The first part of this series discussed players in various stages of the sphinx’s riddle, and the second part looked at post players still in development. At some point, though, especially when players start switching jerseys, the game becomes about rivalries and collisions and, for lack of a better label, awkward moments and new constructions. What follows are some speculative thoughts on matchups that promise to be, regardless of how competitive the games might be, full of drama and intrigue.
Chicago versus the world: Before LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Dwyane Wade in Miami, rumors circulated that he might leave Pat Riley’s beaches for Chicago or even Manhattan. The story in New York would have made for some semblance of a classic Broadway musical, where a Midwesterner packs up for the city and tries to make it big, or at least bigger than one title won with Shaq in South Beach. Chicago, on the other hand, would have been a return home and an endeavor for big, Carl Sandburg-like shoulders. Could Wade have lifted Jordan’s shadow? No one knows for sure, but chances are he probably could have done as well or better than Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah. Then again, maybe his body would have collapsed under the weight of Thibodeau. Either way, here he is a half decade later and with two more championships notched on his belt, and the question is something smaller than replacing Jordan. Instead, all he must do is co-exist with Jimmy Butler and Rajon Rondo in a space no bigger than Heisenberg’s box, and all year observers will marvel at whether D-Wade is alive or dead.
Regardless of whatever happens with Chicago’s quantum offense, the line demarking success is how they look on the nights they play either Miami or Cleveland. Thus, the margin for error is both slim and, quite possibly, unfair. While besting Miami is possible, LeBron’s Cavaliers are most likely out of reach. Wade’s legacy is solid, but this Midwest venture, to some degree, feels like a postscript. Perhaps the only way for it not to feel as such would be some clash of titans between two old teammates in the Playoffs. If Wade were to go all Paul Pierce on LeBron, then he would most definitely be a cat with nine lives.
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Of course, remembering those old Boston teams is also a solid reminder that this Chicago affair is not just about Dwyane Wade coming home and reigniting a sibling rivalry. In Wade’s own locker room is one of Pierce’s old running mates, Rajon Rondo. His assists are ashen clouds and toxic dust. Behind him are the heaps of Sacramento, Dallas, and Boston. He is, in other words, Mrs. O’Leary’s cow.
The season’s lantern is not yet lit, but the smoke appears to be gathering already. The nomadic Rondo can always find another home, but Wade is too old for all that. And yes, there will be plenty of Jimmy Butler too. This team’s rivalries may exist within more than without.
Bad Mavs II: When Harrison Barnes and Andrew Bogut return to Golden State’s home floor, it will be must watch. Oh, the Warriors will win no doubt because they will crush three thousand star systems this year, but can you imagine the contrast between what Barnes will imagine this moment to be and what this moment actually will be? Harrison will arrive quoting lines he’s written for what he believes to be a sure fire 30 for 30 doc. He’ll talk about how he doesn’t know whether the crowd will boo or give him an ovation, when, in truth, they’ll probably all go to the concession stand. Then, he’ll probably suffer a hip flexor injury when he drives to the hoop and collides with Andrew Bogut, who will, for a brief second in time, forget he’s no longer a Warrior. And, before the Mavs return home, Dirk will eye that infamous hole in the wall and feel like the Sundance Kid gone to Bolivia.
Uncle Boris: What if Boris Diaw and George Hill do make a difference in Salt Lake City? What if the Jazz somehow end up playing the Spurs in the playoffs? Will Pop forfeit out of love for George Hill? Will Boris grow a beard in the mountains? Will he and Pau recognize the self in the other? I surely hope at least some of these things are true.
Green Mass: Let’s not worry about Dwight’s past, because like Rondo he has left the hopes and dreams of many cities slashed and burned on his way to becoming a sleeping dragon that hordes his gold for no real purpose other than to horde his gold. Thus, let’s look at how Dwight’s future will be determined: Is Atlanta better with him than it was with Horford?
The arrival of Al Horford in Boston made a much bigger splash than Dwight arriving in Atlanta. Mostly this is due to the fact that Horford walked into a green void the size of Kelly Olnyk. He is obviously an upgrade. However, Dwight may or may not be an upgrade over Horford. What’s interesting is how over time these two players have become comparable to one another, with the appearance that Howard has settled and that Horford has risen. And, of course, those two trajectories found themselves largely on the perception that Horford’s career is one of stability, while Howard’s is a constant unraveling. Furthermore, the twilight of their careers will try this every time they face off against one another.
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Intolerable Cruelty: When Golden State and Oklahoma City meet, I anticipate a great deal of anticipation. But, most of all, I look forward to seeing which players Kevin Durant greenlights for Draymond to kick in the nuts and which ones he declares off limits. I expect he’ll tell Draymond to lay off poor Steven Adams. He might be okay with Draymond taking it to Oladipo. I expect he still feels some loyalty to Nick Collison, but when Draymond asks, “What about Russ?” I expect KD to say, “Who’s Russ?”
Return of the King: You know people will tune in when Kevin Seraphin’s Pacers make their way to Madison Square Garden, where he will face off against his old team, the Knicks. You just know it.