My use of Led Zeppelin quotes to title these pieces will not be deterred by the sudden prevalence of optimism in the NBA world. That's right, ladies and gents, the season is officially back on and barring some unforeseen catastrophe, will begin on Christmas Day and drastically outshine anything I find under the Christmas tree. (Seriously, it's usually just socks and various holiday themed retail gift cards.) Here are a few things to note now that the lockout is behind us.
1. I had a feeling a deal was coming, honestly. I know that would be something any young, arguably quite good-looking, reporter would say to make them sound smarter and borderline clairvoyant, but at the risk of over-quoting in this article, I'd like to pull a line from 'The Dark Knight' and say "the night is darkest just before the dawn." The desertification of the NBA Players union essentially showed the owners the players' metaphorical hand regarding labor negotiations. With talks not to resume and lawsuits taken to court, there would be no other moves for the players to make. Essentially, in my non-expert opinion, following the desertification we were either on the verge of talks resuming or the fabled "nuclear winter" eluded to by Commissioner Stern. When faced with that kind of ultimatum of extremes, I guess you're forced to either be an optimist or pessimist as a fan, and once Billy Hunter said talks would resume, I had a feeling the sun was finally rising.
2. Keep your criticism of David Stern in perspective. I can't say that I've always been an advocate for him throughout this situation, but the man fought for the owners and then the players to improve the league and keep it intact. This lockout, while maybe uglier (I'm a little young to compare the two, but I know the 1998 NBAPA never disbanded.) was resolved quicker than the lockout of 1998. Like I said, I can't say I've been this supportive all along, but the man got the job done, and albeit cliche, all's well that ends well.
3. For a while, much like Adam Morrison, these games are only going to look good on paper. Temper your expectations for a stretch this season. We won't be sure who'll be coming back in shape and who won't. The increased limelight given to overseas play likely motivated many players to maintain game legs, but that won't apply to all players, and no matter how in shape an athlete is, playing three games in three nights to make up for lost time is going to hinder their performance. It won't be pretty for a while, but it's still NBA ball, and by the the post-season it should be running smoothly.
4. Absolute only upside of the lockout is Dirk and the Mavs getting their rings on opening night while LeBron, Wade, and Bosh have to watch from courtside. Merry Christmas, indeed. I'm hoping Cuban will spring for some coal for the Heat, so they don't feel left out of the holiday spirit of giving. Though, I would mind their chestnuts roasting on an open fire.
5. My analysis of team previews won't mean much until the closing of the free agency period. For that reason, I'm going to abandon my cumulative season previews. Expect an article on a few sleeper teams next week as I continue to provide filler until Christmas tip-off.
Be well, my friends.
Twitter: @Poliwastaken
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