A breakdown of the NBA Title contenders for the 2009-2010 season.
There have been significant stories to the last two NBA titles. In 2008, for instance, the world wondered if the trio of superstars, Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen, could win it all. In 2009, Kobe Bryant was hoping to prove that he could win a title without Shaquille O'Neal. The winner of the 2010 championship is also likely to have stories. For instance, can the Lakers be a dynasty team? Can LeBron James pair with Shaq to win it all? Do the Celtics have enough left in the tank to make another run? Do the Spurs?
Here are the top contenders--as of July 2009--for the upcoming NBA season.
- Los Angeles Lakers - Losing Lamar Odom would be worse than people realize. Most of what he brings to the table doesn't show in the box score. At 6-10, Odom can pass, dribble, score and rebound, and makes him a matchup nightmare for opponents. The addition of Ron Artest will help, as it will mean Kobe Bryant won't have to guard the opposition's toughest player most of the time. That should give him more energy to score.
- Boston Celtics - If the Celtics can stay healthy, they're a strong candidate to go all the way. After all, they took the Orlando Magic to seven games in June, and that was without Kevin Garnett or Leon Powe. They'll like lose Glenn Davis and Powe, but they did add veteran Rasheed Wallace. If the Celtics can add another player or two who can contribute on the interior off the bench, and if they can stay healthy, they'll be very strong next season.
- Cleveland Cavaliers - There's no question that LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal can coexist. After all, Shaq got along fine on the court with Kobe Bryant and Dwayne Wade. LeBron and Shaq should be able to execute the pick and role well, with either of them able to finish strong. The real question is whether or not Shaq is willing to play fewer minutes. Ideally, O'Neal would split time with Zydrunas Ilgauskas, which would enable both to stay fresh for the playoffs. Unfortunately, Coach Mike Brown has a history of having no spine when it comes to standing up to stars. He's at least unwilling to stand up to James when he needs to. Mike Brown might not have the backbone needed to keep James and Shaq in order. Remember, when Shaq has won titles before, he's had Phil Jackson and Pat Riley steering him.
- San Antonio Spurs - Health is the key factor for the Spurs, but adding Richard Jefferson should provide a good boost at both ends.
- Orlando Magic - Losing Hedo Turkoglu is tough, because he's the reason the Magic got past the Cavs in the playoffs. Having two long, versatile forwards created significant matchup problems for Cleveland. Still, Orlando was in the right for not giving him the money he was asking for, especially since he's reached 30. Adding Vince Carter should help, and though Brandon Bass is underrated, he may not be the fit they need to play alongside Dwight Howard.
- Denver Nuggets - Denver really impressed last playoffs. Grit, toughness and chemistry are the reasons.
The copyright of the article 2009-2010 NBA Championship Contenders in NBA is owned by Phil Partington. Permission to republish 2009-2010 NBA Championship Contenders in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
