The Gigantic NBA Preview

Is it possible for the 2 time defending NBA champions to come into a season under the radar? Apparently yes. The Los Angeles Lakers didn't lose any of their core, actually added some valuable pieces, and still come into this season not only an underdog, but an afterthought. The Miami Heat conquered the headlines of the offseason, if only that counted for some NBA titles.

Lost in all the hoopla of the "The Debacle", I mean "The Decision", is the fact that the reigning champs quietly got better. Yes, Kobe won't be at full strength and Andrew Bynum's health is yet again in doubt. But the Lakers improved in the area they most needed to address, the bench. The Lakers bench had been getting by on it's reputation for years now. Gone are the days when Vujacic was a crunch time performer in the 2008 playoffs and Luke Walton could stay healthy. Even the headliner of the group, Lamar Odom, had become inconsistent for much of last season. Indeed, the myth of the Lakers bench being one of the best in the league needed to be put to bed, until now perhaps. Steve Blake and Matt Barnes were brought in to bolster the second line. Blake is a major upgrade at the back up point guard spot. His high basketball IQ and 3 point shooting will be a tremendous asset. Matt Barnes is yet another great perimeter defender added to what the Lakers already had in Kobe and Ron Artest. Add in an exciting rookie in Devin Ebanks and the Lake Show have ample resources at the 3 spot.

With Kobe recovering and Bynum out, the early season may be tougher than expected. Pau Gasol will be the one to pick up the slack. The Spaniard is the most skilled big man in the league. With questions of his toughness put behind him, he will continue to dazzle with his advanced skill set.

What would an NBA preview be without talking about the Miami Heat? Not only did they gain the most bandwagon fans in the league, they also added The Regular Season Warrior (Lebron) and The RuPaul of big men (Chris Bosh). Forget about how Lebron gave up on his team in the playoffs last year, stabbed the city of Cleveland in the heart on live TV, and gained motivation through twitter (For some reason a lot of the other greats like Kobe and Jordan found their own motivation). Forget all that stuff. He spent the offseason planning revenge, training non stop, prancing around on a stage like Miley Cyrus, and being walked around on a leash by Dwyane Wade. Oops, one of those statements isn't true, you decide. Also, forget about how Chris Bosh couldn't even lead his team to the playoffs in the weak East, has never played in a big game (unless you count the time Kobe dropped 81 on his team), and has no business being mentioned as one of the best power forwards in the league. Forget all that I tell you! Because despite all that, the Heat are going to be good. We don't know how good just yet, but we do know they'll be good.

Without further ado, my predictions:

MVP:

Kevin Durant

Lebron's ego trip blurred the news that Durant signed a new deal with the Thunder. Durant may become the best player in the league sooner than anyone imagined. With a young team that's improving rapidly, Durant is primed to win his second scoring title in a row, and first MVP award.

Rookie of the Year:

Blake Griffin

I know I'm not going out on a limb here, but Griffin is back and primed to take the honor he should've had last year. The Clippers will be much improved from last year with a core of Griffina and Eric Gordon. Griffin has impressed in pre-season and if he can survive the ghosts that haunt this franchise, he will be rookie of the year.

Most improved player:

Michael Beasley

Beasley's done all the right things since coming to Minnesota. A change of scenery might be all that he needed. He'll get the touches and the oppurtunities on a poor Timberwolves team and I expect big things from him.

Defensive player of the year:

Dwight Howard

The freak will be extra motivated by his new Floridian neighbors. Leading the league in rebound and blocks seems to be par for the course and should equal another DPOY.

Suprise team:

Los Angeles Clippers

Blake Griffin is back, Eric Gordon spent the offseason improving with team USA, and the rest of the core is suprisingly good. The Clippers are always a little dysfunctional, but if they figure things out, they could raise some eyebrows.

Fall from Grace:

Phoenix Suns

The Suns overachieved just a little by reaching the Western Conference Finals last year, then spent the offseason waving good bye to Amare Stoudamire and overpaying for Channing Frye and Hakim Warrick. I don't see this team sneaking into the playoffs. Steve Nash is another year older and doesn't have the supporting cast of last year. Would I be suprised if he once again carried them to the playoffs? No. Do I see that happening? Also no.

Predicted Standing (by division):

Atlantic:

1. Boston

The Celtics have question marks surrounding their offseason moves, like, "Is Jermaine O'Neal still alive?", and, "Is that Shaq or the Michelin Tire Man?", but I think their aging core has enough in the tank for one more year. Oh, and the Atlantic division is not particularly good.

2. New York

Reuniting Amare with Mike D'Antoni's run and gun style was a masterstroke, but do they have the point guard for the system? Ray Felton was brought in, but time will tell if he's the right fit. Youngster Anthony Randolph has been getting a lot of buzz as well and Danilo Gallinari is the sharp-shooter this group needs. A return to the playoffs is in store for the New York faithful.

3. New Jersey

The Nyets and their crazy Russian owner will not be the laughing stock of the league this year. With one of the best young centers in the league in Brook Lopez and a young core to complement him, the Nets will be one of the most improved teams in the league.

4. Philadelphia

The Sixers are a young team but have some talent. Andre Iguodala is the teams default superstar, which isn't a good sign. Jrue Holiday was one of the most suprising rookies last year and should continue to improve. Evan Turner was a disaster in the pre-season, but surely he can't be THAT bad right? Elton Brand is a shell of his former self. Ultimately, it may be a long winter in Philly.

5. Toronto

Chris Bosh is gone. In retrospect they should've probably traded him before he left for free, but what's done is done. What's left is one of the worst teams in the league on paper. They paid big for Amir Johnson, yet no one is sure why. Demar Derozan might emerge as the star of the team, but other than that, Toronto may want to focus on their other sports franchises this year.

Central:

1. Chicago

The Bulls may have missed out of Lebron, Wade, and Bosh, but they still improved on an already good squad. Carlos Boozer doesn't have the star calibre of the 3 above mentioned players, but he's a good fit at the PF spot alongside the hard working Joachim Noah. Derrick Rose may not be quite as good as his reputation would have us believe, but he's still a great point guard and will lead this team to good things.

2. Milwaukee

One of my favorite teams to watch. Brandon Jennings was a revelation at point guard and will continue to develop into one of the best players in the East at his position. Andrew Bogut is back from his unfortunate injury and John Salmons returns with his "instant offense". The Bucks are a team on the rise and will be in the mix come playoff team.

3. Indiana

The Pacers are led by Danny Granger, a deadly long range shooter. Darren Collison is a player I've kept an eye on for awhile and will be a great upgrade at the point guard spot. The rest of the squad won't wow you but they have some pieces to at least stay in games.

4. Detroit

The Pistons are a mess. Hamilton, Prince, and Ben Wallace are well past their expiration date. Rodney Stuckey can at least give some hope at the point guard spot, but this will be a bad year for Detroit.

5. Cleveland

Poor Cavaliers. It will take years to pry that dagger from their hearts. Mo Williams will take over as the primary scorer, and that's not a good thing. This team will struggle. The most fun Cleveland fans will have this year is booing Lebron's every move.

Southeast:

1. Miami

I've already gone over the Heat above. They have too much talent to fail. With the Magic being their only contender in the dismal Southeast, they will rack up a gaudy record.

2. Orlando

The Magic are a talented squad and you have to believe they are motivated by what happened with their southern neighbors. Hopefully Dwight Howard spent the offseason working on some form of a post move.

3. Atlanta

The Hawks are in no mans land. They're good enough to get a 4 or 5 seed, but not good enough to beat the best teams come playoff time. This won't change anytime soon as they paid Joe Johnson more than any other free agent in the offseason. Enjoy your mediocrity Atlanta!

4. Washington

The Wiz will at least be exciting. John Wall is an electifying athlete that may also be in the mix for rookie of the year. If Gilbert Arenas leaves his crazy (and his guns) at the door, he could return to his past form. Javale Mcgee will be one of the most improved players in the league and is a good building block along with Wall.

5. Charlotte

Like Atlanta, in no mans land, but at least they're bad enough to get a good draft pick. Yes, they made the playoffs last year, but don't expect a repeat, though Gerald Wallace is one of the most underrated players in the league. Keep an eye on Shaun Livingston making a comeback from a devastating leg injury as well.

Southwest

1. Dallas

The Mavs were disappointing come playoff time and will look to come back strong this year. Jason Kidd is another year older, but Roddy Beaubois will be an exciting back up. Dirk Nowitzki will continue to add to his hall of fame resume. The bench is one of the best in the league with Jason Terry and Tyson Chandler.

2. Houston

The Rockets are primed for a good year. Luis Scola was one of the best players at the FIBA world championships this summer and will look to continue that form. Yao is back but his minutes will be limited. Kevin Martin is a sharp-shooter and the Battier is still one of the best defenders in the league.

3. San Antionio

Is this the year the aging Spurs show signs of regression? I think so. Tim Duncan is noticeably slowing down, Ginobili can't stay healthy, and Parker was being shopped around this summer. Look out for Tiago Splitter, the rookie big man from Brazil, to open some eyes though.

4. Memphis

The Griz were suprisingly good last year. I expect about the same this year. Rudy Gay got a massive contract to stay. Marc Gasol is a burlier version of his brother and OJ Mayo provides the scoring for this upstart.

5. New Orleans

Chris Paul won't be in NO for long. This team has a mess with contracts and will have a hard time improving. Marcus Thornton had a great rookie year though and is a player to watch.

Northwest

1. Oklahoma City

Kevin Durant is ready to stake a claim as the best player in the game and has a young core to help him stake a claim as one of the best teams in the league. Serge Ibaka is an exciting young big man with explosiveness, while Russell Westbrook is one of the league's best young point guards. This team is one for the future and the present.

2. Utah

The Jazz lost Boozer, but still got better. Al Jefferson is a better low post scorer than Boozer and is was acquired for peanuts. Deron Williams is finally getting respect for being a top 3 point guard in the league. Expect good things from the Jazz.

3. Denver

The Carmelo situation has to be weighing on the minds of this team. They have a lot of talent, but were already somewhat combustible. Ty Lawson will be an exciting player this year as Billups will get more rest.

4. Portland

This division is stacked, so we find Portand down at number 4. I still think they will make the playoffs, however. The Blazers have one of the league's best fan bases and with Brandon Roy, a premier playmaker as well. The Greg Oden situation will be one to follow, as this team's center situation is murky.

5. Minnesota

The Timberwolves might be better than last year, but in this division they don't stand a chance. Head scratching offseason moves, like signing Ridnour, overpaying Milicic, having about a million small forwards, etc. damper the rebuilding optimism. Michael Beasley should be a shining light on this squad, but last place and a high draft pick is the best this team can achieve this year.

Pacific

1. Los Angeles Lakers

The defending champs were covered above, but we gotta think Kobe and Co. are motivated by the happenings out east right?

2. Los Angeles Clippers

It's an LA dominated Pacific this year. Griffin is back and joined by Eric Gordon to form a great young 1-2 combo. They're joined by Baron Davis and Chris Kaman for a solid squad.

3. Sacramento

I picked the Kings ahead of the Suns because I like the potential this team has. Tyreke Evans can get to the rim at will and is joined by Demarcus Cousins. Cousins has drawn rave reviews in the preseason, and the combo with Evans should be intriguing. They're joined by Omri Casspi, the best Israeli basketball player I can think of. This team will be improved, and may turn some heads.

4. Phoenix

My bold predictoin above translates to 4th in the pacific. Nash can make ordinary players good, but I don't see that happening without Stoudamire around. I normally don't bet against Nash, but at 36 he's gotta slow down someday right?

5. Golden State

The Warriors play the worst defense in the league, and added a bad defender in David Lee this offseason. At least they're addressing needs (not). Monta Ellis is fun for a bit, until he jacks up stupid shots time and time again. This will only hurt Stephen Curry's progress. Curry is a player to watch as he's proven he can play the point at a pro level.

There and Back Again: A Randy Moss Tale

A few weeks ago the Vikings were 0-2. In an effort to get this out of my mind I began to think about the offseason. No, I hadn't given up on the season already. I wrote that it was far too early to judge this team around that time in fact. I was just excited about some of the free agents that might be available this offseason. With this (apparently) being Favre's last season, and Michael Vick lighting up the league, can you blame me for dreaming of getting him in the purple and gold next year? Vick wasn't the only player I dreamt of. One Randy Moss was in the last year of his contract. It was just a pipe-dream at the time, something that would never happen, but hey wouldn't it be great to see my childhood hero return? I didn't know if he wanted to come back, or if the Vikings wanted him back, it was just a dream. I planned to write about picking up Vick, Moss, or even McNabb once the season was over.

A week ago, out of nowhere I decided I wanted a Randy Moss jersey. My old Randy Moss jersey resembled one of those pink women's jerseys because it had been washed so much. It was also a couple sizes too small. So I went on eBay to browse for a new one. There were plenty, so I decided I would get one eventually. Heck it wasn't like Randy Moss Viking jerseys were going out of fashion, since they already were out of fashion.

A day ago, Randy Moss spoke to the media for the first time since officially being traded here. When I first heard the rumors, I was hesitantly excited. I texted a bunch of people just to tell them how much I would love this move. I hoped that it wasn't just a rumor. Then, Wednesday morning, I woke up to the good news. It was official. Moss was a Viking again. It takes quite a bit to make me put a Twins playoff game in the back of my mind, but Moss has that ability. No player captured my imagination quite like Moss. I wrote extensively about the 1998 season in the past, but never really mentioned how big a fan of Moss I was. I remember the Thanksgiving game of '98 against the Cowboys. That was definitely the point where we realized that this guy was like nothing we'd ever seen. We went from saying, "he might become the best receiver in the NFL", to, "he already is the best receiver in the NFL". The combination of speed, size, and hands was a nightmare to any defensive back. Cunningham to Moss will go down as my favorite duo of all time.

It took me years to forgive the Vikings for trading Moss. Whether I like it or not Moss can do no wrong in my book. I'm admittedly blind in my devotion. I loved the water bottle squirting, fake mooning, etc. I defended him the times he seemed to give up on the team and the legal issues he got into. I couldn't help it then and I can't help it now. I'm a Moss fanatic.

This is not just about my favorite player of all time returning, but also a significant part of my childhood returning. Whether I like it or not, I am a nostalgic person. Moss represents a return to some of my favorite sports memories from my youth. That first long bomb to Moss for a touchdown will bring me back to the magic of '98. The ironic part of that is that no matter how painful '98 was, it's also the year with my best memories as a Vikings fan.

In case you haven't noticed, I'm very high on this move. Hearing Moss say all the right things in his first press conference made my day. His repeated use of the word "home" to describe Minnesota affirms what I believed the whole time, that he never wanted to leave here. Welcome home Randy, if it's just this one season, let's make it memorable.