

I like the Mavs better than the Nuggets. I don't see either team winning it all, but I think Dallas is the clear cut No. 3 in the West. They've certainly improved over last season.