I'm usually not one to make bold predictions about upcoming NBA seasons--unlike Kevin Garnett. But I am willing to go out on a limb for a few things this year. Here are my Top Ten Predictions for the 2009-2010 NBA season:
10) Despite spending the vast majority of his minutes on the low block and lining up next to the 6-9 McDyess, Tim Duncan will somehow be passed off as a "power forward" by the San Antonio Spurs. In recent years, the Spurs have become notorious for this re-classification of their prototypical center--usually in an effort to secure a starting All-Star bid for Duncan. Look, dude's a center. Always has been, always will be. The biggest reason it worked with Robinson is that the Admiral was more small forward (skill-set-wise) than center. Duncan was a center in college, coming out of college, and plays the five in the Association. Stop calling him a four.
9) Kurt Rambis will regret taking the T-Wolves job. LA vs. Minnesota: winning vs. not, warm weather vs. brutal winters, part of a staff vs. scapegoat. Look, dude was never promised Jackson's seat when the Zen Master finally retires, but why not ride the wave as long as you can? Besides...
8) At least 4 coaching jobs will open up this year. Just to take a stab in the dark--Golden State, Clippers, Indiana, and New Orleans.
7) Shaq will gloss himself the "Big (insert Cleveland metaphor here)". Oh, and he'll make a few more comments on how LBJ is the greatest player he ever played with.
6) Vince Carter and Dwight Howard will have a feud. Howard was already not getting the ball enough. Vinsanity replacing Hedo is NOT going to help that.
5) Rasheed will get crap-load of techs--but also will fit in nicely with the Celtics. He's definitely not the force he was in Portland--or even Detroit a few years back--but his turnaround J is still unblockable. Call him the next James "Buddha" Edwards.
4) Andrew Bynum will stay healthy and make the All-Star team. The last two years have shown us HUGE upside. This is the year the kid stays away from the injury bug and gets his first All-Star nod. ***No Yao makes this a virtual lock***
3) Ron Artest will fit in and be a good soldier—for this year at least. It says a lot that Artest took less than the going rate to come to LA for a chance to win, but what's even more telling is Ron-Ron's deference to Kobe at every turn, even going so far as to wear a black Kobe (Black Mamba) jersey at a recent promotional appearance in San Diego. Having Odom back in the fold will also help as the two are childhood friends. But most importantly, Artest respects Phil Jackson and has said repeatedly he'll do whatever he's asked. Artest will get his touches in spots--especially whenever he's in and Kobe's not--and will give the Lakers their first true tough guy since Rambis. Ultimately, Artest will continue to be a double threat and only make the Lakers stronger which is why...
2) Someone other than Kobe will win the MVP this year. Probably LeBron as he will only continue to get better and is #1A at worst in the league already. His supporting cast is not even in the same league as Bryant's--which should sway voters. Wade is the dark horse, but he'll have to have ungodly numbers and get the Heat solidly into the 4 spot in the East with 50+ wins to do it. Kobe will just have to settle again for Finals MVP because...
1) After a grueling season in which they WON'T win 70 games, the Los Angeles Lakers will defeat the Boston Celtics in 6 games. Assuming reasonably full health on both sides, the Lakers will avenge their 2008 embarrassment and finally gain the measure of respect they're missing for not having to face the injury-ravaged C's in '09. The Celtics have upgraded since '08 as well with the addition of Wallace and development of Rondo and (to a much lesser degree) Davis, but Artest gives the Lakers someone to legitimately match-up with Pierce (something they absolutely did not have last time around) and the presence of Bynum--and continued improvement of Gasol--even out the frontcourts. All things being relatively equal, Kobe's quest to win one-for-the-thumb (and eventually pass Jordan's six) will push them over the edge.
So sound off if you will. I'm no prognosticator, but at least I'm not guaranteeing two championships.
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