subject: Training camp packing many storylines [print this page] The NBA does training camp differentlyThe NBA does training camp differently. Centers and forwards do not report early, unlike pitchers and catchers. Players aren't put through a series of time trials for the mile run (football). Nor do they get up and the crack of dawn for a long jog on a lonely country road (boxing).
But as camp approaches, there are some subplots simmering, enough to make for an interesting stretch in October. Here are a few:
You can't find a great franchise that's crashed harder in the last five years than the Pistons. Where there were once sellouts, there's now empty seats. Whereas the Pistons once ownedthe Detroit sports scene, there's now apathy. Once upon a time, Joe Dumars had the right touch; now, that touch looks like lead. Ownership under Bill Davidson was strong and healthy. Ownership under Karen Davidson, his widow, is temporary until another buyer is found. Tom Wilson ran the Pistons with a clever hand, and now, there's uncertainty at the top. As they prepare to begin camp, the Pistons find themselves in a fractured state, dealing with the controversial death of a beloved ex-public relations exec (Matt Dobek) and wondering when and if the good times will ever return. How can they put a positive spin on 2010-11 under these circumstances?
Shaq takes Boston by storm
Already, the Big Clam Chowda has made a well-received appearance in Harvard Square and crashed a wedding at a Hub hotel. The Boston media has fallen for his charm, for good reason, because Shaq is fun (his prime-time TV show, Shaq Vs., was a summer hit). And while he managed to hold his own in a dance contest with Justin Bieber, can he hold it together for 15 minutes a night until January, when Kendrick Perkins recovers?
Chris Paul's mood
Trevor Ariza hasn't meant this much to anybody since he helped the Lakers win a title two years ago. A summer of posturing between Paul and the new Hornets administration was resolved -- or was it? -- once the Hornets swung a deal for Ariza, who didn't exactly set Houston on fire last season after signing as a free agent. Will Ariza flourish in a system that will nike air max 24-7 lean on his considerable skills as a finisher? Or will he shoot under 40 percent again and cause Paul to ask for another summit meeting with the higher ups? Camp will tell.
Jamal Crawford and Hawks
He wants a contract extension and yet you wonder if the Hawks, mindful of the luxury tax, are done spending big. They just gave Joe Johnson the richest free agent deal of the summer and must negotiate soon with Al Horford, their other All-Star. Crawford is too much of a good guy to be a distraction in camp, but still, his mood bears watching if he and the Hawks don't reach an agreement. The Hawks surrendered a portion of their financial flexibility two summers ago when they extended Marvin Williams, Zaza Pachulia and Mike Bibby.
Andrew Bynum's health
Although the Lakers say he'll be limited in camp, Bynum's summer surgery to repair a partially torn ligament went well. But we've heard this before. Bynum is a very good center, someone who could become an All-Star if he can get through a season without a hiccup. Given his history of surgeries, can we expect his body to hold it together? In a five-year career, nike air max 2010 four were interrupted by injury. He really hasn't had a chance to fully develop. The Lakers managed to win back-to-back titles largely without him, but they can roll the dice only so long. If Bynum stays healthy, do you like the Lakers' Big Three (Kobe, Pau, Bynum) more than Miami's?
