Five Predictions For 2010
In the world of sport, the only constant is unpredictability. With the NBA season right around the corner predictions and prognostications have been rampant here at HOOPSWORLD and throughout the media. Despite insider information and "expert" opinions, it is impossible to look into the future and see the outcome of an upcoming season. Alas, we still try.
Last year, injuries to star players like Kevin Garnett, Manu Ginobili and Gilbert Arenas cut short the seasons of the Boston Celtics, San Antonio Spurs and Washington Wizards, respectively, and without the benefit of a crystal ball predicting such scenarios is nearly impossible. With all that in mind, today I will gaze into quite possibly the murkiest crystal ball in the history of sports writing and make five predictions about the upcoming NBA season. Wish me luck…
1. Greg Oden will finally become a difference-maker for the Portland Trail Blazers:
Following an outstanding freshman season at Ohio State Greg Oden and Texas star Kevin Durant were viewed as can't miss prospects, sure to go first and second overall, in the 2007 NBA Draft. A winner of just about every individual award at the high school level (some of them as a junior and a senior), Oden was viewed as the type of player that would rejuvenate a dying breed of classic, back to the basket centers and become a dominating force in the paint for years to come. Unfortunately, on September 14, 2007, Oden had microfracture surgery on his right knee and the big man, viewed by many as a once in a generation talent, missed all of the 2007-08 NBA season. Classified as a rookie last season because of the injury, Oden and the team were optimistic about his return to floor but injuries again limited seven-footer to just 61 games. In just 21.5 minutes per game, however, Oden averaged 8.9 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game as a rookie while shooting .564 from the field. Although Oden's offensive game is still a bit raw and mechanical, his presence on the defensive end of the floor was evident last season and with Brandon Roy, LaMarcus Aldridge and Andre Miller to carry the team on the offensive end this season, Oden will be able to focus on changing games with his rebounding and shot-blocking abilities this season. With a year in the NBA under his belt, expect Oden to become a force for the Blazers this season.
