We asked ESPN's NBA experts to weigh in on nine different issues that will be important to the League this year. Check out their takes and then
give us yours.
Will MJ make it through the season?
David Aldridge: "Yes. Off the bench, he won't be playing 38 minutes. And Hughes, Stackhouse, Russell, Oak and Jeffries will lighten the ridiculously heavy load Jordan tried to carry last season."
Has Larry Brown tinkered once too often?
Jerry Bembry: "No. While you may question many of Larry's moves, he has to keep adjusting. His greatest challenge: find a guy who can both dominate and defer to Allen Iverson. He might have better luck if he were simply looking for the Holy Grail."
Will Vince continue his downward spiral?
Ric Bucher: "The spiral's history, but MJ and Charles will want to see a deep playoff run before admitting they were wrong about Vince, and that won't happen this season."
Is Mike Bibby for real?
Bill Walton: "Yes. His poise, confidence, discipline, leadership, competitive greatness and outright game separate him from all the pretenders. And just imagine if he had a teammate or two."
Can the spurs win the with the first Euro backcourt?
Sean Elliott: They'll win at least 50. Gregg Popovich feels Tony Parker may know more about the game than Pop does. Add Emanuel Ginobili's ability to penetrate, and you have a backcourt that has the potential to be unstoppable.
What happens first: $1M in fines for Cuban or Dallas in the Conference Finals?
Marc Stein: "You have to go with Cuban—after all, he's already gotten halfway there. The Mavs' obstacle to reaching the conference finals? Having to take out the Lakers or Kings in Round 2."
What one-on-one matchup would you pay to see?
Chris Palmer: "Kobe vs. T-Mac. Every play is a highlight. Both players refusing to lose. Quickness, hops, junk talk and sick moves. The edge? T-Mac, by the slimmest margin."
Will New Orleans support the Hornets?
Chad Ford: "A team that can compete for the East title should quickly lead to full arenas. Of course, Charlotte led the NBA in attendance a decade ago. Here's hoping George Shinn doesn't move to New Orleans."
Are the Blazers back?
Dr. Jack Ramsay: "Not quite. If Arvydas Sabonis has anything left, the Blazers are better. But the old problems remain: too many players at too many positions, and not enough time to go around. For that, Mo Cheeks deserves some sympathy."
This analysis appears in the November 11 issue of ESPN The Magazine.
