With the NBA pre-season now in full swing, fans are able to check out their team’s youngsters and some of their new bought talent. Many of the NBA teams have acquired new members, some having put together very competitive squads.
It should be interesting to see some of last year’s minnow teams having a big crack this year. I’m a big fan of a few underdogs this season.
I think the LA Clippers are going to be a lot stronger than last season, with Blake Griffin coming back.
He has started the pre-season really well. Against Sacramento, Griffin did not miss any of his seven field goal attempts and pulled down eight rebounds. Not bad for 22 minutes of play!
In his second game he was even better hitting 10 of his 15 shots and pulling down nine rebounds in 24 minutes.
If Griffin is to be putting up these numbers and the Clips remain healthy they will hold a respectable record come seasons end. Not only will they have a good record but Griffin will put his hand up for Rookie of the Year honours alongside 2010’s number one draft pick John Wall.
The Washington Wizards will want to improve on last year’s shenanigans. Gilbert Arenas will have a pre-season under his belt and have some youngsters that can seriously play around him.
Will John Wall take a backseat to Arenas or will there be some tension throughout the season? I think the acquisition of Kirk Hinrich will help get them both the ball. In the pre season it looks as if they are going to start all three of them. That would be interesting as they would be so small.
The Wizards will trouble many teams with their speed. The likes of Wall, Arenas and McGee running the floor, teams will have to be playing very good transitional defence. Wall hasn’t been the shining light of the pre-season as of yet. Over his two games he has shot 10-28 and dished out 15 assists.
He will need to put up better numbers if he is to win the Rookie of the Year honours. The Wizards also acquired Yi Jianlian who will see plenty of minutes at the three spot. This will be a big chance for Yi to show his true ability. He can play a big role in helping the Wizards climb the ladder in 2010.
However, if you’re looking for a young team to watch in 2010/11, check out the Toronto Raptors this season. They may not do extremely well after losing Chris Bosh and Hedo Turkoglu in the off season but there is some serious talent left in the squad. Kleiza is coming off a big world championship and will be a solid swing/four man.
Another European who is a big talent is Andreas Bargnani from Italy. He will have a much larger responsibility and I think he will shine through it. De Rozan will play more minutes along with Sonny Weems and newly acquired live-wire Barbosa. I think this team led by point guards Jose Calderon and Jarrett Jack will give a few teams a go this season.
Early signs have been good in the pre season beating Phoenix by 41 and losing to Boston in Boston by only four.
Beer?!?
Guest
Interesting... There are a lot of good young teams you didn't mention but none the less the 3 teams you have will get a better job done this season (although I dont think the raptors will be strong at all in A VERY strong conference) teams like the Bulls will have a massive under dog tag...and are physical enough to play against the backstreet boys themselves the heat...teams like boston and orlando also will belt the heat into submission with their physical play...tell me who the heat have big man wise to handle the likes of garnett shaq j'oneal big baby etc...this boston team is going to cause havoc in the east and you heard it hear...the heat will not make the finals... The Sacto Kings are also going to be great to watch this yr...good coach...and a young floor general in Tyreke Evans finally has a target in the low post (the beast himself Cousins) and this team can definately win some ball games this yr.. I'm sorry to say though Adrian the raptors will definately be a sub .500 team this yr...I'd like to be proven wrong but the East is way too strong this yr (Bucks Bobcats other teams that will challenge) for the raps to go near the playoffs this yr..
Burger
Guest
Are you kidding me Walter! What's doing with the last 3 paragraphs. The Toronto Blue Jays could beat the Raptors in a game of basketball. You are never, ever again, allowed to say or state "led by point guards Jose Calderon and Jarrett Jack will give a few teams a go this season" .......... unless you are writing an article about the NBDL
Adrian Bauk
Roar Guru
JVGO The Warriors have always been a fun team to watch....that playoff series a few years back when the crowd were all in yellow "we believe" shirts was unreal....I can't wait to see David Lee in this team, I've been a fan of him for a few seasons now!
JVGO
Guest
I'm a bit of a Warriors fan so I'm hoping they can stay healthy and their young talent can develop. Curry and Ellis are an exciting backcourt and Biedrins and Lee should get them some boards. Hopefully the new owners can turn it around. The Bay Area fans are awesome and have been waiting a long time for a winning team.
Brad Rosen
Guest
Great article
Adrian Bauk
Roar Guru
Bruski, the Rockets are the deepest team this year I think...I will be writing an article about which teams I think will right up there come playoffs time. I thought I'd start from the bottom, even some of those teams are looking good. Should be a great season.
bruski
Roar Pro
How bout them Rockets, best depth of any team in the NBA could go deep into the final series this sesaon. As long as Mr Ming stays healthy of course.
Spike
Guest
The Raptors have played this pre-season with an intensity that was lacking last year. They may not have anyone that would start on a top team so in order not to get blown out they have to out hustle their opposition. They have a very youthful lineup that should only improve with experience. The few vets they do have could be the ones to set the tone when things get tough.