Michael Grange
From Wednesday's Globe and Mail Published on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2008 12:23AM EDT Last updated on Tuesday, Mar. 31, 2009 9:05PM EDT
1. Is the Greg Oden era about to begin?
After missing all of last season because of micro fracture surgery, the No. 1 pick of the 2007 draft finally gets to play his rookie season for the Portland Trail Blazers, under much scrutiny as the most hyped big-man prospect since Yao Ming.
2. Just how important is James Posey?
He's emerged as the new Robert Horry: a clutch-shooting, defensive-minded role player who happens to win titles at every turn. He got a ring with the Miami Heat in 2006 and was a key cog for the Boston Celtics last season. Now, he's joined Chris Paul and the rising New Orleans Hornets, and some think his presence could push the young Hornets over the top.
3. Can LeBron James lift his teammates?
The NBA's most gifted player is officially stuck in the early Michael Jordan phase of his career, where he posts shocking numbers as a matter of routine and yet is saddled with a lineup just too ordinary for him to lift on his own. The thinking in Cleveland is the addition of Mo Williams to a tough-minded, supporting Cavaliers cast might be enough to help James make it to the Eastern Conference final for the second time in three seasons — but not enough to begin getting measured for his first championship ring.
4. The Race is on ... for Brandon Jennings.
The point guard from Compton, Calif., is far more than simply Roko Ukic's replacement at Lottomatica Virtus Roma. He's also the first American high-school student to skip college and play a year professionally in Europe before trying the NBA draft. If he's successful and it's reflected in his draft stock the idea of heading to Europe instead of the U.S. National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament may just catch on.
5. Will Los Angeles Lakers head coach Phil Jackson stay awake long enough to get his 10th title?
He had his chance to pass Celtics great Red Auerbach in the record book last season, but appeared resigned as his team was easily dismantled by the resurgent Celtics. With young Andrew Bynum back and a full season of Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant, the Lakers are the odds-on favourite to grab Jackson's attention during the NBA final this season.
Grange's 2008-09 predictions
Eastern Conference
1. Detroit Pistons, 58-24
2. Boston Celtics, 57-25
3. Orlando Magic, 54-28
4. Cleveland Cavaliers, 53-29
5. Toronto Raptors, 48-34
6. Philadelphia 76ers, 47-35
7. Atlanta Hawks, 42-40
8. Chicago Bulls, 41-41
Western Conference
1. Los Angeles Lakers, 62-20
2. New Orleans Hornets, 60-22
3. Utah Jazz, 56-26
4. Houston Rockets, 55-27
5. San Antonio Spurs, 53-29
6. Dallas Mavericks, 51-31
7. Phoenix Suns, 50-32
8. Portland Trail Blazers, 48-34ƒo
All-NBA
1. Kobe Bryant, Lakers
2. LeBron James, Cavaliers
3. Dwight Howard, Magic
4. Chris Paul, Hornets
5. Chris Bosh, Raptors
MVP:
LeBron James, Cavaliers
Defensive player of the year:
Kevin Garnett, Celtics
Leading scorer:
Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets
Rookie of the Year:
Derrick Rose, Bulls
Eastern champions:
Cavaliers
Western champions:
Lakers
NBA champions:
Lakers
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