The current choice of sports programming consists of championship rodeo, figure skating and gambling tournaments played by old people with dark sunglasses. I’m trying to figure out how sitting around a table losing money has something to do with sports. Now that the Chicago White Sox have won the World Series, we stand in need of the beginning of another major sport.
Thank goodness the NBA season starts Nov. 1. This column will preview the Western conference, with the Eastern conference preview next week.
The San Antonio Spurs will most likely win another title. They’ve won three titles in seven years, and they got better over the summer by adding Michael Finley and Nick Van Exel to an already stacked, well-rounded team. Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker are arguably the best trio in recent memory. Don’t be surprised to see the Spurs get off to a slow start like something similar to their preseason record of 2-7.
The Phoenix Suns will probably give the Spurs the most competition in the West. Steve Nash, the reigning MVP, is at his prime. Amare Stoudamire had knee surgery and will be out until the all-star break, and other key players have bolted to other teams for more money. But the Suns are still deep and will continue their run-and-gun style.
The Denver Nuggets will be the surprise team in the league this year, and they made hardly any changes over the summer. George Karl led the Nuggets to a 32-8 record after taking over in midseason last year. Carmelo Anthony improved dramatically under Karl’s tutelage.
The Spurs, Suns and Nuggets should win their respective divisions. Other teams that should make the playoffs include the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets and the Sacramento Kings. The teams that will be fighting for the last playoff spot from the West will probably include the Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Phil Jackson is back coaching in L.A. He’ll bring stability and confidence to a team that has gone through numerous changes in the past few years.
Jerry Sloan begins his 18th season with the Jazz. He is the longest tenured coach in professional sports.
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