Three games down, 2,457 regular season games to go.
The National Basketball Association tipped off its regular season Tuesday, with the Boston Celtics raising their championship banner, the Milwaukee Bucks falling to the Chicago Bulls, and the Portland Trail Blazers' Greg Oden's disappointing departure from his first game after only 13 minutes of play.
Although teams and players are still in the process of remembering how to dribble, shoot and pass a basketball, a quick glance into the crystal basketball shows a glimpse of the future for NBA fans this season.
Despite his non-existent season last year and his already disappointing debut this year, seven-foot-tall colossus Greg Oden will quickly return from a sprain in his right foot he suffered Tuesday night and amaze fans. He averaged 11.5 points and 7.8 rebounds per game this preseason, and he has the upside of youth, athleticism and optimism that will help him overcome his young, injury-plagued career. Oden will not win the rookie of the year, but he will provide his fellow young Trail Blazers with the push they need to make the playoffs for first time in five seasons.
Bulls guard and fellow rookie Derrick Rose also made his debut. Despite committing four turnovers - a common rookie point guard pitfall - Rose scored 11 points, dished out nine assists and helped the Bulls silence Michael Redd (who scored 30 points) and the Bucks. If these numbers persist throughout the season, Rose will not only win the rookie of the year but will also lead the Bulls deep into the Eastern Conference playoffs.
In the Los Angeles Lakers' home opener against the Blazers, Kobe Bryant began this season where he left off in last year's MVP season. Bryant contributed 23 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in the Lakers 96-76 win. But, expect the race for MVP to be close again this season, as LeBron James, who scored 22 points in the Cleveland Cavaliers loss to the Celtics, looks to erase any doubts that some may have about his basketball prowess. This said, neither James nor Bryant will end this season with a championship ring on his finger.
The Celtics' 17th championship banner hung high in the rafters of the TD Banknorth Garden as they debuted with a hard-fought 90-85 victory over the Cavaliers. Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen looked rusty, combining for just 19 points but with staunch defense, the team looked ready to repeat.
If there's one thing the crystal basketball can predict for certain, it's that the future is bright for NBA fans this season.
You can reach this columnist at sflynn@theeagleonline.com.
