Monroe: Every NBA Team Has A Big Issue To Address

[duncan228]

Every NBA team has a big issue to address (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Every_NBA_team_has_a_big_issue_to_address.html)
By Mike Monroe

The Lakers haven't had their victory parade yet, but it's not too early to start discussing some of the big questions looming over the 2009 NBA champs, and the rest of the league, this summer. Express-News NBA beat writer Mike Monroe ponders some of the summer's most interesting issues. He looks ahead to the 2009-10 season in more detail in his column (Lakers' road to repeat title won't be easy (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Lakers_road_to_repeat_title_wont_be_easy.html)).

Phil in the blank

Phil Jackson may not yet have reached total Zen enlightenment, but he has surpassed Red Auerbach’s nine NBA titles. Does that mean he rides off into the sunset in triumph? Don’t count on it.

How much Manu?

Before he left for a visit to his Argentine homeland, Manu Ginobili told the Express-News he was certain he would be 100 percent healthy when training camp opens. If he’s right, the Spurs are still a title contender. If not, they’re still in a lot of trouble.

LeBron’s summer sizzle

LeBron James didn’t have the grace to shake hands with Dwight Howard after the Eastern finals. His anger will make him even more dominant next season, and if that’s not good enough to get the Cavs to another Finals, he’s a free agent in 2010. Ohio cringes.

Nuggets buzz

Expect Denver to be the popular pick to challenge the Lakers in the West next season, but the Nuggets have too many problems at too many levels. More likely: a slide like the Hornets experienced, after they were the hot pick in the West in ’08.

Betting Boston’s back

The Celtics had a nice playoff run without the injured Kevin Garnett. If the former MVP’s offseason knee surgery restores his ability to dominate defensively, Boston will be back in the NBA Finals.

*****

Note: Monroe's column 'Lakers' road to repeat title won't be easy' is here:

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128787

[GSH]

I was trying to think of something incredibly obvious in reply to that, but he pretty much said it all.

[Extra Stout]

Sure, if the Spurs have a healthy Manu Ginobili next year, they have to be considered a serious division title contender.

Oh, he meant NBA title. Uh, no.

So what's up with the E-N all of a suddenly becoming apologists for the Spurs' staying the course with their crappy supporting cast and going all in on "In A Healthy Manu We Trust" anyway? Did the Spurs' front office threaten to clam up if they don't?

[ploto]

Expect Denver to be the popular pick to challenge the Lakers in the West next season, but the Nuggets have too many problems at too many levels. More likely: a slide like the Hornets experienced, after they were the hot pick in the West in ’08.
Do not agree at all.


If the former MVP’s offseason knee surgery restores his ability to dominate defensively, Boston will be back in the NBA Finals.
Don't agree here either.

[Galileo]

The 82-game season is too long. Too often the champ is the only team to escape injury.

A 50-game season would result is better regular season TV, with fewer injuries and more intense play. Likewise, for the playoffs, more teams would be at full strength.

The 82-game season is especially harsh for stars over the age of 30, ususally about 1/3 of the top players. These are the stars who have built up the most name recognition and star power.

the 82-game season was fine back in the days when gate receipts accounted for most NBA revenue.

[iggypop123]

short season = less money =unhappy owners which means never happening

[ffadicted]

short season = less money =unhappy owners which means never happening

this

[tp2021]

The 82-game season is too long. Too often the champ is the only team to escape injury.

A 50-game season would result is better regular season TV, with fewer injuries and more intense play. Likewise, for the playoffs, more teams would be at full strength.

The 82-game season is especially harsh for stars over the age of 30, ususally about 1/3 of the top players. These are the stars who have built up the most name recognition and star power.

the 82-game season was fine back in the days when gate receipts accounted for most NBA revenue.

Do away with divisions. Play every conference team 3 times, play out of conference teams 1 time. Thats 57 games. Or do away with conferences too: Play every team twice. That's 58 games.