As I've been looking through recent issues of periodicals, the "decade in review" seems to be as unavoidable as when news broke out of Michael Jackson's death - which made top ten lists for something or another. Although, I feel that what's just as important as reflecting upon the last ten years, is pondering the next decade. Obviously, there's no accurate method of predicting what is to come for the NBA. However, using the 2000s as a "decade in review" definitely helps.
Who will become the face of the league in the next ten years? Often times, it is the best player, the most-talented individual who fans would mention if they had to associate the league with a sole star. Presently, that would be Kobe Bryant. At the Beijing Olympics his greeting was practically as loud as the roar the native Yao Ming received. Nonetheless, for some time now, zealous Lebron fans have claimed James is the league's best. At the least, we can admit that LBJ is on track to surpass Kobe in the very near future - possibly by next year. In the next few years, Lebron James, and maybe even Dwyane Wade, will become the two most popular ambassadors of the NBA.
Then, there's the thought of how the league's other promising players will end up. As of late, Tyreke Evans, Stephen Curry, Brandon Jennings, and even Omri Casspi have been making some noise. Last season, Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and O.J. Mayo blossomed into stars, while some, like Jason Thompson, are shining and still full of potential. Channing Frye is showing he can score in Phoenix. Not to be forgotten is Monta Ellis, who has no trouble surpassing the thirty-point barrier. Ultimately, it's these players who will inherit the next puppet battles from LBJ and KB.
This also gives a small sense of what direction the league is headed in, in terms of players. The relevance of the big man is all but gone, as basketball is being monopolized by the guards. As a result, big men are sure to be more highly-coveted. Players like Mareese Speights and Bynum, oh, and Greg Odom - legitimate post threats - are an endangered species. Post play is no longer what it used to be. I'm not suggesting that all thirty NBA teams will resort to :07 seconds or less offense or arrange their line-ups for "Nellie ball", because, ultimately, if we don't produce enough homegrown big men, there's another stream.
The other source for 7-footers may end up having been originated overseas. The other day, I was watching a Euroleague game with FC Barcelona on NBA TV, and there is such a large talent pool to choose from. With that said, the Euroleague, as well as other emerging basketball leagues around the globe, house a wide variety of players - not just big men, as we saw with Ricky Rubio and not as directly, Brandon Jennings. For a long time, the NBA was the only place to observe basketball how it was meant to be played. That's no longer true. The Euroleague has offered new prospects, and for those who have watched Euroleague play, has become a decent alternative to the NBA.
What's yet to be seen is whether or not the NBA will continue its reign as the top league in the world or will co-rule with the Euroleague. Personally, I'd like to see more European action be made available to viewers here in the U.S. On the other hand, that would cause it to compete with the NBA. And the moment when fans opt for the Maccabi Tel Aviv match instead of the Toronto Raptors game (also somewhat foreign since based in Canada), that's when David Stern has an issue. What would be even better than being able to watch foreign squads through a television set, though, would be to watch them battle it out live in an arena. If NBA teams can play in foreign arenas during the preseason, why shouldn't foreign teams be able to do the same? After all, the offseason is more or less the same for pro basketball leagues around the world.
Another thing to watch is the relevance of NCAA basketball and the D-League. Right now, for some, going to college to qualify for NBA play has become a joke. As Phil Jackson admitted earlier this week, many college players make an effort during the first semester to be academically eligible for basketball, only to tank second semester and treat class as a joke before they leave for the NBA. College should be a place where players can actually improve their game and develop a multi-faceted skill set so draftees 1-60 can make an immediate impact upon their arrival in the NBA. The NCAA shouldn't be taken lightly as a series of games to pad stats and count down the days 'til it's over.
As for the NBA's developmental league, I don't know how many people are aware it even exists. The average fan probably has never heard of it. Things were going in the right direction when Rod Benson, a D-League player, began blogging for Yahoo Sports's Ball Don't Lie. However, after a workout with the Pacers, he was forced to abruptly end his blog, and the NBADL hasn't gotten much publicity since. The D-League doesn't have a simple marketing issue; it has unrecognized talent that at the least, deserves to be seen. As the Developmental League is an NBA enterprise, it could market itself by putting D-League games on NBA TV or make it a free ad-on to League Pass. I don't have league pass, but I'm sure there's slots of D-League and Euroleague play on NBA TV because the only major programs are All-Access with Ahmad Rashad and the one game on each day. Maybe the D-League could use an All-Star weekened, if they don't already have something similiar that I'm not aware of.
Lastly, the next decade will surely have differnt contenders. With this summer's upcoming, blockbuster free agent market, the balance of power will change. Not to come off as a homer, but it's hard to imagine the Lakers as a non-threat with Bynum's contract being extended, Pau Gasol extension all but done, and a new contract for KB already in the works. Other than that, the rest is fair game. I'm not ready to declare that whichever team has Lebron will be a contender as that hasn't been the case in Cleveland, but if there's a team with Lebron and D-Wade, which has been rumored, though very unlikely, that could be a successful team.
If I were to begin predicting actual teams right now, I'd have to start with the teams of the future stars. As Brandon Jennings continues to become a better player, Milwaukee can only become a better team. The other players in Wisconsin ain't bad, themselves. The Turkish native, Ersan Ilyasova, can be a decisive X-factor and Bogut is capable of producing double figures. Philadelphia, though not performing very well this season, is a team looks to be on the rise. With a young nucleus of Iguadola, Williams, and Speights, along with promising talent in Green and Holiday, Philly is at liberty to succeed as it pleases. I would suggest Golden State, but there must be better coaching in place in order to succeed. EDIT: Also, the young guys with Oklahoma City seem to have a bright future.
Overall, the next decade will be very different, to say the least. New players will emerge as those born prior to '80s begin to filter out of the league. The day Steve Nash and Kobe retire will be a sad one, but when the leaders of the new era prove that they can prosper in the same endevours, there will certainly be few regrets. In short, we should welcome the new decade as we have with each one before it: with open arms and high hopes.
Showing posts with label 76ers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 76ers. Show all posts
Posted by
Ben
on
12/20/2009 06:04:00 PM
Labels:
76ers,
d-league,
d-wade,
decade to come,
euro league,
future,
kobe,
lakers,
lebron,
milwaukee bucks,
nba,
ncaa
Posted by
Ben
on
12/10/2009 07:38:00 PM
Labels:
76ers,
allen iverson
In hindsight, most of my recent posts have been centered around some sort of speculation or another. This time, I decided to wait a bit, let my subject mature, then write a less premature post.
It's no secret that "the Answer" is synonymous for Allen Iverson. Although, it seems like the nickname is wearing out on him - and not just because it's been used in too many headlines, including the title of this post. In his last three destinations, he wasn't able to meet expectations, much less, help out his squads. As the era winds down on players like Kobe, KG, Tim Duncan, and Nash, it's time for A.I. to realize he is no longer the answer. If anything, as of late he's proven to be a cancer.
At some point, you have start wondering if this guy has received too many chances. In Denver, he was supposed to take a team with Carmelo, Camby, and J.R. Smith to the next level. That didn't happen. In Detroit, he was destined to be the go-to guy, the individual besides the three-headed beast that was Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace. Clearly, something got in the way of fate. Most recently, with Memphis he tweeted optimistically about a new season only to quit after 3 games. Historic profit for A.I.: his $3 mil contract made each game worth a million dollars. Historic loss for the Grizzlies.
Let's face it, the only thing that seperates those destinations from being with the 76ers is that going back to Philly means homecoming. True, Philadelphia may be home to Iverson's largest fan base and has been his unofficial home during his NBA career. Nevertheless, history has proven that homecoming doesn't always amount to success. Notably, A.I.'s former coach when he was in a Sixers uniform, Larry Brown, had a much-hyped press conference when the Knicks hired him. I think we all know how that ended up.
Now, there's so much excitement about the ever-so-predictable "return of Allen Iverson." It's time for Allen to either prove us wrong or decide it's time to lace up on the NBA hardwood for the last time. In the end, it comes down to "will he be able to help the 76ers?" Then, there's the question of expectations. Personally, if I were a 76ers fan I'd be yearning to move past the first round of the playoffs, or at least get there. At this point, I'm not sure if the one-and-only Allen Iverson will be able to accomplish that.
Presently on an eleven game skid, Philly's record can be deceiving. Despite only winning 5 out of 23 games, the Sixers are a talented team - at least on paper. Samuel Dalembert is a lean big man who can rebound and block with ease. Thaddeus Young is a promising, young forward who can add his fair share of 3-pointers. Elton Brand, all but forgotten after leaving the Clippers, is capable of having double figures. Marreese Speights is a good scoring option and can block, too. Jason Kapono has won the three-point contest and continues to be a threat on the perimeter. Andre Iguadola is a muscular guy who can put up 20 points at will and has, for the most part, been carrying the Sixers in this post-Iverson era. Louis Williams has also been a major part of the team, putting up great stats offensively and defensively.
I was talking to a friend about the whole ordeal today, and we both agree that it seems like the only way the Sixers can benefit from A.I. is at the box office. Tickets will start to sell and the arena will start to fill. Other than that, I honestly can't see him having a dominant presence. If anything, this may resemble Marbury with the Celtics last season. Barely a side show statistically, A.I. may not have a big effect at all. And what is his niche be? At least in Detroit, Denver, and Memphis his job description was clear. Right now, Allen should hold on to his pride, play however minutes he may receive, guide the 76ers as much as he can and most importantly, not complain.
Allen Iverson has undoubtedly been one of the best guards, heck, best players, the league has ever seen. For years he entertained us with his crossovers, rant about practice, and his overall persona. There's no doubt the #1 pick will be inducted into the Hall-of-Fame. It's just that, I think I speak on behalf of all NBA fans when I say, we'd like him to go out with a bang, not by ending his career in a deeper hole. Regardless, Allen Iverson resides in Philly and I wish him the best of luck, for many will soon realize he is no longer the best answer.
It's no secret that "the Answer" is synonymous for Allen Iverson. Although, it seems like the nickname is wearing out on him - and not just because it's been used in too many headlines, including the title of this post. In his last three destinations, he wasn't able to meet expectations, much less, help out his squads. As the era winds down on players like Kobe, KG, Tim Duncan, and Nash, it's time for A.I. to realize he is no longer the answer. If anything, as of late he's proven to be a cancer.
At some point, you have start wondering if this guy has received too many chances. In Denver, he was supposed to take a team with Carmelo, Camby, and J.R. Smith to the next level. That didn't happen. In Detroit, he was destined to be the go-to guy, the individual besides the three-headed beast that was Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, and Rasheed Wallace. Clearly, something got in the way of fate. Most recently, with Memphis he tweeted optimistically about a new season only to quit after 3 games. Historic profit for A.I.: his $3 mil contract made each game worth a million dollars. Historic loss for the Grizzlies.
Let's face it, the only thing that seperates those destinations from being with the 76ers is that going back to Philly means homecoming. True, Philadelphia may be home to Iverson's largest fan base and has been his unofficial home during his NBA career. Nevertheless, history has proven that homecoming doesn't always amount to success. Notably, A.I.'s former coach when he was in a Sixers uniform, Larry Brown, had a much-hyped press conference when the Knicks hired him. I think we all know how that ended up.
Now, there's so much excitement about the ever-so-predictable "return of Allen Iverson." It's time for Allen to either prove us wrong or decide it's time to lace up on the NBA hardwood for the last time. In the end, it comes down to "will he be able to help the 76ers?" Then, there's the question of expectations. Personally, if I were a 76ers fan I'd be yearning to move past the first round of the playoffs, or at least get there. At this point, I'm not sure if the one-and-only Allen Iverson will be able to accomplish that.
Presently on an eleven game skid, Philly's record can be deceiving. Despite only winning 5 out of 23 games, the Sixers are a talented team - at least on paper. Samuel Dalembert is a lean big man who can rebound and block with ease. Thaddeus Young is a promising, young forward who can add his fair share of 3-pointers. Elton Brand, all but forgotten after leaving the Clippers, is capable of having double figures. Marreese Speights is a good scoring option and can block, too. Jason Kapono has won the three-point contest and continues to be a threat on the perimeter. Andre Iguadola is a muscular guy who can put up 20 points at will and has, for the most part, been carrying the Sixers in this post-Iverson era. Louis Williams has also been a major part of the team, putting up great stats offensively and defensively.
I was talking to a friend about the whole ordeal today, and we both agree that it seems like the only way the Sixers can benefit from A.I. is at the box office. Tickets will start to sell and the arena will start to fill. Other than that, I honestly can't see him having a dominant presence. If anything, this may resemble Marbury with the Celtics last season. Barely a side show statistically, A.I. may not have a big effect at all. And what is his niche be? At least in Detroit, Denver, and Memphis his job description was clear. Right now, Allen should hold on to his pride, play however minutes he may receive, guide the 76ers as much as he can and most importantly, not complain.
Allen Iverson has undoubtedly been one of the best guards, heck, best players, the league has ever seen. For years he entertained us with his crossovers, rant about practice, and his overall persona. There's no doubt the #1 pick will be inducted into the Hall-of-Fame. It's just that, I think I speak on behalf of all NBA fans when I say, we'd like him to go out with a bang, not by ending his career in a deeper hole. Regardless, Allen Iverson resides in Philly and I wish him the best of luck, for many will soon realize he is no longer the best answer.
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