Enjoy The New “Golden Age” Of The NBA

Posted by Sujeet under NBA Analysis, SDC COMMENTARY

As I sit here watching back to back three’s from Batum and Roy in the 3rd quarter of the sloppy Washington-Portland game I realize how lucky we are. The NBA is in the midst of a rebirth. We have arrived at the return of the golden age. The last great era of my lifetime was the time of MJ, Barkley, Malone, Hakeem, Ewing, Magic, and Bird. After this stellar crew retired there was a lull in the attraction of the NBA. My love waxed and waned in the absence of greatness.

Today the NBA is reborn with the likes of Allen Iverson, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Brandon Roy, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, and Kevin Garnett. The NBA has again reached the level of super-stardom. Of the four major sports I would place the NBA second (NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL). This youthful paradise that the Association created has overtaken Baseball.

As I grew Baseball was seen as America’s Greatest Past Time. That is no longer the case. Wherever you look Basketball is the youth. Whether it is the New York City or Oklahoma City (don’t worry Kevin Durant I haven’t forgotten you) the youth movement has accepted basketball as a way of life. Even President Obama is a basketball first guy!

The East has three thirty win teams and six twenty win teams at the halfway point. The West only has one thirty win team and eight twenty win teams. Not only has the NBA reached a golden age but it has also reached balance. The old cliché of the West being superior to the East is no longer true. They are now equals though some might give the edge to the East. Personally I’m a West Coast fan but that might just be convenience. Living in the East Coast and being the father of twins I don’t have time to settle down for some ball until 10pm- Just when the West is jumping it up!

Dynasty’s are back. The Spurs and Lakers have represented the West in 9 of the last 10 years. You can’t do much better then dynasties, true superstars, East/West Balance, amazing rivalries, the “crab dribble”, and the never dying Triangle Offense. When I was impressionable it was MJ vs. Bird. We all remember the Electronic Arts computer classic Bird vs. Jordan.

Now it’s Kobe vs. LeBron. The four greats in this comparison have many commonalities but the one that stands out is the defense they all play. The sign of the greats is their love of the defense as well as the offense. I am truly in awe in the defensive skills that Kobe and LeBron possess. What brings more excitement is when the Cavs and Lakers play and Kobe and LeBron match up against one another. That is a thrill! I started typing this article in the thought I would just give my random thoughts of the NBA but it transformed itself into the reflection of the recent greats.

Fans of the NBA enjoy this golden age and don’t take it for granted. Support the NBA and the greatness that it stands for. This is LeBron’s year and perhaps his best chance at a championship. You heard it here first. The Cavs will be World Champions! This might be the ultimate jinx since we know my predictions rarely pan out. But I truly believe that the Cavs are team to beat this year! Their window is closing so the Cavs will get it done! Once 2010 comes one team will emerge as the victors of King James contest. Let’s hope Cleveland gets their championship before then because I don’t like their odds of winning that game

Updates, Fresh From the Oven, Straight to Your Inbox

Promote:

Comments

4 Responses to “Enjoy The New “Golden Age” Of The NBA”

Gavin on January 25th, 2009 1:16 pm

How can you leave out the fact that the Pistons made it to the Eastern Conference Championship 6 years in a row. Are they not somewhat of a dynasty? What about the Celtics? You mention the Cavs as the team to beat. Until the Cavs win a championship, the Celtics are the team to beat. Don’t go overlooking the Celtics because they lost 6 out of 8. And, of course, no where do you mention the Magic. We are halfway through the season. I would love to see where your opinion lies come April or May.
Bill on January 25th, 2009 9:27 pm

I’ve been following the NBA since I grew up watching Bob Petit of the St. Louis Hawks. I saw the age of Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell.

I agree with you about this being a golden age. I would even cite still younger guys like Kevin Durant, O.J. Mayo, and Derrick Rose.

There has been a true passing of the torch to a younger generation, and I love it!
Greg on January 26th, 2009 1:10 am

Gav,

The Pistons may be a bit of a dynasty…But they only one it once. And to be honest they are on a downward trend. Whereas the Lakers are on an up swing and the Spurs are staying at the consistent level we expect.

As for the Celts….U are right they are the team to beat. I wouldn’t mind seeing Garnett get another. I just don’t think it is going to happen.

As for the Magic. Yes, I did snub them. Could they do it? Maybe…..but I kinda agree w. the mainstream media on this one…. They just aren’t good enough. Though Howard is a freakin stud.

April or May I might feel different…but i doubt it. I like the Cavs this year. I think LBJ as matured and w. West and Williams Lebron has legit shooters on his wings.
Greg on January 26th, 2009 1:14 am

Bill,

Wilt and Russell… Man I wish I was old enough to have seen them. Heck, I barely got to see Dr J…

It’s amazing in the NBA not only do we have the obvious players I mentioned…We have the players you mentioned….Mayo, Durant, Ross.. Those three are going to create more competition in the league. I can’t wait for Durant to actually get some players on his team in Okie….If they give him something….anything… I think he will be amazing!