Spring Break
Changing of the guard
Ben Bradea
Issue date: 4/27/09 Section: Sports
"Uprise 2009" is not just a Blazer playoff slogan. It's what's happening all across the NBA this year. We could easily have a slogan called "Decline 2009" as well. I don't remember a more distinct time in the NBA where such a clear line could be drawn between the up-and-coming teams and between those that just look old and on the decline. The Blazers head the crop of teams waiting to burst onto the scene and become mainstays in playoff races of the next 10 years.
Teams on the Uprise:
Portland Trail Blazers: Not much needs to be said about this team other than the fact that they have started three rookies in one year. This team, although struggling right now in the playoffs, is stockpiled with young talent. Not one of their "core" players is over the age of 24, and none of them have been in the NBA more than three years. If this team is kept intact without any tinkering, in a few years they will be unstoppable. Don't forget they had 54 wins this year. Watch out NBA.
Philadelphia 76ers: Young talent is again abundant on this Eastern Conference team that is already making noise in their first round series against the Orlando Magic. Their four key players, consisting of Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Lou Williams, and Marreese Speights, are all under the age of 26 and are the most long and athletic foursome in the NBA. I expect them by next year to be challenging for the second seed in the East against teams other than the "LeBrons."
Oklahoma City Thunder: Ever since Nate McMillan, Ray Allen, and Rashard Lewis left what was known as the Sonics, the Thunder have been downright terrible. However, the light can be seen at the end of the tunnel. Great draft selections over the last three years in Jeff Green, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook make them the Blazers of last year. I fully expect this team, with another high lottery pick to be added, to challenge for the playoffs next year.
Teams on the Decline:
Phoenix Suns: Ugh. That's the word that describes the fall from grace of this team who was once the best entertainment in the NBA. The combination of selling three consecutive draft picks in what turned out to be Rajon Rondo, Sergio Rodriguez and Rudy Fernandez and making terrible trades by sending two starters in Raja Bell and Boris Diaw for an old Jason Richardson, has ruined a once very competitive franchise. Compounding that with ancient players already on the roster, like Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal and Grant Hill, makes Phoenix a recipe for disaster.
Detroit Pistons: One might wonder what happened to them so quickly. Allen Iverson happened. Not to hate on Iverson, but add getting a player that dominates the ball and plays no defense to the fact that Billups was the perfect point guard and you get a .500 team. McDyess and Wallace are also really getting up in age.
San Antonio Spurs: When Tim Duncan gets four points and two rebounds in a playoff game, watch out. Duncan is clearly on the downswing of his career, along with Michael Finley, who seems to be 50 years old. Add to that a supporting cast of NBA wannabes and the fact that Manu Ginobli seems to have chronic injury problems, and you get a team that will struggle to make the playoffs for the next few years.
Ben Bradea, sports writer
sports@dailybarometer.com
Teams on the Uprise:
Portland Trail Blazers: Not much needs to be said about this team other than the fact that they have started three rookies in one year. This team, although struggling right now in the playoffs, is stockpiled with young talent. Not one of their "core" players is over the age of 24, and none of them have been in the NBA more than three years. If this team is kept intact without any tinkering, in a few years they will be unstoppable. Don't forget they had 54 wins this year. Watch out NBA.
Philadelphia 76ers: Young talent is again abundant on this Eastern Conference team that is already making noise in their first round series against the Orlando Magic. Their four key players, consisting of Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Lou Williams, and Marreese Speights, are all under the age of 26 and are the most long and athletic foursome in the NBA. I expect them by next year to be challenging for the second seed in the East against teams other than the "LeBrons."
Oklahoma City Thunder: Ever since Nate McMillan, Ray Allen, and Rashard Lewis left what was known as the Sonics, the Thunder have been downright terrible. However, the light can be seen at the end of the tunnel. Great draft selections over the last three years in Jeff Green, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook make them the Blazers of last year. I fully expect this team, with another high lottery pick to be added, to challenge for the playoffs next year.
Teams on the Decline:
Phoenix Suns: Ugh. That's the word that describes the fall from grace of this team who was once the best entertainment in the NBA. The combination of selling three consecutive draft picks in what turned out to be Rajon Rondo, Sergio Rodriguez and Rudy Fernandez and making terrible trades by sending two starters in Raja Bell and Boris Diaw for an old Jason Richardson, has ruined a once very competitive franchise. Compounding that with ancient players already on the roster, like Steve Nash, Shaquille O'Neal and Grant Hill, makes Phoenix a recipe for disaster.
Detroit Pistons: One might wonder what happened to them so quickly. Allen Iverson happened. Not to hate on Iverson, but add getting a player that dominates the ball and plays no defense to the fact that Billups was the perfect point guard and you get a .500 team. McDyess and Wallace are also really getting up in age.
San Antonio Spurs: When Tim Duncan gets four points and two rebounds in a playoff game, watch out. Duncan is clearly on the downswing of his career, along with Michael Finley, who seems to be 50 years old. Add to that a supporting cast of NBA wannabes and the fact that Manu Ginobli seems to have chronic injury problems, and you get a team that will struggle to make the playoffs for the next few years.
Ben Bradea, sports writer
sports@dailybarometer.com
Note: writers will not reply to comments.
Be the first to comment on this story
Comments by registered users are approved by default.