A Word From Soma #6

By: Aly Somani

Aly Somani is a student of the game of basketball and the business of sports. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Aly decided to “take his talents” to New York City, where he pursued and completed his Masters degree at Columbia University in Manhattan. Aly has experience working with the National Basketball Players Association in a Career Development capacity with players and is now working on an entrepreneurial endeavor. He has a ‘Kobe’ like determination, and an immense passion for the game, we are delighted to have Aly join the NBA Breakdown. Check him out at http://www.alysomani.com/.

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Why Erik Dampier is the missing piece for a Miami Heat NBA Championship.

On October 29, 2010, Erick Dampier signed a one-year deal worth $2.08 million with the Houston Rockets. Oddly, 9 days later on November 7, the Houston Rockets and Erick Dampier decided not to go through with the contract.

The 15-year veteran, played the last six years with the Dallas Mavericks and after being traded then waived by the Charlotte Bobcats this summer, Dampier, is once again on the market. In the six seasons with the Mavs, Dampier averaged 6.6 points and 7.6 rebounds.

Prior to the pick up by the Rockets, Dampier was linked to rumors with the Phoenix Suns and the Toronto Raptors, but let’s be honest, both of those teams are not doing any damage, IF they make it to the playoffs.

If Erick Dampier is looking for the perfect marriage which will lead him to his first ring, he has to consider the Miami Heat, and if the Heat want to seriously compete in a seven game series against the likes of Shaq, Kendrick Perkins, Boozer (when he returns), and Superman (Dwight Howard) – Chris Bosh and Joel Anthony are not going to cut it.

The Heat need some serious help inside; Bosh and his fellow big men are getting crushed, averaging only 41.7 rebounds a game which ranks 19th in the NBA.

Bosh has become a non factor on the boards averaging only 5.5 rebounds, thus far this season; relative to the 10.8 average he had last season with Toronto. He currently ranks third on the team in rebounding, behind Haslem who averages 8.3 and Wade who averages 5.8. Couple that with Joel Anthony, who although is not a $100 million dollar man like Bosh, is no better averaging 4.1 rebounds per game.

If the Heat are going to contend against the elite teams in this league, they are going to have to match their offensive prowess with solid rebounding. The expectations for this team are high and Championship teams like the Lakers and Celtics are made of efficient and effective role players. Erick Dampier could be that missing piece, at his best, he averaged 12 boards a game.

With an extra boost of youth by the determination of Miami’s big three, Dampier could get his numbers close to 8 boards a game. A statistic the Heat could really use. Not to mention, Anthony would be much more efficient coming off the bench. With Dampier starting at center, Bosh could play to his strengths, in the mid range game and would allow for great court spacing for the Heat.

All things considered, with the Heat’s big’s falling asleep on the boards, the potential perfect marriage between the Miami Heat and Erick Dampier, could lead to a ring for both parties.

Time for Riley to make another move.

-AS

A Word From Soma #4

By: Aly Somani

Aly Somani is a student of the game of basketball and the business of sports. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Aly decided to “take his talents” to New York City, where he pursued and completed his Masters degree at Columbia University in Manhattan. Aly has experience working with the National Basketball Players Association in a Career Development capacity with players and is now working on an entrepreneurial endeavor. He has a ‘Kobe’ like determination, and an immense passion for the game, we are delighted to have Aly join the NBA Breakdown. Check him out at http://www.alysomani.com/

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Eight Story Lines To Watch For This NBA Season

8. Phil Jackson, Coach of the Los Angeles Lakers

The Zen Master, Phil Jackson, is embarking on what he has called his ‘last stand’ as an NBA coach.

Often times, as fans of this game I think we overlook the value of great coaching, and are quick to give credit to the players we see on the court. But every great player will be the first to attribute his success to the coaches that inspired and motivated him throughout his career. By his colleagues and fans of the game alike, Jackson is considered one of the greatest coaches of all time, and the numbers don’t lie.

Jackson has won 11 NBA titles as a coach, surpassing a record set by the late Boston Celtics legend Red Auerbach. He has also won two titles as a player of the New York Knicks in 1970 and 73. Giving him a total of 13 Championships as a player and coach. Jackson’s regular season record stands at a masterly 1098-460 record in the regular season, which included the famed ‘95-‘96 Chicago Bulls who went 72- 10. Jackson’s teams are 48 – 0 in playoff series where they win game 1, proving that mental toughness is as big a factor of success in this game as physical capability, if not more.

His unique coaching style, influenced by Eastern Philosophy, earned him the nickname “the Zen Master”. He often requests his players to meditate throughout the season, and recommends spiritual and philosophical books to his players. Some claim, it was the players he was blessed with that are the result of his success (Jordan, Pippen, Shaq, Kobe). But I urge you to think of all the great players who have played this game and the various journeys their careers have taken and you will notice that success on the court is never achieved alone.

There are multiple pieces in every puzzle, which make it fit together. But without a solid foundation to begin assembling the puzzle, you are but left with a collection of loose pieces.

7. The Shaquille O'Neal Factor

How effective will Shaq be for the Boston Celtics? There are arguments on both sides. The 7 foot 1 inch, 325-pound diesel, was born on March 6, 1972, making him the oldest player in the league at 38 years old. How many 38 year old's, can play ball, let alone throw it down like Shaq. Mr. O’Neal is at the twilight of his career, and is looking to give his career a storybook finish.

The legend has already cemented his place in history with 4 rings, but is as thirsty for his 5th as he was for his 1^st, facing Kobe and Lakers in the finals, could be exactly what he needs for us to see glimpses of the Shaq of old. That’s why I have the ‘Big Shamrock” as the number 7 story to watch this season.

6. Super Teams and Super Friends

The emergence of players taking more ownership in the decision of which team they play on has become a new trend as of late, thanks to Lebron and co. Which team will Carmelo Anthony land on and for that matter which team will Chris Paul land on? Will Paul decide to stick it out in New Orleans with Ariza and West, who are far from being a championship contender?

Or will Paul follow through on the comments he made at Melo’s wedding, suggesting that Melo and himself would join forces with Amar'e in New York and create another 'super friends' team? Is this what the NBA is becoming, are players making plans to play on teams with other superstars to increase their chances at a championship. If that does happen, what happens with the small market teams, that don’t have a franchise player, and are they even able to contend in this league, both financially and competitively? I will be eagerly awaiting the NBA trade deadline to see how things unfold?

5. The Collective Bargaining Agreement

A lookout looms. The current collective bargaining agreement expires in July of 2011, and it is coming awfully close, considering that the two sides seem far from reaching a deal. On the one hand, the Players Union is suggesting revenue sharing by all teams, and on the other the League is suggesting some serious cuts in player salaries, somewhere in the middle there has to be a solution.

Over the course of the next few months, various negotiation tactics will be used and exercised by each side and we will be able to get a good understanding of the potential for a NBA lockout next season. What impact would that have on the game, its players, and its fans? Will the new CBA change the way teams are structured both from a personnel and financial standpoint? Hopefully Mr. Billy Hunter, Executive Director of the National Basketball Players Association, and Mr. David Stern, Commissioner of the NBA, can reach an agreement, before the July 1^st deadline.

4. The Rise of Thunder

I am so impressed with Mr. Kevin Durant. He is talented, humble, well spoken and a beast on the court. You can be rest assured the NBA will be in great hands over the course of the next decade. The Oklahoma City Thunder challenged the Lakers last season in the playoffs by pushing the series to 6 games.

One year older and one year wiser, this team should expect a different level of preparation from opposing teams and should anticipate that the days they used to surprise teams are a story of the past. They will be challenged and tested, throughout the season. Can Kevin Durant lift his team to new heights and be his team's and potentially the league's Most Valuable Player? Can the Thunder as a team, be even more effective and potent than they were last year?

3. Kobe Bryant

Does he still have it? How effective will he be throughout the course of the year? Will the continuous torment he imposes on his body, catch up to him? I highly doubt it. Kobe Bryant is a warrior and he is well aware of what he is capable of, as he sits at the top of the NBA hierarchy, watching his competitors duke it out, for a chance at the Black Mamba and his Lakers. I look forward to seeing Kobe doing what Kobe does best: fight for success.

With his 6 game winning buzzer beaters last season, his phenomenal playoff showing and his 5 NBA titles, it seems odd to say that Kobe can still be motivated, but unfortunately for the rest of the league, he is, more than ever. His greatness is a direct result of the disciplined work ethic and focused approach he has to the game. Kobe Bryant is one of the greatest players to ever play this game, and for that he is storyline number 3 to watch this season.

2. The Boston Celtics

One of the most storied franchises in the NBA, having 17^th NBA Championships, chasing their 18^th, has one of the most determined and motivated group of players this season. From ‘the Big Three’ of Garnett, Allen and Peirce, to the new additions of Shaquille and Jermaine O’Neal to fill the void of their current fierce center, Kendrick Perkins, this team is hands down one the favorites to win the NBA title this year. This may be the last year they have to compete at such a high level, so they had better be as motivated as they need too. Being in the new and improved East, their abilities will be tested. But they have a brilliant coach who understands that regular season success does not translate to an NBA Championship, playoff success does. I look forward to seeing how the new additions to this team fit in, and how effective the team will be in transition, considering their lack of speed. Can they capture Championship banner number 18, or will they be victim to the Magic in Orlando, or the Heat in Miami, or will we be witnessing another classic against the Lakers come June?

1. The new ‘Big Three’

Will the critics who have favored this team to win a championship or the Eastern Conference at the very least, be eating their words? Is this just another team? Will Lebron lead the way or will Dwayne Wade? Can Lebron average a triple double? Who will be shooting the final shot in a close game? How will the supporting cast perform?

Do they have enough inside presence to fend off the big’s in the East? These are the questions that loom over the Heat this season. The motivation for Lebron to perform at a level never seen by his fans or his competitors, is more evident than ever and we are all aware, that he has been taking close note, of everything that has been said about him. He is and will be one of the greatest players to ever this game, the question is will this move to Miami translate to a championship, or rather championships? And will the Big Three in Miami be able to mesh quick enough to create a real push at a top seed in the Eastern Conference? The league has never seen this type of hysteria, since Jordan and the Bulls in their 72-10 record setting season.

To say the least, it will be one hell of a show, in every stadium they go (Dr. Seuss moment).

A Word From Soma #3

By: Aly Somani

Aly Somani is a student of the game of basketball and the business of sports. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Aly decided to “take his talents” to New York City, where he pursued and completed his Masters degree at Columbia University in Manhattan. Aly has experience working with the National Basketball Players Association in a Career Development capacity with players and is now working on an entrepreneurial endeavor. He has a ‘Kobe’ like determination, and an immense passion for the game, we are delighted to have Aly join the NBA Breakdown. Check him out at http://www.alysomani.com/

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The Western Conference

The Contenders

The West has been dominant for so long, but with all the off-season movement in the East, many of the teams that generally garner attention have slipped off the radar. Some for more obvious reasons than others (refer to OKC).

The Los Angeles Lakers

The CHAMP IS HERE!! The World Champion, L.A. Lakers, literally only lost one piece this summer, Jordan Farmer and they picked up two studs, Steve Blake and Matt Barnes. Legitimately the second best move, after the Heat, in the off-season. Blake, will fit in perfectly to the triangle offense, he has a high basketball IQ and is a great distributor. He will a get ton of open looks, after the wings penetrate and dish. Barnes, is a defensive beast, who won’t back down from anyone, not to mention his passion for the game makes him one of my favorite players in the league. I think he slots under that same, no holds barred - die hard mentality that Noah has on Bulls.

Then there is the MAMBA, who deserves a paragraph all to himself. This guy is the most lethal basketball player in the league, as his name suggests. Mr. Bryant is 32 years old and has mastered the balance of what his body is physically capable of doing and his sheer skill. Working at the NBPA, I frequently ask my bosses, if the Kobe Bryant rumors about his dedication and commitment to the game are legit – To all the haters and Kobe die hard’s out there – THEY ARE TRUE.

This guy wants to be the best he can be, he pushes his body in ways that will not be appreciated till he retires. Has been counted out repeatedly throughout his career and is infatuated with the struggle of climbing to the top of the mountain each season. His insatiable appetite to be the best is far from dead. Kobe comes back year after year, with a new repertoire of moves to use on the puppets in his play, also known as the players in the NBA. Least to say, I am a fan of his work ethic and his game in general. There is no other snake you want shooting the last shot of game, then the MAMBA himself.

That being said, I believe the Zen Master (Phil Jackson) will be very strategic as he allocates minutes to Bryant through the season, to ensure his body is well rested for a fourth straight run to the finals. Yes, the Lakers are going to the finals, again!!

The Oklahoma City Thunder

This team can beat the Lakers in a track a field meet any day of the week, but are literally one or two seasons away from dethroning the Lakers in the West for a trip to the finals. Westbrook and Durantula are a deadly combo. They are quick, efficient, and have an uber talented supporting cast.

The Thunder didn’t make too many noteworthy off-season adjustments, aside from the additions of Mo Pete, and Cole Aldrich. I expect this team to perform very well this season, as they compete against the Utah Jazz for second seed in the West. I guess my true thoughts are: when you are the new kid on the block and you surprise everyone with your skills that’s great, but when you come back around and people have expectations of what you can bring to the table, they prepare for you, not to mention the added pressure that you have to produce. Thus, I’m really curious to see how they fair. Hopefully their game wont be as discrete as Durant’s contract extension tweet (“I just resigned, shhhhh”), but for real this Kid is nasty and his game has been even more refined since he catapulted his name into superstardom this summer at the Olympics.

The Utah Jazz

The Boozer less Jazz, are actually going to do better without him. For the past two years Mr. Boozer has been a straight up distraction to the team. Unsure of his level of commitment, Deron was probably just as unsure if he should pass him the ball to him or not.

Well, worry no more, Deron, Al Jefferson has arrived, lol (that was a joke). Big Al, is not going to be a huge factor on the score sheet to be honest, its more the comfort and maturity of the rest of the team that will really be exhibited in their success. Deron will flourish and will arguably be considered the ‘best point guard’ in the game. I expect the Jazz to place within one of the top three seeds and make a push for a spot in the Western Conference Finals in the playoffs.

The “Minus One” Category

Dallas, Portland, Phoenix, San Antonio

I have categorized the following teams in “The Minus One” category. The Mavs, are missing pieces (plural, not singular) and need to rebuild around someone other than Dirk and Kidd. Mr. Cuban needs a new GM, seriously if you are reading this Mark, contact me, I have some ideas that can help you contend for championship.

Literally, there is no reason why the most dedicated and forward-thinking owner in the league is not attracting the best players.

The Blazers, need to rid themselves of the plague known as Greg Oden’s knee, I feel bad for the guy, but it’s a business and I really hope he is able to stay healthy this year. Nonetheless, Brandon Roy is one of my favorite players and is a ridiculously good guy. The team all around is under great management, committed to building a solid contender, with or without Gren Oden.

The Suns, will miss the playoffs this year, without Amer’e and considering Nash is getting older, I expect them to make some serious changes after they realize how ineffective Turkoglu will be for them. The Spurs are all but done, I really don’t care what Coach Pop thinks about Duncan’s fitness. He can shoot those bankers all day, but if he cant defend, its game over.

The Eight Seed

The Los Angeles Clippers

Personally, this team may not be the eight seed, but I am going to enjoy watching them. Which is something that may have never been said before about this team. Yes, I am actually looking forward to seeing the L.A. Clippers. Wow, that felt weird. First and foremost, rather, the only point I really want to make here is, the return of Blake Griffin (Hallelujah!). Mr Griffin will make the ugly adopted sister of the Lakers, bearable, bordering desirable to watch. This guy is a beast, who is going to make a serious run at John Wall for Rookie of the Year honors.

A Word From Soma #2

By: Aly Somani

Aly Somani is a student of the game of basketball and the business of sports. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Aly decided to “take his talents” to New York City, where he pursued and completed his Masters degree at Columbia University in Manhattan. Aly has experience working with the National Basketball Players Association in a Career Development capacity with players and is now working on an entrepreneurial endeavor. He has a ‘Kobe’ like determination, and an immense passion for the game, we are delighted to have Aly join the NBA Breakdown. Check him out at http://www.alysomani.com/

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The Eastern Conference

The Contenders

The Miami Heat

What are known as the “Kings of South Beach” created more offseason buzz than Jordan and his failed attempts at becoming a Baseball player. I guess we can thank LeBron for that. Now, unlike many other critics of LeBron’s decision (MJ, Magic, Bird, Barkley), I have no beef, aside from the length of the show itself (unnecessarily long, but his (Maverick Carter’s), choice nonetheless).

In short, if someone was to tell me I could get paid doing what I love with two of my boys, and compete to become the greatest team assembled, measured by our potential success – I would take it. With the addition of Mr. Bosh, and a relatively legit supporting cast and Coach, this team will have a Beetles like following as they go from city to city selling out stadiums (Yes, even in Cleveland and Toronto). Couple that, with the mammoth expectations and the fact that they will be criticized for anything less than perfect, this team had better make it to the Eastern Conference Final at the very least.

Let’s be honest here: you are talking about 3 of the six leading scores from last season, not to mention two of the most feared athletes in the open court, all of which are willing to do “whatever it takes” to win. But for real - that’s commentator talk!

Personally, I predict this team to experience some growing pains as they acclimatize themselves with each other and the Miami Heat style of play. I have but one concern for this team – inside presence. I’m not sure if Magloire, Big Z, Joel Anthony and Pittman, have the ability to d-up Kendrick Perkins, Shaq, or Dwight in the East (rebounding will be the X factor for this team).

In the end, they should find themselves in an Eastern Conference classic against the self proclaimed “Big leprechaun” and the rest of team green (the Celtics of course), who are all aware that this might be their last real run at a championship.

The Boston Celtics

That being said lets take a look at the new “Green Giant” (Shaq) and the Celtics, a very diverse and determined team. It seems to me that the Celtics have found the most unique and talented players in the NBA and have found a way to get them all on one team. You have KryptoNATE, who is famous for his dunk over the body building machine Dwight Howard and of course his reference to being like Donkey and Shrek with teammate Glen Davis (classic post game interview by the two) and then you have, arguable the best shooter the game has seen, in Ray Allen, and the most intense player in the game, Kevin Garnett who is more intense sitting on a bench than most are playing.

And of course, Mr. Pierce himself, whose game is not pretty at all, but time and time again he gets the job done (except on the pool table – If I didn’t scratch on black during All Star Weekend in Dallas, I would have had him cleaned out).

Last but not least, the real glue and engine of this team - Mr. Rondo. I would assume he has worked on his mid range shot over the summer, which should leave him with a legit tool belt of potentials that he could use to penetrate and abuse any defensive scheme.

This obviously is just a taste of the talent this team really has, add on the other O’Neal – Jermaine and probably the only guy in the NBA that has never smiled in his life, in Kendrick Perkins and you have a solid team. Well coached to pace out their energies throughout the season, this team will wait patiently for an Eastern Conference Final battle in the playoffs, winning no more than 60 games in the regular season.

The “MINUS ONE” Category

The Chicago Bulls + Orlando Magic

I will put the next two teams: Chicago and Orlando in the same category – “The Minus One” category. Both of these teams are missing one piece, or in Orlando’s case you have one dysfunctional piece (I am from Toronto – you have been warned). Time and time again, Vince Carter has disappointed his fans due to his lackadaisical approach to his fitness and the season itself. I really don’t know if that can change, although he has preformed well in the pre-season. He is getting older and it takes that much more of an effort to contend against the young guns in the league who play the 2-guard position and have limitless energy. To be honest, I really think Vince lacks the mentality of a Champion, he thinks this is a game, OH it’s more than game baby, especially if you want to be a Champion.

Furthermore, I am not sure if J.J. Riddick can hold down the fort to fill in for Vince on the days he decides to go MISSING,

but if he can, or if VC miraculously gains a disciplined work ethic, this team can cause damage throughout the season and in the playoffs because of the beast they have down low, named Superman seriously, that’s nasty!.

The second team in “The Minus One” category are the Bulls. They made a great move by re-signing Joakim Noah, but even with the addition of Carlos Boozer, Ronny Brewer, and the Ashton Kutcher look alike they need a strong wing that can contribute and be available for fast break dishes from Rose.

I’m not sure if Luol Deng can effectively play that role. I see them making it to the final four in the Eastern Conference. They will put up an amazing fight, circa 2009 type classic against the Celtics (I love this play by Noah), but inevitably will fall short.

The Eighth Seed

I won’t go in-depth with the mid level class of teams, but I would like to hit on the 8^th and final playoff seed.

The New York Knicks

New York, New York, my adopted city. I think Amar’e was a great pick up for the Knicks, regardless if he was the next best thing available after the “Super Friends” combined forces in Miami. Management had to do something to temporarily quite the dedicated, yet very vocal New York fan base.

I am not sure a $100 million contract was necessary; nonetheless, I think Amar’e has heard the criticism and will be ready to produce like a franchise player should. Hopefully, he doesn’t get too distracted living in NY, he already thinks he’s a male fashionista, with his new desire to be on the cover of Vogue Magazine.

Raymond Felton should fit right in to the Nash type facilitator role that Stoudemire had in Phoenix, which should make them a very quick, pick and role team.

Lastly, unless, the beloved Knicks pull off the ‘Melo’ deal, this team will be competing for one of the bottom two playoff seeds. The brand of basketball will be a definite upgrade to what NY fans have grown accustomed too since the run they had in the mid 90’s, but by no means Championship or even Eastern Conference Final caliber.

My Hometown

The Toronto Raptors

Personally, I think it’s going to be an uphill, but overall entertaining season for the Raptors. They will put up a strong fight for a playoff spot, but I don’t think they will have enough to fend off the revitalized talent of the Eastern Conferences elite teams.

Their on court chemistry is deceptive and can end up biting teams that don’t do their homework.

There is some legit talent on this team: Barbosa, Klieza, DeRozen, Jack (please don’t over dribble) and their new big man from Memphis, Dorsey (he better get minutes, because he is a beast). I still think Bargnani is a 1^st round bust (HUGE BUST!), I truly hope he plays up to expectations this year, but more and more it feels like as a fan of the home team, I take pretty much anything he does and consider it an achievement (how depressing).

I’m looking forward to an exciting year in Raptor land, with some players who will definitely have breakout seasons like Klieza and DeRozen, but that could be easily misinterpreted for the same talent a looter has in riot (is it really talent based on ability of talent based on relativity).

In the end, I have hope for the Raps, they are well coached and have a great GM who will surely sneak in a couple of key pieces by the trade deadline. Unfortunately, being north of the border and in a very cold climate, doesn’t help attract the best talent, not too much Raps fans can do about that, except put their trust in Colangelo.

All in all, the East, will be exciting and entertaining, mostly attributable to the ridiculous star power in this conference. I wonder what the All Star team in the East will look like…

A Word From Soma #1

By: Aly Somani

Aly Somani is a student of the game of basketball and the business of sports. Originally from Toronto, Ontario, Aly decided to “take his talents” to New York City, where he pursued and completed his Masters degree at Columbia University in Manhattan. Aly has experience working with the National Basketball Players Association in a Career Development capacity with players and is now working on an entrepreneurial endeavor. He has a ‘Kobe’ like determination, and an immense passion for the game, we are delighted to have Aly join the NBA Breakdown. Check him out at http://www.alysomani.com/

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Opening Night

Exactly 4 days till the most anticipated and what potentially might be the greatest regular season in NBA history!!

Frankly, the thought of opening night is giving me more pleasure than the taste of a carrot cake – cheesecake mix from Junior’s in Manhattan and that’s saying a lot.

Like many of my fellow Basketball Junkies’ the only thing that has truly kept me afloat since Kobe Bryant jumped on the scores table in June and claimed his immortality as one of greatest to play the game, was the ‘Young and the Restless’ like drama that the off season offered.

From Draft night in NYC to the critically acclaimed, Oscar nominated “Decision”, starring Lebron James, the summer has been but a small taste of what I think is to come – one of the most competitive and entertaining seasons the NBA has ever seen.

The Neilson Co. estimated that nearly 10 million people tuned in to see the one-hour special on ESPN, who jumped at the opportunity to garner the attention of the potential viewership. Since then, ESPN has been criticized by fellow networks, for its decision to show the event and Lebron James has been criticized like no other athlete has been, for his poor judgment for the venue and medium in which he declared he would be “taking his talents to South Beach.

The summer of superstardom has amassed a level of attention that no sports league has seen in a single off-season, in the history of sports. The conversation is far from subsiding, from bold statements made by NBA legends, like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, to never ending discussions in barbershops about the excitement that the ‘summer of 2010’ brought to the league.

"I think you're going to be getting to see some of the greatest basketball ever played."

Commissionor David Stern

Rest assured that this will be considered the genesis of what Commissioner David Stern believes will be “some of the greatest basketball ever played.”

There is no doubt that this season will be one of the most competitive and entertaining seasons the NBA has ever seen. From the elite class of the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and Orlando Magic, to the youthful and highly motivated Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, and Oklahoma City Thunder, the idea of the start of a new season, will have the 10 million that sat by their television screens anticipating Lebron’s decision, and many more millions around the world, once again, at the edge of their seat.

So, as we all prepare for ‘Opening Night’, let’s appreciate the beauty and power of sport. Often times, when I try to explain my love for the game of basketball, I am at a loss for words, because in my world it is not just a game.

Similarly, how the World Cup was not just a Soccer tournament, it is one of the single most sincere selfless interactions we have left. In a world where we are obsessed with a need to take control and ownership over every thing we lay eyes on, sport reminds us, that as fans, its greatest power is to teach us to love what we cannot control.

Thus, regardless of who actually wins on ‘Opening Night’, as the ball tips off to the new season, one sole thought will be circling my mind.

"I Love This Game"