Is this all leading up to an awesome 2007-2008?

I realize that the playoffs aren't over but, honestly, I thought this was probably the worst year of NBA basketball that I can remember watching. If it weren't for the Raptors doing surprisingly well, I don't think there would've been much to capture my attention for an 82-game period (+the playoffs). Think about it. The draft was terrible this year and it was a one-man race for the RoY award. After several years of rumours and speculation, all the star players of the 2003 draft re-signed with their teams. The free agency class was pretty weak as well and really the only significant news was Chicago overpaying to lure Ben Wallace away from the Pistons. The actual season wasn't all that great either. Aside from the marquee Mavs/Suns/Spurs matchup every other month, stupid/controversial incidents stood out too much (Nuggets vs. Knicks brawl, AI demanding a trade, Vegas ASW, Joey Crawford vs. Duncan, etc.). The MVP race was mildly interesting, but the winner was completely shut down in the first round of the playoffs. The college basketball season was so much more entertaining this year, and it took its toll on the NBA as teams began blatantly tanking even before the trade deadline. Speaking of which, "Juan Dixon for Fred Jones" was ultimately the highlight of a trade deadline that had several disgruntled superstars. The playoffs have had their moments (GSW upsetting the Mavs, the early half of the Suns vs. Spurs, Lebron's recent performance) but most of the matchups have been lopsided (especially in the East) and it looks like the Spurs are going to methodically dismantle all the competition on their way to another championship.

That said (after all that ranting), does anybody else think this upcoming season has the potential to be terrific? We have one of the best draft classes in recent memory coming up, highlighted by the two top players reinvigorating a Northwest rivalry. We're just seeing the end of teams hiring new coaching staffs and, I don't know about you, but I'm interested to see how all of these changes affect the various teams. There's a very strong free agency period with the potential for a lot of movement. Also, it looks like a lot of those disgruntled stars are on the verge of being traded. And these are just things that I can predict. Who knows what moves will end up being made by a lot of these up-and-coming teams (quite a few in the East) to try and make that next step into respectability? I don't know, maybe I'm just being an optimist but I feel like the upcoming season could very easily make up for a weak 06-07.

 

When you have Stu Jackson sitting in the NBA front office, you won't see an awesome season.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Mamba Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I agree. Seeing Kobe to O'neal alley oops is going to bring back memories

This season was terrible. As a Laker fan it was so frustrating watching Kobe Bryant playing his heart out and then see Smush Parker walk back on defense, Smush Parker jack up a stupid shot, Smush Parker snap at Phil Jackson, Smush Parker...It was frustrating to start the season absolutely terrific to have everything altered by Lamar's Knee, Shoulder, and Ankle injury, Luke's ankle injury, and Kwame's ankle injury.

For the playoffs, they've been pathetic. Worst playoffs I've watched in a long time. They've been boring, although rooting for the Jazz was fun. I didn't by into the GS hype, I can't stand their attitude. I've gained a respect for Tim Duncan, though. I actually like him, now. He's such an assassin, so methodical. LeBron has one great game and everybody claims he's Michael Jordan, the young fellas has to follow it up with many great games before he can be mentioned in Jordan's sentence.</div>

Oddly enough, I share almost the exact sentiments as you. I also think people need to wait for LeBron to do something in the Finals, but the haters that were criticizing him before went over the top as well.

 

Duncan= Best player in playoffs

 

The only thing I've found interesting about these playoffs is people FINALLY realizing how great Tim Duncan is. I've always loved watching him (never found him boring at all), and I'm glad people recognize how good this guy really is. However, I still don't like the rest of the Spurs (minus Tony and Tim).

I think next year will be really interesting, especially because of all the question marks (Durant, Oden, KG's situation, Kobe's situation, Vince and Chauncy's free agency, Chicago one step away from contending, Pheonix dangling Marion, etc) that exist at this point and time.

As for this year, it wasn't all that great. I still think one of the greatest full seasons I've watched/followed is the 2005-2006 season. While the Raptors sucked ass, there were a lot of interesting stories during that season. From Kobe's 81 to D-Wade officially emerging as a superstar, that season was phenomenal. The 2006 playoffs are still one of the greatest playoffs I've watched since the 2001 playoffs when the Lakers dismantled anyone in thier path.

 

Maybe i'm fanatic, but to me there is no such thing as a "bad season" in the NBA. but last year was better.

THe thing is though, the draft is not going to make 07-08 that much better. More like 09-10. Even though Oden and Durant aren't going to play rookie minutes, don't count on either of them to lead their teams deep into the playoffs. LeBron exceeded expectation his rookie year and the Cavs missed the playoffs. So apart from seeing how Oden and Durant are as players, don't be expecting them to be in the mix later in the year. It will be the usual suspects plus a couple of 3rd or 4th year players that finally get into a groove.

 

<div class="quote_poster">phunDamentalz Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Maybe i'm fanatic, but to me there is no such thing as a "bad season" in the NBA. but last year was better.

THe thing is though, the draft is not going to make 07-08 that much better. More like 09-10. Even though Oden and Durant aren't going to play rookie minutes, don't count on either of them to lead their teams deep into the playoffs. LeBron exceeded expectation his rookie year and the Cavs missed the playoffs. So apart from seeing how Oden and Durant are as players, don't be expecting them to be in the mix later in the year. It will be the usual suspects plus a couple of 3rd or 4th year players that finally get into a groove.</div>


We're all fanatics. Think about it, we waste hours a day talking about basketball online

 

<div class="quote_poster">Mamba Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">This season was terrible. As a Laker fan it was so frustrating watching Kobe Bryant playing his heart out and then see Smush Parker walk back on defense, Smush Parker jack up a stupid shot, Smush Parker snap at Phil Jackson, Smush Parker...It was frustrating to start the season absolutely terrific to have everything altered by Lamar's Knee, Shoulder, and Ankle injury, Luke's ankle injury, and Kwame's ankle injury.</div>

OMG! Thank GOD Smush Parker is gone next season. I can't stand that freaking brat

 

You know what's intriguing is that guys like Lebron, Wade, and Bosh have to go through one another to control the East, while Oden, Durant and Melo will have to fight each other to land to the top of the West.

The next decade in the NBA is going to be quite exciting.

 

LeBron, Melo, Wade, Bosh, Oden, Durant are gonna be fun to watch in the next 5 years. They should definitely be the face of the NBA.

 

^^And Dwight Howard.

 

I agree with Shape about the injuries making the season and playoffs less enjoyable.

Also I agree with Phundamentalz I really can't find any NBA game boring (only in extreme cases) as I only get to see 1 maybe at the max 3 games a week. I can imagine next year to be even more exciting as I will be watching some of the top draft picks closely Oden, Durant and I am really looking forward to see how Yi Jianlian does.

 

Yeah, I knew I forgot someone. Thanks. I also forgot Amare Stoudamire.

 

<div class="quote_poster">Brian Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">OMG! Thank GOD Smush Parker is gone next season. I can't stand that freaking brat</div>

Its about time he left!I was tired of seeing im play for the Lakers and having that nasty attitude against Phil. Smush doesn't deserve to wear that Laker uniform.
Well it is going to be a interested off season because Kobe going to play with another O'neal just hope he won't run him out of town.

Very interesting for the Lakers.

 

The season pretty much sucked for me this year as a Laker fan. The Lakers started off very promising and then just imploded once Lamar went down. As a Bulls fan however, it was nice. The sweep of the Heat was a thing of beauty, and they put up a solid fight against the Pistons in a series that could have went 7 had Chicago known how to close out a game.

As for next season, I'm amped. The draft is going to be great and this is probably going to be the most tense offseason since when Kobe was choosing which locker room he wanted to be in. I really think the Lakers are going to do a lot of things this offseason to get better, which makes me look forward to next season even more. The thought of landing a Jermaine O'Neal, a Ron Artest, a Chauncey Billups, all the rumors, really makes me want July 1st to come. I might be more excited to watch what happens this offseason than for next season.

 

I agree Chutney, this season has been pretty damn boring. I'd die if I had to see the Spurs and the Pistons in the finals again, so I was pretty glad to see LeBron and the Cavs advance to the finals for the first time and hopefully they can save the playoffs. Man were they boring, the Warriors run lasted for only so long, there's been only 2 overtime games and I haven't seen many buzzer beating games. Officiating in the NBA looks like it hasn't been any worse in years. Tim Duncan gets an ejection for laughing? A suspension to Amare Stoudemire in game 5 ruined one of the best playoff matchups in the NBA. I hope they do a lot better next year.

 

I enjoyed this season, but that's probably because the only team I get to watch consistently is the Jazz, and they were outstanding this season. But I'm looking forward to next season even more.

I thought playoffs were pretty good. I enjoyed watching the Mavs/Warriors series, all the Jazz's series, along with the Cavs/Pistons. I'm glad Cavs are going to the finals. Interests me a lot more than Pistons/Spurs. But I have to agree, next season is looking good.

 

This season was horrible as a Pistons fan but I was delighted at how BC turned our whole team around as well. Credit to Sam Mitchell.

I just can't wait to see what the Pistons are going to do in the offseason.