Posted: Monday October 28, 2002 9:22 PM
Updated: Monday October 28, 2002 10:20 PM
“Better late than never.”
That could be the NBA’s motto as it prepares to kick off the 2002-03 season Tuesday night. From Boston to Seattle, 28 teams will begin the quest to catch the three-time champion Lakers and finally put an end to the Purple Reign. The Kings, in particular, will be on a mission to avenge last year’s blown title shot.
Meanwhile, many of the league’s biggest names will be showing up a bit tardy for the festivities. The list of those sitting out opening night because of injury or suspension reads like a Who’s Who of NBA elite: Shaq, Mike Bibby, Reggie Miller, Antonio McDyess, Stephon Marbury, Latrell Sprewell, Marcus Camby, Terrell Brandon, Alonzo Mourning, Juwan Howard, Dajuan Wagner, Lamar Odom, Elden Campbell, Derrick Coleman, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Maurice Taylor and, of course, Rick Fox and Doug Christie.
Head coaches Don Nelson and John Lucas each will miss their respective team’s openers as well. The NBA suspended both for having conducted illegal workouts over the summer.
Hopefully (at least to the folks at TNT, ABC and ESPN, who spent lots of money to begin televising NBA basketball this season), most of the big names will be back at some point.
Of course, by then there might be other injured stars. That’s one reason why making predictions for the coming season is dumber than getting in Shawn Kemp’s way at the buffet table. Still, looking foolish has never stopped us before. So without further ado, here are a few things to watch for in the coming season:
Eastern Conference Sleeper: INDIANA PACERS
Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE/ Getty Images
They've got all the key players back from a team that extended the Nets to a deciding fifth game in the first round of last year's playoffs. With savvy veteran Reggie Miller, All-Star forward Jermaine O'Neal and a true center in Brad Miller, Indiana has considerable balance.
The return of Al Harrington to a core group that also includes Ron Artest, Ron Mercer and Jonathan Bender makes them one of the deeper teams as well. If Jamaal Tinsley can handle the point, Reggie can stay healthy and coach Isiah Thomas can find a consistent rotation, they could steal the East.
Western Conference Sleeper: HOUSTON ROCKETS
Joe Murphy/NBAE/ Getty Images
Forget about Yao Ming. Houston would be a lock to improve on last season's 28-54 mark simply because of the return of Glen Rice and Maurice Taylor from season-ending injuries a year ago.
With those two veterans back in the mix, as well as All-Star Steve Francis, sidekick Cuttino Mobley and rising star Eddie Griffin, the Rockets have the pieces to bounce back strong in the West. Plus, coach Rudy Tomjanovich is a proven manager of talent. If Ming, the Rockets' 7-foot-5 rookie center, can contribute at all, Houston could soar to as high as No. 5 in the conference.
Coach of the Year: SACRAMENTO'S RICK ADELMAN
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
Recently this award has been going to a guy who enjoys a Cinderella-type season (Doc Rivers, Larry Brown, Rick Carlisle) as opposed to a guy who guides an established Finals contender. But Adelman will buck the trend this season.
The Kings have a good chance at finishing with the NBA's best record again, and voters can't ignore that kind of success, can they? Given that it took Phil Jackson until '96 to win his first COY award, maybe they can. However, Adelman has never won the award in his career, and that will give him an edge over other candidates.
First Coach Fired: MEMPHIS' SIDNEY LOWE
Rocky Widner/NBAE/ Getty Images
It's certainly not all his fault, but after back-to-back 23-win seasons, Lowe is on the hot seat. Plus, he has three factors working against him: 1) Grizzlies GM Jerry West didn't hire him. 2) The novelty of NBA ball in Memphis has worn off, meaning possible declines at the box office. 3) The Grizz are healthy again (at least for now) and facing greater expectations.
In the Western Conference, it's going to be tough for the young Grizzlies to gain any ground. If they don't get off to a good start, Lowe will pay the price.
Rookie of the Year: SAN ANTONIO'S EMANUEL GINOBILI
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/ Gety Images
Don't be fooled by his status as a second-round pick (No. 57 overall) back in '99; this 6-foot-6 Argentinian has all the tools to make a splashy rookie debut. He is a tremendous athlete who can get to the basket and finish in traffic. Like last year's surprise Rookie winner, Pau Gasol, he's older (age 25) than most other top candidates and he's had previous pro experience overseas.
Playing alongside Tim Duncan on a highly competitive team, he'll also get plenty of TV exposure. It will be just enough to lift him past Amare Stoudemire, Yao Ming, Jay Williams and Drew Gooden for the honor.
MVP: NEW JERSEY'S JASON KIDD
Ron Turenne/NBAE/ Getty Images
He probably should have won it last year, but former Virgin Islands youth swim star Tim Duncan edged him out with a strong closing kick. This time voters will give it to the do-it-all point guard, who showed in last year's playoffs that he's capable of leading a team to the championship round.
Of course, everybody knows Shaq is the real MVP, but the media seems to like to spread it around (see Michael Jordan's career). Besides, Shaq and Kobe will once again split the Lakers vote.
NBA Champions: SACRAMENTO KINGS
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
Call it a hunch, but it just seems like it's time for the Kings to ascend to the throne. They have too much talent in Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, Vlade Divac, Peja Stojakovic and others to be denied much longer, and after last year's heartbreaking loss to L.A., they should be supremely motivated.
It's always risky to bet against Shaq and Kobe, especially since they make L.A. so tough defensively, but winning four straight titles in any sport is a lot to ask. Besides, the Lakers' supporting cast has been juggled since last year. Sacramento has stayed constant, adding only key reserve Keon Clark. Continuity is vastly underrated. The Kings, using their edge in familiarity and motivation, will find a way.
