NBA Top Ten Things Of Note For 07/08

I thought with the NBA season on the verge of ending tonight it might be a good time to reflect on the Season that was in the NBA for 07/08. So with that I give you a list of the 10 things I will take away from the 07/08 season.

1. Kobe Bryant Rises From The Ashes: The season started with Kobe Bryant saying he was done with the Lakers. It will end with him still a Laker playing in the NBA Finals. In between we saw Kobe Bryant win an M.V.P trophy. It was outstanding theatre from begining to end and it has done rehab on Kobe and his reputation that had taken a beating. He was the biggest story in a game that has many stars.
2. Chris Paul and The New Orleans Hornets: I was a fan of the Hornets from their days in Charlotte. The return of the Hornets to their new home of New Orleans was amazing. We all know what that city has been through and continues to go through. The fact that Chris Paul and his Hornets could give them something to cheer about in a place that NEEDS something to cheer about. Chris Paul had an break out season and while doing it was giving hope to people off the court that were in bad need of some. David West also was an all-star and the game was held in front of hometown fans. NBA came and gave it’s help to the city as well but the fact that the Hornets were good and Paul was a M.V.P Candidate was something that was good for the people of New Orleans.
3. The Ref Scandal: It is a dark cloud that hangs over the game. The results of this are not fully known and it has opened people eyes to the fact that Sports and Gambling can have a true impact on the games. It is a serious problem and it goes right to the core of the game and it’s integrity. As someone who “Loves This Game” I want to believe in David Stern and hope this is and was a single person that went wrong.
4. Chris Bosh Goes To The People: Chris Bosh became more known not just in Toronto but around the World. He took to YouTube and made a wacky video and more to the point started to show you that there is much more to CB4 beyond being one of the best young big men in the game. I enjoyed seeing some more layers to Chris Bosh.
5. Bulls Fall From Grace: Kobe was coming and the Bulls were going to finally be back in the post Jordan era. That was the plan. But it all went south and Kobe never came. The young Bulls failed and had a terrible season that no one saw coming. But they now have won the Lottery and got Chuck Swirsky does that change anything for the Bulls.
6. No Heat in Miami: Shaq and Dwade marriage came to an end. Hard to remember they did win an NBA title. But nothing of Championship quality could be found in Miami this year. Up the road their former coach was teaching Dwight Howard how to be Superman. Pat Riley and his rep took a major hit with me. Not that it matters to him. He had no Magic to speak of. It lead to Shawn Marion coming to Miami for Shaq. Will Marion and Wade stay together or are they both just waiting for a ticket out of town. Staying true to form the Heat couldn’t even score win in the Lottery.
7. Return of Celtic Pride: The biggest story of last off-season and this season was the Boston Celtics. The Big 3 was the story all year. But for me it will be the rise of Rajon Rondo that I remember. Many doubted him and I did not. Well at least till he got to the NBA FInals. In fact the Celtics reserves all were much better than advertised. Yes, Kevin Garnett can take a lot of the praise for leading them to levels beyond what was expected. But these guys followed his lead where in Minnesota they did not. I think this is a short return of Celtic pride but a much needed one for this franchise and the NBA as a whole. Couple more years left to add to that Celtic Record Title number.
8. T.J Ford In Atlanta: I watched one of my favorite players have one of the best games of his career in the NBA. It was a great feeling for me as a fan. That feeling all went away in an instant. I watched in fear as T.J Ford crashed to the floor. It was the best and worst all in one night. It still to this very day is impacting on Ford and the Raptors. It has been a sad situation that all could have been avoided if Al Horford had some sense. You may not agree but I think this never should have happened and if it had been a veteran player as opposed to a rookie it wouldn’t have. What a different season it might have been for the Raptors and Ford.
9. The End Of Thomas In New York: It finally happened. The Knicks after another year of failure said good bye to Isiah Thomas. The Knicks have become an NBA JOKE under the Thomas command. The fact it took as long as it did is the amazing part to me. Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni good luck to you both you are going to need it.
10. Big Trade Busts: We had a year of big trades and some huge failures. Mavericks went all in on Jason Kidd and came up empty. The Suns went and got Shaq another nickname in the BIG CACTUS but beyond that had no success. The only big trade that seemed to work was more like a Car Jacking than a trade in which the Lakers got Pau Gasol. Makes me think that next time around some may take a second look when they have a big trade on the table during the season.

You may have other moments or memories of this 07/08 season and if you do please share them in the comments. There is no wrong answers. Just what do you think you will remember 5 years from now when someone says what do you remember about this past season.

Tags: Bulls, Celtics, Chris Bosh, Heat, Isiah Thomas, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Lakers, Mavericks, NBA 07/08 Season, New York Knicks, Rajon Rondo, Raptors, Suns, T.J Ford