subject: Nba Tickets - Early Observations [print this page] Here are some things that have stood out to me in the first few days of the 2009-10 NBA season.
The Cavaliers need to change their offense. LeBron on five does not work. He can get his 30 a game, but he has to work too hard to do it. The Cavs made some nice acquisitions this offseason, but they're going to be fruitless unless Mike Brown lets this team loose a bit. I know he focuses on defense and that's important, but the offense is too stagnant without a dominant post player or some more motion involved. LeBron can sell as many NBA tickets as any player in the league, but he needs an offense he can thrive in to realize his full potential.
Danilo Gallinari is going to have an up-and-down season. The Knicks' hope for the future rests on this kid's shoulders, but he's not quite ready to be a star just yet. He had a rough first half in the team's season opener, but bounced back with a sensational second half and finished with 22 points and six rebounds. He looks like a streak shooter, which will result in a bit of a rollercoaster ride this season for the Rooster.
Brook Lopez could be poised for a monster year. He started off really well, but the Wolves don't have much down low right now with Kevin Love out and Al Jefferson still hobbled. Lopez has a nice offensive game and seems to be getting tough down low. This Nets team is young and he should be one of the main offensive options this season.
The Clippers should be very competitive once Blake Griffin returns. They lost their first two games of the season but to good teams, one being the reigning champs. Eric Gordon looks like a star in the making. He's quicker than I remember and is a good passer. He's strong and possesses great range on hit shot. He looks to be the team's first offensive option already. When Griffin returns, this team should be particularly tough down low.
Gilbert Arenas is back. Agent Zero looked like the Hibachi of old in the Wizards' opener. He was lightning quick and scored in a variety of ways. He also dished out nine assists, showing the playmaking ability that Flip Saunders was championing in the offseason. If Arenas stays healthy, this team should be one of the best in the Eastern Conference once Antawn Jamison returns. I think they've got what it takes to land the four seed.
The Celtics could win the East if they stay healthy. Kevin Garnett looked good, but there's just something else about this team that makes me think they've got what it takes. They've got guys that make big plays and I expect Rajon Rondo to have a really big year.
The Bulls could be better than advertised. I know it's just one game, but their opening victory against the Spurs was really impressive. Nobody on Chicago dominated; it was just a solid all-around team effort. That's what wins consistently. Derrick Rose was not even at full strength in the opener. Better yet, they beat San Antonio despite a monster game from Tim Duncan.
