Only last year, the outlook for the NBA season could be summarized as this; not much going on here. The same teams were expected to have winning seasons; the same players would lead their same teams to either victory or defeat. It was an ideal outlook for those who enjoy routine, comfort, even safety. Oh how times have changed!

In one years time the Portland Trailblazers rode a roller coaster of the lowest of lows, the highest of highs and then even deeper lows. The Toronto Raptors enjoyed record breaking success, the Denver Nuggets experienced a change that none of us would have expected. The Dallas Mavericks were no strangers to the manic-depressive emotional amusement park ride. How could such successes feel so awful at each remembrance? The crazy elevator ride continues in Boston and causally in Seattle and Minnesota as well.

Many teams suffered through injuries last year, and the new season can’t start soon enough. Miami, Memphis and others look forward to starting their new, complete, rosters. While some of the players might not be new to the team, their absence created virtually new rosters with which coaches had to find a way to compete.

Unpredictability is the underlying theme this season. It might not be a condition enjoyed by the squeamish fan or those who depend on forecasts for their living. For the passionate fan, however, it couldn’t be better. Anything can happen in the 2007-08 NBA season. And that’s what makes this league worth watching.

– Annie Whittaker