Happy New Year everyone. Let's hope 2009 is better than 2008 on many levels.
But the people of Boston hope '09 produces the same results as '08. It could. The Celtics and Lakers could meet again in The NBA Finals. The Lakers are improved and Boston's bench isn't as good as last season. The Celtics will miss James Posey and P.J. Brown in the playoffs, but still have a great shot at repeating as NBA champs. Here are some other things to look forward to in 2009:
The Stephon Marbury situation will be settled. The biggest irony would be if he went to the Celtics and helped them win another championship. Though, if the Celtics are smart they would steer clear of the player who tears franchises down.
Vince Carter's name will surface in trade rumors. The Nets aren't shopping Carter, but his value could be at its highest because of his play and leadership on this young team.
The Cavaliers will try to make a trade before the Feb. 19 deadline to help their chances of winning the championship and keeping LeBron James in Cleveland. (Who knows? Maybe they'll go after Carter again).
After winning the league MVP award, James will turn down the Cavaliers' request to negotiate a contract extension this summer that would take him off the market in 2010.
Dwyane Wade also will decide not to talk extension with the Heat.
More teams will try to shed money for the free-agent class of 2010.
Hopefully, some teams will realize they have no shot at James, Wade and that class and will actually build for now.
Mark Cuban will lose patience again and shake up the Mavericks again.
Kevin McHale finally will lose his job and will return to Boston to work with Danny Ainge.
The Lakers, Spurs, Cavaliers and Celtics will be the NBA's final four.
Marbury won't be happy ? and neither will the fans ? wherever he ends up.
