LeBron James is shown during a preseason game against the Charlotte Bobcats at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida, Monday, October 18, 2010.
Correction: This story has been modified from its original version. — NBA Star J.J. Redick is a player on the Orlando Magic. The Collegiate Times regrets this error.
A
re you ready to take your talents to South Beach?
Get ready for a wild ride NBA fans, as this is sure to be a thrilling season full of storylines, rivalries, disputes, success and disappointment.
The traditional powers Los Angeles and Boston are still near the top, with teams like Miami and Oklahoma City looking to knock them off.
In the NBA, young players will always capture the attention of the fans. A year ago it was Tyreke Evans, Brandon Jennings and Stephen Curry who stole the spotlight. This year John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Derrick Favors and Blake Griffin all breathe new life into their respective franchises. Griffin especially is ready to break out after he suffered a season-ending fractured kneecap in last year’s summer league competition. Look for all four of these rookies to make a big impact this
season.
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
John Wall — Point Guard, Washington Wizards
The dynamic guard arrived at the University of Kentucky a year ago with huge expectations, and he didn’t disappoint. He again arrives in a new environment, hoping to revive the basketball culture in the nation’s capital with his fast-paced style and acrobatic finishes. Wall is also adept at getting in passing lanes, as he averaged 1.8 steals per game in his lone year as a Wildcat. Wall should be a top-5 point guard this season.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER
Kevin Durant — Forward, Oklahoma City Thunder
Durant, the star of USA Basketball’s FIBA championship team, will lead the Oklahoma City Thunder this year in all areas. We all know he can score, as evidenced by his league-leading 30.1 points per game a year ago, but he is also a tremendous passer and sets up his teammates extremely well. Look for Durant to use more post moves this season and for the Thunder to challenge the Lakers in the Western Conference.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Mike D’Antoni — New York Knicks
The New York Knicks should be much improved in 2010-11, and under the guidance of D’Antoni, they will be a lot of fun to watch. His high-octane offensive attack is sure to put up points with the additions of Amar’e Stoudemire and Anthony Randolph. The Knicks won only 29 games last year, so it’s hard to see New York going anywhere but up. If the Knicks acquire Carmelo Anthony mid-season as rumors suggest, watch out.
MOST IMPROVED PLAYER
JaVale McGee — Center, Washington Wizards
McGee, a 7-footer in his third year out of Nevada, is primed to break out in 2011. With the addition of Wall to the backcourt, McGee will be on the receiving end of many alley-oop passes and easy buckets. On the defensive end, McGee is truly an eraser, putting up an astonishing five blocks per 48 minutes in 2009-10. As Washington makes a push for a playoff spot, McGee will literally be the center of attention.
Top Four Teams
A version of this article appeared in the Oct 27 issue of the Collegiate Times.
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"This story has been modified from its original version. — NBA Star J.J. Redick is not a player on the Orlando Magic. The Collegiate Times regrets this error."
I seriously hope that this isn't something you want to do in the future and is just a hobby of yours. You just posted this comment that is not only false, but something that would have taken a quick google search to verify. Stop being lazy and relying on your stoner friends as your sources.
J.J. Redick signed a 3 year, 20 million deal with the magic this summer.
If you want people to take your little college paper seriously, take the time to actually research the facts, otherwise you are just a joke.
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The original story had Redick on the Bulls, right? So that was a mistake because the Magic actually matched the Bulls' offer, so he is still on the Magic. That's just terrible editing.
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This is why when someone sends me an article from this site, I choose not to read it. To act like an expert on the NBA and write that Redick is no longer with the Magic would be like having Albert Haynesworth write a book titled "Hard Work Pays Off" or Jonah Hill writing a best selling weight loss book. Don't write about stuff you don't truly know.
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evidently you read it and care enough to comment. the kid messed up, get over yourself
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This just shows you the only thing the Collegiate Times is useful for is the crossword puzzle.
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Let think through these predictions. First off, are you a Wizards fan? Wall for ROY is arguable, but McGee for MIP? You're kidding. He's a completely one dimensional player who's going to foul out of every game. Aaron Brooks was the starting point guard on a good (albeit playoff missing) Rockets team that missed May and June basketball because of a 7'6'' omission to the roster. Brooks made his teammates better, spread the court with his shooting, and became a leader. When I think McGee, I don't think leader. I see a 7'0'' shot blocker who is a valuable bench player. He'll never be a star.
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For ROY: Wall? What about Blake Griffin? He's playing on a potential playoff team with a supporting cast that completely blows the Wiz out of the water.
Top 5 point guard John Wall? THIS SEASON?? A short list: Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Chauncy Billups, Rajon Rondo, Russell Westbrook, Derrick Rose, Steve Nash, and you're aforementioned Tyreke Evans are better this season than your boy Wall. Come on.
The worst is D'Antoni. The Knicks won't make the playoffs with an oft-injured PF who plays no D and has to shoulder all scoring. There's one shooter (Galinari), unlike in Phoenix where Frye, Dudley, Dragic, Nash, Richardson helped Stoudemire when he took 19 steps and then got trapped 15 feet from the hoop. D'Antoni's system is only as good as the players that run it. Steve Nash made the system. Stoudemire knows that, he just wanted money and to live in NY. Raymond Felton is not Steve Nash. Case closed.
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