Operation :: HoopTroops
Now troops, we cannot front if we say that every now and then we do not indulge in any sports related activity, well aight, we don’t play them but we love to watch and get hyped up, holding basketball in hand and screaming at the tv. So here it is, NBA reports as the preseason commences.
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NBA Headlines Around the League
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Heat Hope To Avoid Early Season Lull
In the MIAMI HERALD, Israel Gutierrez writes that "if there was a recurring theme to the past Heat season, it was slow starts followed by fantastic finishes." So "with most of the team coming back to defend the title, beginning Tuesday with the start of training camp, the new season could bring more of the same." After a "long, dramatic, climactic 2005-06 season, the Heat is well aware of the predictable lull that comes with the start of a season following a championship."
Rivals In West Shooting For Mavs
In the DALLAS MORNING NEWS, Eddie Sefko writes that "the NBA is back from vacation as teams open training camps this week. And while the playoffs aren't even a speck on the horizon, it's never too early to use history as an indicator of what's ahead for the Mavericks." If there's "one thing the Mavs know as they convene for training camp, which starts Tuesday in Denton," it's that "defending the West crown will be tough." The Spurs "are among six teams that can legitimately claim to have improved themselves during the off-season" and pose a threat to the Mavs' championship hopes.
Rockets Expected To Sign Wells, Padgett Today
In the HOUSTON CHRONICLE, Jonathan Feigen reports that "when the Rockets report today for the annual physicals and team meeting leading to the start of training camp Tuesday, they expect to officially add a former Rockets player, Scott Padgett, and a heralded new player, Bonzi Wells." With "the additions of Padgett and Wells today, the Rockets will bring 19 players to camp." Both "are expected to sign different contracts but under similar circumstances. Both chose the Rockets after failing to find the free-agent options they sought."
Pistons Set To Tip Off New Season, New Look
In the DETROIT NEWS, Chris McCosky writes that "day one of the Pistons' post-'fro era starts today. For the first time this century, the Pistons will commence a new season without Ben Wallace." The Pistons are expecting big things form Tayshaun Prince, who will "no longer will be the fourth option for the Pistons." Pistons coach, Flip Saunders "also envisions going to a smaller lineup more frequently, using Prince in a hybrid power-forward role similar to the way Phoenix uses Shawn Marion."
Paul Looks To Improve On Fantastic Rookie Season
In the NEW ORLEANS TIMES-PICAYUNE, John Reid writes that "from earning a spot on the USA Basketball team roster to winning the NBA's Rookie of the Year award, there's little doubt Chris Paul is the Hornets' biggest star." However, " Hornets Coach Byron Scott intends to raise the bar. He informed Paul he needs to exceed last season's accomplishments." Scott added that if "Paul comes anywhere close to meeting the goals set for him, he would be a cinch to earn a spot on the Western Conference All-Star team."
DIG DEEPER
Knicks Brace For Start Of New Season
In the NEW YORK DAILY NEWS, Frank Isola writes that "it is 34 years and counting since the Knicks last sat atop the basketball world and six years since they could even call themselves the best team in the metro area." As the Knicks head to Charleston, S.C. for training camp, "here are the key issues coach Isiah Thomas faces." Can "Stephon Marbury win games on the court and friends in the locker room?" Is "Eddy Curry a baby Shaq or a more athletic Oliver Miller?" And "who will get hit with the sophomore jinx? Channing Frye, David Lee and Nate Robinson all showed promise in their rookie years and will all get a chance to play."
Monday, October 2, 2006
