Season Preview 2009-10

The slam dunk season is here! Will this be the year of the king? Shaquille O’Neal certainly thinks so. The latest addition to the Cleveland Cavaliers announced, “I am here to get the king his ring.” And Shaq certainly does bring the Midas touch with him.

First the Lakers, then Miami Heats and now the Cavaliers, if O’Neal backs his promise with his play on the court, few will doubt LeBron James’ chances to win the championship this season.

But the one team that always remains in title contention is the Los Angeles Lakers. Defending Champions and coached by probably the best of all time, Phil Jackson, the Lakers are a force to consider.

The showdown between Kobe Bryant and the ‘dynamic duo’ of Cleveland must wait till the finals. Both teams have to first get though their respective conferences to lock horns in the final.

The Western Conference has been dominated by two teams for the last decade. And San Antonio Spurs can ruin the party for the both the heavyweights. Having lost their edge in last couple of seasons, the Spurs will be extra motivated to perform this season. Tim Duncan means business and Tony Parker looks vibrant. But for the Indian fans, it is Lakers all the way. “Kobe Bryant is just too good. LA Lakers are a dominant team and will continue to be this season too. It doesn’t matter if Cleveland has roped in Shaq. The Lakers will win this season too,” said Hemant Abhishek, an ardent basketball fan.

But for a few, the sight of Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James one the same team is both frightening and mesmerizing. “Shaq is nothing short of a monster. And if someone like him is supporting the fast and athletic James, then there is no stopping Cleveland. As Bryant won his first Championship with Shaq, so will LeBron,” said Abhishek Paul, a big LeBron James fan.

But it won’t be a walk in the park for the Cavaliers.

Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Orlando Magic have all tasted the charm of the NBA finals and will be worthy obstacles for Cleveland.

The Celtics arsenal lost its biggest cannon last season, with Kevin Garnett sustaining injury. But the team will be in full strength this season and will look to reclaim their crown.

The Heats have also struggled since the departure of O’Neal and Dwayne Wade has been their only saving grace. But the 2006 Final MVP can still trouble the best of defenses.

Any team that has ‘Superman’ is to be feared. Dwight Howard is the best center player in the NBA and almost took the Magics to the Championship final last season.

The stage is set. The third installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy (the return of the king) was the biggest of them all. Shaquille O’Neil is the ‘Lord of the ring’ but can he guide ‘the king’ to this throne, remains to be seen. Whatever be the climax, this season has all the makings of a blockbuster.