Short season = excitement
The debut of the NBA is just a few days away and I'm not sure what to think. With no training camp to speak of and a league of players who are upset, what kind of a product can we expect?
We've already had trades declined, players (Kevin Garnett) complaining about the lack of training camp time and a rushed start to the season. Plus we're going to see teams playing as many as five or six games in a week. For the younger teams such as the Oklahoma City Thunder, that's a good thing. For the more "veteran" squads such as the Celtics, it's a death sentence.
The young guns will be able to keep pace knowing that at the end of the tunnel will be a chance to battle for an NBA title. For the players who have been around the block a time or two, their bodies won't allow for a crammed season. Simple facts, folks.
Another team that will benefit from the abbreviate season is our own Indiana Pacers. The team is full of young talent and I only see the Chicago Bulls standing in their way of claiming the Central Division. But if you remember, the Pacers held their own against the Bulls in last season's playoffs, so they might have a surprise or two up their sleeve.
As much as I hate to say it, I expect the Heat will be making another push for the NBA title. While the team isn't filled with spring chickens, they possess so much talent; they can build enough of a lead where they can sit their stars from time to time.
With the acquisition of Chris Paul, I expect the Clippers to be the kings of Los Angeles. There's questions about Kobe Bryant's knees year in and year out, and if the issues with his knees are worse than people think, the Lakers may start strong, but they might fade just as fast.
While I'm more a fan of college basketball because they tend to the play for the right reasons, I think this shortened version of an NBA season could provide some very interesting moments. Maybe it should be a blueprint for seasons to come if it's a success.
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