It's moneyball time in the Association. The series' lag on slower than Gheorges Muresan, except the ones featuring the "hot" clubs (Suns and Heat). There are faces notable by their absence (LeBron James, Kobe Bryant), and revived teams distinguished by their presence after a postseason hiatus for years (Boston, Chicago, Washington).
Most of all, newer stars are shining in what was once Michael Jordan's Kingdom. Among the young guns are Amare Stoudemire, Ben Gordon, Kirk Hinrich, Gilbert Arenas, Larry Hughes, and last, but not least, Dwayne Wade. These are some of the names who hope to fill the large sneakers of Karl Malone, Reggie Miller, John Stockton, and Scottie Pippen.
We live in the era of the baby backcourt — a trend not likely to subside with the influx of high school and European talent. Neither Tony Parker or Amare Stoudemire ever set foot on a college campus. There is also the issue of Doc Rivers, Eddie Jordan, and the Van Gundy brothers attempting to prove their mettle as coaches. I'd rather be the Van Gundy coaching Shaq than the one with Yao. Ming has game, but his teammates don't know how best to mesh with him.
The other clear trend is the home court advantage. The Dallas Mavericks appeared comatose until they hosted two games at friendly American Airlines Arena. The Wizards, after an impressive regular campaign, were left for dead until they began playing in the place home fans affectionately call "the phone booth" (the MCI Center). Even the undermanned Celtics have had a Fleet (Center) recovery. These series are all tossups from here on in.
On the other hand, the Suns, Heat and Spurs, and to a lesser degree, the Sonics and Pistons, appear poised to dominate early opponents. Yet the strong teams' paths will cross en route to dethrone the Pistons. And Bad Boys II will be defeated, by Miami if no one else. They had answers for Shaq and Kobe, they'll have none for Shaq and Wade.
The Suns will be tested, but will come out of the West, as Tim Duncan sans David Robinson is just not the same. Steve Nash cancels out young Tony Parker, and there are simply too many Suns too defend.
It all shapes up for a meltdown — a Suns/Heat duel. Steve-Do vs. Shaq-Fu. Sun City vs. Sun City. When that showdown draws closer, I'll break it down and hazard a forecast. Until then, sunny days are ahead for the NBA.
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