Is the NHL a Better Watch Than the NBA?

The NBA opened the season tonight with 4 games. The 2 nationally televised games put the two biggest stars, Kobe and Lebron, on display. Nobody can dispute their greatness, and most can appreciate watching their immense talent. The problem, however, is that the rest of the league just is not that good. The pace of the game has slowed terribly with constant fouls and timeouts seemingly every time one team scores consecutive baskets. It seems like every possession turns into one player holding the ball and eventually driving to the basket to get fouled or kick it out to a teammate who misses the shot. While this era may feature some great individual athletes, team basketball is not at the level it used to be. The NHL, on the other hand, has taken great strides toward making it's game much more watchable. The biggest difference is the number of games broadcast in HD. Virtually every game is now broadcast in HD, which makes the game much easier to follow on TV. Recent rules changes have also opened the ice up, allowing the speed and skill of the players to really show. It has allowed for increased scoring and end to end action that keeps you on the edge of your seat. If you have not watched a Washington Capitals game, do yourself a favor and make time to. Alexander Ovechkin is one of the most exciting players to come around in a long time, in any sport. Not only is he the best player on the ice, he also has the most fun. He shoots the puck harder,faster and way more often than anyone else, but is just as happy to run through an opposing player with a devastating body check. At the same time, the league features a collection of young, talented players like never before. It is safe to say that any game you turn on will treat you to some fast paced excitement and more than a few plays that make you say "wow." You will also see some of the most violent collisions in sports, and the player will just get back up and skate back to his position without any hesitation. It is easily the best combination of speed, skill and power that you will see. While the NBA seems to have slowed the pace with constant whistles and stoppages, the NHL has allowed the pace and scoring to pick up, and the great skill of its players to shine. Now, if they could just get Versus back on DirecTV so the rest of the world can see it.

NBA Tips Off Tuesday Night

The NBA opens the 2009-10 season with 4 games Tuesday night. The marquee games feature the new look Cleveland Cavaliers welcoming the Boston Celtics to town, while the Lakers will host the Clippers at Staples Center. This will be the first regular season game for the Cavs new duo of Lebron James and Shaquille O'neal. Cleveland fans are hoping Shaq can finally provide King James with the support to help lead them to a long awaited championship. Time will tell, but I am a bit skeptical of the move. James' success comes largely from his ability to get to the rim, and he will now have to contend with Shaq taking up space in the lane. Unless Shaq shows a new found quickness, I just do not see how it is going to work out. Meanwhile, the Celtics have added veteran forward Rasheed Wallace to the mix. Wallace should provide them with another deep threat to help stretch opposing defenses, and give them insurance behind Kevin Garnett. Their season will depend greatly on Garnett's ability to stay healthy. In Los Angeles, the big question is Ron Artest. You can really only describe him as a question. If Artest stays focused and behaves, the Lakers could be even better than last year. He is one of the best defenders in the game and has a better than average offensive game as well, but will he stay focused? You would have to think Phil and Kobe have as good a chance as anyone to keep him on track. Look for the other Staples Center tenant, the Clippers, to return to the playoffs behind a rededicated Baron Davis and number 1 pick Blake Griffin.
Overall, the West looks to be a two team race between the Spurs and Lakers. Ron Artest should give the Lakers the ability to rest Kobe Bryant more and keep him fresh for the playoffs. At the same time, the Spurs have arguably the deepest team in the league and should be able to keep their veterans fresher and healthier than past years. The East looks to be a three team race with Cleveland, Boston and Orlando battling it out all season. Ultimately, I think the Celtics' acquisition of Rasheed Wallace trumps the Shaq to Cleveland and Vince Carter to Orland moves. I'll take a rematch of the 2008 Finals with the Lakers taking on the Celtics. This time, the Lakers come out on top.