ESPN recently posted a question about which non-playoff NBA team had the chance to make a title run by 2010. Here’s what I think of the question:
Based on the current rosters, I would have to lean towards either Orlando or Boston as a possible title contender by 2010. Both teams have an excellent core of young talent that they will be able to cultivate and lock into long-term deals. Dwight Howard (and his shoulders) should be at the peak of his career posting Moses Malone type numbers. If the Darko Milicic project (sounds like an 80’s band) works, then they’ve suddenly got a tremendous one-two punch with their bigs. Trevor Ariza and Jameer Nelson make excellent complements to those two.
Boston’s got a slightly smaller chance of winning a title simply because I continue to see their franchise in turmoil between developing their youth and making a run now while Paul Pierce still can. I’m not sure if Yao and T-Mac will ever be able to win a title together simply because they are never healthy enough to do it, and they will struggle to even make the playoffs in the West especially after the Spurs reload their roster in ‘07. That’s the team with the true dynasty potential.
Let me know what you think about it.
Early Weekend Wager Watch: The Raiders aren’t playing, so you can’t bet against them. The lines I would continue to watch would be the Atlanta Falcons game and the Philadelphia Eagles game. Also, watch the over-under for the Bears game on Sunday. If it climbs a few points this week, jump on the under. It should be a low scoring affair.
