The Martlet

The NBA returns after last season’s resurgence, in which its two most storied franchises — the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics — battled each other for the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Between the emerging young stars, the success of elder statesmen and the ongoing saga of Stephon Marbury’s mental health, this upcoming NBA season has something to offer for both the casual fan and the die-hard supporter.

The Celtics will try to repeat as NBA champions after completing the league’s greatest single-season turnaround. Just two years ago they were tanking games in pursuit of former college star, Kevin Durant.

But with last season’s acquisition of Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, the Celtics imposed a stifling defence upon their competition. Their championship run concluded with Garnett delivering a tearful curse-laden celebration on national TV.

Let’s hope that Garnett can keep the censors on their toes once again. Here are some predictions for the upcoming season.

Best record: Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers will set the pace for league-wide supremacy behind All-Star guard Kobe Bryant. Not only does L.A. hold the game’s most complete player with Bryant, but the franchise features a loaded front court with Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum. Toss in the deepest bench in the NBA, and you have a winning formula. The only thing which could disrupt the Lakers from topping the Western Conference is Lamar Odom, who, after being hauled from the starting line-up, might pull a Shawn Marion and whine for more recognition.

Worst record:

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Seattle SuperSonics were yanked from a major American market and relocated to Oklahoma City this year. The move itself defied logical explanation and uprooted a 40-year span of basketball tradition in the Pacific Northwest. In an act of instant karma, the Oklahoma City faithful shouldn’t expect much from their team’s inaugural season. They may have Kevin Durant, one of the league’s brightest young stars, but the rest of the team is littered with underachieving veterans and inexperienced youngsters.

Worst organization:

Charlotte Bobcats

Maybe managing a basketball team didn’t make the cut of things which managing member Michael Jordan loves. Under Jordan’s direction, the Bobcats have squandered young talent and signed mediocre players to big-name contracts. Jordan nearly sunk the Washington Wizards with his renewed basketball involvement. The Bobcats might not be as fortunate. Perhaps he should stick to doing underwear commercials.

Most overrated team:

Houston Rockets

Each off-season the Rockets make a big move to support their two stars, Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. Fans and journalists go wild over the possibilities, but the result is always the same — an early exit in the first round of the playoffs. During the summer the Rockets added Ron Artest from Sacramento, famed bad boy who brawled with fans and received a year’s suspension. Despite this acquisition, the Rockets will falter once again. Too much hinges on the injury-plagued McGrady and Ming. Counting on either of them to stay healthy is like counting on Stephen Harper to increase funding for the arts. In other words, it’s not happening.

Most improved player:

Jordan Farmar

The third-year Lakers guard should make a huge improvement after a strong sophomore season and anchor the league’s deepest bench. Starting point guard Derek Fisher is on the downward slope of his career and Farmar could move into starter’s minutes. Other players to look out for are the Detroit Pistons’ Amir Johnson and Rodney Stuckey, and the Celtics’ Leon Powe.

Rookie of the Year:

Rudy Fernandez

Fernandez heads into his rookie season after torching the U.S. Olympic basketball team for 22 points in 18 minutes during the gold medal game. The Spaniard brings competitive European experience to a youthful Portland Trail Blazers squad. During the 2007 NBA draft, Fernandez was drafted by the Phoenix Suns and subsequently sold to Portland for cash. Suns fans will feel cheated when Fernandez breaks out with a strong rookie campaign.

Most valuable player: Chris Paul

No other team relies on their star player more than the New Orleans Hornets do with Chris Paul. The young point guard has elevated his team to a Western Conference power behind personal statistics which eclipse those of Steve Nash’s two MVP seasons. After finishing runner-up to Bryant in last season’s MVP race, Paul will usher in an era of young superstars by

winning the league’s highest individual honour.