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NBA Shaping Up to Be Must-See TV

Source: By DUANE WATSON, AOL Sports

Posted: 10/26/09 12:06PM

Filed Under: Main

Duane Watson
The 2009-2010 NBA season is shaping up to be some must-see TV. Whether it’s sheer artistic brilliance or moments that cannot be scripted, the dramas, comedies and reality shows of the NBA will be filled with enough plot twists, tragedies and excitement to keep any hoops fan enthralled until June. Let’s have a look at what some of the programming will offer.

The Cleveland Show – starring Lebron James and Shaquille O’Neal
Last year the Cavaliers had the best record in the league winning 66 games. Yet the Orlando Magic gave them a prompt dismissal in the Eastern Conference Finals. So they go out and find a solid #2 player for King James in Shaquille O’Neal. No longer the dominant player he once was, does Shaq have enough to get the Cavs over the top? Will the man they call “Diesel” mesh with James? He’s played with a number of superstars like Penny Hardaway, Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade and Steve Nash, with considerably mixed results. Tune in to find out if the NBA’s latest hyped duo is more dynamic than dud.

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, left, and Shaquille O'Neal, right, hold up Mo Williams during a photo shoot at NBA basketball media day in Independence, Ohio, Oct. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)
Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James, left, and Shaquille O'Neal, right, hold up Mo Williams during a photo shoot at NBA basketball media day in Independence, Ohio, Oct. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

Extreme Makeover - starring Bryan Colangelo and the Toronto Raptors
After last year’s disappointing season, Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo quickly went to work and made wholesale changes to his team. Adding TEN new players to the squad, he addressed a number of deficiencies while making them more competitive in hopes of keeping Chris Bosh in a red and white jersey. Hedo Turkoglu is the key acquisition, but if the team can’t find the chemistry it’s all for naught.

Entourage - starring Dwight Howard and Co.
These guys are living the life. Last season, a young, talented squad led by Dwight Howard went all the way to the NBA Finals and only get richer. They lost starter Hedo Turkoglu, but bolstered their roster with Vince Carter, Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson and Matt Barnes, setting themselves up for a return to the Finals. Arguably the deepest team in the league, the young, skilled, charming yet deadly Magic will be the new team people will love to hate.

The Apprentice – starring Blake Griffin, Tyreke Evans, Jeremy Harden, and Brandon Jennings
The battle for Rookie of the Year will not be an easy one. There was long presumption that there was no depth in the 2009 Draft but that’s no longer the case. While Blake Griffin is an unquestionable talent, his size and minutes will determine how far he goes. Opportunity, skill and maturity will determine who will get “fired” and who will make it to the finish.

House M.D. – starring Gilbert Arenas
Aloof, unorthodox, yet highly effective, Agent Zero walks to the beat of his own drum. Finally recovered from knee injuries that saw him play in only two games last season with the Washington Wizards and fresh off a new multi-million dollar contract, he has much to prove. He’s abandoned his popular NBA.com blog to allow his game to speak for him, even to the point where he has stopped speaking to media. He’s not crazy, he’s just Gilbert.

Curb Your Enthusiasm - starring The Denver Nuggets
After compiling a 54-28 record last season to lead the Northwest Division and playing in the Western Conference Finals against the Lakers, they exceeded expectations. Up to that point, the Nuggets hadn’t made it past the first-round of the playoffs since 1994, giving cause for celebration. But losing Linas Kleiza and Dahntay Jones coupled with the questionable maturity of JR Smith, leaves the bench thin. Coach Karl’s chances of finding a solid supporting cast beyond Chris Andersen are just as good as him finding some fresh skin on the freewheeling forward to tattoo “Help.”

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? – starring Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh
When the most coveted free agency class in history go on the market this summer, the yearlong speculation on who will go where will finally come to an end. However, the new collective bargaining agreement may leave some disappointed. Players will get paid, but it’s unlikely the blockbuster moves that are anticipated will actually happen. Other notable free agents: Manu Ginobili, Amare Stoudemire, Michael Redd, Yao Ming, Dirk Nowitzki and Joe Johnson.

Survivor - starring Allen Iverson
This season, the 15-year NBA scorer is thrust into the wilds of Memphis. Forced to work with a young inexperienced tribe, this is Iverson’s last stand. While he maintains this is where he wants to be, he had little choice, particularly after his volatile run with the Pistons last season. The challenge will be to turn the Grizzlies into the contender he claims they are and exhibit the veteran leadership they’ve been sorely lacking.

Heroes - starring the Los Angeles Lakers
Once vilified for his transgressions in Denver, Kobe Bryant is now the poster boy for the league. And Ron Artest, ostracized for his role in the infamous “Malice at the Palace” incident, is now a player everyone wants on their team. The Lakers have both, plus All-World power forward Pau Gasol, illustrious coach Phil Jackson, Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum and the Larry O’Brien Trophy. They are the NBA Champions and they will be hard pressed to give up their title easily. Particularly when you envision Artest fitting in with the Lake Show much like Rodman fit in with the Bulls, only better.

Grumpy Old Men - starring Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rasheed Wallace
If you thought Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett were malcontents last year, wait for the addition of Wallace. He has never been one to shy away from jawing with the officials, or anyone in the league for that matter. If these wily veterans can remain healthy in time for the playoff run, a visit to the Finals could turn that scowl into a smile.

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