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PREDICTIONS
FOR THE 2001-02 NBA SEASON
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| PAUL
KATCHER |
CATEGORY |
MARK
COATNEY |
1. Someone will actually debate who is the
best player in the NBA, as if it wasn't abundantly clear that Shaquille
O'Neal is without peer.
2. Either Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Karl Malone or
Chris Webber will fail to make the NBA's First-, Second- or Third-Team at
the talent-rich power forward position.
3. The Knicks will fail to challenge for an NBA
title whether Spike Lee attends 10, 30 or all 41 home games. |
THINGS GUARANTEED TO HAPPEN |
1. Charles Barkley will repeatedly say Michael
Jordan shouldn't have come back into the league.
2. Charles Barkley will put on an extra 40
pounds.
3. David Stern will thank God, Allah, Vishnu and
anybody else he can think of that MJ is back. |
1. Due to the closing of the Atlanta Gold
Club, visiting NBA teams will eschew the city's nightlife and return quietly
to their hotels after pasting the Hawks
2. Derrick Coleman will be a fan favorite in
Philadelphia, whose fans have a history of booing the arrivals of Santa
Claus and Donovan McNabb.
3. Having put sports in proper perspective since
Sept. 11, NBA players will refrain from taunting and posing. |
THINGS GUARANTEED NOT TO HAPPEN |
1. Rasheed Wallace will play an entire week
without picking up a technical foul.
2. Stephon Marbury will emerge as the unselfish
floor general for the surprising Phoenix Suns.
3. John Stockton will develop mad hops. |
1.
Shaquille O'Neal, C, Lakers: The only way to stop
him is to let the rest of the Lakers run wild.
2. Tracy McGrady, G, Magic: Return of Grant Hill
might actually hinder his chances at individual awards.
3. Tim Duncan, F, Spurs: Predicted success of
Spurs over Timberwolves gives Duncan edge over Kevin Garnett. |
MVP |
1.
Shaquille O'Neal, C, Lakers: The player every GM
would pick if starting a team.
2. Kevin Garnett, F, Timberwolves: Does more
for his not-so-talented team than anybody else.
3. Chris Webber, F, Kings: The big contract
means big expectations, but Webber could rise to them |
1.
Mike Bibby, G, Kings: It's good to be a King,
especially after leaving the Grizzlies.
2. Hakeem Olajuwon, C, Raptors: He may
no-longer be all-world, but he's all right for Toronto.
3. Mitch Richmond, G, Lakers: As if the
champs needed another veteran to provide punch off the bench |
BEST ADDITIONS |
1.
Mike Bibby, G, Kings: Was fourth in the league in
assists for an awful Grizzlies team; could lead the league this year.
2. Mitch Richmond, G, Lakers: Still a
big-time scorer, and a perfect fit as the third scoring option when Kobe and
Shaq need a break.
3. Patrick Ewing, C, Magic: Could the big guy
finally get a championship ring? |
1.
Jordan vs. Pippen: It'll seem as strange as Derek
Jeter batting against Mariano Rivera.
2. Rasheed Wallace vs. Self: This guy is
capable of getting teed up while driving to the arena
3. Grant Hill vs. Injury: The training room
might prove to be the Magic's toughest test in the East. |
UPCOMING
BATTLES |
1. New Jersey Nets vs. Modern
Medicine: This team loses at least two players a year to freak injury. Can
their doctors keep Kittles, Van Horn, et. al. on the floor?
2. Shaquille O'Neal vs. Refs: New zones mean even
more bodies draped on the big guy. Can the officials call a fair game?
3. MJ vs. Good basketball: TV programmers are going
to be tempted to show All Michael All the Time. They shouldn't; there are a
lot of other good players out there. |
1.
Magic: Talented and hungry squad led by Tracy
McGrady and Grant Hill.
2. Wizards: Even if for only the first 10
games.
3. Lakers: The way Shaquille O'Neal changes a
game is marvelous. |
FAVORITE TEAMS TO
WATCH |
1. Kings: Best passing team in the
league.
2. Clippers: Young and hungry team means high-energy
play.
3. Trail Blazers: A different drama every
night. |
1. SuperSonics: Enough about Gary Payton's
contract and Vin Baker's frame.
2. Bulls: Still waiting for the rebuilding to
begin.
3. Jazz: Pick-and-roll ceased to excite around 40
years ago. |
LEAST FAVORITE TEAMS TO
WATCH |
1. Heat: Pat Riley's teams are the worst thing
that ever happened to the NBA.
2. Knicks: The five-guard lineup just doesn't
work.
3. Bulls: Ugly. |
Season Scoring Average: 24.5.
Wizards' Wins: 38.
Playoffs?: No. |
ALL AIR JORDAN |
Season Scoring Average: 26.0.
Wizards' Wins: 35.
Playoffs?: No. |
First Round:
Magic over Pacers
Bucks over Hornets
76ers over Heat
Raptors over Knicks
Lakers over Jazz
Spurs over Suns
Kings over Timberwolves
Trail Blazers over Mavericks
Second Round:
Magic over Raptors
Bucks over 76ers
Lakers over Trail Blazers
Spurs over Kings
Conference Finals:
Magic over Bucks
Lakers over Spurs
NBA Finals:
Lakers over Magic
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PLAYOFFS |
First Round:
Magic over Celtics
Bucks over Hornets
76ers over Heat
Raptors over Knicks
Lakers over Jazz
Spurs over Rockets
Kings over Timberwolves
Mavericks over TrailBlazers
Second Round:
Magic over Raptors
Bucks over 76ers
Lakers over Mavericks
Kings over Spurs
Conference Finals:
Magic over Bucks
Lakers over Kings
NBA Finals:
Lakers over Magic
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