The National Basketball Association is back in action with a rousing opening night. The Boston Celtics looked very good in winning its opening road game at Cleveland in what could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Both teams got a chance to showcase their new toys last night. The Celtics got good bench production from newly-acquired frontcourt players Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Danels, plus Sheldon Williams gives the Celts another big body.
Shaquille O'Neal gives the Cavs a legitimate low-post presence for the first time in forever while Anthony Parker is a nice shooting guard with size. Janerio Moon is a big athlete who should be able to defend.
Out West, the Lakers are built for a number of championship runs. Kobe has at least five good years left at peak production, in my opinion. Keeping Lamar Odom and getting Ron Artest is an upgrade from last year's world champs. Artest gives the Lakers the toughness that will be needed should they face Boston of Cleveland in the Finals. The key to the whole deal is the continued development of Andrew Bynum in the middle.
Bynum got things started the right way with his 26-point performance on opening night against the L.A. Clippers.
Also, do not sleep on the San Antonio Spurs and Orlando Magic. Both are very good teams that will make things interesting.
On a final note, it was nice to see my Washington Wizards get off on the right foot to start the season with a road victory at Dallas. Gilbert Arenas made a triumphant return to the lineup with 29 points, including several big buckets down the stretch. If everyone is healthy (in which forward Antawn Jamison is not right now), the Wizards should have the most improved record in the league.
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