Last October, after a spot opened up for a sports columnist, I was offered the chance to share my knowledge of basketball with the Marquette community. And since last October, I've gotten nothing but positive feedback from my friends and random students in classes, on the street, at parties and at the Rec Center. It's been a great opportunity and a pleasure for me to share my views with all of you, but there is so much more to go in this NBA season.
New Jersey, Indiana and San Antonio have had no problems thus far in the playoffs, and it seems all the top seeds will advance to the second round. The only upsets that may take place are Dallas over Sacramento or my Bucks over Detroit (yeah, that's not gonna happen).
During my season preview, I picked the Nets and the Lakers to meet in the finals, and as much as I don't want to see that matchup, I'm still sticking with it. Indiana, Detroit, San Antonio and Minnesota are the only other realistic picks for a chance at a title.
After the NBA Finals is when the real fun starts for NBA fanatics like myself. The Charlotte Bobcats' expansion draft will take place June 22, while the NBA Draft will be June 24.
The Bobcats will be able to select 14 players from current NBA rosters, selecting no more than one player from each team. Each current team can protect eight players who are currently under contract. The others are up for grabs.
Players like Damon Stoudamire, Kerry Kittles, Eddie Robinson and Melvin Ely could all find themselves in Bobcat uniforms this fall. I see Charlotte drafting Duke's Luol Deng, if available, at the No. 4 pick two days later.
This year's free agent class is one that will have a lot of middle to upper-classed players changing teams. Because of salary caps, not many current teams will be able to resign players and, therefore, changes will be made. Bob Sura, Jamal Crawford, Mehmet Okur, Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels, Toni Kukoc, Kenyon Martin and Vlade Divac are all players that will be able to switch teams.
But no player will be watched more this off-season than Kobe Bryant. Between his upcoming trial in Colorado and, depending on the outcome of his case, being able to sign with practically any team he wishes come July 1, all eyes will be on Bryant. Teams such as Phoenix, Atlanta, Memphis, Chicago and the Clippers will be able to offer Bryant the money he wants. Although I just can't see him not in a Laker uniform.
This season was one I will never forget. I will be back with you all for the 2004-'05 season. Have a safe summer and go Bucks!