2000-2001 Season preview
Last season Lakers beat the Pacers in the finals with Shaq and Kobe capturing their first championship. It could be one for many for the dynamic duo. One night away of the season tipoff, let's look at some of the teams in the league:
Boston Celtics:
The Celtics have a good starting lineup with Paul Pierce, Antoine Walker and Jerome Moiso. The duo of Pierce and Walker have to bring it early since the teams bench can't provide much firepower, althought they have some good role players in Tony Battie, Adrian Griffin and Walter McCarty.
Charlotte Hornets:
Will Baron Davis erupt this season? That might be the question that defines Charlotte's success this season since the roster isn't among the best in the league. Jamal Magloire is going to bring some production inside, while Jamal Mashburn and Damon Wesley will bring outside shooting.
Chicago Bulls:
As one of the most interesting teams entering this season, Chicago has the potential to surprise anyone. Althought their bench is weak, they have a strong all-around starting lineup of Brad Miller, Elton Brand, Ron Artest, Jamal Crawford and Bryce Drew.
Dallas Mavericks:
Dallas is pretty solid in every aspect but the faith of the team lies on the shoulders of Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Finley and Steve Nash.
Indiana Pacers:
If Jermaine O'Neal comes out like he should, the Pacers could be in for a monster season. The team begins the season with high hopes for O'Neal, Reggie Miller and Jalen Rose.
Los Angeles Clippers:
It finally seems like the Lakers are going to get some competition from their hometown rival. The Clippers are going to be a fun team to watch with Lamar Odom, Corey Maggette, Darius Miles, Earl Boykins, Quentin Richardson and Jeff McInnis.
Los Angeles Lakers:
A repeat is more than possible for LAL. The duo of Kobe and Shaq should and will continue their domination from the start of the season. LA also sports a strong supporting cast, for example Horace Grant, Devean George, Robert Horry and Isaiah Rider.
Miami Heat:
Is this the year Miami will take over? If Alonzo Mourning keeps dominating the post, it could be a long playoff run. The team is expecting a strong season for rising swingman Ricky Davis and starters Eddie Jones and Tim Hardaway. They also have some great role players in Bruce Bowen, Eddie House and Anthony Mason.
Milwaukee:
The Bucks have a frightening backcourt of Ray Allen, Sam Cassel, Michael Redd and Rafer Alston. Glenn Robinson and Tim Thomas should provide inside scoring.
New York:
New York looks to it's three biggest stars; Latrell Sprewell, Allan Houston and Marcus Camby to lead them to the finals again like 1999. Help should come in their strong bench: Larry Johnson, Kurt Thomas, Glen Rice.
Orlando:
Orlando's success depends on the duo of Grant Hill-Tracy McGrady.
Philadelphia:
Allen Iverson has now a supporting cast of Theo Ratliff, Nazr Mohammed, Eric Snow, Aaron McKie, Jumaine Jones and Speedy Claxton. It could be a great season in Philly if things start clicking.
Portland:
Portland has one of the most solid rosters of the league. Rasheed Wallace leads the pack with Arvydas Sabonis, Scottie Pippen, Steve Smith, Damon Stoudamire, Dale Davis, Shawn Kemp and Bonzi Wells.
Sacramento:
Offence is the name of the game here but don't think they will let you easy on the other end... Sacramento's starting lineup at the moment: Vlade Divac, Chris Webber, Predrag Stojakovic, Doug Christie, Jason Williams.
San Antonio:
Champs in 1999, the Spurs are looking to reclaim their spot at the top of the league, lead by the Twin Towers, David Robinson and Tim Duncan. Youngsters like Malik Rose and Anthony Daniels are bringing some needed support from the bench.
Seattle:
Gary Payton's team is looking forward to a good season with Vin Baker, Rashard Lewis, Desmond Mason, Ruben Patterson and Brent Barry.
Utah Jazz:
Is the duo of Karl Malone and John Stockton finally getting too old? We will see that soon. In the meantime newcomer DeShawn Stevenson looks to rock the rims in Utah.
Vancouver:
Vancouver could be a surpriser with Stromile Swift, Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Michael Dickerson and Mike Bibby.
Raptors make offseason moves
Toronto gets: Michael Olowokandi, Jeff McInnis, Derek Strong
LA Clippers get: Charles Oakley, Tyrone Bogues, Tyrone Corbin
Raptors release Derek Strong.