Changes

After every summer of greed, a new NBA emerges. This particular year, most of the developments have been relatively tame. Larry Hughes, despite having the most successful season of his career decided to abandon the Wizards in favor of Cleveland. It has been said before of Mr. Hughes that he needs a great deal of time with the ball to be truly effective. He is not a catch and shoot player like Richard Hamilton, and he is not a stand out three-point shooter. Cleveland already has a guy you may have heard of that should have lots of quality time with the ball. Nevertheless, Mr. Hughes did work well with Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison. Perhaps 2006 does hold some promise for Cleveland.

Unless there are additional developments, the Nets appear to be in an exceptionally advantageous position for next season. Jason Kidd, Vince Carter, and Richard Jefferson form what seems to me the finest backcourt in the NBA. With the acquisition of Shareef Abdur-Rahim, their frontcourt is a potent offensive weapon. The likely starting lineup averaged 87.9 points per game last year. Nehad Krstic will very likely be more productive. To say the least, this team will present severe match up problems for the rest of the NBA. Of course injuries can steal the hopes of any franchise. In 2003, the Lakers were clearly the most formidable force in the NBA until they lost their first and second best power forwards, and the rest of the starting lineup fell prey to various maladies. This year, the Heat had an edge over everyone at the center position, and were endowed with a beautifully balanced and gifted backcourt. "Flash" crashed, and the "The Diesel" blew a couple wheels. The rest is painful to remember.

Of course, the downfall of the Heat may have saved me from the grief that Robert Horry has given to so many. Instead, I could howl with glee at the downfall of the evil Pistons. Mr. Horry is my hero.

I guess the constant change within the NBA makes it interesting. Opinions abound and nerves are strained to the utmost. One must either love Robert Horry as I do, or resign himself to sobbing disconsolately whenever the blighter decides the occasion warrants a big shot.

Bachman
photo from Robert Horry pictures mistilynn.com