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2007 NBA Preview
By Michael Lee
Tuesday, October 30, 2007; Page E09
BREAKOUT STARS
Kevin Durant, Seattle Durant is the future of the SuperSonics. No doubt, he will struggle as a rookie adapting to the league, especially with his slender frame. But Durant has the talent and boundless potential to be a dominant offensive weapon. The Sonics are already his team.
Andrea Bargnani, Toronto Bargnani, last year's No. 1 pick, drew comparisons to Dirk Nowitzki and got better almost monthly. If he continues his steady development -- and improves his rebounding and defense -- the Raptors may have the ideal complement to Chris Bosh and prove that last season's division title wasn't a fluke.
Luol Deng, Chicago Chicago is poised to join the league's elite, and the versatile, 22-year-old matchup problem is the one who will lead them -- unless he gets traded for Kobe Bryant. The Bulls already refused to give him up for Pau Gasol, and his stellar performance in the playoffs showed that he is capable of multiple all-star appearances in the future.
LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Greg Oden's season-ending knee injury dampened much of the excitement in Portland -- especially with Zach Randolph now in New York. But Aldridge's stellar play in the second half of last season made Randolph expendable, and his role should expand without anyone competing with the 6-foot-11 forward for space in the low block.
Al Jefferson, Minnesota He was the only player Timberwolves General Manager Kevin McHale had to have if he was going to move Kevin Garnett. Jefferson established himself as a go-to scorer last season in Boston (16 ppg) and will be the No. 1 option in Minnesota. While he may never become an MVP candidate like Garnett, Jefferson certainly has the potential to become an all-star and a dominant inside presence for years to come.
QUESTION MARKS
When referees admitted to breaking the rules, Commissioner David Stern didn't punish them, he changed the rules. Last year, he caved when players complained about the synthetic ball. What's next? No dress code?
Rocket Men For all of their all-star appearances and endorsement deals, Houston's Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming still have yet to win a playoff series, together or apart. Can new Rockets coach Rick Adelman lead the duo past the first round?
The defending Eastern Conference champions haven't signed Sasha Pavlovic or Anderson Varejao or made any roster upgrades, leading LeBron James to declare that Cleveland is worse than last season. Will single-handedly carrying an inferior team lead to an MVP season for James?
(Mile) High Maintenance Can this volatile mix of combustible personalities (George Karl, Kenyon Martin, Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith) get along well enough for the Nuggets to contend?
TOP STORY LINES
Celtics Revival Whether you call it The GAP Band or The PGA Tour, the newly assembled trio of Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce has brought Celtic Pride back to Boston. Expectations for the franchise haven't been this high in more than 20 years.
Kobe Bryant The Lakers' superstar is on the trading block, but can owner Jerry Buss really deal arguably the game's best player? Bryant wants out. Will he pout his way out of Tinseltown? Or will the Lakers acquire an all-star talent to pacify the petulant superstar?
Oklahoma City Supersonics? After borrowing the New Orleans Hornets for two years, Oklahoma City appears poised to steal the SuperSonics as the franchise engages in bitter divorce proceedings after 40 years in Seattle.
Whistle Blowers What is the point spread on that Pistons-Bulls game? The over-under for Grizzlies-Magic? In the first year of the post-Tim Donaghy era, NBA officials -- and betting lines -- will be under more scrutiny than ever, from fans, coaches, players, team executives and the league office.
Isiah Thomas The New York Knicks coach's dubious reputation took an irreparable blow after he was found to have sexually harassed a former team executive. With probable season-long backlash from fans and women's rights groups, Thomas again has to fight for what's left of his "good name." He has to win or deal with even louder calls for his ouster.
