NBA: Moves that will pay off

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By Blake Oestriecher

The NBA season is here.

It's about time. It's been too long since I've seen something amazing happen. Wait, I take that back. Didn't Lamar Odom marry one of the Kardashians after knowing her for a month? Maybe Odom should lay off that candy. Something tells me he got a little hopped up and made a bad decision.

Anyway, speaking of getting hopped up, I'm pretty excited about what's in store this season. Stephen Jackson has already claimed he is better than Kobe Bryant, the NBA officially adopted the "LeBron Crab Dribble" rule by allowing another step before traveling is called and Mark Cuban officially supports steroid use. So, I can confidently say this season should be an entertaining year of round ball.

At the very least, fans will see some changes this year. There are plenty of new faces in new places. Let's take a look at a few of them who will make an impact on their new teams (Yes, I know there are plenty more names that could be on this list, but I can't cover them all.)

Richard Jefferson (Spurs) - Complementing the Spurs absolutely kills me, but adding Jefferson really takes this team to the next level. Yes, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan are getting up there in age, but Tony Parker is in his prime and Jefferson is one of the more underrated players in the league. Time is not on the side of the Spurs "dynasty;" however, so they had to make a move to get a little younger. Jefferson was the right choice and he should elevate the Spurs into title contention this season.

Vince Carter (Magic) - Carter isn't the player he used to be, but he is a far more athletic player than the man he will "replace" in Orlando, Hedo Turkoglu. The move to the Magic will also take some of the pressure off of Carter. While with the New Jersey Nets, defenses keyed in on Carter. Let's be honest. Other than Devin Harris, the Nets had no other true offensive threat. But when playing with guys like Jameer Nelson, Rashard Lewis and Dwight Howard in Orlando, defenses won't be able to focus on Carter, so he should have a much easier time getting open looks.

Blake Griffin (Clippers) - Clippers head coach Mike Dunleavy has already said that Griffin won't start. I don't care. Griffin is hands down the most NBA-ready rookie this season and an absolute monster on the court. I'm not expecting 30 points and 15 rebounds like he routinely put up in college, but Griffin will find his way on the court. The Clippers aren't going to pose any kind of threat in the Western Conference, so Griffin will be in the starting lineup sooner rather than later.

Shaquille O'Neal (Cavaliers) - Shaq can slug it out with Albert Pujols, throw the long ball with Ben Roethlisberger and swim with Michael Phelps. Oh yeah, despite what some analysts are saying, he can still play basketball too. I'm not expecting 25 points or even double digit rebounds from "The Diesel," but I think he'll realistically put up something like 16 points and eight rebounds per game. Great? No. Enough to make the Cavs even better than last year? Yes. And just take a look at how the move to Miami motivated him. I think Shaq is ready to win one for the thumb.

Stephen Curry (Warriors) - He's not a point guard. He's not big enough to be a shooting guard. I've heard it all before and so has Curry. But the bottom line is that Curry can play basketball and he shoots lights out. Curry also has the advantage of playing for Golden State. He doesn't even have to play defense. No one else on the Warriors does. Golden State routinely scores 110-120 points a game and I see Curry getting in on the action. 

Originally Published: Issue 821 - October 28, 2009

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