Most anticipated matchups/events of the next season

With all the offseason moves and dramas, I've put together a list of the most anticipated (IMO) matchups or events for the next season. Of course, the free agency signing period have just begun and a lot of teams aren't done dealing, but I just can't wait for next season due to the change in NBA landscape. Feel free to include yours or add comments to each matchup/event:

Carlos Boozer Vs Cleveland: You think Denver was unkind to Kobe? I can't wait to see what the Cleveland fans, organisation and LBJ have instore for him. Luckily for Carlos, he only has to play one game on the Cleveland homecourt. Unless of course, the Jazz and Cavs meet in the NBA finals...which is about as likely as Kobe winning a ring next year.

S. Van Gundy Vs J. Van Gundy: You're looking at the two most powerful brothers in the world. They command two of the most dominating forces in the league while also having Dwayne Wade and Tmac respectively at their disposal. It'll be interesting to see how each utilise their newly formed roster and how they go about coaching a one-two punch of Shaq - Wade, Yao - Tmac.

Angry Shaq Vs Freed Yao: Shaq has been the most dominating force in the league for the past half decade while being out of shape and indifferent to the game. I'd hate to see how he shapes up next year with all the fire and motivation behind him. I hope he gets himself into the best shape since his early years and steamroll the Heat through the Eastern Conference. On the other hand, with Steve Francis & Cuttino Mobley shipped off to Orlando, Yao will command most of the possessions along with Tmac. I don't see the Yao / Tmac combo to be a problem as I believe both love sharing the ball and getting their teammates involved. With that said, I believe Yao will have Duncan-like stats.
It could also be argued that with the addition of Shaq to the Heat and McGrady to the Rockets, they both have a good chance of title contention. Yao Vs Shaq in the NBA finals? David Stern is salivating all over. If they do end up in the finals, I don't expect to see Rox Vs Lakers in the 1st round of the playoffs this past season where each centre averaged the mid-teens in scoring. I think we're in for a Ewing Vs Olajuwon like finals where both centres were the focal point of each teams offense. All star East C Vs All star West C? Doesn't get better than this.

Tmac Vs Kobe: Remember when Kobe used to abuse Tmac when they played together and the Lakers always come away with the win? Tmac now has a big center in the middle and it's payback time. Kobe will find out how it's like to be on the other end of the stick (that's if Kobe win's his matchup with the Colarado criminal courts). Don't forget Rudy T Vs Jeff Van Gundy!

Francis & X-Rockets Vs Tmac & Co: I think both Francis and Tmac have something to prove to their respective x-franchises whom traded them. I believe Francis is more bitter than Tmac is. I see a shoot out the lights, awe inspiring performance from both Francis & Tmac when Rox & Orl play.

Kobe Vs Shaq: I wonder what will happen when they meet for the first time. State your predictions. I highly doubt they will even look at each other at warmups and pregame. Will Kobe dunk on Shaq? Will Shaq swat Kobe's dunk? One thing is for sure - Shaq's team will win the game.

Jameer Nelson Vs the first 19 teams who passed him up in the draft: He'll be playing with a chip on his shoulder for the rest of his career (or at least this season anyway). 19 out of 30 teams in the league in which he'll bring his A game (not to say that he won't bring it with the other 11 teams in the league but you get the drift). Think Eddie Jones, Paul Pierce in the early years of their career.

Dwight Howard & Emeka Okafor battle for ROY: I'd say it's not even gonna be between these two, but since they were the top two choices, I'd like to see the two battle it out for ROY honours. Is there a sleeper in the group of rookies for ROY? Jameer Nelson = Damon Stoudamire in 95-96?

LBJ: This 18 year old kid averaged 20, 5 and 5 in his first season in the NBA. I'd like to see how he progresses in his 2nd season. I'd say he probably gets voted into the ASG as a starter. Playoffs? Not without Boozer.

Vinsanity: If Vince gets traded, I believe we will see an explosive, hungry Vince of 98-2000. I hope he gets traded to the Knicks where he can be the man, but it's likely that he will be wearing a Mavs jersey next season. Talk about a team with players who don't play defense!

Denver: Camby, Kmart, Carmelo, Dre Miller, Boykins, Lenard, Nene ...enough said.

 

I thought Kobe burnt Tmac for 37 second half points in one of their encounters this past season.

 

I'm actually Aussie