David Stern: NBA Europe division in a decade
A recent AP report, also posted on ESPN.com, quoted David Stern (talking to business leaders over a luncheon), "And now what I'm saying is, 'It's inevitable, it'll happen in 10 years.' But in terms of globalization, we're going to see a desire for franchises in Europe -- and in about 10 years, you'll send me a postcard."
Stern envisions a 5 team division in Europe, where NBA teams will travel to and play against every team twice before returning back to the United States. Players would potentially get three days after travelling before playing their first game in Europe, and likely three days rest after returning to the States before resuming play.
Despite current talks of contraction, Stern remains confident the league will continue to prosper, and will continue to attract fanbases around the world. So what would an NBA Europe look like? The five host cities that come to my mind are Paris, London, Athens, Barcelona (or Madrid), and perhaps Rome or Berlin. If the teams played each current NBA team twice, they'd be left with 22 more games to play amongst eachother, or five to six games between each team. Instead, each team may make a US trip for 6 games, allowing each in the Euro division to play one another 4 times.
As an American based fan, prospect of a European expansion doesn't really concern me at all. Although, I like the idea of two at large bids for European teams for the NBA playoffs, reducing the number of current NBA teams in the playoffs to 14; something I think would make the regular season more competitive.
Orlando at Miami
In the first battle of Florida teams this season, Dwayne Wade and Lebron James teamed up to obliterate the Orlando Magic. The Heat won the game 96-70, behind 26 points from D-Wade and 15, 7 and 6 for LeBron. The Heat showed their defensive prowess, shutting out Dwight Howard in the second half and holding Orlando to 30% shooting from the field. The Magic shot only 17% from the 3 point line, and looked like a lottery bound team against the suffocating Heat.
Both teams will continue to improve as the season progresses. Orlando is certainly a playoff team, and may win a good number of games again. However, they are no threat to contend for an NBA title, and are probably a bit worse than a season ago. Miami is the real deal. Injuries will be the only way this team doesn't make the Finals. Boston will be right there with the Heat at the end of the season, and the teams will likely meet in the playoffs, but I just don't see the Celtics banging out another 100 game NBA Finals caliber season on all their miled legs. Especially against a talented team with a chip on their shoulder in Miami.
Rondo's boss
Speaking of the Celtics, Rajon Rondo recorded 24 assists in his first triple-double of the season. Rondo scored 10 and rebounded 10 to go along with his assists, leading the Celtics to a 105-101 victory over the Knicks in Boston. Rondo's elite play is the only reason the Celtics will remain a powerhouse this season. Even with Pierce, Garnett, Allen and Shaq, the team loses so much in terms of speed, athleticism, defense, and energy if Rondo misses any time. Like Magic took the reigns from Kareem, Worthy, Green and those guys, Rondo is taking over in Boston, a good thing for Celtics fans.
John runs into a Wall
John Wall was welcomed to the NBA a couple nights ago as his Washington Wizards were blown out by the Orlando Magic. Wall found himself getting knocked around most of the night, without the benefit of calls from the referee's. Wall finished the game with 14 points, 9 assists and 3 steals, but shot only 31% from the field. Wall displays great talent and ability and should contend with Blake Griffin for the league's Rookie of the Year award. Otherwise, this season's all about learning and losing for John Wall and his Washington Wizards.
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