After the roller coaster ride that was the 2007-08 NBA season, we're back to square one. Thirty teams with a fresh slate that all have their eyes on one prize: an NBA title. Last season, we saw that a team can transform from a bottom feeder to a contender in just one offseason, (the Celtics) or in less time if the right moves are made before the trade deadline (the Lakers). We saw a historic rivalry regain form. Out West, we witnessed one of the most competitive conferences in the history of the game. We saw Superman soar past his competition in the dunk contest and Chris Paul make the transition from great to unstoppable. We saw Kobe Bryant finally, and I mean finally, take home the Most Valuable Player award after demanding a trade earlier in the season. We saw Kevin Garnett reject a trade to Boston, weeks later approve the deal, and then end up winning his first ever ring. What stories will unfold during this upcoming NBA season? What team will surprise everyone and win a considerable amount of games? Without further ado, here are the Preseason Power Rankings for the 2008-09 NBA season. 1. Boston Celtics—You can't look past the world champions. While the Lakers have the potential to steal this spot pretty quickly with the return of Andrew Bynum, I have to go with the sure thing for now, and that is Boston. 2. Los Angeles Lakers—Kobe, Pau, Lamar, and Andrew. The Lakers went to the Finals and did fairly well without all of their weapons in place. This should be a great team and if you're a general manager out West, how can you not be scared of that foursome? 3. Houston Rockets—On paper, this team is amazing. If they can get the team chemistry down and avoid injuries, the Rockets may just get out of the first round this year. Just kidding. The team looks like a contender if all goes as planned. 4. New Orleans Hornets—Chris Paul had an MVP caliber season last year and proved he's the best point guard in the league. With one more year under his belt and pieces like David West, Peja Stojakovic, Tyson Chandler, and newly acquired James Posey, this team has all of the tools to come out of the West. 5. San Antonio Spurs—Manu Ginobili may be hurt but you can't count out Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Gregg Popovich. They have a habit of getting through the regular season relatively laid back and easy, and then turning their game up about 10 notches when it counts in May. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/66589-nba-preseason-power-rankings I know it's early but do you guys know where their planning the parade route?
um, me and some of the guys are thinking about starting it right in front of my front lawn and then moving it to the toyota center when the crowd gets bigger
