FIVE PLAYERS WHO WILL HAVE BREAKOUT SEASONS
1. Danny Granger, PacersMaybe the big jump came in 2007-08, when he climbed to 19.6 points a game. But he'll have an even bigger role in the offense with Jermaine O'Neal gone and a dependable point guard, T.J. Ford, who can deliver the ball. Improving perimeter game, decent rebounder ... and about to be recognized as more than under-the-radar good.
2. LaMarcus Aldridge, Trail Blazers
It's not as if he's coming from far in the background; Aldridge had star potential entering the league in 2006. His talent is jumping out, though, with a versatile scoring game and the chance to become one of the game's best offensive rebounders.
3. Rodney Stuckey, Pistons
He is in only his second season, so there should be obvious improvements. But Stuckey could get an increased role for a championship contender as personnel boss Joe Dumars looks to use young players to light a fire under veterans who have not delivered the past couple years. The Pistons love him.
4. Marvin Williams, Hawks
The No. 2 pick in 2005 was little or no factor for two seasons before finally being spotted in 2007-08, averaging 14.8 points to help Atlanta's postseason drive. Now comes the chance to really play to expectations. The departure of fellow small forward Josh Childress should create additional opportunities.
5. Ronnie Brewer, Jazz
Brewer is the Utah starter who doesn't get noticed. That will change if he breaks into the top 10 in steals, a good possibility, and kicks his average from the 12.0 points a game last season to somewhere closer to 15 or 16. Problem is, he's the third option on offense at best.
FIVE COACHES ON THE SPOT
1. Marc Iavaroni, Grizzlies
It's a bad sign anytime a team feels the need to announce, after consideration, that a coach will be coming back. Iavaroni got that (cough, cough) vote of confidence at the end of last season. He isn't expected to get Memphis into the playoffs in 2008-09, but he is expected to move a young team forward with a fast style that, the team hopes, captures fans.
2. George Karl, Nuggets
It isn't necessarily fair, because management is beginning to strip down the payroll. But Denver likely is headed for a fall from the team thatwon50 games as the final West playoff qualifier. If it goes backward too fast, someone has to take the hit.
3. Mike Woodson, Hawks
Expectations are unusually high after Atlanta made the playoffs and nearly shocked Boston in a 1-8 matchup, and the Hawks aren't used to needing to win.That sets a high bar for Woodson, who has soft backing from the bosses and possibly a personality conflict with his best player, Josh Smith.
4. Reggie Theus, Kings
Play the veterans and try to keep the playoff pack within view? Devote heavy minutes to grow the prospects? Both?
5. Mike Brown, Cavaliers
Management won't have unlimited patience to build an offense around LeBron James and push Cleveland to championship status. After reaching the Finals in 2007 and getting steamrolled, the Cavaliers fell to 45-37 last season despite the benefit of playing in the East and lost in the second round.
FIVE IMPORTANT INJURY COMEBACKS
1. Andrew Bynum, LakersNot just for this season, either.His continued development, after missing the second half of last season and the playoffs with a knee injury, is pivotal to L.A.'s long-term success. How Bynum plays alongside Pau Gasol is critical to 2008-09.
2. Yao Ming, Rockets
A fourth consecutive season of health problems - it was a stress fracture in the left foot in 2007-08 - dooms Houston no matter what Ron Artest brings. With an imposing center, the Rockets could have a playoff run.
3. Dwyane Wade, Heat
If the Olympics were any indication, and they were given Wade's level of play, Miami could go from the worst record in the league to challenging for a playoff spot in the East. Some turnaround.He could go from being limited to 51 games because of knee problems to having his health and Shawn Marion and Michael Beasley to open the court.
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.