Kryptonate vs The King

The Knicks finished the preseason with a 5-2 record. In the grand scheme of things it really doesn’t mean much because other then a solid performance against the Celtics they really struggled. They beat an awful New Jersey team 3 times including the last game where our backups beat the Nets starting 5 over the last three minutes of the game. I’m not impressed by the 5-2 record but it’s a lot better then being 2-5 heading into the opener against Miami next Wednesday.

To me the biggest and most fun news coming out of Knicks camp this past week was Nate Robinson saying he’ll only participate in the dunk contest if Lebron James agrees to dunk. James did say last year during the all-star break that he planned to participate but until it actually happens I’ll remain skeptical. James for some reason has been reluctant to take part in an event that has catapulted the careers of Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Vince Carter. It’s obvious that Lebron doesn’t need to participate but I really think the games most exciting player should give the fans a show.

To me Nate has reached his peak as far as the dunk contest goes. He’s won the contest twice and finished second once. Nate is definitely a crowd favorite and at 5’9 he’s a show but what is left for him to accomplish on this platform. That’s why I completely agree with his decision to sit out the contest unless Lebron takes part. But if King James keeps his word and dunks it would be must see TV.

Nate would have to do something unworldly to beat Lebron. The mere fact Lebron is performing a dunk will add at least 5 points to his score but even if Nate can’t win, he can surely do some great dunks and really ratchet up New York’s recruiting campaign. Off the top of my head I can think of two great dunks Nate could do; dunk over a cardboard cutout of Lebron wearing a Knicks jersey, and while dunking stick a contract offer from the Knicks to Lebron on the backboard. Your probably thinking these actions and ideas are just desperate attempts to land Lebron and they are but the Knicks should pull out any desperate trick they have in hopes to lure Lebron. I want the Knicks to be as desperate as Jim Halpert was when he tried unsuccessfully for 3 seasons to land Pam. I’d even go as far as having Donnie Walsh singing “take a chance on me” a Capella ala Andy Bernard if it meant Lebron would wear the Orange and Blue.

Today I’ll preview the Southwest and Southeast divisions.

In predicted order of finish

Southwest

Spurs: The Spurs are always good on defense and still have a core of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili. When you factor in the addition of Richard Jefferson and the fact that the Blazers are still probably a year away the Spurs are probably the only real threat to the Lakers out West.

Player to Watch: DeJuan Blair was an absolute man-child at Pittsburgh and has continued to dominate in the preseason averaging close to 14 and 8. People were scared off by his injuries but he should contribute from day one.

Hornets: It’s not so much that the Hornets are good; it’s that Chris Paul is that good. Paul is hands down the best point guard in the NBA and should will a team with inferior talent into the playoffs.

Player to Watch: He’s been hurt all preseason but to me the trade of Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor is an underrated pickup for the Hornets. Okafor has been a disappointment but he’s a far more stable player then Chandler.

Mavericks: Does anybody really care about Dallas anymore? They’ll win a bunch of games and get swept out of the playoffs in the first round.

Player to Watch: I got nobody

Grizzles: A locker room filled with Allen Iverson, Zach Randolph, and OJ Mayo has dysfunction written all over it but it could potentially be a solid team to start a franchise with in NBA2K10.

Player to Watch: I was begging for the Knicks to take a one year flyer on Allen Iverson. If it doesn’t work it its just a one year deal so it doesn’t really hurt your team but if Iverson playing for his last contract puts up numbers it’s a great move. At worst Iverson will sell tickets.

Rockets: No Yao and Tmac will probably play about 10 games this year. It’s going to be a long year for the Rockets after a nice playoff run a year ago.

Player to Watch: With all the injuries Trevor Ariza is going to be asked to be more then a side piece and I’m not sure he has that in him.

Southeast

Wizards: I love this team and I expect them to be better then Orlando and challenge Boston and Cleveland. Gilbert Arenas is back and former Knick GM Ernie Grunfeld pulled off a great trade when he landed Mike Miller and Randy Foye.

Player to Watch: Caron Butler is one of my favorite non Knicks to watch. He can do everything.

Magic: They had a great run last season but I’m not expecting a repeat performance. Vince Carter has never been out of the second round of the playoffs and I don’t expect that to change this year.

Player to Watch: Jameer Nelson was having a career year before hurting his shoulder. With Rafer Alston gone the entire point guard load falls to Nelson.

Miami Heat: Dwayne Wade and 4 throw ins vs. the rest of the league. Wade is great but he needs help and Jermaine O’Neil isn’t good enough.

Player to Watch: I’ll stick with D-Wade

Charlotte: He never got a chance to show it in New York but Larry Brown is a good coach and he had Charlotte playing good ball towards the end of last season.

Player to Watch: D.J. Augustine is lightening quick and will officially take Raymond Felton’s job by early December.

Hawks: The Hawks have a lot of talent but I’m expecting a fall off this season.

Player to Watch: He’s not Lebron or Wade but Joe Johnson and Chris Bosh would be a nice fallback plan if things go wrong.