The Lakers are favored to repeat, but I'm pulling for Boston-San Antonio in the finals. The problem with that pick is, both teams are getting up in years, especially the Celts. I'm still curious as to how Shaq will mesh with Lebron James in Cleveland, and how long it will take for Ron Artest to implode in L.A. Blake Griffin is already down for about 6 weeks with a kneecap fracture; same old bad luck for the Clippers.

I prob. go to about 10 Knick games a season. It really is frightening just how bad their stating/overall line-up actually is. I would bet they do not have a top 50 player in the league.  

What Walsh has succeeded in doing is while getting the team in better financial/cap shape, he has severely weakened their talent level. Now if (and it's a big if) they are able to attract high quality free agents (doesnt have to be James or Wade) next year, and their draft picks actually develop, they can compete.

Yes, faulty cap management has certainly hurt the Knicks over the past decade (starting with the Ewing trade in 2000). But, I think the real problem is that the Knicks have not drafted a consistent all star caliber player since Mark Jackson in 1986. That's 23 years ago. The draft is so important in building your franchise, and the Knicks have simply struck out. That's why recent picks like Lee, Chandler, Gallinari, etc. are vital cogs. If they can ultimately produce at a high quality level, you can bring in free agents and then you will have a nucleus of an excellent team.

But is it possible to use that punk energy in a productive way?  Tell me this new haircut is not real.  At least it shows his love for the Lakers..

That kind of barbering takes real skill!!!

And if anyone can coach and control Artest, it's Jackson. It's going to be interesting watching the Lakers with Artest, the Odom marriage, and the Hollywood media. The West will come down to the Lakers and Spurs. Now the East should be fun to watch with the Celtics, Cavs and Magic.

At least Rodman never started a near-riot at a game.

What has he done since, other than get a shitload of technicals. I mean compared to Rasheed Wallace, Kenyon Martin, and a few others, Artest is relatively timid. Now granted, Rodman coloring his hair, wearing a wedding dress, a few hundred piercings, would put the Hollywood media in a virtual frenzy.

As far as I'm concerned, Rodman was the best rebounder I've ever seen. Plus he didn't mind playing the 3rd or 4th fiddle on the Chicago teams. I'm hoping Artest knows the Lakers pecking order, and that Jackson and Bryant keep Artest focused on defense.

Lakers is probably his best chance to do it too.  I think he's well aware of the pecking order, since he literally kisses Kobe's..  Watch this video and you'll see what I mean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s24kx5ynRVQ

for about 6 weeks due to a broken thumb. He got the injury in a fight with an ex-college teammate. Celtic management was not amused and said the days of "Big baby" are over, meaning it's time for him to grow up.

...Blake Griffin will miss at least 20 games due to a stress fracture of the patella.  They will be a failure as long as Donald Sterling is the owner.  He is a scumbag of the highest magnitude.

Going to the Clippers is apparently hazardous to your career.. or just hazardous, period.