FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Obama and McCain may have the economy at the forefront but education is a hot button issue for young NBA prospects who have toyed with the controversial "one and done" loophole at the collegiate level that Greg Oden, O.J. Mayo, Kevin Love, Derrick Rose, Anthony Rudolph will campaign to keep in place despite passionate opposition from veterans.

Boston Celtics- "the incumbents"
Head of Ticket: Paul Pierce, established himself for well over a decade through the ups and downs as a champion of Celtic values and ideals. In addition, he is on pace to retire as the most prolific Celtics scorer of all time. His emotional, and allegedly scripted return to Game 1 of the NBA Finals inspired the fans and his teammates all the way to their Finals victory.
Platform: "Obama has promised to invest in green energy as part of his environmental movement but the Celtics have won 17 championships in green since the color was invented in the mid 1940's. If you're looking for a ticket, that's strong on interior defense, support the man who's been nicknamed "Big Ticket", Kevin Garnett. Garnett survived over a decade as a POW in Minnesota, with the same intensity an enough of neverending reservoir of energy and raw intensity to earn the "Secretary of Energy" title. As the incumbent champions, the Celtics have a proven record (66-16) and have locked up the Irish demographic's fan support. James Posey's presence on defense will be missed meaning the Celtics will have to refine their policy by infusing youth into their rotation.
Rookie forward Bill Walker is expected to fill the role as "Junior Minister of Dunk". Barring an unexpected surge from an unlikely foe, the Celtics will remain the front runners for the Eastern Conference nomination.
Projected Result: 1st in East.

New York Knicks:
Head of Ticket: Mike D'Antoni, the newcomer's attempt to rally the Madison Square Garden base by ridding his administration of Eddy Curry and Stephon Marbury's influence should ingratiate him to bitter New Yorkers clinging to guns and treat basketball as religion.
Platform: After 4 years of Isiah Thomas' decision making riddling the proud fans of New York and left the Knicks in dire straits. Isiah Thomas' tenure as Knicks dictator put the Knicks into a deeper financial hole than the crater left in Wall Street by taking on a 100 million dollars in bloated contracts including Stephon Marbury.
Mike D'Antoni is a leader who has dealt with Stephon Marbury before as a freshman coach in Phoenix and has brought the best out of Quentin Richardson as a Sun. New York's transition offense under the D'Antoni Doctrine will take a stance of pre-emptive strikes on opposing baskets to provide a jolt to the 21st ranked offense. In their regular season debut under D'Antoni, the Knicks won 120-115, but challenges lie ahead with most of them on defense.
Projected Result: 8th in East

New Jersey Nets:
Head of Ticket: Vince Carter.
Platform: Why should New Jersey residents support a team that's flirting with Brooklyn led by a superstar who could likely have a new residence by the New Year? After a successful run of 7 consecutive playoff trips, (during the Bush years...)including 2 Finals crushing losses, the Nets are in the early stages of a recession in talent. If Vince Carter gets shipped to another cityby the February trae deadline for expiring contracts, New Jersey will face their own Great Depression.

Projected Result: DNQ for playoffs. Devin Harris is a serviceable but unspectacular point guard, and Vince Carter may not finish off the season as a Net.

Philadelphia 76ers:
Head of Ticket: Elton Brand. Although his opponents will question his character, after he violated the Soldiers Creed by leaving a man behind in enemy hands. when he lured Baron Davis to the Clippers with the promise of building a contender together. However, after Baron Davis held up his end of the bargain Band bolted to Philadelphia without warning days after allowing B.D. to sign on the dotted line.
Platform: "Brand New Change". The 76ers had already assembled a roster that was athletically superior, however, the acquisition of Brand gives them a threat in the low post during a grind it out half-court game. Lou Williams may never be the prolific scorer he was projected to be in high school, nevertheless, he has gone under the radar as the Sixers first man off the bench. Williams' style of play mirrors Golden State's Monta Ellis. In a strategically planned New Years Eve showdown, Elton Brand returns to L.A. for a Clippers reunion.
Result: DNQ for playoffs.

Toronto Raptors:
Head of Ticket: Chris Bosh. After 5 years as a Raptor should Chris Bosh even be considered a U.S. citizen? Under any circumstances, Bosh has experience in effective campaign ads, which he utilized to garner All-Star ballot votes.

Platform: Toronta supports teaching evolution to fans-- especially the Jurassic Era when reptiles were the dominant species. Curiously though, the this team of ex-patriots would defer the trip to the White House for a visit with the Canadian Prime Minister. Overall, this team's international roster has a blatant Eurocentric idealogy.

Projected Result: 6th in East. Jermaine O'Neal has the name and credentials at 30 years old to improve the Raptors on paper, however, O'Neal has only shown flashes of the brilliance which made him a perennial All-Star and Olympian in Indiana. Point guard Jose Calderon has transitioned into a permanent starters role with ease and proved to be as capable of a facilitator as T.J.Ford with better scoring ability.

Utah Jazz:
Head of Ticket: Jerry Sloan. If you remember the good old days of Stockton to Malone off the pick and roll during the Clinton years, then put your support behind Sloan who has two identical stars in Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer. Sloan’s 1000 wins as Jazz coach, which is an NBA record under a single franchise are a testament to his consistency and excellence over two decades and five presidential administration.
Platform: The Jazz, were the most efficient offensive team in the country last season in terms of field goal percentage. However, you have to question the credentials of a team, whose highest paid player, Andre Kirilenko, has seen his career spiral from All-Star reserve into discontent 6th man. Whenever, the irate Russian rears his head in U.S. soil, where does he go and who handles the negotiations and peacekeeping? (Hint: Jerry Sloan's bench). Instead the Jazz will insert C.J. Miles into the rotation and possibly the starting lineup.
Projected Result: 4th in West.

Portland Trailblazers:
Head of Ticket: Greg Oden. has demonstrated his strength on defense. As a collegiate freshman, Oden repeatedly blocked legislation into the paint by opponents big and small.
Platform: Trailblazers GM Kevin Pritchard has fought for safer streets in Portland by disbanding the infamous Jailblazers which has benefited law enforcement and referees in the Portland area. Greg Oden, LaMarcus Aldridge and Brandon Roy constitute the nucleus of Portland's roster which intends to blaze a trail of prosperity into the next generation. Pritchard's fiscal responsibility was on display when he purged the Blazers of inactive forward Darius Mile's bloated contract. With the Sonics, no longer in neighboring Seattle, the citizens of Washington may look to Portland for hope.
Pritchard's enthusiasm for free trade has allowed him to acquire a plethora of young, athletic playmakers. Most notably, the swap of Randy Foye for Brandon Roy and Tyrus Thomas for LaMarcus Aldridge on the night of the 2006 Draft.
The Trailblazers are also in support of stronger diplomatic ties with Spain with Rudy Fernandez who has officially joined the team since being drafted in 2007 and is joined by Spanish point guard, Sergio Rodriguez. 19 year old French wonder Nicolas Batum, has also been promoted to the starting lineup. However, the Blazers also have a poor record on education. Greg Oden, Jerryd Bayless as well as LaMarcus Aldridge are approximately 300 credits short of graduation—each.. Meanwhile, Travis Outlaw and Martell Webster are merely a semester from also graduating—from high school. (I’ve seen Cuban baseball teams with more college credits in English.)
Projected Result: 8th in West. Last season they were a rising star in their conference and fan expectations are high. Rudy Fernandez is a lively and athletic 2 guard in the mold of Manu Ginobili. Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge compare favorably to the San Antonio Spurs' Twin Towers Duncan and Robinson. Don't be surprised if they start the next decade off with the same degree of success.

Denver Nuggets:
Head of Ticket: Carmelo Anthony
Platform: Sometimes politicians will say anything to get elected-- and in the NBA, coaches will say anything to stay employed. That is what came to mind when George Karl declared the Nuggets would make defense a priority for the League's 29th ranked scoring defense which allowed a pathetic 107 points per contest.
To demonstrate Denver's devotion to gritty defense Denver traded Edjuardo Najera and Marcus Camby, 2007 Defensive Player of the Year, to the Clippers.
George Karl should follow Obama's lead and consider instituting an "Independent Defense Priorities Board," because anything short of a Missile Defense System around opposing rims won't account for the few defensive obstacles they pose.
Projected Result: DNQ for playoffs. The Iverson Project in Denver was not a complete failure but the entire Western Conference's massive expansion in talent have reduced 50 win seasons into 8th seeds and first round playoff exits. Chauncey Billups introduces a new dynamic at point guard as a pass first facilitator than Iverson's free wheeling shoot first mentality.
The strength of the West has also never allowed the Lebron-'Melo rivalry to truly materialize. One of the unfortunate perceptions has been that Lebron James' Cleveland teams have outperformed Melo's Nuggets however, the disparity in conference strength has masked the fact that Carmelo has won more games than Lebron each season since they were drafted.

Minnesota Timberwolves:
Head of Ticket: Kevin McHale. He's the George W. Bush of NBA management and the proof is in his record. The Detroit Lions' Matt Millen has come and gone since McHale put his foot on the accelerator and plunged the T'Wolves down a mountain of disappointment. T'Wolves fans have been calling for the impeachment of McHale since he botched the Joe Smith signing a decade ago. Despite costing the franchise four consecutive draft picks, McHale has shown the willingness to work across party lines by trading Kevin Garnett to Boston to help revive the Celtics franchise.
Platform: Al Jefferson has rounded into an elite physical, post player but point guard Randy Foye's underwhelming play makes McHale's 2006 swap with Portland for Brandon Roy look more boneheaded with each passing season.
Projected Result: DNQ for playoffs.

Oklahoma City Thunder:
Head of Ticket: Kevin Durant
Platform: When the then-Seattle Supersonics embarked on their rebuilding project, how exactly did P.J. Carlesimo distinguish himself to management as the coach to hitch their wagon to? Last year’s bloody Civil War with the city of Seattle, culminated with their succession from the Northwest. In Year 1 of ‘The Reconstruction’ in Oklahoma, someone has to emerge as a viable sidekick to Durant.
Projected Result: DNQ for playoffs. The Battle in Seattle may be just a memory but the Thunder have daunting challenges ahead.

 

Detroit Pistons:- "huge opponents of a gun ban."  <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" LatentStyleCount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } <![endif]--> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0in; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> <!--[if gte mso 10]> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} <![endif]--> A revision of the Second Amendment’s “right to bear arms” could flip on the Pistons, analogously to the now extinct Washington Bullets--and the Detroit Auto Magicians doesn't have the same ring to it.
Head of Ticket: Joe Dumars
Platform: "In this age of uncertainty abroad and at home, Homeland Security is a rising priority and the Pistons protect their basket well. In 2008, the Pistons had the League's most suffocating defensive unit, however, their youth movement begins now. Amir Johnson has toiled in the D-League, garnered splinters on the bench but shown flashes of brilliance in in limited action. Detroit is on the brink of teetering off the elite teams, and no one is sure what this team what look like in 2009.
After pledging to revamp the franchise, Joe Dumars erratically fired Flip Saunders, after another near 60 win season, replaced him with assistant Michael Curry and secured the services of Kwame Brown.

Projected Result: 2nd in East. Allen Iverson's swap with the Pistons Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess is a game changer in the East, and they may emerge as favorites in their conference but it's too early to prognosticate before he has even integrated into the scheme.

Chicago Bulls:
Head of Ticket: Derrick Rose
Platform: For outsiders, it appeared that the corruption and cronyism of Chicago politics had infected the summer sports scene temporarily when Bulls management elected to take hometown kid Derrick Rose with the 1st overall pick on Draft Night over the scoring tandem of Michael Beasley. (Sorry I keep referring to him as a duo, because his freshman averages were twice as impressive as every other freshman in the nation last season) However, Rose occupies a precious position and Chicago has a with Tyrus Thomas, Joakim Noah and Luol Deng. In addition, the duo of Beasley and Noah would have been a headache for a rookie head coach.
Projected Result: DNQ For Playoffs. The Bulls lack the experience to lead and their uncertainty at key positions will keep them out of the post season for a second consecutive campaign while they attempt to build some continuity in their extended off-season. Chicago's litmus test will come during their current 6 game stand against Orlando, Cleveland, Phoenix, Atlanta and Dallas.

Indiana Pacers:
Head of Ticket: Danny Granger
Platform: From outside the arc, T.J. Ford's shooting range is about as reliable as Dick Cheney with a 12 gauge shotgun. Therefore,most of Ford's scoring will come in the lane where he often dishes for the majority of his assists. Swingman Danny Granger is as wingman with All-Star potential but a very low profile.
Projected Result: DNQ for playoffs. Without Jermaine O'Neal, the Pacers became a franchise without a viable All-Star and a paucity of athleticism on the wing.

Milwaukee Bucks:
Head of Ticket: Michael Redd
Campaign Slogan: "The Team That Bucks The Predictions"
Platform: Redd has established himself as a sharp shooter for the United States Olympic Unit, however Milwaukee's Asian relations took a hit during the yearlong Yi Jianlian conflict.
Projected Result: DNQ for playoffs
Scott Skiles will instill a nastiness into this team that they've lacked for a couple of years. The biggest problem for Milwaukee is their irrelevancy since Lew Alcindor, the Buck became Kareem Abdul Jabbar, the Laker. They had 0 accomplishments in the 80's and had no visibility in the 90's. They are the anonymous franchise...

Phoenix Suns:
Head of Ticket: Steve Nash
Platform: Ex-sheriff, Shaquille O'Neal, who lost his badge this summer, is still patrolling the lane. O'Neal as served an extraordinary tour of duty in the NBA, and with his career reaching it's twilight Shaq wants to add to his trophy shelf before retiring to permanent desk duty. has also served in successful peace talks with Kobe Bryant and after a contentious break-up, Shaq The Peacemaker, ratified a resolution with Bryant at mid-court of a regular season game.
Shaq's arrival was expected to be a boost for Amare's production. The future US Marshal's presence allowed Stoudemire to shift back over to his natural power forward position, and allowed him to dial down his foul affinity keeping him in the game for more crunch time minutes. Since the Shaq trade, Amare has averaged over 28 points per and shot 58.8% from the field.
Despite scoring more points per game than the DOW Jones in 2008, Phoenix's defense was just a rumor. As a result they whisked away, Mike D'Antoni, the architecht of their renowned "7 Seconds or Less Offense" and brought in Terry Porter to right the ship.
Projected Result: 7th in West.

Golden State Warriors:
Head of Ticket: Don Nelson
Platform: This winter, once Monta Ellis has recuperated and served out his 30 game suspension, the Warriors will hand their Operation Breakneck Speed over to a young floor general. Critics have praised their, innovation on offense but reluctance to fund defensive stoppers leaves their basket vulnerable.
Projected Result: DNQ for playoffs. In 2008, the Warriors had the league's highest scoring offense but negated their offensive firepower with the NBA's worst scoring defense. With Baron Davis, in Clipperland, the Warriors are led by Don Nelson but in 2009, their future is full of uncertainty.

Los Angeles Clippers:
Head of Ticket: Baron Davis
Platform: With the budget deficit at record highs, the fiscally conservative Clippers didn't waste taxpayer money on a new stadium, they just moved in with the Lakers. They don't offer inflated contracts to free agents, they give their fans the most frugal product in the NBA.
Projected Result: DNQ for playoffs

Sacramento Kings:
Head of Ticket: Reggie Theus.
Platform: Newly elected Sacramento mayor Kevin Johnson is an ex-NBA All-Star, therefore he has the clout to lure free agents to the Kings now that the Las Vegas relocation appears unlikely. The Maloof brothers spending cuts will leave them considerably below the salary cap this season for free agency in 2009 and beyond. Sacramento will likely receive an early bailout in the form of a high 2009 lottery pick.
Projected Result: DNQ for playoffs. To put it bluntly, the Kings have the least promising roster, I have ever seen. Kevin Martin emerged as a potential All-Star on a second rate team. They have no direction, and their starting lineup

Orlando Magic:
Head of Ticket: Dwight Howard
Platform: "In a time of crisis at home, and turmoil overseas, the Redeem Team, pinned it's hope on renewing America's dominance by tapping a young American Hero named Dwight Howard. After spending 3 summers serving his country abroad, Howard brought his teammates home from China victorious. Maybe the League should do the same." Dwight Howard has openly stated been on a crusade to incorporate the cross into the NBA logo since . The Magic are a centrist organization with a balanced offensive and defensive unit. Projected Result: For Stan Van Gundy, the Magic are his redemption after he was jettisoned from Miami, 6 months before they hoisted the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy. Jameer Nelson is a stable point guard, however, the back court is devoid of a complementary scorer and the loss of Darko Milicic shifts Rashard Lewis to his unnatural position of power forward and leaves them vulnerable on defense. Luckily, for Orlando fans, unlike his fellow uber athletic big men including Greg Oden, Amare Stoudemire, Andrew Bynum and Kenyon Martin Howard has been a model of picture perfect health.
Projected Result: 4th in East.

Charlotte Bobcats:

Head of Ticket: Michael Jordan. He's more than just a figurehead and is a legend in North Carolina. Jordan narrowly edged out Larry Brown, who rarely stays in one address too long. I'm pretty sure there is citizenship rule in certain states and Larry Brown is the supreme nomad.
Platform: Other candidates talk about changing the direction of franchises but Larry Brown has the record to prove it. As the NBA;s unoffiical Secretary of Education, Larry Brown is against playing rookies and has publicly displayed his opposition to George W. Bush's "No Child Left Behind by refusing to insert 2nd overall pick, Darko Milicic into the rotation during his tenure in Detroit. After repeated run-ins with Stephon Marbury, Larry Brown inexplicably became pro-choice on abortion issues. He's raised winning percentages in the ABA, at UCLA, Kansas, as well as 8 NBA franchises including national championships at the collegiate and professional levels. However, each time he embarks on representing a city's franchise, Brown begins campaigning for a worse coaching position. His idea of ambition is twisted.
The fight to combat child obesity hits close to home for the Bobcats who recently saw Coach Brown suspend the amorphous blob described Sean May for a lack of conditioning.
Projected Result: DNQ for playoffs. One month into the New Year, rumors surrounding contract negotiations between Brown and the Oklahoma Thunder will begin to emerge.

Atlanta Hawks:
Head of Ticket: Josh Smith. Joe Johnson may be the go to scorer but Josh Smith's elevation and aerial dunks pay the energy bills at the Highlight Factory.

Platform: Factories and manufacturers are struggling across the country leaving millions jobless, however, the Hawks' Highlight Factory has seen booming home attendance and manufactured a bevy of fast break points. Their 7 game series against the Celtics gave them a national stage and only wet their palates. In the first 2 weeks of the NBA's November primaries, which set the tone for the rest of the season, the Hawks have leapt out to a 6-0 start. If Atlanta keeps playing at this level, I propose the Hawks team logo should supplant the United States Seal's archaic bald eagle.
Projected Result: 5th in East. The assumption was that the Hawks don't have the personnel and Woodson doesn't have the coaching acumen to capitalize on their 2008 playoff success and take this team as it's currently constituted past the.500 mark. As of last night, the Hawks and Lakers remain the League's lone unbeatens which began with their shocking upset of the New Orleans Hornets.

Washington Wizards:

Head of Ticket: Gilbert Arenas. During times of crisis ex-Agent Zero has shown the poise and clutch shooting late in games to thrive. However, his health has been a concern of late and some are wondering if his second, 6 year $113 million term will be as prosperous as the last. Like Obama, Gilbert Arena's has been labeled a socialist for being one of the most, outspoken, affable and social characters in professional sports.
Platform: The Wizards probably won't find support among hardcore Evangelicals that wnat to burn them at the stake but luckily D.C. is the most heavily democratic stte in the Union. Deshawn Stevenson and Arenas are the best sideshow duo and center Etan Thomas is the most politically active player in the NBA. Stevenson works tirelessly to satisfy his constituency in the stands by playing in 253 consecutive games.
Projected Result: 7th in East.

Miami Heat:- "The Inconvenient Truth is that Pat Riley, Alonzo Mourning, Eddie Jones, Dwayne Wade and Shaq were the cause of global warming."
Head of Ticket: Dwyane Wade
Platform: Imagine this Miami Heat campaign ad: “In many ways Dwyane Wade’s story is a lot like America’s. Wade has been a proven superpower in the NBA, who has seen the mountaintop, however, in recent seasons, Wade has plummet from the pinnacle back to Earth. Dwyane Wade has fought for the city of Miami and he has the scars to prove it. Outside observers have called Wade and the Heat a powerhouse on a permanent decline but Dwyane Wade won’t let separated shoulders and knee surgeries dampen his spirit. Just like the United States, Wade will rise like dust from the ashes during this time of crisis.”
Projected Result: DNQ for playoffs.

Houston Rockets:-

Head of Ticket: Tracy McGrady
Platform: With the economy crippling the housing market, the Rockets took the biggest risk-reward of the NBA campaign with a one-year lease on Ron Artest's expiring contract.
Projected Result: 3rd in West. A big campaign stop on Election Day against the defending champs, could mold fan opinions. The Rockets odd triumvirate of Mcgrady, Yao and Artest looks to supplant the Lakers in the Western Conference. Their ascension in the West sets the stage for an epic showdown in the Conference Finals. For one of the League's best scoring defense, Ron Artest and Shane Battier's defensive capabilities make Houston's perimeter defense, the most suffocating on paper.

San Antonio Spurs:
Head of Ticket: Tim Duncan
Platform: On defense, the Spurs remain ferocious defenders, however, their offense traditionally dips in the fourth quarter. From trading Luis Scola to the Rockets, drafting Tiago Splitter, who has yet to play a game and recycling wrinkled veterans from the free agent thrift store have caught up to them. At some point, experience becomes a liability. With their advancing age, the Spurs have become staunch defenders of social security. The Spurs just haven't demonstrated sound judgment in the off-season. In other news, if you've seen this bearded gentleman on the Spurs bench, when did the Spurs add Donald Sutherland to the coaching staff?
Projected Result: 6th in the West. The Spurs decade atop the West Conference standings has come to a close and the 2008-09 season could mark the best sign of their decline. The Spurs have the same problems with scoring in the fourth quarter as the stock market.

New Orleans Hornets:
Head of Ticket: Chris Paul
Platform: The Hornets have one of the most balanced, well coached, offensive and defense teams in the NBA. Tonight the Hornets have an opportunity to grab the reigns in the Western Conference Race from the L.A. Lakers. The Hornets have specialists at each position and newly acquired forward James Posey has a penchant for putting championship contenders over the championship threshold with his stifling defense.
Projected Result: 2nd in West.

Dallas Mavericks:
Head of Ticket: Jason Kidd. His opponents have labeled him "The Socialist Redistributionist". Kidd's unselfishness is evident as he has spent ten years on the NBA trail distributing the wealth to teammates.
Platform: The only true Mavericks in the NBA race, the Mavericks are perennial bridesmaids. Despite being in the thick of the championship scrum annually, karma has never been in their favor.
In 2000, the chief rationalization of Al Gore's "loss" in the presidential election was if you can't carry your own state, you didn't deserve to win anyway. How can Dallas get their grips on a world championship without their own state in the regular season? At this time, they are lagging behind the Rockets and San Antonio in the Lone Star State.
Projected Result: 5th in West.

Memphis Grizzlies:
Head of Ticket: Rudy Gay
Platform: The Grizzlies are brimming with style, but devoid of meaningful substance. Rookie O.J. Mayo is logging a team high 38 minutes a game, and averaging 21 point per game and rookie Marc Gasol is a deft rebounder. Memphis is a champion of Gay rights, with 3rd year Rudy Gay assuming the leadership role at 22
Projected Result: DNQ for playoffs.

Cleveland Cavaliers:
Head of Ticket: Lebron James. Would King James actually consider revoking his crown for the title of President James?

Platform: The King's court appointed Mo Williams to point guard in the off-season but to assume his rightful throne in the basketball universe, Ben Wallace, a 4 time Secretary of Defense (Defensive Player of the Year) must revert to his Detroit form. But is America prepared for a monarchy? With rumors circulating he may take his crown overseas for the right offer, Lebron should consider that he would get taxed more under Obama’s economic plan for exporting his business empire and services overseas. The Cavs were trounced in the Final Campaign Match-up of the 2007 NBA Finals and a return to prominence is in the cards.
Projected Result: 3rd in East, Eastern Conference Champs. However, this could just as easily be the Celtics or Pistons. Ironically, I always thought Iverson would have been a great complement to Lebron, however Mo Williams is an adequate substitute. When Lebron looks over at L.A.'s up-tempo offense he should envy the offense he should have been running for the past 3 seasons to fully highlight his uber-Magic skill set.

Los Angeles Lakers:

Head of Ticket: Kobe Bryant. has had a rocky relationship with the organization and the public but his approval ratings have skyrocketed in California in the past 12 months

Campaign slogan: "Shaq, Tell How My @!# Tastes"!
Platform: As last season's Western Conference nominee, the Lakers lost in a landslide to the blue collar Boston Celtics. In 2009, the Lakers should boast increased defense credentials this season with the return of a healthy 7 foot Andrew Bynum in the post. Opponents have raised questions over how an elitist, Italian raised, $140 million dollar athlete, who works out alone in his mansion isolated from teammates, when he's not busy palling around with Hollywood friends on the red carpet stay in touch with the average fans expectations. However, another championship by Kobe Bryant automatically qualifies him for the NBA's Mount Rushmore. In addition, point guard Derek Fisher has the most executive experience of any active player as President of the NBA Players Union.

Projected Result: 1st, NBA Champions. the addition of Bynum's post presence and Trevor Ariza's renewed health to the NBA's runner up roster should bolster their credentials on defense as well as negate Pau Gasol's shyness of contact. The Lakers improved defense which is allowing only 86 points per game should carry the Lakers to a victory rally through downtown Los Angeles.